RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW: Fumbled Past by Lauren Runow

FUMBLED PAST by Lauren Runow is LIVE!!! 

Twenty years have passed, yet not one thing in my hometown has changed … even the man I left behind.

I was the girl no one could touch because they all feared my father. He was a legend, the head football coach who had created this town’s Friday night lights. Only two football players dared to win my heart—the boy next door and the new guy in town. I grew up on this football field and fell hard for these two men, who loved me just as much as the game.

When my dad died, decisions had to be made, and I chose the one who held my heart.

As I sit here in the stands, watching the one I didn’t choose fill my father’s role, I can’t help but remember our fumbled past. Wondering if I followed the right guy or what my life would have been like if I hadn’t.

Grab your copy today!! 

https://mybook.to/fumbledpast

Goodreads

My Review

I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review. 

This book was so interesting. The story is told through Sadie's eyes and it goes back and forth between the past and the present. The past being Sadie's high school years and the present being 20 years later, with the majority of the story taking place in high school. So I guess this could be a warning for those of you who do not like YA/NA books. 

I admit that it took me a bit to get into this one. I was a little put off by high school part of it (if I read young characters they are at least in college), but once I figured out what the author was doing, I was hooked. I could say more about that, but I don't want to give anything away. Let's just say there is a mystery throughout the book and the events of the book kept me guessing. 

This book is a bit angsty and emotional and I really enjoyed it. The concept was different from most things that I read and that was not a bad thing. It's good to mix things now and again. 

ABOUT LAUREN RUNOW

"Love the Life you Live. Live the Life you Love." ― Bob Marley

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

Sign up for her newsletter under the blog page to keep up to date about new releases.

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW: Heartbroken Hero by Lauren Runow & Jeannine Colette

 

I need to get out of town … fast.

Scandal, betrayal, and a tarnished name have me fleeing my Manhattan penthouse with a lone suitcase and a manila envelope holding the hardest decision I'll ever have to make.

With no destination in mind, I land in a quaint beach town in South Carolina. I'm about to get lunch when my Christian Louboutin heel gets stuck in the decking. I'm desperate to rescue it when my hero appears.

A very moody, very heartbroken hero named Grant Dawson.

He's sensitive, protective, and absolutely gorgeous. I have to shield myself from the sun but mostly to avoid his glare. Grant doesn't take well to women from the big city … especially ones who wear expensive shoes.

Despite Grant's unwelcoming attitude, I decide to stay in town and rent a room from an elderly woman who sets me up with a job as a waitress. Imagine my surprise when I find Grant is my new boss, and he’s annoyed to be working with me.

Not one to bow down from a challenge, I work alongside Grant even if it kills me to do so. As I get to know him, I start to like the single father with a painful past. The more I care, the easier I find I could fall in love with him.

Grant doesn't trust women in heels for a reason. When I get the courage to open the manila envelope, I might once again prove him right when I walk out the door for good.


*The Falling for the Stars series features STANDALONE novels with unique tropes, dynamic heroines, and heroes created with traits of specific zodiac signs. Grab your favorite and enjoy these happily-ever-afters in any order.*

Read FREE with KINDLE UNLIMITED

One-click here: https://amzn.to/39NloWF

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3wMzC1U

My Review

I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review. 

Three cheers for a grumpy hero! Three more cheers for a grumpy hero with an adorable child who he loves more than anything! This has become one of my favorite tropes. Give me more please. 

Sophie is looking to leave her life behind, even if it's just for a little while. When her family and career falls apart, she needs a change. South Carolina wasn't the plan, but when she stops for lunch, things just fall into place. And before she knows it, she has a place to stay and a job. She has a rough go of it at first and having Grumpy Grant as a boss wasn't ideal, but Sophie eventually finds her way. 

Grant and Sophie were an excellent couple. I really enjoyed when they didn't get along. They had great banter and the back and forth just added to the tension between them. And when they finally give in to their attraction to each other, it's so good!

This book is sweet and quite heartwarming, with a little bit of sexy thrown in. And it was a quick read with little drama. There are a few excellent side characters who I really enjoyed as well. 

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow

Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/

BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...

Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow

Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...

Or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9

Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection - a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.

A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.

Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.

