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Chapter Eleven
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A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Twelve
Ethan“I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. Forget I just did that.”Ethan heard the words, but they didn't register as she pulled away and took off running. He stood in the middle of the shed, blinking for a good thirty seconds trying to figure out what had just happened.His body knew exactly what had happened. The most beautiful woman he'd ever met had just kissed him. Her body had molded to his and his internal temperature was going through the roof with desire. Yes, his body knew what had just happened, but his brain sure didn't.She didn't like him.She shook his head, trying to figure out what in the hell she had meant with that kiss. It wasn't just a simple “yay!” kiss. There was way too much heat and desire packed into it for just a celebratory thing.No, this was more than that, but she'd said to forget it. As if he could. He sighed and stepped out into the snow. He had a feeling he would never figure this out.He walked slowly back to the main house. The snow was coming down hard
A Hopeful Kind of Love Sneak Peek
Chapter 21 of “A Wonderful Kind of Love"LauraLaura and Ethan stepped off of the porch and into the house. She squeezed his hand as they made their way down the hall and into the large living room. When they'd first come in, she hadn't even noticed the little fireplace in the corner. Now, though, there was a warm fire burning inside, and its soft glow illuminated the entire room.“Was this on when we got here?” she asked.Ethan shook his head. “No, I told Craig to get that started after we'd sat out on the deck for dinner.”“Well, aren't you clever?” she said with a smile.Located directly in front of the fireplace was a sheep skin rug. They both kicked off their shoes and then walked over onto the rug. The warmth from the fire radiated outward against Laura's bare calves. It was so nice and cozy there, with her toes digging into the fur beneath her feet.She held both of Ethan's hands as they stood there for a moment, just enjoying the fire and each other's company.“Are you sure Cr
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter One
Chapter One - LauraNote to readers: Chronologically, this novella takes place after “A Forever Kind of Love” but before “A Wonderful Kind of Love”. It also contains characters from “Saltwater Kisses” and “Yours Completely”. You do not need to have read any of these books to enjoy this book. If you like this story, “A Wonderful Kind of Love” picks up where it leaves off.Laura“Oh God, it's him.”Laura wished she could just melt into the floor and vanish for a few hours. Of course he had to come to this. He was the last person she wanted to see today.“Who?” Mia asked, looking around. She still had brochures in her hands as she tried to organize the table.“Ethan. Ethan White,” Laura answered. She tried to move behind Mia to hide, which wasn't too hard since Mia was pregnant and due in just a month. Mia shook her head and kept organizing the information table.“Ethan?” Mia turned so that Laura couldn't hide as easily. “He's a sweetheart. I like him. Why don't you?”Laura watched as h
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Two
EthanEthan was trying his very best to ignore the fact that Laura was here. He was doing his best to pay attention to the ribbon cutting, but he kept sneaking glances over at the information table.She looked even better than he remembered. A year ago, she had looked amazing in her party dress, and even better out of it. Yet somehow, here on the ranch, she looked even better than she had that night. It was taking a lot of concentration not to just stare at her.He shook his head and tried to clear the memories of their night together from his mind. How soft her skin was, the smell of her perfume. The noises she made when he was inside of her...“Is that you, Ethan?”Ethan turned, glad to have something to focus on that wasn't a memory of something he couldn't have. He smiled and greeted his friend.“Jace! It's so good to see you,” Ethan said, holding out a hand.Jace grinned and shook his hand. “I haven't seen you since the wedding two years ago. I'd hoped we'd get to see you here.”
