Part 12 (2/2)
Kim looked around, confused. ”Isn't this the new community park?”
Nathaniel's eyes sparkled. ”The park is two blocks down the street and much larger than my backyard.”
”Your backyard?”
Kim's mouth popped open in an embarra.s.sed ”O.” Heat seared her cheeks. No wonder he'd been watching her. He was probably wondering what crazy chick was wandering around his property!
And as for the flowers? She doubted he meant them to symbolize anything romantic. Why would he? She was an idiot! The guy was probably just trying to be nice. Or maybe he thought giving her flowers would encourage her to leave. Worse-she would have to face him again in a few weeks at his brother's wedding.
With an inward groan she squeezed her eyes shut, wis.h.i.+ng she could start the day over. Or maybe the whole last decade. Then without further ado she set her jaw and looked up.
”Thanks for the roses,” she mumbled. And before she could embarra.s.s herself further, she hurried out the gate and back to the cupcake shop-where she belonged.
Acknowledgments.
I'D LIKE TO thank my editor at Avon Books, Lucia Macro, for giving me the opportunity to write this book series. It's been a dream come true.
And I'd like to thank my critique partners Jennifer Conner, D.V. Berkom, Chris Karlsen, and Wanda DeGolier for their inspiration and support.
About the Author.
Darlene Panzera writes sweet, fun-loving romance and is a member of the Romance Writers of America's Greater Seattle and Peninsula chapters. Her career launched when her novella The Bet was picked by Avon Books and New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber to be published within Debbie's own novel, Family Affair. Darlene says, ”I love writing stories that help inspire people to laugh, value relations.h.i.+ps, and pursue their dreams.”
Born and raised in New Jersey, Darlene is now a resident of the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and three children. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her family and her two horses and loves camping, hiking, photography, and lazy days at the lake.
Join her on Facebook or at .
Visitfor exclusive information on your favorite HarperCollins authors.
Also by Darlene Panzera The Cupcake Diaries: Sweet On You Bet You'll Marry Me Coming Soon The Cupcake Diaries: Taste of Romance Give in to your impulses . . .
Read on for a sneak peek at five brand-new e-book original tales of romance from Avon Books.
Available now wherever e-books are sold.
STEALING HOME.
A DIAMONDS AND DUGOUTS NOVEL.
By Jennifer Seasons LUCKY LIKE US.
BOOK TWO: THE HUNTED SERIES.
By Jennifer Ryan STUCK ON YOU.
By Cheryl Harper THE RIGHT BRIDE.
BOOK THREE: THE HUNTED SERIES.
By Jennifer Ryan LACHLAN'S BRIDE HIGHLAND LAIRDS TRILOGY.
By Kathleen Harrington An Excerpt from
STEALING HOME.
A DIAMONDS AND DUGOUTS NOVEL.
by Jennifer Seasons When Lorelei Littleton steals Mark Cutter's good luck charm, all the pro ball player can think is how good she looked . . . and how bad she'll pay. Thrust into a contest of wills, they'll both discover that while revenge may be a dish best served cold, when it comes to pa.s.sion, the hotter the better!
Raising his gla.s.s, Mark smiled and said, ”To the rodeo. May you ride your bronc well.”
Color tinged Lorelei's cheeks as they tapped their gla.s.ses. But her eyes remained on his while he took a long pull of smooth aged whiskey.
Then she spoke, her voice low. ”I'll make your head spin, cowboy. That I promise.”
That surprised a laugh out of him, even as heat began to pool heavy in his groin. ”I'll drink to that.” And he did. He lifted the gla.s.s and drained it, suddenly anxious to get on to the next stage. A drop of liquid s.h.i.+mmered on her full bottom lip, and it beckoned him. Reaching an arm out, Mark pulled her close and leaned down. With his eyes on hers, he slowly licked the drop off, his tongue teasing her pouty mouth until she released a soft moan.
Arousal coursed through him at the provocative sound. Pulling her more fully against him, Mark deepened the kiss. Her lush little body fit perfectly against him, and her lips melted under the heat of his. He slid a hand up her back and fisted the dark, thick ma.s.s of her long hair. He loved the feel of the cool, silky strands against his skin.
He wanted more.
Tugging gently, Mark encouraged her mouth to open for him. When it did, his tongue slid inside and tasted, explored the exotic flavor of her. Hunger spiked inside him, and he took the kiss deeper. Hotter. She whimpered into his mouth and dug her fingers into his hair, pulled. Her body began pus.h.i.+ng against his, restless and searching.
Mark felt like he'd been tossed into an incinerator when he pushed a thigh between her long, shapely legs and discovered the heat there. He groaned and rubbed his thigh against her, feeling her tremble in response.
Suddenly she broke the kiss and pushed out of his arms. Her breathing was ragged, her lips red and swollen from his kiss. Confusion and desire mixed like a heady concoction in his blood, but before he could say anything, she turned and began walking toward the hallway to his bedroom.
At the entrance she stopped and beckoned to him. ”Come and get me, catcher.”
So she wanted to play, did she? h.e.l.l yeah. Games were his life.
Mark toed off his shoes as he yanked his sweater over his head and tossed it on the floor. He began working the b.u.t.ton of his fly and strode after her. He was a little unsteady on his feet, but he didn't care. He just wanted to catch her. When he entered his room, he found her by the bed. She'd turned on the bedside lamp, and the light illuminated every gorgeous inch of her curvaceous body.
He started toward her, but she shook her head. ”I want you to sit on the bed.”
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