Monday, December 10, 2018

The Pieces that Built Me Blog Tour



The Pieces that Built Me
by Amber Lacie
New Adult Romance







Every person is a puzzle made up of many different pieces, each connecting perfectly to the pieces around it. After a while, a picture begins to come into focus, and then we, the puzzle creator, can finally make sense of the beauty displayed before us.
It was different for me. Some of my pieces were bent or twisted, but I made them fit. It wasn’t until I finally let him in that I realized I was missing one important piece…

Love.

I knew how to give it. What I didn’t know was how to accept it––until he showed me how…




“Do you remember the first day we met?”
“Yeah––I was waiting with Daniel at school and you walked up.  Why?”
“That was the first day I started writing my own songs.  As hard as I tried, they always felt empty. Do you remember the first time we kissed?”
A soft smile formed on my lips as I remembered the way his soft lips felt against mine.  “Perfectly.”
“I couldn’t get it out of my head.  Words were slamming against each other in my mind.  That night I put my heart onto paper. It was the first time I felt like I was doing something.  I knew at that moment, music was my calling. I mean, yeah, I thought about it before, but I always felt like I was trying too hard.  You came along, and I didn’t have to try anymore.”
Flying.  It’s the only word I could use to describe what I felt at that moment. His words made me feel weightless.  I was soaring above the clouds with the stars. It’s still one of my favorite memories. I felt beautiful, loved, and wanted.  It was perfect.
August pressed a soft kiss to my forehead as I closed my eyes, reveling in his touch.  “This is the very first note I wrote after we kissed. It was the note.  It’s everything.”

He was leaning against the building with one leg bent behind him, and he was swinging his keys around on his index finger.  I stepped out onto the sidewalk and my stomach flipped a little as I watched him rake his bottom lip through his teeth. Every time I saw him he got more attractive.  He was forbidden. He was everything that was wrong. If he was the poison apple, I was Snow White, and I was going to sink my teeth into him.
“Damn.  You look amazing.”
I smiled, as I tucked a stray curl behind my ear.  




“There she is.”
“There who is?”
“The girl I knew in high school.  Remember her? She was the one I fell in love with.”  Being a songwriter gave him an advantage over me. I could never match my words for his.  It was a battle I would never win.
“You should know she’s gone, August.  She left a long time ago.” I shifted on my feet.
“No, she’s just hiding.”
I took a step back.  “I don’t remember you being this witty and sure of yourself.”  Deflection.  It was the only move I knew how to do well.
He saw my move and countered me.  “What do you remember?”
Memories flooded my mind as I closed my eyes.  “I remember the garage. You would play your guitar and try to get the others to learn the notes you had in your head.  I remember leaning back on my dad’s bikes and pretending not to watch, when I was.”
“What else?”
“I remember the first time you grabbed my hand.  I was so nervous, but you didn’t notice. Do you remember when we would sneak around school, trying to see each other without being caught?”
“Yeah.  I remember your lips always tasting like the bubblegum you were chewing.  The first time I saw you, my heart skipped a beat and I couldn’t catch my breath.  I watched you walk away that day and every time we’ve been together since. I don’t look away until you’re gone.”
His heart may have skipped beats, but mine was jumping valleys.  “Why?”
August shrugged his shoulders as if it all made sense.  “What if you changed your mind and you wanted to come back to me?  I didn’t want to be the one to walk away. I didn’t want to miss a moment with you.”
“Is that a song?”
“No.”
“It should be.”














Indie-Award Winning Author Amber Lacie is about all things books, glitter, and shenanigans. Never without a book or caffeinated goodness, she's managed a husband that worships at her alter and two awesome kiddos, all while pumping out tales of love and suspense. Growing up in Chicagoland, she's seen the nitty, and knows the gritty. As for love and home, that landed her in Beverly Shores, Indiana where she dreams up adventures for her characters so that you the reader can explore new bends in the road. Buckle up.


Tuesday, December 4, 2018

Random Live Writes Haney Hayes Promotions Presents S.I. Hayes and Savannah Morgan

Haney Hayes Promitons Presents 

S.I. Hayes and Savannah Morgan


Song: Wrong Side of Heaven  By Five Finger Death Punch  


S.i. Hayes M16's, shrapnel, our paratroopers coming in. The LZ is saturated in blood and bodies, it was an ambush, there was no way of knowing. We had no way out if the Huey couldn't see the colored smoke three click up. Noise and then the screaming....

