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Coffee and Conclusions

Page 31

by Emma Sterner-Radley


  “Except a puppy. We need a puppy, Isabella. Or two. Maybe three if they’re a small breed.”

  Isabella rolled her eyes. “Fine. We’ll get one, just one, when Alberto’s bigger.”

  “Score. Then I can’t ask for more.”

  “Actually, there is one more thing you’ll need.” Isabella reached over the side of the sofa carefully, so as not to disturb Alberto. She picked up a packet and handed it to Erin to inspect.

  There was a look of recognition in Erin’s face at the brand, but the lighter color of the package and the extra word underneath, Azucar Negra, seemed to take her by surprise. Erin wasted no time in questioning that extra word.

  “Um, Isabella? Does that say decaf?”

  “Yes, it does. Let’s finally get some proper sleep.”

  Erin stared at her openmouthed.

  “You’re a mother now, preciosa. Therapy and time to settle might have gotten you ninety percent there, but the next step is to cut down on the caffeine after 9 p.m. You’re a parent. That means being responsible and a good role model.”

  “Hmm, I’ll give it a go. But if it tastes weaker, I’m back to caffeine 24/7,” Erin growled and lay back in Isabella’s arms, her head resting on a cashmere-covered shoulder.

  Isabella smiled and kissed her hair again. She had initially hated the smell of Erin’s strawberry conditioner. From the second they moved in together, she had begged Erin to change to something that smelled more adult and less like candy. Now, she realized that the scent added to the safety of their little home, guarding against the winds outside.

  On her chest, Alberto snored a snuffling sound, as his little hand squeezed a fistful of her sweater. Erin caressed the back of his head and snuggled in closer, as if to go to sleep.

  Isabella was about to say that they needed to get ready for bed. Alberto needed his crib and his pacifier. Besides, the two of them couldn’t stay here and sleep with their makeup on and in positions that would give them both aches and cramps. But she was tired, and everyone was sleeping so sweetly on her. She decided she could close her eyes and enjoy it for a few minutes. She rested her head back against the sofa and closed her eyes, too.

  Calm descended on the little family, and they slept long beyond the stroke of midnight, unfazed by the storm outside. And untroubled by any insomnia.

  About Emma Sterner-Radley

  Having spent far too much time hopping from subject to subject at university back in her native country of Sweden, Emma finally emerged with a degree in Library and Information Science.

  Now she lives with her wife and two cats in England, there is no point in saying which city as they move about once a year. She spends her free time writing, reading, daydreaming, working out, and watching whichever television show has the most lesbian subtext at the time.

  Her tastes in most things usually leans towards the quirky and she loves genres like urban fantasy, magic realism, and steampunk.

  Emma Sterner-Radley is also a hopeless sap for any small chubby creature with tiny legs and can often be found making heart-eyes at things like guinea pigs, Dachshunds, wombats, marmots, and human toddlers.

  CONNECT WITH EMMA

  Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorEmmaSternerRadley

  Twitter: @EmmaSterner

  Other Books from Ylva Publishing

  www.ylva-publishing.com

  Long-Distance Coffee

  (The Midnight Coffee Series – Book 1)

  Emma Sterner Radley

  ISBN: 978-3-95533-911-1 (mobi), 978-3-95533-912-8 (epub)

  Length: 65,000 words (200 pages)

  New York personal trainer Erin Black lives a solitary life plagued by insomnia. Isabella Martinez, a former CEO turned writer, is stuck in a platonic relationship in Florida with her baby boy.

  One sleepless night on social media, they strike up a conversation that changes their lives and makes them question everything. Over midnight cups of coffee, they try to resist the powerful chemistry that builds between them. They soon discover their connection could be the key to unlocking their personal issues.

  Questions remain though. Are they more than friends? Could they be right for each other? And if they are, how will they handle a relationship a thousand miles apart?

  A lesbian romance about closing the distance.

  Popcorn Love

  KL Hughes

  ISBN: 978-3-95533-266-2 (mobi), 978-3-95533-267-9 (epub)

  Length: 113,000 words (347 pages)

  A prominent figure amongst New York City’s fashion elite, Elena Vega is a successful businesswoman and single mother to an adorable three-year-old son, Lucas. Her love life, however, is lacking, as those closest to her keep pointing out.

  At the persistent urging of her closest friend, Elena reluctantly agrees to a string of blind dates if she can find a suitable babysitter for Lucas.

  Enter Allison Sawyer, a free-spirited senior at New York University.

  Elena is intrigued by Allison’s ability to push her out of her element, and the young woman’s instant and easy connection with a normally shy Lucas quickly earns Allison the job.

  After each blind date, Elena returns home to complain to Allison about her lacking suitors. As they bond, Elena begins to realize that the person possessing all the qualities she most desires might just be the woman who has been in front of her the entire time.

  The vast difference between the two women’s social statuses, however, may be an obstacle not easily overcome.

  You’re Fired

  Shaya Crabtree

  ISBN: 978-3-95533-755-1 (mobi), 978-3-95533-756-8 (epub)

  Length: 61,000 words (193 pages)

  When poor college student Rose Walsh gives out an inappropriate gag gift at her office Christmas party, it backfires horribly. The gift’s recipient is her boss, the esteemed president of Gio Corp., Vivian Tracey, and the only thing that can save Rose now is her smarts.

  Instead of firing her, Vivian blackmails math major Rose into joining her on a business trip to New York to investigate an embezzlement. A week out of state with a woman she can barely stand seems like the last thing Rose wants to do with her winter vacation. Only, maybe Vivian is not as bad as she seems. Maybe they can even become friends…or more.

  Shadow Haven

  AJ Schippers

  ISBN: 978-3-95533-846-6 (mobi), 978-3-95533-847-3 (epub)

  Length: 115,000 words (322 pages)

  Julia’s holiday on a private island, ordered by her boss, comes with an erotic surprise when she encounters the alluring Alexandra, a professional dominatrix. An explosive first meeting leads to friendship and something more sensual…and a little kinky.

  Can Julia overcome her fears to explore a submissive relationship with her? Can she overcome her doubts about Alexandra’s unusual career? And what happens when power is not just left to the imagination?

  Coming from Ylva Publishing

  www.ylva-publishing.com

  Survival Instincts

  May Dawney

  Civilization ended long before Lynn Tanner was born. Wild animals roam the streets, but mankind is still the biggest threat to a woman alone in the ruins of a world reclaimed by nature. Lynn survives by sleeping with one eye open at all times and trusting no one but her dog.

  When she is forced to go on a dangerous journey through the concrete jungle of New York City, Lynn does all she can to scheme her way to safety. Her guard, Dani Wilson, won’t be played that easily, however. As their lives become entwined, Lynn finds herself developing feelings for Dani and is forced to find the answer to the question that scares her most: is staying alone really the best way to survive?

  Fast-paced and full of adventure, Survival Instincts introduces a post-war dystopian world where the only person you can rely on is yourself…unless you fall in love.

  Coffee and
Conclusions

  © 2018 by Emma-Sterner-Radley

  ISBN (epub): 978-3-95533-932-6

  ISBN (mobi): 978-3-95533-931-9

  Also available as paperback.

  Published by Ylva Publishing, legal entity of Ylva Verlag, e.Kfr.

  Ylva Verlag, e.Kfr.

  Owner: Astrid Ohletz

  Am Kirschgarten 2

  65830 Kriftel

  Germany

  www.ylva-publishing.com

  First edition: 2018

  No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are a product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

  Credits

  Edited by Andrea Bramhall, Michelle Aguilar, and CK King

  Cover Design and Print Layout by Streetlight Graphics

 

 

 


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