Showing posts with label Alicia Rae. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Alicia Rae. Show all posts

Thursday, 10 December 2015

Blog Tour: Review + #Giveaway: Tattooed Scars by Alicia Rae

 
 
 
 
TS Amazon
 
 
Raelyn Jennings knows one thing for certain. She loves Damien Heathman with every fiber of her being. A life without him wouldn’t be one worth living.
Damien has never loved a single soul—until Raelyn. She heals the pain that has tainted the deepest part of his heart. She is his everything, his single reason for breathing. Damien’s relentless determination refuses to let anyone or anything stand in his way of being with her.
But soon, Damien’s and Raelyn’s pasts begin to collide with their future in ways they never thought possible, testing their undying love for one another.
Damien’s dark secrets from the scars hidden beneath his tattoos threaten to reveal themselves while Raelyn is faced with impossible decisions that need to be made.
Can Damien convince Raelyn to take a risk in hopes of securing the longevity of their future? Or will Raelyn choose the safe path that also comes with a limit?
There isn’t any time to waste, for the clock never stops ticking.
 
 
TATTOOED SCARS is available now - add it to Goodreads here!
 

Buy TATTOOED SCARS now: Amazon

 
 
REVIEW


Tattooed Emotions was a roller coaster ride of emotions, but this book…this book ripped out my heart and shredded it.

Cancer is something that has, more than likely, affected each and everyone’s life in one way or another, and it’s a devastating factor that has the potential to completely destroy the light in a person. With the way book one left off I was hoping against all hope that Rae’s concerns were wrong, that she wouldn’t have to suffer at the hands of the big C again, but I also felt a little better knowing that she’d have someone as amazing as Damien by her side should the unthinkable ever happen.

Nothing came easy for these two fantastic people. Watching them fall for each other was a blessing, but watching their love develop into something deeper and even more meaningful was perfection. I enjoyed every second spent with them, even the more emotional, devastating moments that tore into my soul. It was at these moments when the Rae and Damien’s feeling for each other were so intense, they were palpable, and as heartbreaking as it was, it was also a thing of pure splendor. 

I was in tears throughout most of this book, but Damien’s chapter almost killed me. The waiting and wondering, the anguish and fear, I felt his emotions like they were my own. Although this book ended on a hopeful note, I expect that Rae and Damien will be faced with even more obstacles. I only pray that they will make it out, together, stronger.





te-sale

 
Did you miss the first book, TATTOOED EMOTIONS? You're in luck! TATTOOED EMOTIONS is on sale now for just .99c for a very limited time only - find out more below!
 

tattooedemotions

Raelyn Jennings has survived the unthinkable. She’s been given a second chance to live, to breathe, to feel. Her ability to overcome such a traumatic hurdle has created armor around her heart. But beyond her shield is fear, a consuming deep one, of the unknown. Raelyn vows to herself that she’ll solely focus on the one constant in her life, her career as the CEO for a prestigious accounting firm. Damien Heathman’s unrelenting determination has made him a powerful, respected man. He’s sexy and confident and utterly breathtaking. His dominance and strength is evident in every purposeful stride, every meaningful look, and every soft caress. Raelyn has worked with Damien’s company, Heathman Enterprises, for many years, but they’ve never crossed paths—until now. Damien’s presence fills a room. He steals Raelyn’s breath and sparks her broken heart back to life. Once Damien sets eyes on Raelyn, there is no turning back. He wants her, and he’ll stop at nothing to have her. Not even the dark secrets hidden behind his tattoos will stand in his way. The chemistry is undeniable. The passion is palpable. Can Damien convince Raelyn that he is worth the risk? Or will Raelyn allow her past to control her future, feeling the chance of another heartache is too great to bear?


Buy TATTOOED EMOTIONS now for just .99c: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks

 

Enter to Win

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About Alicia Rae

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and wedding photography.
 
Alicia loves to hear from readers! Text RAE to 22828 to join her mailing list
 
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, 8 December 2015

Release Day Blast: Excerpt + #Giveaway: Tattooed Scars by Alicia Rae + Grab Tattooed Emotions for ONLY #99cents

The second book in Alicia Rae's Tattooed series, TATTOOED SCARS, is available now! We can't wait for you to read the next part in Raelyn and Damien's story!

Find out more below, plus read an excerpt, enter to win, and get the scoop on a .99c sale of TATTOOED EMOTIONS!