Website: http://jeanninecolette.com/

COVER REVEAL: Heartbroken Hero by Lauren Runow & Jeannine Colette

Cover Designed by Perfect Pear Creative 

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 by Lauren Runow & Jeannine Colette is coming June 21st! It's a sexy summer romance with high tension and the perfect amount of angst. Pre-order yours now!

I need to get out of town … fast.

Scandal, betrayal, and a tarnished name have me fleeing my Manhattan penthouse with a lone suitcase and a manila envelope holding the hardest decision I'll ever have to make.

With no destination in mind, I land in a quaint beach town in South Carolina. I'm about to get lunch when my Christian Louboutin heel gets stuck in the decking. I'm desperate to rescue it when my hero appears.

A very moody, very heartbroken hero named Grant Dawson.

He's sensitive, protective, and absolutely gorgeous. I have to shield myself from the sun but mostly to avoid his glare. Grant doesn't take well to women from the big city … especially ones who wear expensive shoes.

Despite Grant's unwelcoming attitude, I decide to stay in town and rent a room from an elderly woman who sets me up with a job as a waitress. Imagine my surprise when I find Grant is my new boss, and he’s annoyed to be working with me.

Not one to bow down from a challenge, I work alongside Grant even if it kills me to do so. As I get to know him, I start to like the single father with a painful past. The more I care, the easier I find I could fall in love with him.

Grant doesn't trust women in heels for a reason. When I get the courage to open the manila envelope, I might once again prove him right when I walk out the door for good. 

The Falling for the Stars series features STANDALONE novels with unique tropes, dynamic heroines, and heroes created with traits of specific zodiac signs. Grab your favorite and enjoy these happily-ever-afters in any order.

Read the Falling For The Stars books here: https://amzn.to/3lzAdPq

Preorder: https://amzn.to/39NloWF

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3wMzC1U

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow

Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/

BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...

Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow

Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...

Or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9

Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection - a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.

A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.

Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.

Website: http://jeanninecolette.com/

COVER REVEAL: Stolen Desire by Lauren Runow

Designed by Okay Creations

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞 by USA Today bestselling author Lauren Runow is releasing on May 16th! This is a new stand alone erotic romantic suspense novel. 

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬, 𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬…

𝐍𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐬’ 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭 𝐝𝐨𝐨𝐫.

Clayton and Leilani live a picture-perfect life in a beachfront town. The hero cop and his wife have long been the dream couple, earning the affection of those around them, yet within their home is a couple who has lost their passion—a husband content in the life they’ve created and a wife longing for the thrill and heart-pounding nights of their earlier years.

When new neighbors move onto their idyllic street, Leilani is intrigued when she learns of their secret life. Looking for a new way to connect with her husband, Leilani convinces Clayton to step out of his comfort zone and into a forbidden union—and a world of trouble.

Actions go too far, and suddenly, a husband’s innocence is on the line as he defends himself to the public he serves, but he will stop at nothing to safeguard the woman he loves. Her life is in danger and only he can protect her because beyond the white picket fences and flowery facade, vows are forever, even when temptation is everywhere.

Come inside the world of Stolen Desire.

Pre-Order yours: https://amzn.to/3LnStGm

Add it to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3JAQMnQ

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

Contact Lauren

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow

Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/

BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...

Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow

Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...

Sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9

RELEASE BLITZ: Rebel Roommate by Jeannine Colette & Lauren Runow

 

★NOW AVAILABLE★

𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 is LIVE! If you love brothers-best-friend romances this is definitely the one for you!

“Once again Colette and Runow created a masterpiece. Their characters were incredibly relatable, the plot was engaging, and the writing was on point. I highly recommend Rebel Roommate. You don't want to miss this! ” - Goodreads Reviewer

Growing up, I had one rule: stay away from my brother’s best friend.

It was easy to follow. I spent my years avoiding the boys on the baseball team, studying hard, and saving every dime I could. When I was accepted to transfer into UC Berkeley, I need a place to live, and my brother had a free room off-campus.

Win-win, right? Except, that best friend I was determined to stay away from is now my new roommate.

My very naughty, very rebellious roommate, Wesley Knight.

The boy who was once the bane of my existence with his constant teasing is now a drop-dead gorgeous athlete. He’s the life of the party, but I can’t have fun. According to Wes, no guys are allowed to talk to me. 

Well, two can play at this game. If I can’t date, then neither can he.

