[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Luann glanced around, her purple hair fitting right in.  I guess I see it. I mean, why you d want to
stay here.
Dawn smiled.  I know. So many people search the world for this. For the sense of family and
home. The outside door opened, and she felt it. The swell of angry, branding, vibrating heat.
Dawn rose to her feet as a defense, her entire body going on full alert. Her heart beat harder, and a
fiery relief rippled through her. He was safe. God, she d missed him.
Hawk stood planted in the entryway, in full combat gear badass boots, dark pants, bulletproof
vest, finished off with fresh bruises across his cheekbone.
 Oh my, Luann breathed next to her.  Just& oh my.
His green gaze landed hard on Dawn, pinning her in place.  No, he said.
She blinked, belatedly noting both the pillow and the coiled rope in his hand.  Uh  From the
corner of her eye, she could see her mom and sisters-in-law drawing near, beaming smiles.
 You are not going to Europe with Sizzled Pink, Hawk said evenly, kicking a rolling pink balloon
out of his way.
She caught her breath.  Uh 
 I screwed up, and I get that. He waved the pillow around.  But apparently so did you.
Her mouth dropped open, and she sucked in air.
 But I met the rules, and I get to win. He glanced down and read number one.   Make your man
the only man around.  He glanced up, a muscle working in his jaw.  I ve made you the only woman
in the world for me since the day you turned eighteen. There is nobody else, and there will never be
anybody else.
Around her, Dawn could hear sighs. Long, drawn out, dreamy sighs.
 Um 
 I m not done. He glanced down at the offending pillow.   Don t give the cow away.  His lips
tipped.  Well, I did hold out for years, waiting. I mean, you started throwing yourself at me in your
teens, skinny-dipping in the pond, and I always was the gentleman, even though you made it very
difficult.
Dawn bit her lip. Her mother harrumphed and shook her head.
Hawk nodded.  Yep. I d say I passed that one. Number three?  The way to a man s heart&   He
tapped the pillow against his side.  Well, now, Dawnie. I didn t have time to make you dinner
tonight, but you stay with me and I ll cook any damn time you want. And I promise, not once will I
send you to the hospital.
A twittering of female laughter ran through the crowd.
Hawk read number four.   Let your man rescue you.  He looked up, lids going heavy, gaze
softening.  You saved my ass that night we went off the side of the road, and you know it. Besides
that, the very thought of you, the idea that someday, maybe, you d be mine, kept me alive in wars a
world away.
The feminine sighing upped in volume around the room.
Dawn s knees wobbled.  Hawk 
He tossed the pillow to the side, and Loni Freeze caught it, holding it close to her stomach. He
sobered, lifted the rope, and twirled. Almost in slow motion, it soared through the air, and landed
squarely over Dawn s head, dropping around her. Well experienced, he tugged at just the right
moment, binding her arms to her sides. Hand-over-hand, he coiled the rope until his warmth brushed
her front.  You ve been chasing me for years, baby, and it s time I caught you.
Tears filled her eyes.
He reached out and lifted her chin with one knuckle.  It s always been you, Dawn Freeze. I love
you. Give me another chance I m here for good. I promise.
She sniffled and then smiled. Everything she wanted stood in front of her, giving her the world.
Giving her& him.  You know it s always been you. I love you, Hawk.
The room erupted with cheers, but she didn t really notice, because Hawk s mouth covered hers.
With promise and heat, he dove deep, taking her heart with him.
Finally, he straightened up.  I love you. Then he glanced around at all the pink.  Sorry about the
European trip and ruining your going away party.
Dawn frowned, her mind clicking into gear.  I told Luann the other day that I wasn t going.
Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Poppins giggled near the side doorway.
Dawn glanced from them and then back up at Hawk.  Um, this is Melanie s baby shower, Hawk.
He stilled. His eyes went liquid. Then he threw back his head and laughed, the sound filling her
heart with the future.  It s great to be home.
Dawn leaned into him, pushing out of the rope.  For good this time.
He smiled and kissed her again.  Yeah. You and me. Forever.
Did you love this Brazen? Check out more of our steamy titles here!
And for exclusive sneak peeks at our upcoming books, excerpts, contests, chats with our authors
and editors, and more&
Sign up for our Newsletter
Be sure to like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Acknowledgments
There are so many folks who help to make sure a book becomes a final product many of them
behind the scenes.
Thanks to my husband, Tony, because you re the best! Thanks to Gabe and Karly I m so proud of
both of you!
Thank you to my wonderful agent, Caitlin Blasdell as well to the gang at Liza Dawson
Associates. You re a wonderful group. [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]