Authors: Lynn Cooper
Anchoring herself, she dug her fingers into his shoulders. His mouth settled over hers before she could cry out. He claimed her lips, using his tongue to duplicate the hypnotizing motion of his pelvis. Driven by the madness of desire, he devoured her with every inch of his body. Possessing her, branding her, staking his claim now and always.
Lacey was in awe of his arousal, his strength and masculine prowess. She succumbed to the pure pleasure he was providing. The sexual tension was thick enough to slice, leaving them both trembling, speechless and breathless. The melding of their flesh was aggressive and fierce as they strained toward that ultimate release. A fulfillment and satisfaction that could only be found in each other’s arms.
Lacey was on the edge of an elusive, earth-shattering surrender, straining toward heaven and fearing she would never get there. Chance slammed into her over and over. Every muscle in his powerful body willing her to come. Altering the angle and depth of his penetration, he whispered in a husky voice strained with the final remnants of his control, “Don’t fight it, angel. Just let go.”
Overwhelming showers of sensation sparked and ignited her insides. She shuddered, unraveled at the seams and fell apart beneath his loving gaze. He offered her the sweetest smile she had ever seen before gripping her hips hard. He drove himself into her at a desperate, frenzied pace, launching her into another orbit of unchartered ecstasy. An orgasmic explosion made complete by his own bone-liquefying release. Chance filled her with hot, thick jets of semen. A life-giving force to bind them for all eternity. Collapsing beside her, he pulled her close and whispered sweet promises of forever.
EPILOGUE
THE TASTY TRESTLE BAKERY had been in business for six months, and it was booming. In fact, the line that had formed at the counter went out the door and wrapped around the block. Lacey got goosebumps when her husband stepped up behind her and whispered in her ear, “I don’t suppose any of these people are paying customers, are they?”
Lacey and Chance had combined the ribbon- cutting ceremony for the bakery with a small, lovely and informal wedding where they exchanged vows and simple yet elegant gold bands. The rings were only a symbol. It was the intensity of their love that bound them together.
She smiled proudly. “Nope. Not a single one.”
The bakery was open seven days a week, and apple pie was always free to those who couldn’t afford it.
“Good,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “My sister would like what we’re doing here.”
“I’m betting she would love it just as she loved you.”
“And I have no doubt that Charlotte would have adored you, my sweet angel.”
Lacey looked around the bakery with a heart full of gratitude. Years ago, when she had envisioned owning a bakery, she saw herself turning pastries into lots and lots of money, getting rich strictly in a financial sense. She liked this new dream much better.
Now, she baked for the pleasure of feeding those who were hungry. She turned pastries into love offerings that resulted in full bellies, not full bank accounts. She was far richer this day than she had ever thought possible.
For those from the train trestle who were able and willing to work, Lacey and Chance employed them. The professor entertained the customers atop a small stage in the center of the bakery where he did dramatic readings from Shakespeare’s play,
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
. His performances were well received and met with applause on a daily basis.
When he was on stage, the years seemed to fall away from his face, and his eyes gleamed bright behind the new glasses he had purchased with his earnings.
Lacey leaned back into Chance’s embrace. He wrapped his arms around her and nuzzled her neck. It was a good thing that neither of them were embarrassed by public displays of affection.
Just as she turned to ask him a question, Loopy came bounding out of the kitchen. He had proved to be an excellent dishwasher. A smile broke across the young man’s face as he chanted, “Chance got happy. Chance got happy. He loves Lacey. She bakes pies.”
Lacey’s heart swelled with joy. Chance truly did look happy, and so was she. Happier than she ever dreamed.
OTHER BOOKS BY LYNN COOPER
A Perfect Match
Jaslyn Scarpa is chronically cheerful. She believes in hope and happiness and brighter tomorrows. Along with being a talented, versatile, hardworking temp, Jaslyn is also a self-proclaimed “grouch whisperer.” Winning over the grumpy people in this world is her forté. Or, at least, she thinks it is until she meets the tall, dark—so dangerously dark—moody and sexy Rhein Birkner. The excruciating emotional pain reflected in his intensely piercing eyes tears at her heart. No matter how volatile he is, she makes it her mission to turn his hurt into joy.