It starts off as innocent fun. Some half-naked yoga, or a little flirting; until an interrupted moment of self-gratification turns things dangerous … for my body and my heart.

Living with my brother and his best friend has me breaking all the rules. I just have to decide if the consequences are worth the reward.

Purchase 𝐑𝐞𝐛𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 for $.99: https://amzn.to/33wkDLG

Read more books by Jeannine & Lauren here: https://amzn.to/3mL6Cki

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow

Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/

BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...

Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow

Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...

Or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9

Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection - a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.

A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.

Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.

Website: http://jeanninecolette.com/

COVER REVEAL: Naughty Neighbor by Jeannine Colette & Lauren Runow

Check out this amazing cover for 𝐍𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐲 𝐍𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐛𝐨𝐫: 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚, a sexy new romance by Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow! It's releasing on September 23, 2020! Pre-order your copy now!

As a romance novelist, I’m facing my worst nightmare—writer’s block.

No matter what I write, I hit delete, knowing it’s not worth publishing. The future of my career rests on the success of this new book.

So, here I am, looking at Tumblr, desperate for inspiration, when I hear a thumping. Annoyed by the music blaring through the walls, I barge into the hall and bang on my neighbor’s door.

My very hot, very naughty neighbor, Jake Morreau.

Jake is romantic, charming, and the bane of my existence. I need to work, yet he refuses to let me.

When he greets me in the hallway, ideas of a sinfully hot hero come to mind.

When he takes me out on the town, the words flow as soon as I come home.

The more time I spend with this entertaining and quick-witted man, the more I’m able to write.

My neighbor is my muse, and before I know it, I slowly become the heroine of my own story, but I don’t know how to end it.

As I write the epilogue, I’m afraid our romance won’t pan out as I’ve written.

Jake Morreau is my hero.

Then again, in my life, heroes don’t exist.

PRE-ORDER HERE

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/35fonD4

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/35ik6yL

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2FbGgYv

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2QZfo0C

Add it to your TBR today! https://bit.ly/2CVRorJ

Release Event Sign Ups: https://forms.gle/HbTzssJjBSbgrDrs8

Join our ARC Team: https://forms.gle/Sv8cwm6qEUxVcn3u8

Sign up for Jeannine & Lauren’s Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/p9b9f1

Jeannine's Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArmyofRoses/

Lauren's Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/laurenslawbreakers/

RELEASE DAY BLAST: Sexton Brothers Box Set by Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow

The Sexton Brothers Box Set by Jeannine Colette and Lauren Runow is LIVE! There is bonus content, including a new epilogue and love letters!

Title: Sexton Brothers Box Set

Age Group: Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

January 14, 2020

Run away with the Racer.

Fall in love with the Suit.

Hide away with the Artist.

Feel your heart race with these sexy brothers, and the kick ass heroines they fall in-love with, all in one fabulous boxset!

AUSTIN

“Tell me a secret,” I ask.
“I’m falling for you.”

Austin Sexton is a bad-boy media mogul and heir to the Sexton Empire. On the outside, he’s a whiskey-slinging bachelor with the world on a string. Problem is, strings break easily.

Deep within lies a war hero who refuses accolades. He buries his pain with his vices, and against my better judgment, I’ve become one of them.

No matter how hard I try to push him away, his secrets draw me in. This man, who appears careless, has passion. If I were looking for someone in my life, I could see myself falling for a guy like him.

Good thing love is the last thing I’m looking for.



BRYCE

“Truth or dare?”
“I’ll take your dare.”
“Kiss me.”

I don’t believe in Prince Charming, but when I met a handsome stranger on a rooftop his words intrigued me and his dares left nothing but temptation.

Then I learned the truth.

His name is Bryce Sexton. Media mogul, workaholic and a heart of stone. He’s broody AF and yet every woman in San Francisco wants him.

So why won’t he leave me alone?

Wherever I go, he’s there, trying to force his way into my world. What he doesn’t know is I already have a man in my life. A tiny redhead who loves Legos and Superheroes.

With every push, Bryce pulls me in further. Our pasts are laced with betrayal. Our futures are unpredictable. Our chemistry is explosive.

With each dare I uncover a truth, but he's exactly what I don’t need right now.

So why did I have to go and kiss him?