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Three
EthanThe arena smelled like sawdust and hay, punctuated by the smell of horse. It wasn't necessarily unpleasant, but Ethan preferred the outdoors to being inside with horses. Horses were not his thing. He could see the appeal, but he'd never understood the depth of Carter's love for horses. To him, they were just big, stinky, dogs that you couldn't bring in the house.Bright spring sunshine filtered through the windows in addition to the house lights being on. It made the whole area festive and bright, which was good for the kids. He hoped they were more excited about the horses than he was.The arena consisted of a large center open space made of dirt. A metal railing surrounded the dirt, giving a spectator area. Three horses were tied to the railing at various intervals. They each had a saddle and bridle. Ethan didn't know much about horses, but he thought they looked ready to ride. He couldn't see the kids yet.Carter crossed the arena, his cowboy boots stirring up the dry dust as
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Four
LauraLaura put the saddle back on the holder and wiped her brow. She glanced around the barn, seeing a million things that still needed to be done. It seemed as though there were always a million things that needed to be done. She couldn't remember the last time she'd felt like she was ahead of her work.Still, she was enjoying the quiet of the barn. All the billionaires and children where at the main house eating dinner. She could only imagine what the conversations must have looked like between billionaire CEOs and foster kids. It must have been an interesting dinner.She had stayed away from the party. She told herself it was because she was busy, but she knew the real reason. Ethan was in there. He was the last thing she wanted to think about, yet he seemed to be everywhere. Every time she turned around, he was there.It didn't help that he looked good enough to eat. It didn't help that her body remembered exactly the way he made her feel. It certainly didn't help that she couldn
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Five
LauraPresent dayShe shook herself to break free of the memory.“He didn't want you,” she whispered to herself as she put away the horse blankets. “He got rid of his phone and never even made an attempt to contact you. You don't go where you're not wanted.”She sighed and wished things were different. She wished a lot of things were different, but that didn't change them. She had to live the life she had. She remembered her mom's saying: if wishes were fishes we'd all cast nets to the sea. She didn't have time for wishes.She checked her phone to make sure there were no messages from her siblings. She was so glad that Mia had invited them to come to the event today. She didn't have anyone to watch them, so the fact that Mia was willing to have them here meant the world to her.She wouldn't have survived without their help.She was lucky to have a boss as great as Mia and Carter. If she didn't have them, she didn't know what she'd do since her parents died. They'd helped her not only
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Six
LauraOutside, the wind had turned icy. Dark clouds were starting to roll down the sides of the mountains with ominous speed. Even the birds were quiet as they awaited the coming snow. The storm was here.“I'm going to go check in with my sister,” Laura said to Jace as she zipped up her jacket. It was just a lightweight coat, and she was wishing she had brought her heavier parka. “We need to let security know about the kids. Especially with the storm coming in.”Jace nodded and peeled off to head to the security building near the house. Laura headed straight to the renovated garage where the kids were supposed to be.She struggled with the door in the wind for a moment before getting it open and stepping inside. The interior was brightly lit with all sorts of things for kids to do. Right now, Kenna was instructing several of the foster children in some sort of macaroni art project as they waited for their foster parents to come get them. Ivy was with them, but Dallas wasn't.Laura hur
Latest chapter
A Hopeful Kind of Love Sneak Peek
Chapter 21 of “A Wonderful Kind of Love"LauraLaura and Ethan stepped off of the porch and into the house. She squeezed his hand as they made their way down the hall and into the large living room. When they'd first come in, she hadn't even noticed the little fireplace in the corner. Now, though, there was a warm fire burning inside, and its soft glow illuminated the entire room.“Was this on when we got here?” she asked.Ethan shook his head. “No, I told Craig to get that started after we'd sat out on the deck for dinner.”“Well, aren't you clever?” she said with a smile.Located directly in front of the fireplace was a sheep skin rug. They both kicked off their shoes and then walked over onto the rug. The warmth from the fire radiated outward against Laura's bare calves. It was so nice and cozy there, with her toes digging into the fur beneath her feet.She held both of Ethan's hands as they stood there for a moment, just enjoying the fire and each other's company.“Are you sure Cr
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Twelve
Ethan“I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. Forget I just did that.”Ethan heard the words, but they didn't register as she pulled away and took off running. He stood in the middle of the shed, blinking for a good thirty seconds trying to figure out what had just happened.His body knew exactly what had happened. The most beautiful woman he'd ever met had just kissed him. Her body had molded to his and his internal temperature was going through the roof with desire. Yes, his body knew what had just happened, but his brain sure didn't.She didn't like him.She shook his head, trying to figure out what in the hell she had meant with that kiss. It wasn't just a simple “yay!” kiss. There was way too much heat and desire packed into it for just a celebratory thing.No, this was more than that, but she'd said to forget it. As if he could. He sighed and stepped out into the snow. He had a feeling he would never figure this out.He walked slowly back to the main house. The snow was coming down hard
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Eleven
