Two Bites Too Many-Last Chance Enter Givewaway

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Click here. 

Someday Somehow-by Claudia Burgoa-Spotlight-Read an Excerpt

About the book 

Men and women can be friends.
At least that’s what I’ve been telling myself since George walked into my life.
We bicker as much as we have each other’s backs.
We’re inseparable.
So, she left to find herself and I feel like I can’t breathe without her.
It’s okay, it’s only temporary.
But when she walks back into my life, it’s on the arm of a stranger.
Her fiancé.
Seriously, I just realized I'm in love with her and she's engaged?

I have six weeks to convince George we’re meant to be together—not only in the kitchen or be forced to watch her marry another man.
Time is running out, and soon, she’ll be gone from my life.
I’m risking everything, will that be enough?

Someday, Somehow is a sexy romantic comedy that’s equal parts funny and flirty. Made of Honor clashes with When Harry Met Sally in a sweet and seductive love story of hopeful hearts and second chances. Bring the laughs and the tissues!

Read an excerpt

“This is crazy, right?” George says as she paces around my dad’s house one afternoon in February. “I mean, this is crazy.” 

What’s crazy, I think to myself, is how the longer we know each other the more we act like each other. Like how I sing in the shower now or how I alsoeat vegetables last on any dish. Case in point, why George is pacing right now, she never used to pace.

It’s uncanny how much time we’ve spent learning from each other...learning each other’s ticks and quirks until we reached this point of being unrecognizable without each other. 

Unrecognizable to the point where I don’t know who I am without George around to tell me what she thinks. I rely on her opinion at this point. I can’t imagine a day going by without making sure she doesn’t sleep through her back up alarm or making sure her coffee has just the right milk to sugar ratio 

“At least a third of milk but no more than a teaspoon of sugar,’ she says every so often. ‘If there isn’t sugar, give me flavored creamer. My coffee should be lighter than me but never lighter than you in the summer.” 

There’s so much of our daily routines and habits that are tied up in each other, especially since we’ve lived together for the past few years. Which is where I arrive at my current dilemma.
George applied for a culinary program in France and got in. But she doesn’t know if she wants to go.

“How is this crazy, exactly?” Ben says from where he’s lying on the floor. 

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1st Line Friday-Feat. The Glass House by Nancy Lynn Jarvis-Great Escapes Tour

Welcome to 1st line Friday where I share a book I am reading.  
Today let's check out . . . 

Here's the first line(s) . . . 

"R.E.S.", Pat belted out the letter with Aretha "P.E.C.T" as she pulled into the spot marked Law Librarian . . . 

And on page 56

. . ."I can't imagine any paper residue surviving the kiln heat, though. Oh well wherever they came from the need to go."

My 5 star review will appear here next week  To read more reviews, interviews and guest posts visit the tour. 

   

      

Two Bites Too Many by Debra H. Goldstein-Great Escapes Tour-Review/Giveaway

About the book 

Far from a domestic goddess, Sarah Blair would rather catch bad guys than slave over a hot stove. But when a dangerous murder boils over in Wheaton, Alabama, catching the killer means leaving her comfort zone . . .

Things are finally looking up for Sarah Blair following her unsavory divorce. Settled into a cozy carriage house with her sassy Siamese cat, RahRah, she has somehow managed to hang on to her modest law firm receptionist job and—if befriending flea-bitten strays at the local animal shelter counts—lead a thriving social life. For once, Sarah almost has it together more than her enterprising twin, Emily, a professional chef whose efforts to open a gourmet restaurant have hit a real dead end.

When the president of the town bank and city council is murdered after icing Emily’s business plans, all eyes are on the one person who left the scene with blood on her hands—the twins sharp-tongued mother, Maybelle. Determined to get her mom off the hook ASAP, Sarah must collect the ingredients of a deadly crime to bring the true culprit to justice. But as neighbors turn against her family, can she pare down the suspects before another victim lands on the chopping block?

Includes quick and easy recipes!

And others are saying 

This was a good cozy mystery with all the things I enjoy about this genre: small town, great atmosphere, good food, animals, multi-age characters, a bit of romance, an interesting crime, and a great sleuth.
~Carla Loves To Read

Two Bites Too Many allows its readers to fall into a completely different, tightly-bound family for a few hours. And who doesn’t want to do that? Highly recommended for cozy fans.
~Diane Reviews Books

And I thought 

I was delighted to have the chance to read the 2nd book in the 

Sarah Blair Mystery Series. 