TANNER

We’re two strangers on a train, knowing whatever we decide in the next moment might dictate our fate for the rest of our lives.

“A kiss was all I needed.”
“Looks like you got what you wished for.”
“Yes. About that…”

My plan: find a finely dressed businessman, have a one-night stand, and forget about my failed relationship.

Like a bad joke, my ex walks into the bar. That’s when a gorgeous man wearing street clothes, messy hair, and the sexiest smile I’ve ever seen lays a kiss on me. It’s meant to rile up my ex but leaves me breathless and wanting more instead.

Then he’s gone.

So, I do what any rational person would. I chase after him onto the subway and embark on a wild night in New York City with a complete stranger.

No matter how much I fight it, this mysterious man painted his soul onto my skin. If it’s not meant to be, why can’t I forget about him?

BUY LINKS

Boxset: https://amzn.to/2QySTjE

Austin: https://amzn.to/2T81awy

Bryce: https://amzn.to/2FyfRB3

Tanner - https://amzn.to/2T5hv5d

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

You can also stay in touch through the social media links below.

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laurenjrunow

Instagram at https://instagram.com/Lauren_Runow/

BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/authors/laure...

Twitter at https://twitter.com/LaurenRunow

Join her reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/16285...

Or sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/btD6j9

Jeannine Colette is the author of the Abandon Collection - a series of stand-alone novels featuring dynamic heroines who have to abandon their reality in order to discover themselves . . . and love along the way. Each book features a new couple, exciting new city and a rose of a different color.

A graduate of Wagner College and the New York Film Academy, Jeannine went on to become a Segment Producer for television shows on CBS and NBC. She left the television industry to focus on her children and pursue a full-time writing career. She lives in New York with her husband, the three tiny people she adores more than life itself, and a rescue pup named Wrigley.

Jeannine and her family are active supporters of The March of Dimes and Strivright The Auditory-Oral School of New York.

Website: http://jeanninecolette.com/

EXCERPT BLAST: Our Song by Lauren Runow

Take a peek inside Our Song by Lauren Runow! One-click your copy of this rockstar romance today!

Our Song by Lauren Runow

Designed by Lauren Runow

Release Date: September 10, 2019

Blurb:


After a devastating accident crushed my dreams, I ended up back in my hometown teaching kindergarten. I was trying to make the best of it. That is, until the world I had to leave behind, showed up in my classroom in the form of a five-year-old little girl. Her father living the exact life I almost had.

Adam Jacobson is known as the bad boy of rock. While he and his band tour the world, they leave a trail of mayhem. What no one knows is behind the music is a caring, straightedge man with a secret — a daughter who the world is about to discover.

When they move to my small town, their secret is blown. He needs my help to keep her out of the media, and with each exchange we grow closer. Only problem is I need to stay away from the memories he ignites, and the temptations he brings my way.

Secrets I’ve kept and thoughts of that fatal night come crashing back into my life. I have to wonder if it was more than fate that brought his little girl into my classroom.

PURCHASE HERE!

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2zGwjMO

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2kcPV78

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2kbp0IT

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2kAGMFx

Add it to your Goodreads TBR: http://bit.ly/2MkhXcx

EXCERPT

“Thank you for going with us today,” I say after getting settled on the freeway, heading back home after having dinner together.

Cailin didn’t even make it this far before passing out.

I sneak a quick glance at Sarah and feel a pain in my chest when I meet her eyes. There’s something about her that makes my heart pound for seemingly no reason at all.

“I had so much fun. I’ve never been with just one child who’s old enough to walk on their own and actually be interested in the animals. I brought my niece a few years ago, but she was a little too young. It’s fun to be able to relax more and enjoy the animals without stressing over where everyone is or if they are taken care of.”

“Do you enjoy teaching?”

She lets out an uneasy breath, and I turn to see her expression. She’s staring out the window like she’s thinking. I touch her hand. I can feel that whatever she is thinking isn’t good. I felt it last time we had this conversation too. There’s something she’s not letting me in on.

When our fingers first meet, she flinches ever so slightly. When she doesn’t turn, I grip her harder, opening her palm and entangling my fingers with hers.

I feel the tension slowly leave her body as I run my thumb over hers.

Finally, she speaks, “It’s not like I don’t like teaching. I love it actually. It just wasn’t my first choice.”

