Schooled in Love

by Emma Nichols

  “He’s not just a dumb jock.” He brushed his thumb along her cheekbone. “And he was right. I’m here for one reason only. You.”

  She couldn’t express how his words touched her. blinking back some traitorous tears, she canted her head to the side. “Dance with me?”

  He claimed her drink from her and drained it. “Come on.”

  She watched him as he led her out onto the floor and took her into his arms. This is a wonderful place to be. “Tell me about Alaska,” she said as he drew her close and began swaying with her to the slower song.

  “Wide open. Amazing. Beautiful. Could do with one more person though. Well, two more.”

  “Two?”

  “You and Rian. I would fly you out there for a visit. I think you’d fall in love with my frontier.”

  “Yours?”

  He turned her around in an easy circle. The man had moves both on and off the dance floor.

  “Mine.”

  “You’re pretty possessive about things.”

  “Only the ones that are important to me.” He sprawled his hand along the exposed skin of her back, bringing her in even closer.

  His erection pushed into her and she wished they were elsewhere so she could enjoy every inch of it.

  “And that’s me and my son you’ve never met?”

  “He’s important to you, so that makes him important to me.”

  “You know, you’re making it hard to stay here at the dance.”

  He waggled his eyebrows. “Good. When do we sneak out?”

  “This isn’t our wedding where we have to sneak away.”

  “I’m fine for that as well. We can get married and sneak away.”

  Her gut tightened at the implied notion they would ever be a married couple. “Behave.”

  “I’d rather misbehave with you.”

  He spun her around again and she laughed, for no other reason than she was enjoying herself. Pure and simple. “You are a troublemaker.”

  “I am,” Slade agreed immediately. “Come with me.”

  Piper didn’t think she had a problem doing that.

  8

  Slade paced the lobby floor as he waited for Piper to come down from her room. He’d left early and had left a message for her that he would meet her downstairs to partake in the brunch. He was a bit early but seriously, he wanted to go up to the room and see if she was okay, but he had to remind himself she was a grown woman and perfectly fine by herself.

  His body heated and he knew somewhere, she’d got onto the floor. He stopped pacing and gazed around, lips lifting as he spied her walking into view. His sharp intake of breath had him lightheaded for a moment.

  She wore a business suit, her pencil skirt hugged her curves and showcased her toned legs to perfection. The three-button top advertised the tuck of her waist and her full breasts.

  It wasn’t fair.

  He reined in his libido and smoothed his hand down the thighs of his jeans, feeling extremely underdressed.

  She smiled and waved at him even while she continued her conversation with the woman she moved across the floor with. After sharing a hug, the women parted ways and Piper continued on to him. “Hey,” she said with a smile.

  “You’re fucking sexy,” he replied, drawing her close for a kiss.

  “Traveling clothing. Nothing sexy about it.”

  “We’ll agree to disagree on that fact.” He slipped his arm around her waist. “Ready to eat?”

  “Yes. Someone wore me out last night and into this morning.”

  He grinned. “What an ass.”

  Pushing up on her toes, she brushed their lips together. “I agree. What an ass you have. Come on, feed me. I have to go soon.”

  His mood crashed, and it was a struggle to keep the smile on his face. They went to his bike and she straddled it, in her skirt and allowed him to drive them to Café Willow Bay.

  Their buffet brunch was bittersweet. He could see the entire weekend had gotten to her on another level and while again, he wanted her to himself, he didn’t rush her in anyway, allowing her to spend the time she wished with the people from high school.

  Tears shimmered in her eyes, making those green flecks shine more.

  He brushed a loose curl of hair away from her face and kissed her cheek. “Ready?”

  “Yes, take me back to my room so I can grab my bags and a taxi.”

  He shook his head. “I’m taking you to the airport, Pipes.”

  “I don’t think my bags and me are going to fit on the back of your bike.”

  “My dad dropped off the car.” He brushed the back of his hand along her neck. “Like I said, I’m driving you.”

  The change over didn’t take to long and he was holding the door for her while she climbed in the passenger seat. He shut his eyes as he pushed the door closed after her. Lord help him, he didn’t want to let her get on the plane. Making his way to the driver’s side, he took a deep breath and climbed in the car.

  The ride was filled with more talk about his life in Alaska. As he pulled up to the drop-off he put the car in park. Slade removed her bags and handed them to her, covering her hand with his.

  Piper sighed and looked up at him. Taking two fingers, she brushed some of his hair away from his face. “It was really good seeing you, Slade. Thank you for making this reunion worth the time for me to show up.”

  “I don’t want to let you get on that plane, Piper.” He put his forehead to hers. “I want to keep you here with me and spirit you off to Alaska with me.”

  “While that would be fun, I have my life to get back to as do you.”

  “I want you in my life. You can’t stand here and tell me that this weekend was nothing but sex between us.”

  “I’m not going to cry, so you need to let me get on that plane before I go against what I just said and cry.”

