Miss ~ Harloe Rae

by Rae, Harloe

  I have some fantastic bonus content available.

  Want to know how Delilah and Zeke met?

  The day she became Trip?

  What about an ultra-naughty scene?

  CLICK HERE for the goods!

  What’s next? How does Addison and Shane sound?

  “Hey, cutie. Welcome to Dagos. What can I get for you?”

  I just stare at her angelic face, lost in a fog of red hair, brown freckles, and green eyes. The beauty waves in front of my face.

  “Are you okay?”

  I swallow once, then again.

  She giggles. “Cat got your tongue?”

  I manage to find my voice. “S-something like that.”

  Be on the lookout for LASS,

  a swoony roommates-to-lovers romance,

  in early 2019.

  I’M NOT SUPPOSED to have favorites, but Zeke and Delilah stole my heart. MISS holds a very special place inside of me. I really hope you loved their story.

  This journey as an author has been a nonstop adventure and I have so many tour guides to thank. I have so many incredible people in my corner and I’m extremely grateful. First and foremost and always, I owe everything to my husband. He is the most supportive and incredible man. I wouldn’t be able to follow my writing dreams without him.

  To all the readers and reviewers and bloggers, you all rock! The hours and dedication you show to this community never ceases to amaze me. Thank you for the constant support, messages, shares, encouragement, and love. I can’t extend enough gratitude but know how much I appreciate each one of you!

  To Talia, my extremely talented cover designer and close friend. I’m forever in your debt. You’re incredible and wonderful and fabulous. We’ll meet one day soon! I hope the cockroaches never stop by for another visit.

  To Sunniva, my gracious editor and outstanding author friend. I’m so thankful for all you do, without hesitation. I’d be lost without you.

  To Michelle, my go-to pal and reliable confidant. Thank you for always offering up kind words when I need them most. Our crazy brainstorming will make us rich one day! Fingers crossed I’ll be seeing you next year.

  To Anne, my hilarious relief when life is too much. Your words mean so much to me. The stories you share can never be replaced. Thanks for being there!

  To Ace, my constant and genuine friend. Not only do I love your books, but I love you. I’m grateful for your support. I’ll never forget everything you’ve done for me.

  To Tijuana, my super-duper princess and beta extraordinaire. Thank you for being a shoulder for me to blabber all over. You never complain about my crazy. You’re the greatest and I’m so thankful to call you friend. Thanks for being so dedicated and caring.

  To Sarah, my outstanding beta/blogger/reviewer friend. I don’t know how you do it all and I’m in awe of you. Thank you for making my books better and being there with suggestions. I appreciate all you do!

  To Melissa, my newfound friend and beta. Thank you for the lovely feedback and being willing to read my books. I greatly appreciate your guidance and support!

  To Kate, my sweet and generous friend. You’re so amazing and talented. I love your words, graphics, and talent. Thank you for always being there!

  To Tia, my super sweet and lovely ally. I’d be lost without your support and encouragement. Thank you for always offering me the greatest words that I need to hear.

  To Nicole, my driven and caring friend. You’re an inspiration. Thank you for being so helpful and willing to lend a hand. You rock!

  To Suzie, my voice of reason when I need it most. You are the kindest and always leave me smiling. Thank you!

  To Victoria, my longest-standing author buddy. I’m grateful for our friendship and your sweet words.

  To Lauren, my dependable and selfless friend. I never have to worry about you being there. That means more than words can describe.

  To Leigh, my inspiration and driving force. You are the sweetest and give me so much confidence with a few simple words. I can’t wait to hang out in Vegas for some Shen-anigans!

  To Megan, Shauna, and Jacqueline, my fierce trio. I couldn’t do this without you ladies. Thank you for the encouragement, shares, love, and for being great friends. You’re fabulous!

  To Cindy, my friend with all the sweet words. Thank you for sharing them with me.

  To Candi, my extraordinary PR professional. You seriously knock my socks off with everything you accomplish in a day. I’m amazed by you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything. I’ll never be able to say it enough.

