One to love one to hold.., p.26
One to Love (One to Hold #4),
p.26
“You think you’ll be that long?”
I released an exhale. “Hard to know, but if I am, I want you and Dex with me.”
Her eyes traveled around my face as she reached up to run her thumb across my cheek. “We can be there with you now if you want. My job travels.”
Our last weeks on the horse ranch flickered through my mind—the late nights, the bad nights. The night I had to leave everything and ride across the plains until I found him alone, camped near one of the falls. Stuart was fighting everything right now, including his will to live, and our progress was slow and painful.
“I’m not sure he’d appreciate company yet, but a lot can change in a month.”
A small voice squealed down the hall, and we both stopped. “He’s awake,” Melissa said with a grin, and I was up before she could move.
“I got this.” Scooping my boxers off the floor, I jerked them over my hips. “Be right back.”
Dex was holding the side of his crib, blue eyes bright and baby mouth grinning big when he saw me. A flash of love warmed my chest. “Come here, little guy.”
Scooping him up, he jerked back toward the crib. I only paused a moment to grab his blue blanket, putting it in his arms before he lay his dark head on my shoulder. “I’ve missed you,” I whispered, kissing him and taking a deep breath of sweet baby smell.
Melissa was in bed with her nightgown back on, but she was unfastening the tiny buttons down the front as I climbed in beside her.
“He’s getting so strong.” Dex reached for her as soon as I sat. “How long before he walks?”
She laughed stretching up to kiss my lips before taking him and sliding down on her side. “At least two more months,” she said, pulling him close to her breast.
“Good. Don’t want to miss that.”
Dex latched on quickly, and I reached down to touch the tiny fingers now curled against her soft skin. “Even this is hard to miss.”
“Give me a kiss,” she whispered, and I gladly complied.
Wrapping my arm around her shoulders as she gave our son his breakfast, I rested my chin on Melissa’s head. My eye caught the eagle and SF tattoo on my bicep, and that old secret I carried, the one that could take me away from her for a very long time itched at the back of my mind.
I thought about the news article. Slayer Bennett had gone from criminal to hero. I’d done just the opposite. At the same time, the law, the right thing, these concepts grew nebulous when I thought about what was at stake, the choice that was taken away from me.
Melissa had never pressed me for details about that night, and as yet I hadn’t given her any. Patrick’s advice was never to tell her. Not because she wouldn’t understand—she’d be hurt, but she’d understand. Rather, it was because she’d blame herself, he said.
Happy baby noises were in my ear, and my beautiful future wife was safe in my arms. The secret I carried was an issue only if I let it be, Patrick said. Our one other witness agreed with him. Yet the idea of hiding my crime grated against who I was, my status as a Marine, a retired officer. I was sworn to defend our laws. I’d helped prosecute criminals for a living.
Exhaling deeply, I pressed my lips firmly against Melissa’s head. My best friend was in trouble—his life could be on the line. My fiancée needed me here with her and my son. Questions of justice and atonement would have to wait. For now I had to focus on the ones I loved. My duty for today was with them, but that wouldn’t be the case forever.
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Bonus Content
-Hear some of the music that inspired One to Love on Spotify!
-See the images that inspired One to Love on Pinterest!
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Thank you for reading!
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed One to Love!
Kenny has been one of my favorite characters since I was planning One to Keep, Patrick & Elaine’s book. I knew her story would be heartbreaking and intense, and I hope you fell in love with her and Slayde as much as I did.
Up next, I’ll be diving into Stuart’s book. It promises to be intense as well, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve never written a cowboy romance before, and I hope to have more Elaine and Patrick, and I’m sure Mariska will be there... (wink)
Be looking for One to Leave around the end of 2014 or early in 2015.
I hope you’ll let me know what you think of my books! Email me your thoughts, feedback, what you liked—even what you didn’t like! I really like hearing from readers.
You can write to me at allnightreads@gmail.com or visit me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTiaLouise!
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Thank you again for spending time with me. I hope to hear from you in the future!
Stay sexy,
<3 Tia
* * *
Books by Tia Louise
One to Hold
(Derek & Melissa)
Derek Alexander is a retired Marine, ex-cop, and the top investigator in his field. Melissa Jones is a small-town girl trying to escape her troubled past.
When the two intersect in a bar in Arizona, their sexual chemistry is off the charts. But what is revealed during their "one week stand" only complicates matters.
Because she'll do everything in her power to get away from the past, but he'll do everything he can to hold her.