  He cupped her face in his hands and tipped her head back so he could stare into her eyes. “This isn’t goodbye, Piper.”

  She licked her full lips. “Tell me goodbye, Slade so I can go.”

  He shook his head. “I can’t.”

  “You have to.”

  “I won’t. I’ll kiss you and let you go through those doors but this isn’t goodbye and I won’t say that to you.”

  “I’m not looking for something else. This weekend was perfect and I am happy with that memory.”

  “I’m not. I want more. More of us. More of you. More.”

  “Kiss me.”

  He listened. Took control of her mouth, slipped his tongue between her lips and tangled it with hers. He memorized her taste, willing her to tell him she was going to stay with him. It didn’t happen, but when he drew back, he could see the tears in her eyes.

  “Be happy Slade.” She walked away, not looking back, and took his heart with her.

  He had been happy. For a little while.

  Back at his parents’ house, his dad joined him on the back porch for a beer.

  “When are you going after her?”

  Rocking back in the chair, he rested his head against the wall of the house. “What makes you think I am?”

  “Boy, don’t think you can outsmart me. I haven’t seen you this alive in years. It’s good to see you happy and participating in the land of the living.”

  “She’s got a kid.”

  “And?” his dad countered.

  “Would that be a problem?”

  “For who? I know you don’t mean Mother or me. We love children and would never not welcome one into our family just because their parentage is from someone else.”

  “I’m in love with her.”

  “No shit. I’m glad you’re admitting it aloud. Look, I don’t know how things ended with you but you need to find her. Whatever it was this weekend proves she’s your one. You deserve this happiness even more for a little while. You deserve it for the rest of your life.” He patted him on the knee. “Think about it. After you’re done that and the wallowing, go after her and get her back in your life.”
>
  He left Slade alone.

  9

  “I can’t believe you. When did you become such a slut?”

  “Could you ask that any louder? I don’t think the guys heard you, Delaney.” Piper tossed a pillow at her best friend’s face, scowling when she only fell back and laughed harder.

  Garrick stuck his head in the living room and waggled his eyebrows. “I heard it and I must say, this is exciting. Any chance of a threesome?”

  Ducking her head, so he wouldn’t see the embarrassment flame up her cheeks, Piper wished the floor would open up and take her. It would have been hard to hear from anyone but Garrick, he was like some sex god who shouldn’t be saying things like that. Black hair, brilliant sapphire blue peepers, and a body that was surely created by the heavens. “Marine, you couldn’t handle us.”

  His grin had her shaking her head, it made him even more handsome.

  “I’m willing to try. We could even call Heather if you’d like.” He winked. “That way, I could die a happy man.”

  Delaney cocked an eyebrow at him. “Die being the operative word.”

  “Point taken. I’ll be out here with the nice girl and boy.”

  Sighing, Piper pulled her legs up and rested her chin on her knees. “You’ve got a great man there, Delaney.”

  “Sounds to me like you have one as well. Or rather you would, if you’d answer his calls and talk to him.”

  “We’re not to be. It was fling. A thing that happened over the weekend.”

  “You really think that? A man who took your virginity is the same man you spend your reunion with. He tells you he wants more, shows you in more than one way. What part of that screams a three day fuck fest?”

  Had she any drink in her mouth, she would have snorted it from her nose. “That’s a bit overdramatic don’t you think? Fuck fest? Where do you come up with these phrases?”

  Delaney scratched the inside of her left wrist which now bore the simple phrase Semper Fi. “Something I’ve picked up over the years. It’s what happens when you spend all that time around the military.”

  Her grin had her chuckling. “I can’t be involving myself with a man, Delaney. I have to think of Rian.”

  “He’s a young man who deserves to have a man in his life. Other than his Uncle Garrick.”

  “Mom, there’s a man here for you.”

  “Uncle Garrick is enough for him.” She got to her feet. “Stop yelling inside, Rian.”

  He shrugged and scampered off, his black hair bouncing with each bound.

  She trailed at a more leisurely pace.

  Garrick held his daughter in his arms as he stood by the door but his focus was on Piper as she neared. There wasn’t any disguising the question in his gaze. She looked beyond the screen door and her heart skipped not just one, but several beats.

  “Slade.” Every single synapse burst to life at the single look he gave her.

  He was here. Boots, button down black shirt and heavy boots. Sort of fit into the attire of Texas. “Hello, Pipes.”

  She moved to the door and opened it without hesitation. Lord, she’d missed him. Without any slowing on her part, she was in his arms, kissing him, arms tight around his neck. Together, they stumbled back into the house, lips locked with one another.

  “Who’s the— Oh, I see. Garrick, I think we should take Rian and head out.”

  “I think you’re right, take our girl and I’ll bring Rian around the front.”

  Tongue tangling with Slade’s all she could do was wave her thanks to her friend. They would be by later, she had no doubt and until then, her son was well protected. Falling to the sofa, she whimpered at the familiar and wonderful feel of his weight upon her.