  To the ladies of Give Me Books, thank you for being extremely reliable and dependable. I love working with you!

  To Sara, the very talented photographer who shot the image of Alex and Carolyn. Thank you for giving me a beautiful cover photo for this story.

  To Crystal and Maggie for taking a chance on a new author back then. I’ll never ever forget your willingness to help me out. I love you both!

  To my Hotties, the greatest reader group of all time. I’m so thankful to each one of you for taking this journey with me. I appreciate you and the dedication you show to our community. I love our special place on social media!

  To the Harloe’s Review Crew, thank you so very much for wanting to read and review my words. You’re the bestest and I’m forever grateful.

  To the 60K in 30 ladies, thank you for keeping me on track and making sure I met the deadline. You all give me plenty of laughs of love.

  To my fellow DND authors, I owe you all a huge hug for all the motivation and support. I love our little family and would be lost without your encouragement.

  To The Squad, you’re all lovely and fantastic and beyond words phenomenal. Nicole, Jane, Jess, JL, Kim, Liv, Paige, Meg, Ava, and Brooke rule for always!

  To Bobbie for always proofing and providing extra support.

  To Eva for the gorgeous teasers and GIF.

  To Alexandra for the hilarious dolphin story.

  To Tim for creating my book trailer for MISS.

  A huge thank you to Christine with Type A Formatting for always making my books beautiful.

  And last but certainly not least, a huge shout out to YOU for reading MISS. I’ll never be able to say it enough how much that means to me. Just continue loving books and reading for me, okay? You’ve made me a very, very happy author!

  HARLOE RAE IS a Minnesota gal with a serious addiction to romance. She’s always chasing an epic happily ever after.

  When she’s not buried in the writing cave, Harloe can be found hanging with her hubby and son. If the weather permits, she loves being lakeside or out in the country with her horses.

  Harloe is the author of Redefining Us, Forget You Not, Watch Me Follow, GENT and MISS. These titles are available on Amazon.

  Find all the latest on her site www.harloe-rae.blog

  Join her newsletter at HERE

  Join her reader group, Harloe’s Hotties, at www.facebook.com/harloehotties

  Want to know more about Raven and Trey?

  Make sure to check out their enemies-to-lovers journey in GENT.

  Keep reading for a short excerpt.

  MOVE

  Raven

  AM I CRAZY?

  As I cross the Stockton county line, my heart leaps into my throat. I’m not typically nervous, but this is big. Huge, really. Life changing and all that. Moving clear across the state seems extreme, right? It totally is, but this is happening. Tonight. I’ve never visited this city before, but in a few hours, it will be my home. Talk about taking a chance.

  I’m worrying myself into an ulcer, and for no reason. Delilah wouldn’t steer me wrong, or offer false promises, yet doubt continues to plague me.

  What if everyone hates me? Or Delilah decides I suck at baking? What if I make a fool of myself?

  This is the type of impulsive decision I was subjected to growing up. My mother made one hasty choice after another, dragging me along for the bumpy ride. The thought stops me cold.

  O
h, Lord. Am I acting like her?

  The idea makes me sick to my stomach, and I reject it immediately. She’d never live in a small town, unless there was a damn good reason. Like meeting her next Mr. Right Now. I shudder thinking of her current flavor of the month. They’re overseas living in a gorgeous villa off the Mediterranean. He’s twice her age with a bank account busting at the seams. My mother swears up and down his money isn’t the reason she loves him. Too bad I don’t believe her.

  Restless energy courses through my veins as I fiddle with the radio. I wish that audiobook had been a bit longer. It was a stellar distraction from the chaos buzzing through me. Getting lost in a sappy romance gives everything a rosy hue. Once they all lived happily ever after, the panic of my situation filtered in. Living in the pages of a love story would be far easier.

  My eyes quickly land on the gift from Delilah. The bright pink apron lays spread across the front seat, like a constant presence reminding me of what’s ahead. Master Baker is embroidered across the front. It makes me laugh each time, and this moment isn’t different. As my giggle dies off, the view from my windshield looks brighter than ever.

