Architect, Craig Stone, hasn’t looked at another woman since his wife passed away four years ago. His time is taken—building a career while trying to be both mother and father to his eight-year-old son. But when his appointment with the largest development firm in Nashville is double-booked with a black-haired beauty, he finds himself reaching for new possibilities.
The attraction sets off more fireworks than the Fourth of July. Yet, their relationship is riddled with issues neither one of them expected. Somewhere in the middle they must find a way to compromise or let go of a chance for love they may never find again.
Fun Facts & Secrets:
I’m not the typical “I’ve been writing since I was 10” author. I read a lot of Nancy Drew in grade school, but quit reading altogether by the time I was twelve. I never liked English or Literature class. I was almost thirty when I picked up reading for pleasure again – starting with bookstore top ten’s, mostly mysteries. The first romance book I read was Lisa Kleypas’ Sugar Daddy. A received an autographed hardback as a gift. It sat on my bookshelf collecting dust for a year until Blue-Eyed Devil released. I finally picked it up and I’ve been hooked on contemporary and historical romance ever since.
I worked as a nanny in Connecticut the summer after I graduated high school. While there, I found a distant cousin I’d never met before, working as a nanny for another family in the same town.
I love shoes as much as Jenny does in Summer’s Family Affair, but I’m almost six-foot tall so I’ve never been able to pull off platforms or stilettos.
I don’t remember the first time I met my husband. I guess it wasn’t quite love at first sight? LOL. We did become high school sweethearts, though, and we’ve been married for twenty-five years now.
I also love scarves and jewelry. You can transform the simplest T-shirt into something really cute or even dressy with a scarf and a pair of earrings.
More than shoes and scarves, my biggest indulgence is going to my favorite local spa, Aqua Bella, and getting a massage and facial.
One of my secret dreams is to take a six-month sabbatical from my day-job and travel the world.
My best friend and I are going to San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma Valley this month. While there, we’re going up in a hot air balloon.
My all-time favorite two books are: Intensity by Dean Koontz and Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella. One will keep you on the edge of your seat, gripping your fists so hard your nails bite into your palms – the other will have you rolling on the floor, crying with laughter.
I’m not the typical “I’ve been writing since I was 10” author. I read a lot of Nancy Drew in grade school, but quit reading altogether by the time I was twelve. I never liked English or Literature class. I was almost thirty when I picked up reading for pleasure again – starting with bookstore top ten’s, mostly mysteries. The first romance book I read was Lisa Kleypas’ Sugar Daddy. A received an autographed hardback as a gift. It sat on my bookshelf collecting dust for a year until Blue-Eyed Devil released. I finally picked it up and I’ve been hooked on contemporary and historical romance ever since.
I worked as a nanny in Connecticut the summer after I graduated high school. While there, I found a distant cousin I’d never met before, working as a nanny for another family in the same town.
I love shoes as much as Jenny does in Summer’s Family Affair, but I’m almost six-foot tall so I’ve never been able to pull off platforms or stilettos.
I don’t remember the first time I met my husband. I guess it wasn’t quite love at first sight? LOL. We did become high school sweethearts, though, and we’ve been married for twenty-five years now.
I also love scarves and jewelry. You can transform the simplest T-shirt into something really cute or even dressy with a scarf and a pair of earrings.
More than shoes and scarves, my biggest indulgence is going to my favorite local spa, Aqua Bella, and getting a massage and facial.
One of my secret dreams is to take a six-month sabbatical from my day-job and travel the world.
My best friend and I are going to San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma Valley this month. While there, we’re going up in a hot air balloon.
My all-time favorite two books are: Intensity by Dean Koontz and Can You Keep a Secret by Sophie Kinsella. One will keep you on the edge of your seat, gripping your fists so hard your nails bite into your palms – the other will have you rolling on the floor, crying with laughter.
All thought froze, as a beautiful voice cut through the near-silence of the room. Craig stared at the portfolio for just a second more before turning his attention to the front desk. He couldn’t see far enough around the corner to get a good view. What he did see . . . a pair of black strappy stilettos.
“Better you than me. He’s in an awful mood. Jeffry was out for just three days and his temp messed up the entire week’s schedule.”
Craig quietly moved down the row of chairs. Though his line of sight was much improved, he still couldn’t see the face behind the voice.
“You know it’s only going to get worse. It’s just Monday. How bad is it, really?”
She must be leaning over the desk, because her voice was now a faint whisper and the scene that greeted him was a firm derriere and a pair of runner’s legs that made his heart skip a beat.