I wake up my body covered in a layer of sweat. I rub my thigh, all that's left of my legs. The woman besides me stirs. She's been with me through it all. But sometimes I wonder. Is all out of love or obligation?

Savannah Morgan I feel her turn to face me, her soft hand gently placed on my shoulder. My first reaction, to shrug her away. I've been doing that since I returned home. Always needing to shoulder this burden alone.
"I'm here, if you need me." Her soft voice whispered in the air.
All I could do was grunt, as I feel her hand slip away.
I rub my thighs harder. Anger building up inside. Was it her love that had turned to obligation, or my hell that turned her that way?

S.i. Hayes "I wish you'd talk to me?" She murmurs. "Do you need a pill?"
I nod. "Thank you." Watching her as she gets up, so smoothly, so easily. Her legs flexing under her silk night gown. She still dresses for me, even if I can’t always be the man she longs for. That has to be love... Right?

Savannah Morgan As she returns to the bed, I admire the view. Her curves highlighted in the weak light through the silk. Hating myself for entertaining the thought that she would want the intimacy we once shared when I'm all but crippled now, my eyes go to hers.
"Damn," the word slipped from my lips unbidden.
The hot twinkle in her eyes said she wasn't looking at cripple. They screamed she wanted her man.

S.i. Hayes Her lip curves and my eyes trace every inch of her as she pulls the nigh gown over her head, letting it drop to the floor. "You like what you're seeing?" She crawls across the bed, her full DD's swaying. My cock twitches some. Maybe, just maybe.

Savannah Morgan She crawls, prowls toward me from the foot of the bed. Hell, she was hot the day I met her, but the years since has only added to her beauty. Confidence. That's what it was. She was confident in what she wanted. Moreover, the desire firing her eyes tol…See More

S.i. Hayes Her hands are small, but that doesn't make their grip any less firm, what it does do is make my already large cock, look fucking huge. She strokes me and I groan. Seeing her kiss down me has me aching with need and anticipation as she pulls me free of my underwear. Wet warm mouth on me, she take me down deep and I lace my fingers into her long smooth hair.
"Baby, enough, I wanna be inside you."

Savannah Morgan I feel her lips curve into a smile as she slowly pulls her mouth along the length of me. I hear a small pop as the tip of my throbbing cock leaves her full lips.
"In a minute. Don't rush me. I'm having my favorite treat."
Her voice is husky. That perfect tone between naughty vixen and sexy slut. She gets me every time I hear her talk that way.
My cock jumps in her hands, landing perfectly on her lips; and I feel her swallow me once again. My fingers tighten in her hair. The need to fuck her mouth riding me hard. It feels like forever since we've been like this. It had. It was another lifetime. So much had changed. It hit me then. I was the one that changed. She had stayed the same. Her love for me had never changed.
It was like coming out the other side of Hell.
I gripped her head and pulled her up my body. One hand buried deeper into her hair as the other found the fullness of her breast. The nipple hard as stone.

S.i. Hayes She grabs my hips and i push off the bed with my hands, pumping into her mouth. once twice. Feeling me seize she pops off and straddles me. I'm instantly enveloped in her wet warm body. She grabs my shoulders and lifts up on me, only to slip back down.
"Give it to me. All of it. I can take it" She demands.
I thrust up. Giving her everything I have. My anger, my hate, frustration. Fear. As I give over to what I’ve missed. I'm filled by her love, her longing. How could I have been so wrong? I've been living in my own hell, not realizing that heaven has been right beside me this whole time. Waiting for me to open my eyes.

Savannah Morgan "I've been a fool, baby."
She slowly shakes her head, "Not a fool, but maybe a little blind."
She leans down. Her lips against mine as her lower body does that little grind that takes my breath away.
I kiss her deeply. Grabbing her hips pulling her down as I thrust up. The strength in my arms so much more now that I'm bound to a wheel chair.
I hear her gasp and begin to apologize, "I'm sorry, baby, I didn't mean to..."
"GOD! Do THAT again."
As requested, I thrust deep inside her again as I pulled her down on my throbbing cock. "I love you, baby."
Her head thrown back in ecstasy, "I love you more."

