All the guests looked our way and immediately started clapping as they spotted us. Mom and Dad hurried towards me, Mom rapidly wrapping her arms around my neck. “Oh, Montana. Happy birthday, sweetie,” she said over my shoulder.
“Thanks, Mom.” She released me, and Dad gave me a comforting man hug.
“Happy birthday, son. I hope this isn’t too much. I told your mother it would be too much. I mean the tequila table is just over the top,” he said, pointing back with his thumb at the long table that was covered with shot glasses full of tequila.
“That’s what he would’ve wanted!” Mom said, smiling smugly.
“Yeah, Dad, I think she’s right. I’m pretty sure we could all use a few rounds of tequila shots after how successful this tour was.” I looked towards the band. “Right, guys?”
They all nodded.
“That’s damn right!” Ben said. “I don’t know why the hell we’re still standing here.” He rushed around us and hurried for the table. We all laughed at him, watching as he downed his first shot.
The band followed almost immediately, and my parents headed for the champagne bar. Lauren stuck by my side, and when I looked down at her, all I could do was smile. Stepping forward, I cupped her face in my hands, and she blushed, batting her eyelashes. “You have no idea how much I love you, huh?” I asked.
“I think I have a clue,” she said, teasing me as her arms snaked around my waist. I released her face, lowering my eyes to her lips. I didn’t hesitate on going in for a taste of her. I pressed my lips on hers, and as we kissed beneath the middle of that tent, all I could think about was what she did to me.
My heart was thumping, my body felt completely relaxed while glued to hers. My dick was pulsing, but that always happened when we touched. She did things to me I couldn’t explain—things I never knew I was capable of feeling.
This night… it turned out to be epic.
I had a great tour. I had my band. I had my parents—my family. I had my girl right there with me, wrapped in my arms. As I thought about it, I realized there wasn’t anything more I needed. I had it all right here.
Finally, I was whole. Finally, I’d matured and become the real me.
I didn’t give a fuck about anything else, because nothing else mattered.
With all the people I loved surrounding me, I was becoming a better person. I’d changed for the better. My life was far from perfect, but it was my life, and I was truly happy with how it was turning out. I conquered my fears of love and commitment, and I squashed everything that, once before, had dragged me down.
The chains were gone—the shackles that were once bound around my true happiness now obliterated.
This was me now and, trust me, I was never, ever going back.
THANK YOU
There are so many people I would love to thank. I mean, way too many. As most of you know it took me a while to get Montana’s book out there. I started from scratch on his story FOUR times because I felt like none of them were doing him justice. It was tough and truthfully I wanted to give up on him and his story and not release it at all. I was overwhelmed. So much has been going on with me this past year and most of it is a blessing but some of it has been stressful. Fortunately for me, I got over it. Ha.
I took a much-needed break, kept time to myself, and then I started again. And when I started, I loved the pace. I loved how it was flowing from my fingertips. I spent countless hours in my office clicking away at my keyboard. I missed out on family events, shopping/getting things ready for my baby, and even sleep (which everyone knows I need right now), but it was all worth it. In the end, I got the results I wanted with Montana Delray. And honestly, there’s much more that I can write for him and Lauren. I’m so excited about these two.
Anyway, I’ll get over my sappiness and start by thanking God for giving me this talent and allowing me to build the patience for it. I want to thank my family, especially my mom, for motivating me and pushing me through to the end. I would love to thank my Juanito for sticking with me through the long nights. I know you complained about being cold in bed without me but you understand why I have to go missing for a few nights. LOL. I love you so much.
I want to thank Heather Orgeron and Selene Malik of The Real Housewives of Romance Book Blog for being the biggest cheerleaders and supporters ever. I swear you ladies are nothing short of amazing! You gave me so much hope for Montana and I’m so grateful for all your help and critique. I feel beyond blessed to have met you ladies. Seriously. I really don’t know what I would do without y’all now. I’d probably cry for days.
Thank you Kim Bias! You know why! I say it in every single book and I’ll continue to say it because you mean that much to me. You’re amazing.
Thank you to all the authors that have helped me along the way. There are so many to name but they know who they are. I chat with them almost every day. Sometimes I rant and groan, and they understand. They are a bunch of wonderful ladies.
To all the bloggers that have shared, commented, liked, and left a review—whether good or bad—thank you! The fact that you gave my book the time of day period is a blessing and I will never take it for granted. I’m humbled by all the love and support.
And lastly, my FireNine fans—all of my fans. Y’all have seen me through to the end and to be honest with you all, this may not be the end. There’s so much more I can do with the boys, but for now I must gather ideas and figure it out. I can’t make any promises, but I guarantee you if something comes up you’ll be the first to hear about it. You guys are simply amazing. You make me feel like this band is real, and that their loyalty to each other doesn’t go unnoticed. You understand why I do what I do in order for these stories to be told. These boys are in my heart and always will be. I’m so glad they’re in your hearts too.
CONTACT SHANORA
I love chatting with my readers and fans. If there’s anything you’d like to talk to me about please feel free to email me at [email protected]
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