I met Sarah's family and friends  in book 1 One Taste Too Many the characters and town are charming even though murder tends to be an event ever time Sarah's back is turned (or sometimes right in front of her). 

Two Bites Too Many has Sarah's mother Maybelle in the hot-seat again as the town banker Lance looses his life and Maybelle is the last one to see him alive in his office at the bank. 

When video tapes are compromised Harlan the families lawyer has to work hard to establish reasonable doubt to keep Maybelle out of jail. 

As the plot thickens Sarah's elderly neighbor is assaulted.  Funds are not accounted for at the 1st annual Animal Shelter fundraising event and Sarah witnesses murder #2.

I have enjoyed this cozy series that is set in a small town and around the catering/restaurant that Sarah's twin sister owns and operates.  Sarah end's up being 'snagged' into helping Emily with her business much to Sarah's chagrin.  But hanging out at catered events gives Sarah the opportunity to hear  tid bits of conversation and see towns folks reactions to each other that help Sarah and her amateur sleuthing. 

If you enjoy a good cozy mystery take the time to read this series. 

You'll enjoy the story, the story lines and the recipes at the end.  

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads. 

This book will be promoted on social media and this review 

may appear on blog parties and on My Journey Back blog. 

Buy the book 

Amazon  B&N  Kobo  Google Play 

Visit the tour

To read more reviews, guest posts, interviews and recipe posts click here. 

Giveaway

There is a special giveaway!  

Debra H. Goldstein is offering one reader of My Reading Journey a print copy of Two Bites Too Many. To enter leave 

a comment on this post!  One winner will be drawn on October 1.  

And, my readers have two chances to win.  Visit my other blog 

on September 30th to read Rah Rah's guest post leave a comment and you'll be entered in a chance to win! Visit my blog here.

The Garden Club Murder by Amy Patricia Meade-Great Escapes Tour

About the book 

Literary caterer Letitia ‘Tish’ Tarragon is preparing her English Secret Garden-themed luncheon for Coleton Creek’s annual garden club awards, but when she is taken on a tour of some of the top contenders with the garden club’s president, Jim Ainsley, Tish is surprised at how seriously the residents take the awards – and how desperate they are to win.

Wealthy, retired businessman Sloane Shackleford has won the coveted best garden category five years in a row, but he and his Bichon Frise, Biscuit, are universally despised. When Sloane’s bludgeoned body is discovered in his pristine garden, Tish soon learns that he was disliked for reasons that go beyond his green fingers. Have the hotly contested awards brought out a competitive and murderous streak in one of the residents?

And others are saying 

I really liked The Garden Club Murder, it’s so addictive and suspenseful that it’s really hard to put it down.
~LibriAmoriMiei

Friendships are strong, romance doesn’t always run smoothly, and good advice are all themes in this enticing novel. While this mystery is brought to a satisfying conclusion, the ending leaves us hungering for more.
~Laura’s Interests

The more or less enclosed setting of the retirement community makes an interesting backdrop for this well-written mystery. I also really like Tish and Jules, and that made this story that much more fun.
~The Book’s the Thing

Surprising ending as well as covering several areas that I did not see coming to say the last. Makes for a fun read that will have the reader engrossed while making them hungry yet wanting to garden all at the same time.
~Books a Plenty Book Reviews

There were some humorous observations, comments, and the dialogue is generally on the lighter side as the venue could have gotten a bit heavy given the community and the murder.
~Rosepoint Publishing

And I thought

As I think about how to write this review I am just kind of ambivilent.  

Don't get me wrong.  I really, really liked this read. 

But,  I am just torn with where the writer is going with this whole series. 

I loved the characters.  I loved the story line/plot of this installment in her series.  

Stepping in at book 2 was not a problem.  The Garden Club Murder is easily picked up and easily read and enjoyed without reading book 1.  

The problem...personally I didn't like the ending.  

But . . . you'll have to check out to see what I mean. 

What I did like was . . . all the characters.  The main cast and all the supporting cast.  Each one was fun and funny.  
Amy Meade does an excellent job of writing a story and creating characters that you'll just love.  And you won't want to see them go.  
Actually this was your typical Cozy Mystery with the main character having a knack for stumbling and getting involved in murder investigations whether they want to or not. 
The main character Tish does her best to stay out of the investigation.  But the people she meets at the garden club just can't seem to not tell her what is up. They are all like able characters. 
Tish's 'peep's are all fun.  I could not help but love Jules.  He is a great supporting cast member and one of Tish's Bestie's.

There is a bit of or I guess I should say the beginning of a love triangle.  