I decide not to push her and ask what that first choice was. Obviously, it’s something she still struggles with, and who am I to bring up sore subjects from the past?

We drive in silence, hands intertwined. Like a Nightmare by Deadset Society comes on the radio, and I turn it up slightly, using the control on the steering wheel.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Sarah singing. “You know this song?”

“Yeah. I used to listen to My Darkest Days, so I followed them when they started the new band after Matt Walst left.”

I’m stunned to silence. I expect people to know band names and even song titles, but I don’t know many people who care enough to actually know the intricacies of band members and following those members when bands breaks up, only to create new ones.

I try to keep my eyes on the road as I also stare at her in shock.

She drops her shoulder, giving me a deadpan expression. “Why are you so surprised I know that?” My eyebrows rise, and a genuine, deep belly laugh escapes her sexy lips. “I’m not everything you see.”

A grin spreads across my face. “I can tell, and believe me, it makes me want to see more.”

Her cheeks flush, and I squeeze her hand tighter.

As we get off the freeway, Cailin wakes up, yawning as she asks, “Are we home yet?”

“Almost,” I say. “We have to take Sarah home first.”

“How come she can’t just stay with us? Have a sleepover?” Cailin whines as I hear Sarah choke on the water she was drinking.

I wink in her direction while responding. “Maybe another time, but not tonight.”

Sarah covers her mouth as she coughs harder.

When I pull into her complex, she says goodbye to Cailin as I open the door. “Stay right here, okay, sweetheart? I’m just going to make sure Sarah makes it up to her apartment.” I put on a song Cailin likes and close the door before rushing to Sarah’s side.

Sarah drops her water bottle when she sees me appear on the opposite side of the truck. After leaning down to pick it up, she fidgets with her hair, making sure it’s smooth and in place.

“You don’t have to walk me up. I’ll be fine,” she says, looking everywhere but at me.

I reach for her fingers, lacing them with mine. “I want to.”

Her eyes meet mine, and I nod my head toward her door.

“Thank you again for inviting me,” she says as we stroll in the direction of her place.

“We’ll have to plan something again soon.”

Her lips tug up to a smile. “I’d like that.”

We reach her door, and she takes out her keys, unlocking it but not pushing it open. Instead, she pauses and glances up at me, waiting for what I’m going to say.

I step closer, so our bodies are inches apart. “I’m not going to rush this.”

Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t say anything.

“I’ve been with girls I never wanted, but I’ve never been with anyone I actually wanted a future with, especially this bad. I don’t want to screw this up. I’m going to kiss you though.”

I run my fingers across the nape of her neck. Her pulse is thumping out of control. Mine feels the same way.

I slowly lean in. “Is that okay with you?”

Her lids close as she nods ever so slightly. Her scent is the first thing I notice as I take her in—cherries, vanilla, and so fucking mine.

Our mouths brush against each other as I hold her in place. Her lips parting slightly, I lick them, seeing if she’ll invite me in. When she does, I have to hold my breath and make myself not take more than she’s willing to give me right now as our first kiss.

I wasn’t kidding. I want to take this slow. I want to do this right.

It takes everything I have to pull back as I place my forehead to hers. “Slowly,” I whisper more to myself than anything else.

She nods, and I can’t help myself when I lean in again, entangling my tongue with hers and pushing her against the wall, wanting just a little more.

I pause our kiss, keeping her pressed to my body as I breathe her in one more time.

When I step back, everything I’m feeling reflects back at me, written all over her face. I take my thumb and wipe her bottom lip, needing one last touch from her.

“I’ll see you soon,” I say as I step back.

She waves goodbye as she picks up everything that she was holding that’s now on the floor. I try not to laugh that she dropped them, knowing, with a kiss like that, I might have done the same thing if something were in my hand.

Lauren Runow is the author of multiple Adult Contemporary Romance novels, some more dirty than others. When Lauren isn't writing, you'll find her listening to music, at her local CrossFit, reading, or at the baseball field with her boys. Her only vice is coffee, and she swears it makes her a better mom!

Lauren is a graduate from the Academy of Art in San Francisco and is the founder and co-owner of the community magazine she and her husband publish. She is a proud Rotarian, helps run a local non-profit kids science museum, and was awarded Woman of the Year from Congressman Garamendi. She lives in Northern California with her husband and two sons.

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