  I change the station and a slow country tune fills the speakers, calming my racing pulse. This sounds like sweet haven, which is exactly what I need to hear. I’m digging in and grabbing the happy place buried in my soul.

  This is my choice. I’m controlling my future. Confidence replaces the doubt as my foot presses harder on the accelerator. I’ll finally be planting roots. Everything will go perfectly. Yeah, I’ve got to stop overthinking this because the time is now. My hands twist on the steering wheel, and I exhale slowly. I’ve been waiting for this my entire life. I’m ready.

  My headlights flash across a sign welcoming me to Garden Grove, and giddy nerves attack my gut.

  Their slogan feels like arms wrapping me in a warm hug. I smile and repeat the words silently.

  Where everyone belongs.

  That sounds just right, like Goldilocks. Ready or not Garden Grove, here I come.

  MA’AM

  Trey

  “DID YOU HEAR what I said?”

  At her question, my gaze shifts to connect with the woman’s stare. She’s an unfamiliar face, probably lured into town by the specialty shops off Main Street. Sitting closer than socially acceptable, she’s almost stuck on me. The bar is crowded tonight, though. I let the proximity slide, but her attempt at conversation is pushing it too far.

  I came to Dagos for a few beers after work, not to engage in chit-chat. Usually I won’t hesitate sampling fresh meat, gladly gobble up what’s being offered, but not today. Try as she might, this chick is striking out with me. I have zero intentions of giving her the quick fuck she’s been practically begging for since sitting down.

  I clear my throat. “Ma’am, I’m not interested.”

  “Excuse me?” she says as her eyes widen. “Ma’am? That’s what you call a grandmother. Do I look old to you?”

  The dial on her annoying meter cranks up a few notches. I’m not stupid enough to fall into her trap, but still bite my tongue to keep the insults from barreling out.

  I quickly scan her pinched face, covered with powdery shit likely meant to hide her age. I was trying to be polite by using a respectful term, but she’s clearly not the type. I rub my forehead while blowing out a breath, frustration already building like a storm cloud.

  “I mean no offense,” I grind out between clenched teeth, “but I’m spending the evening solo. Cheers.” I raise my bottle in a lame-ass salute.

  The yappy broad huffs and rolls her eyes. It seems she might spit more crap my way, but then her attention darts to a man across the room. She eagerly slips off the stool, nearly spilling her drink with the jerky movements. She glances back at me, shooting daggers from her eyes.

  “Asshole,” she shoots over her shoulder before sauntering off.

  Good fucking riddance.

  I lift the nearly empty beer to my lips, but a burst of laughter interrupts me.

  “Wow. You sure know how to pick ‘em. How are you still single with suave moves like that?”

  “Not you too,” I mutter without turning around, recognizing the raspy voice immediately. “Was the entire female race set on driving me fucking crazy?” My chin tilts skyward as I silently ask for patience . . . or a fucking break. Neither will come for me.

  “Would it kill you to be nice?” Addison rests her arms against the bar next to me.

  I puff air through my clenched teeth. “Most likely. And I was nice. I called her ma’am.”

  “You know girls hate that,” she shoots back. “It’s a dig more than anything and makes us feel old. Might as well call her a raging bitch or wrinkled hag.”

  “Those names seem more appropriate. Thanks,” I chuckle but there’s no humor behind it.

  “Don’t start, Trey. You know I’m right.”

  “I’m not saying shit. Just thinking I might use those instead.”

  “You’re impossible.”

  “That’s the point.”

  “What-ev-er,” Addison singsongs while glancing around. “Where’s Jack?”

  “Still at the shop.”

  “Burning the midnight oil?”

  “In more ways than one. Had a rough day.”

  She tilts her head and gives me a once-over. “You too?”

  “Don’t I always?”

  “Meh, I suppose. You’re always a grump so it’s tough to tell the difference.”

  “And here I thought we were exchanging pleasantries.”

  “You and pleasant will never go together.” Addison hitches a thumb over her shoulder. “Running off that lovely lady is a prime example.”