In The Garden Club Murder Tish begins to get into a little closer relationship with her boyfriend Schuyler...
This is where I get stuck ....I just kind of think he's trying 'too hard'.

Then there is the hunky Sheriff that is well available.  

I can't wait to read book 3.  I vote for the Sheriff.  Just sayin'

Buy the book 

Amazon – B&N – AbeBooks

Visit the tour

To read more reviews, interviews and guest posts click here. 

Giveaway

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Leine Basso Thrillers-Feat-Cargo-Silver Dagger Tour-Review

About the book 

An adventurous young backpacker, captured and sold. A black market merchant who will stop at nothing to amass the power he craves. The one woman who can stop him before he destroys everything…

Haunted by memories of an op gone bad, former assassin Leine Basso travels to Bangkok in search of a missing backpacker. With help from an old contact, she discovers the man responsible for the girl’s disappearance is connected to a violent Hong Kong triad and is the linchpin of an extensive trafficking network—both animal and human.

Making enemies isn’t new for Leine, but making one in the triad is—she soon finds herself a prisoner on board a cargo ship headed for sub-Saharan Africa. To ensure her survival and to continue her hunt for the missing girl, she must join forces with Derek, an ivory poacher who promises to help her.

For a price.

And I thought

I am enjoying this series.  As part of the Silver Dagger Tour

I have been binge reading The Leine Basso Series and I am loving it.  

As displayed in the media kit Cargo book 5 is a riveting adventure.  

Although I enjoyed the story/plot and I have enjoyed each book in the series because I like Leine Basso I really enjoyed this one because of the adventure in Africa.  Author D V Berkom gave this reader a glimpse of the nature of this beautiful continent.  Part of the story took place at a wild life reservation and part took place in a 'Out Of Africa' type Glamping/Hunting Adventure.  Sadly the bad guys ran the show and nothing was as it seems. 

There is danger lurking.  Much of the staff that manage the adventure are indentured slaves that are physically and emotionally abused and even murdered if the wind blows the 'right' way.  For these guys human life and even the wildlife is not sacred. 

In Cargo Leine meets Derek an African native when they are both kidnapped and end up spending the trip to African together in a container aboard a ship taking other kidnap victims that become slaves. 

Together Leine and Derek thwart the bad guys and save a few of the victims. 

Cargo is a great adventurous, thrilling read.  There is danger and murder.  And just a tad of romance between Leine and her detective boyfriend but the bedroom door is shut.  

This has been a fast and easy series for me to read because I love this type of book.  

If you enjoy a good thriller check out the Leine Basso Series. 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads.  

The Silver Dagger Tour  and the Leine Basso Series will be promoted on Social Media. 

Buy the book 

Amazon

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1st LIne Friday-Feat.-The Garden Club Murder by Amy Patricia Meade-A Great Escapes Tour

Welcome to my Friday Feature. . . it's all about Features.

Today I am Featuring 

I've already finished this one and loved it (my reviews posts next week)  I think you'll love it too.  

Here's the first few lines. . . 

'Good Lord!"  Jules Jefferson Davis exclaimed. . . 'It's like The Stepford Wives meets Cocoon.'

And on about page 56 . . .

The end of chapter 4 . . . 

'Because,' Tish nearly sang, 'I already told you. I don't want to get involved with the investigation.'

I received a complimentary copy of The Garden Club Murder 

from Great Escapes Tours.  My review will post here  next Wednesday the 25th.  Visit the tour now at Great Escapes read reviews, guest posts and interviews.  Click here. 

The Friday 56

Click here

Click Here

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The Healer's Daughters by Jay Amberg-I Read Book Tours-Review/Author Interview/Giveaway

About the book 

A terrorist bombing in Bergama, Turkey kills twenty-three people including three children. Modern Bergama is built on the site of ancient Pergamon, a city whose art and wealth and culture rivaled Athens. It was also the home of the Aesklepion, the world’s greatest healing center, and the birthplace of Galen, the Roman Empire’s most famous doctor.

Tuğçe Iskan, a Turkish Ministry investigator, finds evidence that links the terrorism to a powerful criminal family and to Galen’s life and Pergamon’s lost treasures. But Iskan is alone, an outcast in the Ministry because she is honest, diligent, and a woman.

As Iskan delves more deeply into the heinous attack, she needs allies outside the Ministry. She must turn to Özlem Boroğlu, a local archeologist, and Boroğlu’s daughter Elif, an artist with an affinity for ancient Aegean goddesses. Can these three women defeat ISIL terrorists, criminal oligarchs, and corrupt officials? Can they even survive?