And they lived happily ever after... every orgasm.


Find Savannah on Amazon!




#Random #LiveWrites! We have openings every  #Tuesday #Available
What is a random Live write you ask? Well you pick a date and some times and we will toss your name and the other authors who pick the same, in a hat, you will be selected at #Random to work together on a tale. you could #WIN a #GiftCard
Please fill out the form below. If you can't do this but know someone who may I ask perhaps that you could pass this along or tag them the More the Merrier!


Monday, December 3, 2018

Breathe Bog Tour



Breathe
by Amber Lacie
New Adult Contemporary Romance













A coming of age love story of life long friendship and second chances…

Sometimes love is fated in the stars. You know you are destined for each other. Your souls entwine and you can’t imagine your life without them.

Sometimes it’s found when you’re not looking for it. It peeks around the corner when you least expect it, sweeping you off your feet, carrying you off into the sunset.

Sometimes, there are a lucky few who get to experience both. I was one of the lucky ones.



“I love you, Carsten.”
“I know.” My eyes fall to my hands folded in my lap. I can’t go from one guy to another. What kind of person would that make me? Looking up at Holden, I see the sadness in his eyes. The golden specks have lost their luster. I will hurt you. I love you, Holden. The thoughts are there, but I don’t speak them.
“When are you going to stop with the Han Solo act and say it back?”
I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know.”
“Do you love me?”
“Since I was five.”
“No, not that kind of love. Do you love me? Does the world stop when you think about me? Does your day begin and end with thoughts of me? Can you feel me in your dreams? When you breathe, is it the air from my lungs filling yours? Do you love me so much it consumes you completely, leaving room for nothing else?”
“Holden, I—”
“I love you, Carsten. I love you like that. I exist to love you. I always have.”


“Don’t freak out. I want you to hear everything I have to say…just hear me out…I love you.” My breath hitches and a gasp leaves my lips. “I knew you were different the first time we met. You blew me off without even a second glance. I wasn’t used to that. Your body was there that night at dinner, but your mind wasn’t. I could tell something was missing. It was like your light was out. The longer the night drew on, the dimmer your light got. Then we were in the kitchen and I dropped the bowl, I knew someone had shattered you.”
‘Your light was out.’ His words strike something in me. I did burn out. I crashed. I exploded, destroying everything around me and he could see it. Without one word said between us, he could see it.
Owen softly wraps his hand around the back of my neck, his fingers gently brush against my skin. “When we were standing together in the cold, I made you laugh. Something lit up inside of you and for a split second, I was so blinded that I couldn’t see anything else, but you. The light faded as quickly as it came and then there we were, standing in the dark together.” His forehead presses against mine, our lips almost touching.
“I love you. I love the spark that shines through you when you laugh…I love your sadness. I love the way you put all of yourself into your art…I love the way you are cautious with your heart…I get it. I completely understand if you can’t say it back. I want you to know that you don’t have to. If you let this happen, if you let us have a chance, I will love you enough for the both of us.” His eyes look straight into my soul.
Emotions, I wasn’t sure I had anymore, are racing through me. My mind is trying to sort out all the confusion, while my heart beats a little bit faster with every word he says. A tear rolls softly down my cheek, not out of sadness, but from something completely different.
Owen swipes my tear away with his thumb. “It’s okay. I got you.”




“Why are we here?”
“Why not?” Holden jumps down and holds his hand out for me. I follow him over to the trees. He jumps onto one of the trunks, grabs my hands, and helps pull me up. We slowly walk to where they meet. Moving carefully, we sit in the center of the trees. Holden wraps his hands around my waist and leans his head on my shoulder.
Slightly turning my head, I stare into his deep brown eyes. “Will you tell me why we are here now?”
“Look up.”
I tilt my head up towards the sky. The tops of the trees surrounding us have left an opening between the branches right above us. It is almost a perfect circle made from the tips of red and yellow leaves. The orange sunset is slowly fading, revealing two stars in the deep blue sky.
Holden softly kisses my temple, as he points to the two twinkling diamonds shining above us. “See those stars? They are the first ones to come out every night. One never shines without the other. They are only bright when they are together…like us.”
“We’re stars?”
“It’s more like we need each other. Without you, my light goes out.”
“What happens when I’m with you?”
“I shine so bright the other stars explode. Some people experience fireworks when they love someone. Fireworks are so small in comparison to what I feel for you. When we’re together, all I see are supernovas.”