“I’m not sure. I do know that you’re double-booked with the gentleman sitting across the room. Don’t look now.” Someone cleared their throat. “He’s a new architect Nick’s consulting with on the expansion designs. Too expensive to reschedule. Sorry.”
“Oh.”
“Brandon’s supposed to be part of their meeting and the temp had it on his calendar for noon tomorrow, instead of nine today.”
“I guess I can take second place. Only because it puts Brandon at my mercy. Tell Jeffry to come to the lobby and we’ll work it out. I’m always flexible, especially when it gives me an edge.”
The women laughed, a beautiful melody that rang through his entire being. Craig watched as she straightened and he could now see long, wavy black hair, falling against a ruby-red silk blouse. She reminded him of a Victoria Secrets model—long and lean, with a hint of curve.
“That’s why I like you so much. It’ll be a few minutes, if you’d like to have a seat.”
Craig shifted his attention back to the contract in his hand and purposefully read the title five more times. Slowly. He listened as her shoes clicked across the hardwood floor, waiting until the sound stopped before turning in her direction. She’d taken the chair he’d previously occupied and was sliding her phone into a black designer clutch.
Then she greeted him with a smile that still held a spark of amusement. He took a deep breath and swallowed. She had a hint of summer tan that made her skin glow, a touch of sheer gloss on her lips, and chocolate-brown eyes that instantly warmed him to the core.
His throat went suddenly dry and his mind raced for something to say. He stared silently, feeling like a teenage boy who’d never spoken to a girl before. Somehow, he found his footing and stood, then walked over to the chair next to hers. “Craig Stone.”
“Better you than me. He’s in an awful mood. Jeffry was out for just three days and his temp messed up the entire week’s schedule.”
Craig quietly moved down the row of chairs. Though his line of sight was much improved, he still couldn’t see the face behind the voice.
“You know it’s only going to get worse. It’s just Monday. How bad is it, really?”
She must be leaning over the desk, because her voice was now a faint whisper and the scene that greeted him was a firm derriere and a pair of runner’s legs that made his heart skip a beat.
“I’m not sure. I do know that you’re double-booked with the gentleman sitting across the room. Don’t look now.” Someone cleared their throat. “He’s a new architect Nick’s consulting with on the expansion designs. Too expensive to reschedule. Sorry.”
“Oh.”
“Brandon’s supposed to be part of their meeting and the temp had it on his calendar for noon tomorrow, instead of nine today.”
“I guess I can take second place. Only because it puts Brandon at my mercy. Tell Jeffry to come to the lobby and we’ll work it out. I’m always flexible, especially when it gives me an edge.”
The women laughed, a beautiful melody that rang through his entire being. Craig watched as she straightened and he could now see long, wavy black hair, falling against a ruby-red silk blouse. She reminded him of a Victoria Secrets model—long and lean, with a hint of curve.
“That’s why I like you so much. It’ll be a few minutes, if you’d like to have a seat.”
Craig shifted his attention back to the contract in his hand and purposefully read the title five more times. Slowly. He listened as her shoes clicked across the hardwood floor, waiting until the sound stopped before turning in her direction. She’d taken the chair he’d previously occupied and was sliding her phone into a black designer clutch.
Then she greeted him with a smile that still held a spark of amusement. He took a deep breath and swallowed. She had a hint of summer tan that made her skin glow, a touch of sheer gloss on her lips, and chocolate-brown eyes that instantly warmed him to the core.
His throat went suddenly dry and his mind raced for something to say. He stared silently, feeling like a teenage boy who’d never spoken to a girl before. Somehow, he found his footing and stood, then walked over to the chair next to hers. “Craig Stone.”
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ReplyDeleteWhere did the your ideas of this book come from?
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the fun facts. Have a nice time in Napa, it's a great place.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this excerpt.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading "Fun Facts"! I love scarves and jewelry, too. I like to tie, twist, pleat and knot my scarves in different ways and I use the somewhat old fashioned scarf clips sometimes. I really like unique jewelry and I have a modest collection that I enjoy wearing. Your book sounds really great! Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteCynthia,
ReplyDeleteYou are a new author to me. I am interested in reading, "Summer's Family Affair".
How long have you been writing? How many books have you published?
Enjoyed reading the excerpt, and thx for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed learning about the book. Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThis book from this new to me author sounds very intriguing. I would enjoy reading this.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the chance!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like an interesting book ;)
ReplyDeletewhere is the best place for you to write?
ReplyDeleteYour book and series sound wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDelete