Always Remember (Memories)

New Adult Books:

The Love Game (The Game, #1)

Never Forget (Memories, #1)

Holding On (Memories, #1.5)

Always Remember (Memories, #2)

Coming Soon:

Playing for Keeps (The Game, #2)

Young Adult Books:

The Mauve Legacy series:

A Magical History

Truth, Lies, and Betrayal

The Beginning of the End

Just A Pawn

Prophecy

Unfulfilled –
Coming Soon

Rachel Walter, my ever-more amazing critique partner. Who else would understand my freak-outs the way you do? Your belief and support in me amazes me every day, and I can’t wait until it’s your turn.

Dani, Christina, Heather, Carey, and my newest beta, Zoe. Thank you so much for your input and being there since the beginning of this series. I love how much you love these guys.

Kathalene, for proofing this book. A fresh set of eyes does wonders, and yours does miracles. You’re awesome, lady!

My big brother, John, because I love that you’re proud enough of me to brag about my achievements until you’re blue in the face… And that you won’t see this unless Kim tells you because you refuse to read my books based on the sexual content. I laugh every time I think about that. Love you, bro.

My babies, Alexia-Belle and the currently unnamed blue bump – you might not know it, but you’re the reason my words make it to the rest of the world. You’re both my driving force for writing, and I love you more than words can express.

Finally, my partner, Darryl, always. Your support and belief in me amazes me, and I love that you finally understand the burning need inside me to tell these stories. Your words also help with the whole “getting inside a guy’s mind” thing. Oh, and the fact you’ve given me two amazing children. I will forever be thankful to you for sitting back and letting me chase my dream.

To my Dad.

Because my whole life I’ve strived to make you proud, and now, as I sit here with my dream made a reality as a New York Times bestselling author, I know I finally have. A part of me is at peace.

Thank you for being the brightest star in my sky, inspiring me each and every day, and wordlessly reminding me never to give up.

I couldn’t have done this without your unconditional love from beyond the grave.

“So this is it.”

“
We both know it, Carl,” I say regretfully. “The last fifteen months have been a nightmare. We barely see each other, our conversations are always rushed, and even when we do see each other we fight. Some couples can make a long distance relationship work, but I don’t think we’re that couple.”

He sighs, rubbing his hand over his face.
“You’re right. I think we both knew that a while ago, didn’t we?”

I chew the inside of my lip, nodding.
“We just wanted to make it last, I think, but we’ve just ended up dragging ourselves down. Neither of us are happy.” I tuck some hair behind my ear, battling against the sea breeze.

Carl shoves his ha
nds in his pockets and looks down. “I don’t feel as bad as I thought I would. I don’t mean that in a bad way-”

“
I know.” He glances up at me. “I feel the same. I think it’s ‘cause we both know it’s for the best. I mean, we’re not kids anymore.” I shrug a shoulder. “Sometimes life is full of funny twists and turns that take you somewhere you never expected. This is just a twist. For both of us.”

He exhales, leaning against the wall.
“I guess so. You’re going back to London now, then?”

I nod.
“Yeah. As much as I love seeing my family, after a week of cooing over Daisy and my room being ransacked by her, I’m ready to have my own space back.” I smile a little.

“
Well, be safe on the way back, yeah?” He looks at me.

“
I will.” I step towards him, hug him lightly, and kiss his cheek. “I’ll see you when I come back at Easter?”

He smiles.
“Count on it.”

I salute him playfully, and turn away. A pang of sadness hits me from what I
’m walking away from, but deep down I’ve accepted it, and I know I accepted it a long time ago.

Feelings don
’t always last forever. They can be as fleeting as a shooting star burning its way through the night sky. Carl was my shooting star, a quick flash in the span of my life. I’ll forever be thankful for what we shared, but it’s time to move on.

I leave the beach, turning for my house.
With Lexy staying in Lilac Bay for another week with Alec, my only way to getting home to London is by train. It’s not an appealing thought – actually, it’s downright bloody depressing – but what can I do?

My weekend job at Primark doesn
’t exactly pay me a millionaire’s wage.

I tuck my hands inside my sleeves, hunching my shoulders up against the wind. This is one thing I do not miss about Devon; the goddamn wind that, if I was half a stone lighter, I
’m sure would pick me up and toss me around like a one pound kite.