Indie-Award Winning Author Amber Lacie is about all things books, glitter, and shenanigans. Never without a book or caffeinated goodness, she's managed a husband that worships at her alter and two awesome kiddos, all while pumping out tales of love and suspense. Growing up in Chicagoland, she's seen the nitty, and knows the gritty. As for love and home, that landed her in Beverly Shores, Indiana where she dreams up adventures for her characters so that you the reader can explore new bends in the road. Buckle up.


Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Haney Hayes Promotions #Live #Write #Winners 11/12 Lucian Bane & K.C. Rice

Haney Hayes Promitons Presents K.C. Rice and Lucian Bane

K.C. Rice & Lucian Bane
SONG: YOU AND ME BY LIFE HOUSE.

K.C. Rice Most girls dreamt of being Princesses... but not Margaret. She hated it. She hated her life and the future that had been planned out for her. This was the twentieth century, how the hell was it legal to promise your daughters hand in marriage before she’s even a year old? Who made the rules! She hated them. She hated everything that her “kingdom” stood for. She wanted to change the laws, and one day she would.... The day she is crowned the queen will be the day she will pass the proclamation: Princes and Princesses could choose who they would marry... and if it were a commoner... so be it. LOVE WAS LOVE!

Lucian W Bane “But Father, she..."
“She what?” the King blared, his red cheeks trembling with the pound of his staff. 
Theodore fought the roll of his eyes at his father’s boring theatrics. “All I propose is to allow us one date before the announcement."
“Whatever FOR?”
“To ease the transition, my King,” he urged, grasping at straws. “She is nervous and would it not make things a little easier for both families? It’s no secret she loathes me, if I may have a single attempt at gaining a-a crumb of acceptance, would both Kingdoms not fare all the better? Think of mother,” he added, turning up the burn in his father’s glare. 
“Don’t bring that woman’s name into this debacle!” 
Theodore would’ve defended her if not for the obvious give in his thick-headed resolve. His graying beard moved about as his fat lips pursed and perused his waning options. 
“I should think one date is a wise and prudent decision.” He nodded with jutted chin at the clever idea he’d already stolen. He’d stolen many things from Theodore though and he was accustomed to it. Mostly. But in this one thing, with Margaret, he would not be pushed. He needed time. And one date was enough, he was sure, to accomplish the deed.

K.C. Rice She watched as the King and Queen left the grounds, She was certain they were going to see Prince Theadore’s parents the royals of Delemar.
Waiting until their car disappeared over the last bluff, she quickly made her way down the back stairs and out to the garden. It was there she was to meet him..... the Gardener’s son. They had grown up together... even as toddlers they knew they were from a different class. But they didn’t care. They were best friends and everyday they would sneak out to meet behind the old maple tree. It was there that he stole his first kiss...

Lucian W Bane Riker’s palms were slick with sweat as he eyed the gate leading to the garden. “Hurry up you fat heifer,” he muttered to the milk cow as he yanked roughly on the thick tits. 
How was it that he milked cows in this day and age? He was sure they purposely kept the farm running to make his life miserable, to make an example of his lowly kind. 
She would be there soon and he was tired of being put off. By his father, her father, everybody’s father. She didn’t want to marry, and she wouldn’t. He’d fix it tonight. He’d answer the plea in her clear green eyes--save me Riker. And he would. It was a desperate and reckless remedy, but there was nothing else to be done.

K.C. Rice She stood leaning against the fat oak, it’s brittle bark biting through her blouse, bringing with it a piercing pain. Yet it was nothing compared to the pain in her chest, the feel of Theadore’s fingers as he squeezed the life from her... her heart could take no more. Time was running out. It was how or never. “Oh, Riker! You have always owned my heart. Nothing-no one can take my love from you.” She whispered to herself, afraid if she said it too loud.... 
A rustle in the brush startled her as it broke the quiet surrounding her. Her heart sped, it’s rhythm making double its time as he stepped out of the brambles.