A STAND-ALONE, ONE TO HOLD NOVEL. Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
eBooks on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Google Play| Kobo | ARe
Print copies on Amazon | Createspace | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble
Audiobooks on Amazon | Tantor.com
* * *
One to Protect
(Derek & Melissa)
When Sloan Reynolds beats criminal charges, Melissa Jones stops believing her wealthy, connected ex-husband will ever pay for what he did to her.
Derek Alexander can’t accept that—a tiny silver scar won't let him forget, and as a leader in the security business, he is determined to get the man who hurt his fiancée.
Then the body of a former call girl turns up dead. She’s the breakthrough Derek’s been waiting for, the link to Sloan’s sordid past he needs. But as usual, legal paths to justice have been covered up or erased.
Derek’s ready to do whatever it takes to protect his family when his partner Patrick Knight devises a plan that changes everything.
It’s a plan that involves breaking rules and taking a walk on the dark side. It goes against everything on which Alexander-Knight, LLC, is based.
And it’s a plan Derek’s more than ready to follow.
A STAND-ALONE, ONE TO HOLD NOVEL. Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
eBooks on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Google Play | Kobo | ARe
Print copies on Amazon | Createspace | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble
Audiobooks on Amazon | Tantor.com
* * *
One to Keep
(Patrick & Elaine)
There’s a new guy in town...
“Patrick Knight, single, retired Guard-turned private investigator. I was a closer. A deal maker. I looked clients in the eye and told them I’d get their shit done. And I did...”
Patrick doesn’t do “nice.”
At least, not anymore.
After his fiancée cheats, he follows up with a one-night stand and a disastrous office hook-up. His business partner (Derek Alexander) sends him to the desert to get his head straight—and clean up the mess.
While there, Patrick meets Elaine, and blistering sparks fly, but she's not looking for any guy. Or a long-distance relationship.
Patrick’s ready to do anything to keep her, but just when it seems he’s changed her mind, the skeletons from his past life start coming back.
THIS IS A STAND-ALONE, ONE TO HOLD NOVEL. Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
eBooks on Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo | ARe
Print copies on Amazon | Createspace | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble
Audiobooks on Amazon | Tantor.com
* * *
One to Love
(Kenny + Slayde)
Tattoos, bad boys, love...
Boxing, fame, fortune...
Loss.
It’s the one thing Kenny and Slayde have in common. Until the night Fate throws them together and everything changes.
It’s a story about fighting. It’s about falling in love. And it’s about losing everything only to find it again in the least likely place.
A stand-alone, ONE TO HOLD novel. New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
eBooks on Amazon | iTunes | Kobo | Google Play | Barnes & Noble | ARe
Print copies on Amazon | Createspace
NOTE: All of my books are part of the “Kindle Matchbook” program. If you purchase the print copy of each book from Amazon, you can get the ebook version free! One copy for you, one for a friend. Click here for more details!
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Acknowledgments
Mr. TL has been my number one cheerleader since One to Hold went live a year ago. In January 2013, when I was writing One to Keep, he named Kenny, and she became his “pet” character. I couldn’t have been happier when he approved of Slayde, and I couldn’t do any of this without his support and nonstop encouragement. All my love and gratitude goes to you, my wonderful husband.
To my two precious daughters, who always want to know what story I’m writing... yes, they get the PG version. Thanks for being the best two kids on the planet!
When I decided to use tattoo quotes as title chapters, several faithful readers jumped on the bandwagon, sending me brilliant suggestions. Special thanks to Ilona Townsel, Mandie Jones, Jackie Wright, Pam Brooks, Mayra Statham, Heather Carver, and Kimberly Hulsey for all the rocking notes and pictures!
Ilona Townsel is my queen of feedback, encouraging notes, and thoughtful gifts, and of the Alexander-Knight Files. Love you, my friend! Huge thanks to Rebecca Bennett for giving Slayde her last name, and to Candice “Candy Love” Royer for Mariska. Two of my favorite characters from two of my favorite peeps! Christina Badder and Kimberly Hulsey are my queens of pictorial-book-love. I can’t tell you how much your surprise teasers make my day. Squeezes to both of you.
Mandie Jones, you keep me organized, you make my publicity sing!, and you helped me launch this baby. For all your hard work, I appreciate you so much. Couldn’t have done it without you—chocolate and vanilla high-fives!