  I grunt and shake my head. “She deserved it for being so desperate.”

  She snorts and elbows me. “Why are you such a dick? All that handsome is going to such shameful waste. You need to find someone to treat right.”

  Peering at Addison, all toned limbs and tan skin, I consider a quick fuck after all. I grip the cool bottle, picturing her soft flesh giving in to me.

  “Why haven’t we ever—”

  “No way. I know that look,” she says. “I see you give women those bedroom eyes every Friday night only to watch them turn cold the following morning. I haven’t fallen for them yet and I don’t plan to start.”

  Just like that, our breezy banter slams to a halt. Tension strains my shoulders after being cut off. Again. What is it with chicks bulldozing me tonight?

  Having Addison call me out does nothing to help my mood, but it’s no surprise she sees straight through me. Although I’ve known her since kindergarten, it still pisses me off. Moments like this make living in a small-town suffocating. There’s nothing and no one new around here. I know useless shit about everyone from Garden Grove, whether I want to or not.

  I roll my neck and restore my typical look of indifference. “I never get any complaints. Your loss, Addy.”

  Addison shakes her head. “So fucking cocky. I ain’t giving you any ass, but how ‘bout another?” She asks and gestures to my beer.

  I grumble, “That’d be great,” without looking back at her.

  Addison just stands there so I give in and glance over. Her arms are crossed as she raises a slim brow my way, seemingly waiting for . . .

  “Please,” I grit. The irritation from earlier whooshes in my ears and I’m ready to get gone.

  Right after this drink.

  She snickers and says, “That’s better. We’ll make a gentleman of you soon.”

  “Don’t hold your breath, ma’am.”

  Addison gasps and flames rise in her hazel eyes.

  Before she digs into me, I add, “Chill out. I’m just fucking with you. But seriously, get back to work. I’m thirsty.”

  “You really are an asshole,” she says while patting my cheek with more force than necessary. I’m sure she’d love to slap the shit out of me but won’t risk getting in trouble for it. She shakes her head and turns away, strutting off to s
erve other waiting customers.

  My eyes lock on her swaying hips, losing myself in the rhythm of her movement for a moment. No harm in looking, right?

  Sweet-smelling perfume wafts in as the abandoned stool next to me shifts slightly.

  “Is this seat taken?”

  The notes are soft but rise above the booming noise in the space. The feminine lilt of her voice snakes around before I feel a twisting in my gut. I quickly shove that fluffy shit away. My jaw ticks while I ignore her heavenly scent closing in around me.

  “Don’t even bother,” I growl loud enough for her to hear.

  “Excuse me?”

  Disbelief colors her voice and I can’t help swiveling toward her.

  Holy shit.

  Bottomless blue eyes greet me, sparkling with fierce emotion. The glittering sapphires are hypnotizing, the type of pull any man would fall victim to.

  Except me.

  I manage to break out of my trance and scan the rest of her features. Golden waves frame her face, the long locks shimmering in the bright lights. Her skin is clear of makeup, giving her a natural glow that I rarely see on the women around here. That caked-on crap always looks like a shield, hiding secrets and truths, like the ballsy bimbo from earlier. Nothing like this stunner in front of me. She’s on a whole new level.

  She’s open to me, hiding nothing at all, which I’m realizing is a huge fucking turn-on. My hips shift slightly to alleviate the sudden pressure rising in my jeans, but it’s pointless. My dick is definitely taking notice of all she has to offer.

  Maybe I’m not meant to spend the night alone. This newbie is definitely worth changing plans for.

  My gaze wanders lazily along her slender figure, outwardly showing minimal interest while my pulse pounds erratically. Why am I having such a strong reaction to her? With an innocent look and a few words, she’s screwing with my mojo like a voodoo witch.

  What makes her so damn special?

  She’s just another woman, looking for an easy lay, and I’m the biggest target. This stranger probably heard about me from locals like Addison and came over to try her luck. My body is betraying me by falling under her spell, but I see the threat like a neon sign. I’m not letting her sink those perfectly painted nails into me.