Lucian W Bane “What the fuck?” Riker yelled, running right into the person attacking his beloved. He slammed into him with all his weight and they tumbled down the hill, grunting and umphing, kicking and punching. 
They landed with a bone jarring thud near the pond and Riker scrambled to mount the bastard which turned out to be fairly ease. He raised his fist to smash it into his nose. He paused and angled his head at the unconscious prick. 
“Riker!” 
He glanced up to find a blur of white tumbling down the hill toward him. Alarmed, he scurried to his feet, fighting to discern where she might land. Riker grew alarmed as his brain did the math. With her voluptuous three hundred pounds rolling at an easy seven miles per hour, the collision would be catastrophic for him. 
“I love you Riiiiker!” she screamed between jolts and bangs upon the ground. 
Dear God, help me. Riker opened his arms right as she plowed into him, knocking the wind from his body and his brain loose in his skull. He realized moments later, he was dangling. Dangling from the cliff. 
“Oh no you don’t,” Theodore growled, grabbing hold of his hand and yanking him back up. “I need you.” 
Before he could get his bearing, the bastard shoved his beloved right off the cliff, leaving him gasping in shock.
“Now the wedding’s off,” he huffed with a proud nod. “Thanks to the jealous gardener’s son."



Find K.C. Below!

 K.C RICE ♡‿➹⁀♡

K.C CONSIDERS HERSELF “JUST A SIMPLE COUNTRY GIRL WITH THE BEST READERS IN THE WORLD". 
BORN AND RAISED IN FRANKFORT, KY. A WIFE, MOM, AND NANA. 
SHE FIRST STARTED SHARING HER TALENTS WITH THE WORLD ONE CANVAS AT A TIME. SHE SAYS THE SCENTS OF OIL PAINTS AND MINERAL SPIRITS EARLY IN THE MORNING, ARE AS CALMING TO HER AS A MIMOSA. 
GETTING LOST IN HER THOUGHTS, SHE ALLOWS THE PAINTS AND BRUSH TO TELL THE STORY. THOUGH SHE HAS SOLD MANY OF HER PAINTINGS, SHE SAYS HER GREATEST REWARD IS THE LOOK ON THE RECIPIENTS FACE WHEN SHE GIVES ONE AS A GIFT.
JUST RECENTLY SHE BEGAN SHARING HER IMAGINATION IN CREATIVE WRITING, ENJOYING PUTTING TO PRINT THE CHARACTERS AND THEIR THOUGHTS. HER PREFERRED GENRES: ROMANCE, SUSPENSE, AND MYSTERY. 
SHE IS THE PROUD AUTHOR OF SIX PUBLISHED BOOKS, THREE OF WHICH ARE THE NEW SENSATION, TATTERED SERIES, CARRYING NUMEROUS FIVE -STAR REVIEWS.
ASK K WHAT DRIVES HER, AND SHE’LL REPLY, “IF I CAN HELP JUST ONE PERSON ESCAPE THE HUM DRUM OF LIFE THROUGH MY STORIES, EVEN IF FOR A SHORT TIME. . . WELL I GUESS I’VE BEEN SUCCESSFUL.”









#Random #LiveWrites! We have openings every  #Tuesday #Available
What is a random Live write you ask? Well you pick a date and some times and we will toss your name and the other authors who pick the same, in a hat, you will be selected at #Random to work together on a tale. you could #WIN a #GiftCard
Please fill out the form below. If you can't do this but know someone who may I ask perhaps that you could pass this along or tag them the More the Merrier!

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Haney Hayes Promotions Live Write Winners 11/6 Michael Gagain & S.I. Hayes

Live Write Winners Week 3

Michael Gagain & S.I. Hayes
Song Black Wedding By: In This Moment
 https://open.spotify.com/track/3zUwwYcmob803s2Bkck8GY

Michael Gagain She blew through my being like a warm whisper in my ear, her raven locks kissing my cheek with the subtle caress of a warm summer breeze, her eyes dark and mysterious...her beauty mesmerizing, I was in awe of this beautiful woman. her sexy form and beauty was intoxicating yet...i felt fear, she was devious, deceitful and full of hatred...she had only entered the realm of the dead as of late, the bullet hole in her head fresh, the blood on her hands congealing ever so slowly. I couldn't take my eyes away from her, yet i wanted to look away...I had to have her, yet I was afraid...