LauraPresent DayAs the memory of his kisses from a year ago flooded through her body, she found herself surrendering to him. He returned the kiss that she had started, and she could feel him begin to get excited. With all the relief she felt, she could let herself be taken right here, right now, in this snowstorm if he wanted her.But then she remembered just who she was kissing. This was the man who never called. This was the man who had his secretary tell her off. This was the man who didn't care. She pushed herself away from him.What the hell am I doing? She thought, hating the way she already missed kissing him. She should never have kissed him in the first place.“I'm sorry,” she told him, backing away and figuring out the quickest way to the shed door. “I didn't mean that. Forget I just did that.”She stumbled past him and ran out into the snow. The temperature difference between the shed and the outside was a shock to her system. She didn't realize how much the wind chilled
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Ten
LauraAfter making sure the coast was clear, they both snuck back out of the mother’s room and back into the museum. Ethan grabbed Laura’s hand as the walked, giving her a gentle squeeze as they left the quiet restroom area and rejoined the party.“Can I get you a drink?” he asked, motioning toward the bar.Laura chuckled. “Are you actually going to get me one this time, or are we heading back upstairs?”The way his pupils dilated and focused only on her had her heating for him all over again. She was used to having lust fade after a sexual encounter, but this time it wasn't fading. If anything, she wanted him more now than she did ten minutes ago. She wasn't sure how that was possible, but she was going to enjoy it.“I was planning on drinks, but if you kiss me again, we'll have to go right back upstairs,” he replied, his voice low and deep.“Just don't walk under the mistletoe then,” she advised.He glanced up toward the ceiling. “You have no idea how tempting that is.”She flushed
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Nine
LauraThe kiss blew all thoughts out of her mind. The way his lips pressed against hers, the way his hands instinctively cupped her body, and the heat of his touch all had her thinking of only one thing. Ethan.It threw her off, completely. Despite the snow falling all around her, despite the fact that she had to get back to scold her brother, her thoughts flooded back to that night at the party.* * *One year ago...She pulled him out of the Rocks, Crystals, and Gem exhibit and toward the back of the museum. She'd looked at the maps of the museum when she arrived, and she had a pretty good idea of where she was headed. It was supposed to be up the stairs and by the “Creatures of the Pacific Northwest“ exhibit.“Where are you taking me?” Ethan asked, his voice amused as they went further into the museum. Most of the guests were either dancing or drinking, so the exhibits were empty and quiet. “I don't know if we should try another exhibit. That security guard is probably watching us
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Eight
LauraLaura knew that the drone of the airplane engine ringing in her ears wasn't real. She knew it was just her own mind reminding her of what terrible things could happen. She'd started hearing that horrible engine anytime she was too quiet. It was the sound of loss.She had to find Dallas. She needed her brother to be okay and safe. She was supposed to watch out for him. She was supposed to keep him safe. Mom and Dad had asked her to. They asked her before they left. They put it in their wills that she would watch over Dallas and Ivy if anything happened to them.And she was failing.She had only been in charge for a few months and she had already lost Dallas. He was out there, wandering around in the snow. He was cold and scared. She'd lost him. What was she going to tell Ivy?Laura looked up, trying to see the airplane making the noise in her mind. A snowflake landed on her cheek.And now it was snowing. Her brother was lost in the snow.She couldn't have stopped the tears if she
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Seven
EthanEthan watched as Laura walked off, muttering to herself. He couldn't hear what she was saying due to the wind, but he had a good idea that it was about him. She was not happy that he was stuck with her.He followed behind her, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets, trying to keep his hands warm and out of the wind. He looked up at the sky, trying to figure out a way to make the situation better, but short of miraculously finding her brother, he had no ideas. He shook his head and grumbled. Why did Jace have to stick him with her? Who died and made him boss?Laura wanted nothing to do with him. She'd made it very clear that she didn't want to talk to him after their night in the museum. She'd told him so in multiple texts. He'd even tried calling her, but some guy answered the phone and read him a riot act. The guy told him to never call back and that Laura wanted absolutely nothing to do with him.So, he didn't look her up or try to contact her again. He didn't know why she h
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Six
LauraOutside, the wind had turned icy. Dark clouds were starting to roll down the sides of the mountains with ominous speed. Even the birds were quiet as they awaited the coming snow. The storm was here.“I'm going to go check in with my sister,” Laura said to Jace as she zipped up her jacket. It was just a lightweight coat, and she was wishing she had brought her heavier parka. “We need to let security know about the kids. Especially with the storm coming in.”Jace nodded and peeled off to head to the security building near the house. Laura headed straight to the renovated garage where the kids were supposed to be.She struggled with the door in the wind for a moment before getting it open and stepping inside. The interior was brightly lit with all sorts of things for kids to do. Right now, Kenna was instructing several of the foster children in some sort of macaroni art project as they waited for their foster parents to come get them. Ivy was with them, but Dallas wasn't.Laura hur
A Hopeful Kind of Love Chapter Five
LauraPresent dayShe shook herself to break free of the memory.“He didn't want you,” she whispered to herself as she put away the horse blankets. “He got rid of his phone and never even made an attempt to contact you. You don't go where you're not wanted.”She sighed and wished things were different. She wished a lot of things were different, but that didn't change them. She had to live the life she had. She remembered her mom's saying: if wishes were fishes we'd all cast nets to the sea. She didn't have time for wishes.She checked her phone to make sure there were no messages from her siblings. She was so glad that Mia had invited them to come to the event today. She didn't have anyone to watch them, so the fact that Mia was willing to have them here meant the world to her.She wouldn't have survived without their help.She was lucky to have a boss as great as Mia and Carter. If she didn't have them, she didn't know what she'd do since her parents died. They'd helped her not only