Rhein Birkner is a ruthless businessman, notorious for hostile takeovers and forced mergers. He has a hard exterior, a powerful, domineering façade he presents to the world. But on the inside, he is a little boy who’s terrified of losing the woman who means everything to him. No amount of money can buy what she needs most. While he tries to figure out a way to save her, he is forced to contend with an infuriatingly sunshiny temp. Jaslyn Scarpa is outspoken, bubbly and unbelievably beautiful. She is the last thing Rhein wants at the moment. Ironically, she might also be the key to his happiness.
A Perfect Match is part of the Raining Romance Series. Each book is a standalone where unexpected storms of passion rage and love strikes faster than lightning.
Taking the Mobster’s Woman
In this fast-paced, heart-pumping tale of danger, love and lust, Dante Roman—an undercover FBI agent—finds himself in a surprising, perilous and sensuously-charged predicament. After two-and-a-half years of deep undercover work, he is only one week away from the biggest mafia takedown in history. The last thing he needs is the leggy, blond bombshell, Diamond Cross, distracting him.
Diamond’s no-good brother, Glen, has offered her up to an evil, murderous mobster as payment for his gambling debt. Dante knows all too well what could happen to her should she fall into his boss’s cruel clutches. It’s up to him to figure out a way to protect her while completing his mission and keeping them both alive.
Dominant Seduction: The Complete Series
Brett and Karen have been married for sixteen wonderful years. They are good together in every way. But Karen believes they can be great together, especially in the bedroom. She is tired of sex by the numbers and living vicariously through her erotic romance novels. She longs for adventure and figures the best way to get it is to unleash her husband's inner beast. If she can keep her courage up, Karen is certain she can dismantle Brett's deep-rooted need for self-discipline in the bedroom. She is determined to do whatever it takes to convince him to explore the enticing, seductive side of domination and submission. Come join them on a heart-stopping ride to carnal bliss.
Cupcake Cutie (Plus Size Romance Series)
Ella Skye is looking for a fresh start in the town of Pleasant View—a place where she can concentrate on her career as a graphic designer. She isn’t looking for love or passion. She doesn’t need the raging flames of desire that always flicker into heartbreak. She also doesn’t need a nosey neighbor with a temperamental cat, a hot cowboy who moonlights as a fireman or a stubborn friend who insists on dragging her into awkward social situations. Ella doesn’t need any of it but, in time, she just might realize she desperately wants all of it and more.
Decker Wyman spends all of his time working on his family’s ranch. When he isn’t there, he’s fighting fires and rescuing those in distress. For him, romance has been fleeting at best. In fact, he has all but given up on lasting love—the kind his parents shared. When the new woman in town finds herself in a precarious situation, Decker is there to give her a hand. He wants to give her a lot more than that, but things in his personal life are rather complicated and prove to be a hindrance. The question begs: is he willing to do whatever it takes to simplify them? Especially if it means he might have a chance with the smart, sweet and sexy Ella Skye?
Soft Serve Sweetie (Plus Size Romance Series)
Cherry Mercer has a degree in biology, but due to the crappy economy, she finds herself working at Pete’s Ice Cream Parlor. As far as jobs go, it isn’t that bad. It enables her to pay back her student loans while indulging her love of soft serve. In her wildest dreams, she never imagines the decadent chocolate and vanilla swirl can get her into so much trouble with the law. When she runs into Officer Zane Barrett, her whole world is turned upside down. He’s as hot as the day is long. And even though a gal can’t be arrested for what she’s thinking, Cherry still finds herself being hauled downtown.
Zane Barrett—a seventeen-year veteran of the police force—spends his days serving and protecting his community. He lives in a nice house, loves his job and spends his spare time with his partner, Knox, and his wife Sadie. Despite Knox’s badgering, Zane insists he isn’t lonely and doesn’t feel the need to actively look for “Miss Right.” In fact, his philosophy is: Not everyone’s meant for love and marriage. But once he crosses paths with Cherry Mercer, he quickly realizes his philosophy has more holes than a firing range target. Unfortunately, Cherry has erected some emotional walls that could prove to be impenetrable. Zane offers her an irresistible proposition intended to tear down those carefully constructed barriers. The question is, will Cherry take the bait and give both of them a chance for a happily ever after?