And others are saying 

"Amberg...shines at creating distinctive characters. Elif and others, for example, conduct a ritual to remember lost lives, which is a striking contrast to others who use the "Bergama Bombing" to boost their political careers. Moreover, Amberg deftly shows how viewing unfamiliar cultures as exotic can be insensitive; Özlem confronts a crass British photographer who thinks nothing of snapping pictures of praying mourners... A large, memorable cast augments this dramatic mystery/thriller." --Kirkus Reviews

"Keep[s] readers on their toes. With its powerful blend of Turkish cultural explorations, international intrigue, a treasure hunt, historical references, and characters who hold their own special interests close to their hearts, The Healer's Daughters is an exceptional thriller that proves hard to put down." --Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

"All the elements [of] a compelling thriller--international terrorism; a greedy, powerful and ruthless criminal family; a group of inept, corrupt and "bought" government officials; a secret, elite, and clean anti-terror department of the said, corrupt government; and a principled, high-minded academic who will stop at nothing to ensure her country's past and valuable heritage is preserved for the ages." --Grant Leishman, Readers' Favorite

"Drama, pressure, and tensions mount in a plot with great descriptive writing and scene setting.... A glimpse into different cultures, beliefs, and economies [and an] adventure filled with fear, danger, and discovery." --K.J. Simmill, Readers' Favorite
​

And I thought

A thrilling ride that is hard to put down. The Healer's Daughters 
is filled with lots a lover of books can enjoy.  There is suspense and danger,drama and much more.  It is interesting because of it's setting and just might give the reader a glimpse into a culture that is somewhat foreign.  

The main characters and their heart and strength pull you into the story and keep you interested through the twists and turns and the 
suspense. 

If you enjoy a good thriller.  Check this one out. 

I received a complimentary copy. 
My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads. 

Click here to read an Excerpt

An Interview wit the author . . . 

Q: Do you like chocolate?

A: I am a serious fan of dark chocolate. My current addiction is TCHO 70% Cacao (“with rich chocolatey notes”).

Q: Where do you write?

A: Over the years, I have gradually become able to write almost any place. I do, though, have a favorite place—Guanajuato, Mexico. Almost every year, I run away from my home in Chicago to GTO because I am able there to turn off all the clocks and to eat a lot of sunlight, neither of which I can do regularly in the American Midwest. I can write within each day.

Q: Do you write every day?

A: When I’m in writing mode, I need to write every day. If I let the work go for even one day, I run the risk of losing the story’s momentum. I used to have to write early in the morning before the normal diurnal chaos of my life intruded, but I have gradually become able to write at other times. I’m still, though, impelled to work every day.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: I’ve been writing as long as I can remember. When I was in graduate school, I wrote a piece for The English Journal about the history of my writing from first grade through the beginning of college. The early doggerel was especially painful to revisit, but the piece did provide evidence that I was always writing.

Q: Do you experience writer’s block?

A: I’ve never experienced writer’s block for an extended period, but I have intermittently gotten stuck. I find that a long walk, a ramble, works wonders. My unconscious (and, for that matter, my conscious mind) works better on the problem if I’m outside wandering around.

Q: What advice do you have for young writers?

A: Two thoughts: 1. Write. A writer writes. That’s what a writer does. Write every day. Sit down to the task even when it’s not going well. 2. Read. Read voraciously! Not just the classics. Not trash, but everything else. You really will learn as if by osmosis.

Buy the book 

Amazon.com ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Amika Press
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A Flair For Flip-Flps by Deborah Garner-Beck Vally Tour-Review

About the book 

A vacation on the Southern California coast promises rest and relaxation for flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer and her mischievous Yorkie, Coco. But when the body of a heartthrob celebrity washes up on the beach outside her luxury hotel suite, Sadie's fun-in-the-sun soon turns into sleuthing-with-the-stars.

The resort's wine and appetizer gatherings, suspicious behavior of hotel guests, and casual strolls along the beach boardwalk may provide clues, but will they be enough to discover who the killer is?

Or will mystery and mayhem leave a Hollywood scandal unsolved?

*Recipes included! 

And I thought 

I felt like I was on vacation.  Deborah Garner took this reader right into the story with great narratives and descriptions!

This was my first chance to meet Sadie Kramer and Coco and what a delight it was!  I have the remaining part of the series on my TBR list!

Sadie is fun and charming and funny.  And Coco offers a few laughs as well. 

