Have you read my newest release, Under The Mistletoe?Here's an excerpt!
Jax wanted Alex…bad.
She smiled and
his heart did a triple beat that took his breath.
He liked Alex
and he was wishing they’d met before he won the cash prize.
“What would you
like for Christmas?” she asked.
“I wish I could
have all of the winnings from the slot machine without the IRS taking its
share.”
She blew out a
long breath. “Now there’s a wasted wish.”
He nodded. The
waitress stopped, took their dishes and he ordered another beer. He was glad Alex
wasn’t in a hurry to get back to her room. He’d much rather be here with her,
enjoying her company and beautiful smile than being in the room with Dayton
listening to him snore.
“How are you
spending the holiday?” Jax watched her, the way the sparkle in her eyes dulled.
“Home, with
family.”
His gaze dropped
to her hand. “You’re not wearing a wedding ring, so family as in parents?
Brothers, sisters?”
“My parents, sister and her boyfriend—probably
turned fiance by now.” She sighed
“And you’re not
happy?” He relaxed back into the cushion, staring at her pink, kissable mouth.
A penetrating ache flew through him. He shifted his legs to adjust his fly, but
his cock was only getting harder.
She pulled a
lock of hair behind her ear. “I wouldn’t resent anyone’s happiness, but my
sister is the golden child. My parents have been after me for years to settle
down and I’ve been a disappointment.”
“You still have
a lot of years. What are you…twenty-five? Twenty-six?” He winked.
She laughed. “I’m
thirty-two. To my folks that’s a dried up spinster.”
“I’d bet my left
arm that nothing about you is dried up.” He smoothed his palm over his chin.
“My parents are
like time clocks, reminding me that time passes at the blink of an eye.”
“I think it all
depends. If you feel like you’re missing something, then you should change
things, but no one, not even a parent, can tell you how to live.” He gripped
his bottle. Once upon a time his parents had dreams for him too and they were
disappointed when he decided to ride bulls instead of working the ranch.
“It’s this time
of year. I have a feeling all of our food and drinks are spiked with a lonely
pill.”
“I just rode my last rodeo a few months ago.
Then we lost our father. I guess a long phase of sadness is normal, but it sure
is hell.” Damn, why did he have to share that? Usually he was a bit
tight-lipped when it came to discussing his personal life with a stranger, but
she felt more like a friend—maybe even more if things continued. “It had been difficult to hang up my saddle. Newer,
younger riders are coming into the circuit, and my body wasn’t bouncing back as
fast as it once did.” More than ever he needed to keep the ranch. He had known
all along that one day he’d come back and run it, possibly find a woman to
marry, have a couple of kids.
It all seemed
like a faraway dream at this point. And it certainly wasn’t the time to think
about his future.
Sympathy filled
her eyes. He didn’t want her pity.
“I’m sure you
know it’s time. A new beginning—an adventure. Give up the bulls for a horse on
your ranch.”
He grinned. He
liked the way she thought.
Before he
wrapped his brain around his next move, he slid around the u-shaped seat until
their thighs met. Taking her slender, soft hand, he brought it to his mouth, kissing
her knuckles. But it wasn’t enough to tame his curiosity. He slid his free hand
to her neck, skimmed the tips of his fingers over the short hairs on her nape
and she leaned into him. Her eyes widened slightly, sparkling in the dim
overhead lighting. There was no resistance as he drew her even closer and lowered
his mouth to hers.
Waves of desire rocketed
through him when their lips touched. Her hands were pressing his biceps, then
her arms came around his neck, pressing her breasts against his chest. An
invitation to continue.
At first, he
kissed her softly, taking his time. He slid the tip of his tongue between her
lips, parting her mouth, sliding further in to taste her—exploring her.
She groaned
deep, eliciting something virile in him.
Everything went
blank inside of his head except for the woman he held in his arms. Her vanilla
scent, her taste, the way her fingers moved through his hair, it all triggered
his raging need.
He moved his
fingers from her neck and threaded them into her hair—the tresses reminded him
of luxurious satin. He nibbled her bottom lip and she moaned again with more want
than before.
His cock was
suffocating behind his zipper, throbbing and hard. He couldn’t take much more…
He pulled away,
catching his breath. “I might be a little brash, but how about I get us a room
for the night. We can continue talking, drinking, order dessert…anything you
like.”
Would she slap him
for his brazenness then get up and walk out of his life? All he knew was that he
didn’t want to let her go.
Or would she,
just by chance, say…
“Yes. I’d like
that.”
