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Shopping for a Yankee Swap releases in two days! Read Chapter One and then look for two special giveaways.
Shannon
“You're killing me, Shannon,” Declan says over the Facetime video chat we're having. He's in Australia, on a quick layover for some meetings with a resort chain that might carry our coffee. A few years ago, as a wedding present, Declan bought me Grind It Fresh!, a small coffee chain with the best coffee I'd ever tasted. Some men would buy their new wife a necklace, or a fancy bike, or a special memento.
Mine went a little overboard.
We co-own and co-manage the chain of coffee shops. I handle on-the-ground issues at our headquarters here in Boston. He's the road warrior. His trip to Indonesia to negotiate Fair Trade coffee deals has been a big success, but he's been gone for three weeks.
Three entire weeks.
Three weeks of no kisses. Three weeks of no one to turn to for a silent hug, a quick smile, a simple vent. Yes, we have phones and texts and video chats, but it's no replacement for your lover's hot breath on the back of your neck as he initiates what you've been wanting, too.
The red garters had to come out, even if all we can do is have virtual nookie.
Given that he just missed Thanksgiving yesterday, and Christmas is coming soon, I might need to pull out my hot elf costume for old time's sake.
“I'm killing you? How about I kill you with my thighs wrapped around your face?” I tease.
His hand goes to his belt, pants unbuttoned, fly unzipped, one part of his body very much alive. Declan has eyes the color of heathered emeralds, framed by a strong face with broad cheekbones, and thick, dark hair. He stands tall, his shoulders straight, with a confidence that comes naturally. Unruffled and unraveled before me, breathing with a rough edge that speaks to desperation, I watch him on screen, a small smile curving my lips.
In public, he's an impenetrable wall, a steel fortress, an airtight container of business might and financial savvy.
In private, he's mine.
Read the rest of the chapter at my blog - scroll down for the link.
Under your tree 12.23.20, so order now
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