S.i. Hayes An angel of death was not to partake of the spirits. We were to usher them in, no more, no less. Our lives are banal, stifled and long. TO be one whose wings are steeped in blood, who would think we could yearn for something more? Her name, Evangelica, it was as though GOD himself was throwing me a bone. My flesh burns for her, for a taste of those black lipstick smeared lips, those full breasts. I needed to get her exalted, then maybe I could have her.

Michael Gagain Her Smokey eyes were alluring...her breath warm as she whispered...come with me and bask in oblivion where you will want for nothing, her soft wings brushing against my naked flesh, i felt like a newborn being extruded from the womb...she had me, and she knew it, yet the sinister feeling within her was ever so present...i was undeniably insane with lust and wanted for nothing ....but her....

S.i. Hayes Blood soaked hands flutter against me, leaving sticky trails on my pale flesh. She smells of earth and copper. My cock twitches for the first time in ages as she lures me in deeper. I cannot hold myself, I'm already dammed, I may as well enjoy it.

Michael Gagain I saw it happen before it did, I pulled her head back by her beautiful hair and forced her to her knees. I drove my cock deep into her mouth smiling not only from the amazing feeling of fucking her throat but from the noises she made as she choked on my thick cock...she would certainly be swallowing my spawn...in then in a clouded mist....she was gone...like the final wisp of a smoldering fire...she was nowhere to be seen.

S.i. Hayes "I will never submit again." Her voice hisses in a sputtering spray of blood across my face.
"You shall be my pet." Evangelica pushes me and it's like being hit by a semi. Her anger and rage fueling her strength. It's then I see the slash to her throat. She was taken so violently... "You will be my servant, and servants keep their heads low. She stands over me, hiking up her black gown. "Now it's time to service your Dark Mistress.

Michael Gagain I suddenly felt myself becoming her...I felt her pain, her longing for her place in the afterlife. I wanted to be her...i wanted her pain and suffering...I looked to the ground and saw what was once me in a pile upon the ground...I felt reinvigorated ...alive for the first time, I opened my wings and screamed to the heavens! what have I become? am I now the monster I have yearned to become? or a meager faux imposter of a dream...was she real? did i even exist? she was plume of beautiful black smoke, I but a man...my menial self has become the beautiful demon...

S.I. Hayes I've gone from a lonely self-loathing servant, to Mistress of my own Damnation. The Exhalation of the Spirit was not her's but my mirror self. My duality of being imagined into being. I am the demon, I am the Angel, we are one in the same and we are beautiful. The greatest marriage of Heaven and Hell happened within my soul's search for oblivion. I am my greatest love, for who can love the beast if he cannot love himself?

Michael Gagain Her oblivion...now my life...
THE END

 #Random #LiveWrites! We have openings every  #Tuesday #Available
What is a random Live write you ask? Well you pick a date and some times and we will toss your name and the other authors who pick the same, in a hat, you will be selected at #Random to work together on a tale. you could #WIN a #GiftCard
Please fill out the form below. If you can't do this but know someone who may I ask perhaps that you could pass this along or tag them the More the Merrier!
Form: https://goo.gl/forms/djadDYIxNusvwRNj2

Monday, November 12, 2018

Indigo Blog Tour


Indigo
by Amber Lacie
Romantic Comedy







Some girls are born independent and fierce. They constantly shock the world bringing it to its knees. Indigo Bryant is one of them. At the young age of thirty, she has already bought and sold a highly successful design business. Needing a change of pace, she up roots herself from New York City, to move near her best friend in a small town in Alabama. What was supposed to be a relaxing summer, starts to change into something different when she meets Alexander Clark…

Despite his many talents and charming personality, Alexander Clark can't move forward and let go of the guilt from a horrible accident. His once promising baseball career, has now faded into the shadows. He's paralyzed by the nightmares of his past. That is until he meets Indigo…

Not every girl needs a knight in shining armor. Not every girl needs to be saved.

