Finding Dandelion (Dearest #2)

by Lex Martin

  “Awesome. I wanna get your feedback. Let me know if there’s anything I should work on, okay?”

  That grin gets wider. “You got it!”

  He jogs off to his friends, and I grab my gear as Coach Patterson strolls up and pats me on the back.

  “Jax, I’m proud of you, son.” He motions toward the pack of kids headed toward the locker room and smiles. “These kids will never forget what you’re doing for them. Plus, it’ll give the BC boys something to keep them out of trouble this summer. I’m glad you coordinated this camp.”

  “Sure thing, Coach.”

  “How are your practices going?”

  I started playing with my new pro team this spring, and I’ve never had more fun. I feel like a kid again. But the best thing? Looking up at the stands and seeing my girl.

  “I’m having a blast, and the soreness I had in my quad is gone. My trainer says I’m cleared for Thursday’s game.”

  “That’s what I want to hear.” He taps his clipboard. “Kick ass out there next week. You’ve got thirty kids here cheering you on.”

  “Thanks. I’ll do you proud.”

  “I know it,” he says with a smile as he heads off the field.

  A few more boys come up to talk, and we chat for a while, but I’m starting to get anxious. We can’t be late tonight. Finally, I see my girl and take off in her direction.

  “Those kids love you,” Dani says as I wrap her in a sweaty hug.

  Her tank top dips down, and I spot her tattoo. I love that ink. It couldn’t be more fitting because that’s what she is to me, my North Star.

  I wipe my face on her neck and she laughs. “You stink.”

  “I’m giving you something to remember me by when I leave for my game in a few days.”

  “Don’t remind me.” She pouts, jutting out her lower lip. Glancing around to make sure I’m not giving anyone a show, I lean down and nibble on that little morsel.

  She smacks me in the chest for being unable to control my public display of affection. Shit, she should be used to this by now.

  Sighing, she says, “Thank God you’re playing for New England. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you’d gone to Los Angeles.”

  I frown. “Do you really think I would have accepted an offer from a team across the country when you’re here?”

  Her head tilts up, a small smile playing on her lips. “No, I guess not.”

  “Besides, we have to finish up our business plan for the GoPro ski helmets.”

  “Not ours, Jax. Yours.”

  She can’t be serious. “Babe, that was all your idea. You took that silly contraption I made when I was screwing around on vacation and made a real business out of it.”

  She saw the promise of my helmet and found there was a huge demand for it. She lined up orders before we even got the prototypes back, and when she talked to her professors about it, they were so impressed they convinced her to stay a business major and double-degree with art.

  I hug her tighter. “So yes, it’s our plan because it’s our business.”

  I want to say it’s also our money, but I don’t want to freak her out. After last winter, she’s sensitive about what I spend on her, which pisses me off because I want to buy her things. Lots of things.

  But I have a plan.

  She blows out a breath, not wanting to get into this with me again, and I run my nose along her jaw because I know I’ve won this battle.

  I smack her on the ass, and she jumps, laughing. “Let’s go. We need to get to the restaurant by five if we want to make the game.”

  “I can’t believe you got me playoff tickets to see the Celtics play the Heat. I’m so psyched!”

  That’s not all she’s getting, but I have to keep my shit together if this is gonna be a surprise.

  Even though I’ve been trying to save up some cash for our business, I wanted to splurge tonight.

  Doing this on my own feels good. No, it feels fucking incredible.

  My mother lost it when I told her my plans. But it doesn’t matter. I won’t let her control me anymore. Even though I could’ve asked my father for help, it doesn’t seem right. If he had wanted to help, to be part of my life or my sister’s, he’d have been here.

  I sold off all of my expensive toys and cars, and my modeling gigs have been paying well. I’ve made enough to get Dani and me through for a while and still have something left to invest in our business.

  She hasn’t decided what she wants to do with her mom’s house in Chicago, and I don’t want to rush her. We’ve talked about staying there a few weeks this summer to help her finish packing. I want her to have all the time she needs to make peace with her mom’s passing.