Every person who has helped me, from beta reading to cover feedback to general encouragement when I was feeling overwhelmed is so dear to my heart. My street team “The Keepers”—enormous thanks to Chrissy Fletcher, Jas de la Cruz, Angela Craney, Holly Leffler, Rebecca, Heather, Jackie, Kimberly, Melissa Jones, Autumn Davis, Hetty Whitmore, Jess Danowski, Daphnie Bennett, Karrie Puskas, Lisa Maurer, Amber Gleisner, Christi Curtis, Elizabeth Roberts, Jennifer Noe, Kendall Barnett, Nicole Huffman, Becky Barney, Angie Lynch, Lisa Gerould, Richelle Robinson, Ginger Sharp, Isabelle Berube, Katrina Boone, Lorraine Black, Melissa Tholen, Louise Iwanenko, Marie Cline, Zee Hayat, Evette Reads, Tamela Gibson, Jennifer LaFon, Jennifer Engel, Theresa Gomez, Lucinda Pillsbury, Debbie and Ali (that takeover cherry!), Maria Barquero, Ellen Widom, Laura Goff, Jennifer Marr, and Shirl Stewart. You guys are made of awesome.
Christine with Books and Beyond Fifty Shades, all of the ladies of The Library, Fairy Book Club (Liz), Kinky Book Club (Ava), and Smexy Reads Book Club, my faithful book blogging friends Summer, Nadine, Ivie, Marissa, and too many more to name—you make my day every time you say “Sure! Glad to help out.” Love you all so much.
Last but never least, thanks to Natalie, Mary and the sisters at Love Between the Sheets for your amazing publicity services. Thanks to Steven Novak for the gorgeous cover design! And big love to my always-encouraging author-friends Aleatha Romig and Alisa Woods. You guys keep me going.
And to everyone who reads and loves my books,
Thank you!
About the Author
Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire all of her stories. *wink*)—turned wife, mommy, and novelist.
She lives in the center of the U.S.A. with her lovely family and one grumpy cat. There, she dreams up stories she hopes are engaging, hot, and sexy, and that cause readers rethink common public locations.
It’s possible she has a slight truffle addiction.
Books by Tia Louise:
One to Hold (Derek & Melissa), 2013
One to Protect (Derek & Melissa), 2014
One to Keep (Patrick & Elaine), 2014
One to Love (Kenny & Slayde), 2014
Amazon Author Page: http://amzn.to/1jm2F2b
Connect with Tia:
Twitter (@AuthorTLouise
Instagram (@AuthorTLouise)
Goodreads
Tumblr
Keep up with the guys on their Facebook Page: The Alexander-Knight Files.
* * *
Exclusive First Chapter
One to Hold
(Derek & Melissa)
How the series began...
Chapter 1: A One-Week Stand
In the cool darkness of the semi-crowded bar, I could allow the last year to dissolve into a hazy fog, a far-off memory. Each low thump of bass that disappeared into the dull roar of voices beat it further down. With a little more alcohol, it could even become a dream—something that never occurred in real life. Something that could be brushed aside like a phantom, not a true form. Not a reality that burned shame, low and deep in my stomach.
Bars had become a thing of my past, along with flirtatious passes from unfamiliar men, but sitting alone in this hotel club, hundreds of miles from home, I felt wonderfully liberated. I could be anyone. Any anonymous woman having a drink before bed. I could pretend to be free.
My eyes traveled to the dance-floor where younger women in shiny slip dresses and chunky stilettos twisted and swayed, their smooth blonde or red hair matching their movements. They squeal-laughed when songs they liked came on, and the lines around their eyes disappeared as soon as their cheeks relaxed. They could dance all night and still make it to work tomorrow, eyes sparkling.
A bitter laugh slid from my throat as I stared back into the amber drink I’d ordered. The thought of dancing all night made me tired.
The bartender didn’t notice me. I’d stood for almost five minutes trying to get his attention to order this drink, and it was gross. “Seven and seven” was all I could remember from the days when I used to order drinks for myself. It was a popular combination then, but I never liked the flavor. Refreshing citrus dragged down by a heavy undertone of bitter syrup. I took a long pull from the tiny red straw and winced.
I should’ve gone back to the room with Elaine. My best friend since childhood said what I needed was a trip to the desert. She’d booked us a week at the Cactus Flower Spa in Scottsdale, where we could get massages, sit in steam rooms, soak in mud, and let our tensions melt away with hot-wax pedicures. She said it would break me out of my “funk,” as she called it.
I didn’t have anything else to do this week.
It was with those sunny thoughts in my head that I saw him. At first I thought it was an accident, my eyes flickering across the square-shaped bar at the same time as his. Blue eyes, strikingly blue because of the way they stood out beneath his dark brow, coupled with collar-length, thick dark hair. He had a beard. I didn’t like beards—not even close-trimmed ones like his. He was huge. I could see his muscles from where I sat. His chest strained against the tight, black shirt he wore, and his biceps stretched the sleeves. I preferred smaller men, long and lean model-types.