Sadie's fun in the sun doesn't last long as just a few hours into her stay a celebrity misses dinner and then washes up on the shore just outside Sadie's door.  So sleuthing begins along with a new friend staying at the resort too. 

There are some great twists and turns but the truth comes out in the end.  The who dun it is solved and Sadie and CocCo are ready for their next mystery.  

I enjoyed A Flair For Flip-Flops and look forward to reading more in the series. 

I received a complimentary copy. 

My review will appear on retail sites and Good Reads. 

A Flair For Flip-Flops will be promoted on social media. 

Visit the tour

Click here to visit the tour and enter the Giveaway

Giveaway

A Flair For Flip Flops by Deborah Garner-Beck Valley Tour

NEW RELEASE....

A vacation on the Southern California coast promises rest and relaxation for flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer and her mischievous Yorkie, Coco. But when the body of a heartthrob celebrity washes up on the beach outside her luxury hotel suite, Sadie's fun-in-the-sun soon turns into sleuthing-with-the-stars.

The resort's wine and appetizer gatherings, suspicious behavior of hotel guests, and casual strolls along the beach boardwalk may provide clues, but will they be enough to discover who the killer is?

Or will mystery and mayhem leave a Hollywood scandal unsolved?

*Recipes included!

Available to buy from....
Amazon Kindle    Paperback 
*Free on Kindle Unlimited

"Deborah Garner is gifted at bringing each character to life. She adds details seamlessly, making it seem like you know these people. She presents scenarios that have you thinking you know who did it, and then in the next sentence you are second guessing yourself. And that is to say, this is a great “who done it” … it gets 2 thumbs up from me :)" - reviews Tracy Helps You

"I love the way Deborah Garner describes everything in this book, and I can't wait to read more in this series! This book literally kept me guessing until the very end." - reviews Sanity is for those without children

"Deborah Garner has created a unique and very flamboyant main character who seems to find trouble all by herself and turns into an amateur sleuth!" - reviews Miki's Hope

Above reviews from A Flair for Chardonnay (A Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery Book 1)

A Flair for Chardonnay (The Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery Book 1)

When flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer learns the owner of Cioccolato, her favorite chocolate shop, is in trouble, she heads for the California wine country with a tote-bagged Yorkie and a slew of questions. The fourth generation Tremiato Winery promises answers, but not before a dead body turns up at the vintners’ scheduled Harvest Festival.

All four Tremiato siblings have possible motives, as well as a few peripheral acquaintances, but only one could be the guilty party. As Sadie juggles truffles, tips and turmoil, she’ll need to sort the grapes from the wrath in order to find the identity of the killer.

Available to buy from....
Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk 

*Free on Kindle Unlimited

A Flair for Drama (The Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery Book 2)

When a former schoolmate invites flamboyant senior sleuth Sadie Kramer to a theatre production, she jumps at the excuse to visit the Monterey Bay area for a weekend. With quaint Carmel shops a short drive away and luxurious linens in her hotel accommodations, the excursion promises to be both entertaining and relaxing.

Plenty of action is expected on stage, but when the show's leading lady turns up dead, Sadie finds herself faced with more than one drama to follow. With both cast members and production crew as potential suspects, will Sadie and her sidekick Yorkie, Coco, be able to solve the case?

Available on the following sites....
Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk 
*Free on Kindle Unlimited

A Flair for Beignets (The Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery Book 3)

When Sadie Kramer heads to New Orleans with her sidekick Yorkie, Coco, her sole expectation is a spectacular vacation. With fabulous music, exquisite cuisine, and rich culture, how could a week in The Big Easy be anything less than fantastic? And it is - until a customer at popular Chez Lisette Patisserie drops dead face-first in a raspberry-almond tart.

A competitive bakery, a newly-formed friendship, and even Hotel Arnaud-LeBlanc’s luxurious accommodations offer possible suspects. As Sadie sorts through a gumbo of interconnected characters, will she discover who the killer is? Or will the killer discover her first?

Available on the following sites....
Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk 
*Free on Kindle Unlimited

A Flair for Truffles (The Sadie Kramer Flair Mystery Book 4)

Sadie Kramer's friendly offer to deliver three boxes of gourmet Valentines truffles for her neighbor's chocolate shop, Cioccolato, backfires when she arrives to find the intended recipient deceased. Even more intriguing is the fact that the elegant heart-shaped gifts were ordered by three different men.