  By the time we get to the Garden, Dandelion is decked out in green. I had to put my foot down and hide her Heat jersey. Privately, I don’t mind her Miami fanaticism, but I can’t very well let her walk the streets of Boston in anything but Celtic colors.

  Her eyes widen as we get closer to the players. She turns to me. “You got us courtside seats?”

  I kiss her. “It’s your twenty-first birthday. I wanted to make it memorable.”

  Her hands reach up and cradle my face. “As long as I’m with you, I wouldn’t care what we did. You know that, right?”

  Fuck, yeah, I know that, which is why she’s the girl for me.

  We find our seats, and a few minutes later, she jumps out of her chair to hug Clementine, Gavin and Travis.

  “Did you know your brother was doing this?” she asks Clem.

  My sister gives me a playful shove. “He’s been planning this for ages. He wouldn’t shut up about it. I’m shocked this is an actual surprise for you.”

  My sister is her usual ornery self, but I’ve already told her how to play it tonight, so I know she won’t let anything slip.

  Travis gives me a half smile and leans over to whisper, “Don’t fuck up.”

  “Thanks, man. Really.” I place a hand over my chest to feign sincerity. He laughs, turning to the birthday girl to pick her up in a hug.

  Nick and Daren join us, and after a few bro hugs, we take our seats.

  “Dude, you okay?” Daren asks. He snagged me the tickets.

  “Never been better,” I say with a wide smile. He looks at my leg that’s nervously jiggling and then back at me with a smirk. “Is everything all set at Ryan’s?”

  He leans a little closer. “Yup. Sammy and Jenna have it covered. Everyone will be there by the time the game is over.” He slaps me on the back. “Good luck, Jax. Don’t have a heart attack first.”

  “Thanks, brother.” I glance around. “Where’s Veronica? I thought she was coming tonight.”

  He shrugs, his brows furrowing into deep grooves on his forehead. I don’t need to ask anything else. Maybe he’s figuring out what everyone else has always known, that they’re not right for each other. Because Daren and Veronica never really had that kind of connection. The kind I have with my girl.

  I spend the game watching Danielle. She’s smiling and laughing, and I can’t wait to surprise her.

  Her hand twines around the locket her mom gave her for Christmas. Last week she put a small picture of me in it, and nothing has ever meant more.

  By half time, my palms are sweaty, and my heart is beating out of my chest. Who knew I’d be such a fucking pussy when the time came?

  Clem catches my eye when Dani isn’t looking and gives me a wink of encouragement that only makes me more nervous.

  Finally, the kissing cam goes up on the big screen during half time, and I wipe my forehead as I wait.

  When the camera reaches us, Dani gasps in surprise before she grins and leans over to kiss me, but the sudden cheering gets her attention, and she looks back up at the jumbo-tron to read those four little words that will change our lives forever.

  “Jax?” she asks, her eyes bugging out as I get down on one knee.

  “Danielle, I love you more than life itself. Will you marry me?” I put the rock on her finger. She l
ooks at it, blinks a few times and smiles. It’s not as big a stone as I’d like, but I know she doesn’t care about that.

  “Oh my God. Yes, yes, yes!” She leaps up, and she’s in my arms, and the crowd goes crazy. My sister is crying, and the girls hug each other and laugh as the giant screen above our heads plays our special moment for the entire arena.

  Finding Dandelion is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I know she still has a little more school, and my soccer schedule is hectic, but when we’re apart, I want her to know that she is mine and I am hers. Forever.

  She turns to me, and I lean over to kiss her, the first of many yet to come.

  See, there are happily ever afters. Even for assholes like me.

  TO MY READERS

  Thank you for reading Finding Dandelion. I would love to hear what you thought of my novel and hope you’ll consider leaving a review on Goodreads and Amazon.

  If you enjoyed Dani and Jax’s story, Daren will get his own book later this year. Look for Kissing Madeline, the third novel in the Dearest series, in late 2014. Each is a stand-alone.

  KISSING MADELINE

  After walking in on her MMA fighter boyfriend in the arms of another woman, Maddie McDermott learned her lesson about dating athletes – don’t do it. Ever. Not even if he’s the “it boy” of football and her hot-as-hell new neighbor.

