Always His (Crazed Devotion #1) (27 page)

“You’re an ass,” I said as she turned around with a full tray of drinks and walked toward the group near the pool tables. Sometimes I found myself planning a slow, tortuous payback on my younger sister. She thought she had it all figured out.

“Speaking of men,” Nicole said, and I turned around to face her, “Ben actually ar—”

“Don’t get me started on Ben. He’s to blame for my mood.” I reached inside my purse and grabbed my phone. “He’s been texting me for over an hour, going on and on about this connection we have.”

I thrust my phone at her. “I’m cursed, you know it and so do I. Connection or not, Nicole, I am not built for what you and Ryker have. I live in self-destruct mode, and that man needs to steer clear of me if he knows what’s good for him.” I let out a deep breath and laid my phone on the bar top when she wouldn’t take it. “Besides, he’s in Germany and I’m here,” I added.

“About that,” Nicole said, and I looked up to find her looking over my shoulder.

When I turned to see what it was, my heart felt as if it lurched upward into my throat.

“Hey, Wildcat, you done ignoring me yet?” Ben’s deep, husky, amused tone ran through me like a mad rush of heat.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

“Didn’t Nicole and Ryker tell you? I live here now.”

I looked back over my shoulder and narrowed my eyes at my best friend. “No,” I replied. “It seems they both forgot to mention it.”

Just as I turned back around to face Ben, I saw Paul approaching me. He was the guy I always fell back on whenever I needed a little release. Now Ben was here, it only made what I’d planned for tonight feel dirty.

“Hey, baby, you ready?” Paul asked as he stepped up to Ben’s side.

My stomach dropped when a look of anger washed over Ben’s features. I slid from the barstool with every intention of telling Paul there was a change of plans, but Ben spoke first.

“You better get going,
baby
,” he said in a disgusted tone. “You wouldn’t want to keep your guy waiting.” He didn’t even give me a backward glance as he turned around and walked toward the bar, leaving me behind to feel like the biggest bitch.

And there was my confirmation that I was, in fact, cursed when it came to guys and relationships. Even when I wasn’t trying to fuck things up, I still managed to.

To Melissa Gill from MG Book Cover & Designs. It has been awesome working with you, and I look forward to many more in our future. Thank you so much for your dedication and bringing Nicole and Ryker to life. Check out her wonderful creations at
MG Book Cover & Designs.

To Amy Giles, my proofreader. It was such a pleasure working with you. I appreciate you taking the time to read through my work and offering your feedback. You are a Gem.

The Charmed Girls
, you are all amazing. The continued support you show me is something I will never be able to express just how much it means to me. Thank you all for sharing my work and for just being you.

Thank you, Lydia, because you are a true friend and motivator. Always making me laugh and smile. We are an amazing team, and your friendship means the world. Thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders.

Maria, no, I have not forgotten about you and never could. You are always there willing to read through my roughest drafts and give me feedback. You give me a boost when I hit a dead spot and get me back on track. Thank you for being the push I need to continue on.

To my husband and children. Thank you for being the best part of my days. For tolerating me when I get lost in the world of fiction and understanding that sometimes dinner may be a little late. Jayden and Tayler, no matter how many books I write, you two will always be my best creations.

My fans, I am always so humbled by your support. Those random messages I received after you read my books, whether it be something big or small, I truly love them. Hearing what you think, in my eyes, is one of the greatest things about releasing a new book. I am never too busy for you.

A little about me, let’s see where to start.

I love HEA stories, as long as they come packing a little heat. I need some excitement, some angst, and moments that make me fan my face, those are always good too. I am an Illinois girl, born and raised. Simple and true, it honestly doesn’t take much to make me happy. I love the little things, they truly mean the most. I may have a slight addiction to my new Keurig—oh my, that thing is a godsend. And so fast too. I have two children who truly are my very best friends. Their faces never fail to put a smile on my face. I have been married to my husband for sixteen years, and even though at times I want to beat him with a stick, I would never change the years we have had. We have learned and fallen, only to pick each other up, dust off the aches, and help each other make it right.

I am one of those authors that adore my fans. I love to hear from you. After all, it is because of each one of you that I continue to write. I look forward to you feedback.

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