With the help of one detective and the hindrance of another, Sadie will search San Francisco from the prestigious financial district to a low-life bar, to iconic Fisherman's Wharf, looking for clues. With the help of her trusted sidekick Yorkie, Coco, will Sadie manage to find out "whodunnit" before the killer finds a way to stop her?

Available on the following sites....
Amazon.com    Amazon.co.uk 
*Free on Kindle Unlimited

About the author

Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

Find the author on the following sites...

Website   Facebook   Twitter   Google+   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page   Bookbub

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I received this book to review through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

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Single Dad by Noelle Adams-Release Blitz

This is a Promotional post. 

I have not read this book.

Single Dad (Milford College #3) by Noelle Adams is available NOW!

Book Info:

Title: Office Mate

Series: Milford College #3

Author: Noelle Adams

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Trope: no-strings-attached; single dad

Summary

The last thing I want is to partner on a library exhibit with Max, a hot new art professor at my college, but it's part of my job as librarian so I don't have a choice. My attraction to him is intense and immediate, but I'm taking a break from dating so I can focus on myself. I don't need a distraction like Max.

He's a single father, and that's the only thing he can focus on now. He's never going to take a relationship with me seriously, no matter how much I want him to.

Single Dad is the third book in the Milford College series, novellas about the faculty and staff of a small liberal arts college.

 

Enjoy a fragment

I’m pretending to work on email but mostly giving myself a pep talk when there’s a tap on my half-open door.

I turn around with a practiced smile, only to freeze when I see Max standing in my doorway, dressed in tan trousers and a black Oxford with that intimate smile on his face.

It’s unseemly for a man to look that sexy. A universal injustice.

“I’m three minutes early, but surely you aren’t surprised to see me,” he says.

“Come on in. Of course I’m not surprised.”

“Then why do you look like you’ve been socked in the gut?”

“I don’t look like that.”

“How do you know? You can’t see yourself.”

I roll my eyes, my annoyance at this teasing overcoming the rush of attraction that had paralyzed me. I stand up. “Let me show you the books.”

“Ah. I’m back to being treated with cold-as-ice professionalism.” His smile is even warmer than before, so it’s clear he isn’t remotely offended.

I roll my eyes again. “I’m not treating you cold as ice.”

“It feels kind of icy to me. And here I was being nice and bringing you lunch.” He raises a bag he’s been holding that I only half noticed before.

“You brought me lunch?”

“I brought us lunch, but if you don’t want me to eat with you, I can take mine with me.”

“Why did you bring lunch?” I’m filled with another rush of pleasure.

“Because I figured I was using up your lunch break, and I thought you might be hungry. I’m a nice guy that way. You just haven’t realized it yet.”

“I know you’re a nice guy.”

“Do you?”

“Yes. I do.” I’m afraid I might be gazing at him fatuously, and he’s going to be able to see it. So I clear my throat and give myself a mental shake. “Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know. Like I said before, I’m still trying to figure you out. So do you want some lunch?”

“What did you get?”

“I didn’t know what you would want, so I got two kinds of salad, three kinds of sandwiches, and some pasta salad. I’ll eat whatever you don’t want.”

I gape at him. “You’ll eat two salads and two sandwiches?”

He laughs as he pulls containers and wrapped sandwiches out of the bag. “I could, but I probably won’t. You’ll have to eat half this stuff.”

“I can’t eat half of all this. You do see the size of me, don’t you?” I’m checking the labels and getting excited at every one I see. They’re just half sandwiches, so I pick the chicken salad on sourdough and the small Greek salad.

“Yes. I see the size of you.”

My breath hitches at his shift of tone. When I lift my eyes to meet his, I’m trapped by the heat of his gaze. His eyes are running up and down me, from my loose hair to my sandals. I’m wearing a long, soft skirt today in a pretty, feminine print. It’s not a sexy outfit, but I feel that way under his possessive gaze. My whole body starts to pulse.

When I realize what I’m feeling, I wrench my eyes away from his and focus down on my food again. I sit in my desk chair with an awkward flop.

He appears in better condition than me, but he doesn’t say anything else as he takes the turkey club and the pasta salad. He hands me a napkin and utensils, and we begin to eat.

“Thank you for this,” I say, after I’ve swallowed a bite of sandwich. It’s really good.

“You’re welcome. Thanks for your help with the exhibit.”

“No problem. The books are over there.”

“Great. We can look at them after we eat.”

His suggestion makes sense since we obviously don’t want to get food all over the books I’ve collected for him. But it extends our time together longer than I was hoping.

It would be so much easier and better for my state of mind if I could get him out of here in ten minutes.

No such luck.

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