Bon Bon Beauty (Plus Size Romance Series)
Saffron Butler came up hard and fast on the poor side of town. Now a strong, independent woman and owner of the Bon Bon Beauty Parlor, she is determined to live her life alone. Having spent years constructing a steel cage around her heart, she vows to never let any man get too close. Her mama made that mistake, and it ended in tragedy. Saffron isn’t about to let the same thing happen to her. She is content to bury herself in romance novels, dreaming of the swaggering, shirtless heroes on the covers. That is enough for her until the morning her eyes flutter open to find the sexiest man she has ever seen hovering over her. He is tending to her, protecting her and, before she can blink, he is trying to steal her heart.
Parker Sloan grew up in the lap of luxury. He has every advantage but little freedom. From the day he was born, his parents have had his entire life mapped out. His domineering father—Dr. Nate Sloan—insists his son attend medical school, pursue a career in cardiology and get engaged to a self-centered socialite. But, Parker has other plans. Against his parents’ wishes, he becomes a paramedic. One fateful morning he takes an emergency call that lands him smack in the middle of a beauty parlor. It is there he meets the sweet and beautiful Saffron Butler. From the moment he looks into her big brown eyes, he is a goner. In their dark, chocolatey depths, he can clearly see their future—a lifetime of love and happiness spent in each other’s arms. Wooing Saffron won’t be an easy task. But it is one he is determined to accomplish. Failure isn’t an option. He will do whatever it takes to gain her trust and win her affections.
Doughnut Darlin’
Running from danger, Raven Shore ends up at The Little Doughnut Shop in the small, quiet town of Erman. She spends her days helping its sweet, elderly owners during peak business hours. With trouble hot on her heels, Raven certainly isn’t looking for more. But she gets plenty when bad boy biker Ronan Dark pops in for a pastry. Everything from the five o’clock shadow peppering his strong jaw to his piercing blue eyes to his black, leather biker boots screams sexy loud enough to burst her eardrums. But any thoughts of romance will have to wait. Raven needs to stay focused to stay safe.
Ronan Dark always looks out for Number One. He makes all of his life decisions based on what benefits him the most. Coming up hard and fast on the streets has made him hard and fast. He lies with ease and is driven by a deeply-ingrained selfishness to survive. It’s not until he meets the kind, honest, funny, curvy and ever-so-beautiful Raven Shore that he begins to consider someone else’s feelings above his own. The problem is, he’s trouble with a capital T. His past actions will bring pain and heartache to Raven if he can’t find a way to undo them.
Honeybun Hottie
After a taxing school year and a series of disastrous blind dates orchestrated by her meddling best friend, Blythe Dalton is more than ready for summer break. Being the only guidance counselor at Langston High School, she has earned some quiet time poolside. With an ice-cold pitcher of Margaritas and a box of freshly-baked honeybuns, her staycation is off to a rousing start. That is until an unexpected phone call from Shelly Matthews—her bestie since third grade—changes everything. One minute Blythe is lost in a steamy romance novel, eating her favorite pastry; the next, she is being whisked away to summer camp—his summer camp. The arrogant, testosterone-oozing marine she never wants to see again.
Sergeant Sean Warrington is newly retired from the United States Marine Corps. Leaving behind the stresses and dangers of one life-threatening special-ops mission after another, he now owns and runs Camp Semper Fi. Due to a streak of bad luck, he loses his camp counselor along with his arts and crafts coordinator in the same weekend. Finding himself in a bind, he calls his childhood friend and neighbor—Shelly Matthews—to bail him out. His gut is tied in a million knots, knowing that Shelly is bringing her to his camp. The curvy, hot-tempered beauty he never expected to see again.
With an infamous night of misunderstandings festering between them, it shouldn’t be too hard for Blythe and Sean to fight off the lingering, fiery flames of passion that once flickered in their hearts. All they have to do is survive two-weeks of summer camp together, then they can go their separate ways.