  NFL’s newest star, Daren Sloan, kicks ass in every area of his life – football, school, family – every area, that is, except relationships. Newly single after almost marrying one of the worst mistakes of his life, he plans to take full advantage of all the benefits he’s worked so hard to achieve. For now, those perks include no strings, and fortunately, no woman can resist his charm. Well, no one except his feisty neighbor.

  When their jobs collide, Maddie and Daren can’t seem to avoid each other or their undeniable attraction. So they keep things casual… until they quickly realize “friends with benefits” is not enough.

  Although they do their best to keep the nature of their relationship under wraps, the media loves a good story. And so does the person scheming to break them up. Will Daren convince Maddie she can trust him? Or will the media storm brewing tear them apart before they even get started?

  DEAREST CLEMENTINE

  Before the drama of Jax, there was Clementine. Have you read her story yet? It’s available now on Amazon if you haven’t.

  Twenty-year-old Clementine Avery doesn’t mind being called bitchy and closed off. It’s safe, and after being burned by her high school sweetheart and stalked by a professor her freshman year of college, safe sounds pretty damn good.

  Her number one rule for survival? No dating. That is until she accidentally signs up for a romance writing class and needs material for her latest assignment. Sexy RA Gavin Murphy is more than happy to play the part of book boyfriend to help Clem find some inspiration, even if that means making out...in the name of research, of course.

  As Gavin and Clem grow closer, they get entangled in the mystery surrounding a missing Boston University student, and Clem unwittingly becomes a possible target. Gavin tries to show Clem she can handle falling in love again, but she knows she has to be careful because her heart’s at stake…and maybe even her life.

  DEAREST CLEMENTINE is a stand-alone New Adult romance with two companion novels. The Dearest series is recommended for readers 18+ due to mature content.

  Purchase on AMAZON.

  ORDER OF BOOKS:

  Dearest Clementine, #1

  Finding Dandelion, #2

  Kissing Madeline, #3 (Expected publication: late 2014)

  If you’d like to receive an email when I release future titles and get other sneak peaks, sign up HERE.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  The person who deserves my biggest thanks is my husband and best friend, Matthew. Without his constant support, I never would have had the balls to do this. Matt, thanks for believing in me and for being such a kick-ass dad to our girls. I don’t know any other four-year-olds who know the difference between Mozart and Beethoven. You’re seriously cool as shit, and I love you. Girls, thanks for being so patient with me while I write. Wub you, little bears.

  To my Texas family, thanks for giving me the courage to venture far from home. Dad, I appreciate you buying my books even though I won’t let you read them. You’re the best!

  I also have an amazing writing family. AJ Pine, Megan Erickson, Natalie Blitt and Lia Riley, I’m so grateful to have such fantastic critique partners and honored to get your input on my work. *cue cheesy music* You complete me!

  Thanks, of course, to my fantastic editor, RJ Locksley. She keeps me from looking stupid. RJ, everything I write is better after you do your magic.

  My new bestie Kimberly Brower also gave me killer input on Dandelion. Kimberly, I love that I can send you emails in the middle of the night and you write me back at one a.m. You’re awesome!

  You should know I’m a total fangirl. I have authors I adore like groupies love rock stars. So when those authors respond to my emails and offer advice in return, they get my undying love and affection. You might have noticed I give away a lot of other people’s books on my Facebook. This is why.

  The first two authors in that “I love you like a love song, baby” category are Becca and Krista Ritchie. They helped me get my feet wet with my first release and walked me through many big steps. Becca, you should be sainted for having so much patience with me and all of my questions. Krista, dear lord, thank you for my gorgeous covers and for mocking up a dozen different options until we nailed down the right ones. #LuvYouGuys4Life

  JB Salsbury is another writer whose success as an indie author inspires me like nothing else. No one deserves it more because she is such a talented and sweet person. Jamie, thanks for your support and optimism and for introducing me to your hot MMA boys!

