While we wait, I think about Gavin. It’s been two weeks since we were together, but I can’t stop thinking about him, and what we did. I want a repeat, and I’ve had to stop myself from asking Ainsley to find him, on more than one occasion.
“Sorry we’re late. My son was being difficult this morning. I’m sure you understand that, Cyndi. Your family had some little scandal a few years ago, didn’t they?”
“My granddaughter’s marriage wasn’t a scandal, it was a blessing. We’re not here to talk about family, though. Faith has prepared something wonderful for you.”
“There’s no need for that. My son will be the one doing most of the actual cooking.”
“Your son cooks?” Cyndi asks. This could definitely be a problem.
“Yes, but I have to keep up appearances, so I hire a fake chef. I mean, how would it look for everyone to know my son is a world-class chef who does the cooking when we entertain? If he’s out with a suitable girl, or has other plans, the chef can fill in. But no one cooks better than my son.”
“I’m sure Faith could handle that.”
The senator looks at me then. “Are you Asian, dear?”
“I’m part Chinese, yes.”
“I don’t want fried rice every night you cook.”
“That’s enough, Mother. She’s hired.”
My breath catches in my throat as we all turn to him. I’d recognize that voice anywhere. Gavin is the senator’s son, and I’m in bigger trouble than I imagined.
Read more about Faith & Gavin in
Devouring the Secret, out February 2015!
Acknowledgements
Gabi, you said I was lame if I didn’t write anything after finishing The Griffin Brothers, so I thought up this new series. Thanks for keeping me on task, and reminding me to eat. I love you.
Dominique, you love and support me, even when I’m embarrassing you. Thanks for being amazing, and letting me love you right back!
Tera Childs is the best support system a person could ever want or need. Your encouragement has made all the difference to me!
Tracy Wolff—I have no words for how much I love you. Thanks for not only being a great friend, but an inspiration as well!
The ladies who the Society founders are named for:
Jane Childs—an awe inspiring woman, who I am lucky to call my friend.
Cyndi Porter—one of the most compassionate, and beautiful people I know.
Mallory Daybell—we’ve been friends a long time, and it just keeps getting better and better. Thanks for beta reading my books and not killing me because you want Matt & Reina’s story NOW!
Helen Williams—you started out as just my (awesome) cover designer, and we’ve become friends. I’m so glad to know you, and so grateful that you share your amazing talent with me!
Maggie wasn’t named after anyone, although my middle name is Margaretha. I can’t imagine being the mom to those Griffin boys, especially when I wrote some of those scenes, so we’ll just leave it at that!
Renee Kennedy, I love you and thanks for talking up my books to everyone!
Melissa Shank, we haven’t known each other long, but I love you and appreciate all the support you throw my way!
Jessica Hinners, your input on the books is always just what I need. Sometimes, I can’t make it work exactly how you want, but you always have the readers in mind when you help me enhance a scene. I truly appreciate you!
Ashleigh Roberts created the AMAZING crest you see in the front of the book. The color version will be on lots of swag. Thanks for bringing my vision to life, and being a cool lady!
Jesse Gordon, you know I appreciate how well you take care of my books. You are a formatting god!
Ally Murphy, thanks for fixing my commas and such. I would be lost without you!
Lisa Dess and Sarah Vela, who’ve supported me from the start. Thanks for all the love (in person and on your blog).
To everyone else who has been there through this journey, and continues to help me grow as a writer—thanks for everything!
And of course to my fans. I love to know that the books mean something to you, and that my characters have touched you in some way. I can’t thank you enough!
About the Author
Crystal Perkins has always been a big reader, but she never thought she would write her own book, until she did. She lives in Las Vegas, where you can find her running author events and selling books at conventions when she isn’t reading, buying too many Sherlock t-shirts online or finding a place to put all of her Pop! figurines. A mac and cheese connoisseur, she travels the country looking for the perfect version, while attending book conventions and signings as a cover for her research. The Griffin Brothers series are all International Best Sellers, and she’s thankful to the readers who made that happen!
Find her here:
www.crystalperkinsauthor.com
facebook.com/crystalperkinsauthor
@wondermomlv
[email protected]
Fielding Her SECRET (Corrigan & Co. Book 1) Page 18