Not every boy is a knight. Sometimes they are the ones that need to be saved…



He’s playful––and cute.  I guess it can’t hurt to make a friend.  I give in with a shake of my head.  “Well done. I have to say, I’m slightly impressed.”
“Really?  I had some good pickup lines I was certain would catch your attention.”
“Now I’m disappointed.  Though, I can’t imagine what you could have said, that I haven’t already heard.  Being hit on in bars in New York is like being rained on in Seattle. It’s unavoidable.”
Laughing, he nodded to the bartender who slid him another beer.  The light hit his eyes and I realized they weren’t brown like I originally thought.  Instead, they were a deep blue. “Disappointed huh? I don’t like the sound of that. Maybe you can help me pick out a few good lines I can use to pick up some other woman, since you’re clearly not interested in anything other than those chips.” he said, nodding toward the bag of chips in front of me.
“I have a healthy appetite.  It’s not a bad thing.” I squinted my eyes, wondering to myself what he could be up to.  Deciding to play along with Mr. Not a Stranger, I flashed him a challenging smile.  “Alright, let’s hear them.”
Clearing his throat, he spun his barstool to face me.  “Hey, baby, feel this shirt. You know what kind of material this is?  It’s boyfriend material.”
“Oh, that’s just awful.  That has to be one of the lamest one’s I’ve ever heard.”
“You can do better?”
“Of course, I can.  Are you a baker? Cause you have some hot buns.”
Laughing, he took a sip of his beer.  “You just made that one up.”
“I did not.  Some guy tried to hit on me over the New Year with that one.”
“Well he did a horrible job.  I got a better one. Are you Google?  Because I’ve just found what I’m looking for.”
Sipping my drink, I shook my head.  “No––just no. Those are way too polite.  You need to get sleazier with them.”
“Sleazier huh?  Any suggestions?”
“Okay, how about this one?  It’s a good thing I have my library card on me…because I’m totally checking you out.”
“What?  That’s not sleazy.  If we are going to do this, we need to do this right.”  He raised his hand motioning for the bartender. “Tim, we are going to need a bottle of Jack and some shot glasses over here.  Put it on my tab.”
“Oh no, I’m not having anyone buy me drinks.  I can buy my own.”
With an arch of his brow and a dangerous smirk on his face, Mr. Not a Stranger turned back to the bartender.  “Fine then, put it on her tab. I’m okay with that.”
My mouth fell open at his suggestion.  “I am not paying for all of your drinks either.”
“Then it’s settled––Tim, put it on my tab.”
Smug bastard.  He knows exactly what he is doing.





Lex laced his fingers through mine and placed my hand over my heart.  Shallow breaths fell from my lips as he pressed his forehead against mine.  My heart quickened at his touch. What is he doing?
“You feel that?” he asked.  “The instant we touch, your heart speeds up.  Now feel this,” he said, moving our hands, fingers still laced to press against his chest.  I could feel his heart pounding against the palm of my hand, as I got lost in his eyes. “Mine does the same thing, and it’s not because of how bad I want to be inside you.  I mean, don’t get me wrong, I fucking need to be inside of you. No––this feeling right here is because you make me feel alive.”
“Lex—”
“No.  You don’t get a say in this.  I was a mess until I met you. You invaded my dreams at night.  You captured my thoughts during the day. Hell, even Logan noticed the difference in me.  I’m better…because of you. You saved me. Now let me love you.”





Thousands of stars filled the Alabama night sky.  Some were so big and bright it was as though I could pick them from the sky with my fingers.  Suddenly, long arms wrapped around my waist. Looking over my shoulder, I saw Lex looking up toward the stars.
“It’s so beautiful,” I admitted.
“She is.” Lex replied, leaning down and gently placing a kiss behind my ear.
“I meant the stars.”
“I know what you meant, but that’s not what I meant.  The stars got nothing on you.”
Giggling, I shook my head.  “You and your pick-up lines.”
“That wasn’t a pick-up line.  I’m just being honest. You’re beautiful.  I wish you could see yourself through my eyes.  You’d be in awe.”

































Indie-Award Winning Author Amber Lacie is about all things books, glitter, and shenanigans. Never without a book or caffeinated goodness, she's managed a husband that worships at her alter and two awesome kiddos, all while pumping out tales of love and suspense. Growing up in Chicagoland, she's seen the nitty, and knows the gritty. As for love and home, that landed her in Beverly Shores, Indiana where she dreams up adventures for her characters so that you the reader can explore new bends in the road. Buckle up.