Authors: Staci Hart
Wasted Words (40 page)
“Well, you should. You were a huge dick about it.”
She made a face and pinched my side. “Ha, ha.”
I chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “It all worked out. Everything did.”
“It sure did.” She smiled up at me. “I can’t believe it’s been almost a year.”
“Me neither. I’m surprised you haven’t left me yet.”
She snickered. “Who would have thought I would have been more of a flight risk than you were?”
I squeezed her. “Me.”
She smiled, lifting up on her tiptoes, and I bent to kiss her gently before she pulled me through the crowd.
The year had been eventful. I’d signed Darryl and gone through my first off season — he’d accepted a contract with the 49ers, and I’d been there with him every step of the way. Cam had put in her time, working her ass off at Wasted Words, and it had become a staple of the neighborhood, singles night still a success, every time. And I still went, only for her.
We’d spent every holiday in the Midwest, bouncing between Walnut and Lincoln, our parents sometimes traveling so we could holiday all together. The last time I saw her dad, on Labor Day, I’d asked him for her hand.
He’d smiled, eyes glistening behind his glasses, and clapped me on the shoulder, telling me that he’d always wanted a son. Telling me he’d always wanted to see Cam as happy as she was with me.
The ring was stashed in a pair of house shoes, under a stack of sweaters in my closet. The plan was firmly in place, our trip to Lincoln for homecoming booked, her parents set to be there with us, and the band already had the sheet music for “Crazy He Calls Me.” All I needed was for time to speed up and for her to say yes.
Her tiny hand was in mine as we made the rounds, talking to everyone, but hanging mostly by Bayleigh and Martin. I’d never seen Martin so happy, not in all the years I’d known him. The two of them had been inseparable ever since that fateful night of bowling. And Cam and I had been inseparable since the band played “Bust a Move.”
She’d kept her promise. She hadn’t run, hadn’t worried, just let it go, just like she said she would. And we’d been perfectly happy ever since. No more doubt. No more wondering. Just Cam and me, burning together.
The night wound to a close, and everyone trickled out, Bayleigh and Martin last. There were hugs and congratulations, plans and promises discussed — Cam and I were both in the wedding party — and then, they were gone too.
We stood in front of the doors, the city on the other side, shelves and aisles of books behind us, and I looked down at her as she looked up, our eyes meeting for a long moment, smiles gentle and full of forever. And when we kissed, I knew our forever had already begun.
Acknowledgements
So many people to thank for this one that it’s a little unbelievable to me. I’m so thankful to have such amazing support, because without it, this book may not have seen the light of day.
To Jeff Brillhart — I’ll try not to publish another book in May. Thank you for being such an amazing husband and Dad to have taken care of everything in my absence as I sequestered myself in my office. You’re the hero in our story.
To Kandi Steiner — You have talked me off the ledge more times than I can count, and you took the brunt of my Cat5 hurricane winds like a goddamn bomb shelter. Thank you for holding my hair back while I puked this book up. Now let’s trade places.
To Becca Mysoor — Through all the ups and downs with this story, through some of the busiest times of your life, you’ve always done your best to be there for me, even when I’m an annoying prat, even when I’m belligerent, even when I’m backed in a corner and biting. You’re the Tyler to my Cam. Without you, I’m half a brain and three limbs short.
To Lauren Perry — You’ve outdone yourself with the photos for this book. Thank you for your talent, and for bringing my characters to life.
To Karla Sorensen — Please never stop drunk texting me. #JAMMF4EV
To Brittainy Cherry — You know my heart, and I know yours. Thank you for always understanding, and for always knowing just what I need to hear.
To Tina Lynne — You’re the fixer. It’s your new name. Go with it.
To Miranda Arnold — You claimed Tyler, so put up your dukes because here they come.
To Becky Slemons — Thank you for cranking my proof out to me in four days like an absolute boss.
To my beta readers — Thank you all for taking the time to read my words, to poke holes in the story and my characters, to lend me your brains and your eyes. Your feedback is invaluable to me.
More Books by Staci Hart
Hearts and Arrows
Deer in Headlights (Hearts and Arrows 1)
Snake in the Grass (Hearts and Arrows 2)
What the Heart Wants (Hearts and Arrows 2.5 Novella)
Doe Eyes (Hearts and Arrows 3)
Fool’s Gold (Hearts and Arrows 3.5 Novella)
Hardcore (Erotic Suspense Serials)
Bad Habits (Romantic Comedy)
Wasted Words - Coming May 19
Nighthawk - a Steampunk Adventure Romance - Coming Summer 2016
Once
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About the Author
Staci has been a lot of things up to this point in her life: a graphic designer, an entrepreneur, a seamstress, a clothing and handbag designer, a waitress. Can’t forget that. She’s also been a mom to three little girls who are sure to grow up to break a number of hearts. She’s been a wife, even though she’s certainly not the cleanest, or the best cook. She’s also super, duper fun at a party, especially if she’s been drinking whiskey, and her favorite word starts with f, ends with k.
From roots in Houston, to a seven year stint in Southern California, Staci and her family ended up settling somewhere in between and equally north, in Denver. They are new enough that snow is still magical. When she’s not writing, she’s gaming, cleaning, or designing graphics.
Follow Staci Hart:
Website
: Stacihartnovels.com
Facebook
: Facebook.com/stacihartnovels
Twitter
: Twitter.com/imaquirkybird
Pinterest:
pinterest.com/imaquirkybird