  “We need to talk,” he muttered around the kisses.

  “Later.” She attacked the button on his jeans, wanting him deep inside her.

  Once he was freed, he pushed into her, making her so pleased to be wearing a skirt.

  “Not going to be pushed away this time, Piper.” He flexed his hips, driving deep inside her.

  She arched into him, a rich purr pouring from her throat. “Never again.”

  “Promise me we have a future.”

  “Yes.” She threaded her fingers into his hair. “Yes.”

  Slade pushed deeper inside her. “For more than a little while.”

  She took his mouth once more, eyes closing. There would be time to figure it all out. Here in Texas, there in Alaska. It didn’t matter. She wanted to make this work between them. These past two months had been hell.

  “For more than a little while,” Piper vowed.

  THE END

  If you’re curious and looking for the story of how Delaney met her husband Garrick, then check out, You Save Me.

  * * *

  A stubborn Texas Marine pilot and the woman of his dreams, can they make it work the second time around?

  Marine pilot Captain Garrick “Paladin” Stark is back in the United States after being stationed in Japan. He loves his career but something is missing. His woman. And he wants her back.

  Delaney Byrd works for the USO. One night at a club she finds herself face to face with a man she knew she’d never forget, a man who had started off as a one-night stand yet lasted a year.

  Garrick vows after finding Delaney this time will be different. He wants forever. Still, there’re numerous things they need to overcome. When the chance arrives for him to tell her how he feels, will she believe him? Can she look past what she is scared of becoming and accept his love?

  Buy Link: http://amzn.to/2jlwne7

  About the Author

  Aliyah Burke is an avid reader and is never far from pen and paper (or the computer). She loves to hear from her readers and can be reached via the contact page of her website. She can also be found on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. You can follow her on her Amazon Author page, Book Bub author page, or at Goodreads.

  She is married to a career military man. They are owned by four Borzoi. She spends her days sharing time between work, writing, and dog training.

  * * *

  I hope you enjoyed reading, For A Little While. If you could help others to find and enjoy this book as well, I would appreciate that act of kindness. You can do this by recommending it to your friends and/or reader’s groups. Also by reviewing it to let others know you liked it, even only a line or two—and why—on Goodreads, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other places, even if it’s nothing more than a line or two. Every bit helps, makes all the difference and is absolutely appreciated.

  Thank you so much for your support!!

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  Love Is in the Air

  Maggie Dallen

  Love Is in the Air Copyright © 2018 by Maggie Dallen

  All rights reserved.

  Love Is in the Air

  Ten years ago, Alison was overlooked and under-appreciated by everyone at Linwood High. Or rather, by everyone except her old friend, the exceptionally nerdy Noah. And now? Well, now she’s a hot mess, two seconds away from hyperventilating on the plane that’s taking her back to face her worst fears. But at least she’s no longer invisible to the male species, right? The hottie sitting beside her has definitely taken notice. But when the sexy, sweet stud on the plane turns out to be Noah, all grown up, it’s hard to remember that she’s only back for vengeance. How can she focus on flirting with those jerky jocks when her sexy friend is looking at her like that? Like she’s the only woman on the planet. And maybe, just maybe, like she’s the one who got away.

  1

  Alison

  The guy beside me could not take a hint. “So, where you headed?”

  I should have worn earbuds like every other person on this goddamn plane. But no, I’d forgotten mine so instead I’d buried my nose in one of those backseat magazines and pretended to
be absorbed in an article about where to dine when in Omaha, Nebraska.

  I’ve never been to Omaha and I had no plans of going, but the guy sitting next to me didn’t know that.

  I thought about ignoring him outright. I’d done little more than give him a quick glance when I sat in the seat beside him when I’d first boarded. I’d seen enough to know that I needed to steer clear.

  What had he done to turn me off? Simple. He was hot. I only got a glimpse, but a gIance was all it took to see that he was sex on a stick. I couldn’t handle a hot guy right now. I mean, I wasn’t very good at dealing with excessively attractive men on the best of days—they kind of scared the crap out of me. But today of all days?

  I was incapable of feigning cool.

  “Linwood, Pennsylvania,” I said. Apparently I was also incapable of lying. I didn’t have the brain capacity to come up with a lie, not when I was mid-panic attack. This crisis state had been underway ever since I’d bought my ticket home. No, that’s not true. This monumental anxiety attack had been brewing ever since I’d received my invitation to Linwood High’s reunion.

  But now when I would be arriving in a matter of hours?

  Yeah, I was going to lose it any second now.

  I hadn’t lifted my head from the magazine and I thought maybe, just maybe, the hot stranger with the low, sexy voice had gotten the message.

  “What brings you to Linwood?” he asked.

  I sighed. Nope. He definitely did not get the message.

  “High school reunion.” My clever brain blurted out the truth. But really, what did it matter? This was a stranger and I would never see him again, right? Hot or not, he would be out of my life the moment we touched the ground.