I look up from the pavement as I turn onto my street, and clench my teeth at the sight before me.
“This has got to be some sort of a joke.”

Bing turns, his arms crossed over his chest.
“Nope,” he replies. “I don’t see anyone laughing.”

“
What are you doing here?”

“
Lexy called me this morning… Said you were gonna have a bad day, and you were planning on going back to London tonight. She didn’t want you taking the train.”

I let my breath out slowly, my eyes focusing on Bing
’s face. “I’m a big girl, Samuel. I can take the train home.”

“
Oh, I know you’re a big girl,” he mutters in that husky voice that sends shivers down my spine. “I’ve been against that body, remember, Jennifer?”

I step up to him, my stomach rolling in anger.
“Correction – you were against the clothes on the body, and that’s all you were against.”

“
And if Lexy hadn’t have knocked on the door, there would have been a lot less clothing, and a lot more skin,” he whispers, his brown eyes burning into mine.

“
In your dreams,” I hiss, fighting my body’s reaction to his words. The annoying hi-we-were-your-knees-but-now-we’re-jelly kinda reaction.

“
Oh, Jennifer. I dream about skin on skin with you every night.” He smirks.

My finger jabs into his chest.
“Do not fuck with me tonight, Samuel. I am not in the mood for your asshole suggestions or cocky comments.”

He grins slowly, his eyes twinkling. He lifts his hand, dangling his keys from his finger.
“Did you want a lift or not?”

Six hours in a car with him. It
’s not the place I want to be right now, because although I’m now single and not exactly upset over it, he’s not the person I need to be around. Nope – moving on means keeping my eyes, thoughts, hands, and any other bodily part capable of touching to myself.

And much to my easily riled annoyance, it
’s damn impossible near that arrogant hunk of muscle and sexiness.

Jen steps away. “Fine. I’ll go get my stuff.”

“
No need,” I reply. “It’s already in the boot, and your bag is on the floor by the front seat.”

“
Presumptuous ass,” she grumbles, walking around my car. She yanks the door open, gets in, and slams it behind her.

“
Hey!” I get in next to her. “Piss off with the door slamming.”

She gives me an evil look out the corner of her eye.
“It’s the door or your face. Whichever one you’d prefer, Samuel. Personally, I’m down for whatever.”

I start the engine, smirking to myself.
“I wanna say face because it’s a part of me, even if it isn’t the body part I’d rather you be slamming right now.”

I hear the snap of her teeth, and I
’ve never been gladder to be driving. As much as I love winding her up, she’s got a right hook that would knock out Ricky Hatton.

“
You,” she grinds out. “Are the biggest goddamn asshole I’ve ever had the complete displeasure of meeting in my whole life.”

“
Yet you still can’t stay away from me.”

“
Believe me, if it wasn’t for the fact you’re my best friend’s brother, I’d be avoiding you as much as humanly possible.”

“
Or would you have given into my charm by now?”

“
What charm is that? It certainly isn’t anything endearing.”

“
Oh, she wounds me.”

“
The only thing I’ve ever wounded of yours is your ego.”

“
Whenever you fancy kissing it better, you know where to find me, babe.” I wink at her.

Jen looks at me with forced disdain.
“I wouldn’t kiss it if your ego was water and I was dying of thirst.”

“
I’ll just have to make sure that if that situation ever arises, my ego is made of vino instead of water, then.”

“
Have you had an award for your comedic statements yet? ‘Cause, really, Samuel, I applaud your complete and utter lack of hilarity.”

I grin.
“University has made you eloquent, Jennifer, and I see Devon has made you your usual snarky, bitchy self.”

“
I’ve always had a way with words.” She puts her feet on the dash, and I clench my jaw. “You just bring out the best in me, Sam.”

“
Get your feet down,” I order.

“
Oh, don’t you like it?” She turns her face to me, her eyes wide and innocent.

“
This isn’t the first time you’ve been in my car, Jen. You know it’s my baby. She stays clean.”

She grins widely, her sapphire blue eyes twinkling.
“Then I won’t tell you about the splatter of cow shit on the back.”

“
You’re kidding,” I deadpan.

“
Absolutely not.” She shakes her head.

“
Fuck sake,” I grumble, turning onto the link road.

“
Bet my Uggs aren’t quite so evil now, huh?” she says smugly, settling down into the seat.