  I have huge hugs for M. Pierce, whose work I deeply admire. M., seriously, you’re awesome. If I follow you like a puppy, it’s because the fangirl in me won’t shut up. Thanks for the encouragement and tough love. And to StudBun, my favorite tweeter of all time. Don’t let M. work you too hard.

  Self-publishing comes with some serious ups and downs, but I always know I can turn to my friends in FebNo and NAAU for advice. I'm so grateful for those relationships. When I have a crisis in the middle of the night, someone there always comes to the rescue.

  Another person who has saved my ass many times is Brandi Leigh Hall. If you buy a print copy of one of my books, she’s to thank for helping me survive the formatting process. Brandi, you rock, girl. Love you!

  To my friends Taylor Hyslop, Barbara Ransom, Doris E. Gray, Jullie Anne Caparas, and Sheri Thompson-Gustafson. Some of you read early copies, offered feedback, made me graphics, or helped me pick my covers. Thank you for your endless kind words. Taylor, I’m so glad you encouraged me to write Jax’s story after Clementine’s.

  I’ve also received amazing support from bloggers who picked up my books to review or promote. Thank you for giving a new author a shot. *insert big hugs here* I know I’ll never be able to mention everyone, but there are a few who went out of their way for me, including Aestas at Aestas Book Blog, Becs at Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews, Jen at The Sub Club, Lanie and her fairies at The Bookaholic Fairies, Sue at YA Hollywood, Christie & Patryja at Smokin’ Hot Book Blog, Ellen at Book Bellas, Kawehi Reviews, Book Worms, The Insomniac Book Hoarder, Book Reader Chronicles, Leann at Twin Opinions Review, Lesley at Let’s Get Lost in a Good Book Blog, Linda at True Blood Diaries, The Little Black Book Blog, Jovana at Rumpled Sheets, Michelle at The Romance Vault, Cathy at Forever Reading Book Blog, Renee at Book Happiness, Jen at Romance Obsessed Book Blog, United Indie Book Blog, the Concupiscent Bibliophile, Doris at Owl Always Be Reading, and Jullie at Teacups & Book Love.

  A special shout-out goes to Natalie at Love Between the Sheets for all of her awesomeness. She does a killer job coordinating my cover reveals, blitzes and blog tours.

  Lastly, to my readers. Thank you for pickin
g up my books. I LOVE getting your emails, tweets and reviews. And when you create amazing graphics for my stories, seriously, I die. I hope you weren’t too pissed at Jax and that he found redemption in your eyes. Speaking of redemption, stay tuned for Daren’s story this fall. Thanks for coming on this ride with me!

  xo,

  Lex

  CONTACT LEX

  lex@lexmartinwrites.com

  www.lexmartinwrites.com

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  Preview of DEEP BLUE

  by Jules Barnard

  When Cali Morgan kicks off her perfect post-college summer in Lake Tahoe, she has everything she ever wanted: acceptance into a top law program, a gorgeous boyfriend, and an incredible summer planned with her best friend.

  Confident about her place in the world, Cali makes it her mission to be her friend’s wingwoman and help her meet guys. What Cali doesn’t count on is running into Jaeger Lang, one of her older brother’s high school friends, or the sparks that fly when she’s around him.

  Jaeger has changed, and it’s not just the added height and muscle. There’s something about him that’s deep and a little scarred. In spite of the changes, Jaeger becomes a top pick for her friend—if Cali can keep her hands off him.

  But when Cali’s boyfriend dumps her and her carefully laid plans begin to unravel, she finds herself questioning what it is she truly desires. In the midst of doubts about her future, one thing is very clear: she wants Jaeger for her own. The question is, has her friend already fallen for him?

  Excerpt of DEEP BLUE

  by Jules Barnard

  Chapter One

  My legs quiver like Jell-O as I clamber over the last boulder on the east side of Eagle Lake. Eric reaches for me, his sandy blond hair slicked back at the roots with sweat. This should gross me out, but for some reason he looks really hot, all sweaty and disheveled. He’s not wearing his shirt, and the close proximity to his muscled chest and golden skin ignites dirty thoughts of sneaking off behind a boulder and having my way with him.