TS Amazon
 
 
Raelyn Jennings knows one thing for certain. She loves Damien Heathman with every fiber of her being. A life without him wouldn’t be one worth living.
Damien has never loved a single soul—until Raelyn. She heals the pain that has tainted the deepest part of his heart. She is his everything, his single reason for breathing. Damien’s relentless determination refuses to let anyone or anything stand in his way of being with her.
But soon, Damien’s and Raelyn’s pasts begin to collide with their future in ways they never thought possible, testing their undying love for one another.
Damien’s dark secrets from the scars hidden beneath his tattoos threaten to reveal themselves while Raelyn is faced with impossible decisions that need to be made.
Can Damien convince Raelyn to take a risk in hopes of securing the longevity of their future? Or will Raelyn choose the safe path that also comes with a limit?
There isn’t any time to waste, for the clock never stops ticking.
 
 
TATTOOED SCARS is available now - add it to Goodreads here!

Buy TATTOOED SCARS now: Amazon

 

te-sale

Did you miss the first book, TATTOOED EMOTIONS?
 
You're in luck! TATTOOED EMOTIONS is on sale now for just .99c for a very limited time only - find out more below!

tattooedemotions

Raelyn Jennings has survived the unthinkable. She’s been given a second chance to live, to breathe, to feel. Her ability to overcome such a traumatic hurdle has created armor around her heart. But beyond her shield is fear, a consuming deep one, of the unknown. Raelyn vows to herself that she’ll solely focus on the one constant in her life, her career as the CEO for a prestigious accounting firm. Damien Heathman’s unrelenting determination has made him a powerful, respected man. He’s sexy and confident and utterly breathtaking. His dominance and strength is evident in every purposeful stride, every meaningful look, and every soft caress. Raelyn has worked with Damien’s company, Heathman Enterprises, for many years, but they’ve never crossed paths—until now. Damien’s presence fills a room. He steals Raelyn’s breath and sparks her broken heart back to life. Once Damien sets eyes on Raelyn, there is no turning back. He wants her, and he’ll stop at nothing to have her. Not even the dark secrets hidden behind his tattoos will stand in his way. The chemistry is undeniable. The passion is palpable. Can Damien convince Raelyn that he is worth the risk? Or will Raelyn allow her past to control her future, feeling the chance of another heartache is too great to bear?


Buy TATTOOED EMOTIONS now for just .99c: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBooks
 
 

 

Read an Excerpt of TATTOOED SCARS

I didn’t even realize I had been crying and shaking uncontrollably until I felt Damien open the passenger door. He unhooked my seat belt and lifted me into his strong arms. “Shh, I’ve got you, Raelyn,” he breathed. He softly pressed his lips to my hair to kiss me. “And I’m never letting you go.” I looped my arms around his shoulders and buried my face into his neck. Deep sobs racked through my body, my tears soaking his flesh. Damien carried me through the breezeway and into the house where his long strides ascended the curvy staircase. When we reached his bedroom, he gently placed me on the bed. Then, he climbed in beside me and pulled me into him. The afternoon sun beamed in through the windows, yet I’d never been so tired and drained in all my life. I felt trapped with a relentless fear, and my mind was on overload. It wanted to shut down and block out the past two hours of my life. My only solace was the man before me, caging me with his warmth. Our faces were less than an inch apart, and Damien closed the small gap to brush his lips along mine for a passionate, tender kiss, reaching the depths of my soul. “I love you, Raelyn.” His gray irises stared at me with nothing other than love, melting me. “And nothing will stand in my way of making you mine—forever.” And I wanted to be his, more than anything.

Enter to Win

Want to win? Enter the Rafflecopter below!
 

About Alicia Rae

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and wedding photography.
 
Alicia loves to hear from readers! Text RAE to 22828 to join her mailing list
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Monday, 27 July 2015

Blog Tour: Teaser + #Giveaway: Endless Fate by Alicia Rae




EndFate Amazon (1)
Book Three in the Fate for Love Series

Colton Kingston is set on rebuilding his ranch to what it once was before his livelihood was diminished to a pile of ashes from a revengeful dark act of arson. His brothers at heart are there with him every step of the way to help pick up the pieces of the old and replace them with the new.

Paige Summers finds her inner strength to battle through her burdens of taking another person’s life. Standing in her rightful place by Colton’s side, she’s finally holding her own and living her dream of training horses.

Together, Colton and Paige have endured their fair share of obstacles and tragedies, and it has only made them stronger. With Hank Ulrich out of their lives, Colton is determined to make Paige, the girl he’s loved since he was five years old, his wife—forever.

But as one door closes, another opens, and a new danger is lurking in the shadows, threatening to stand in their way.

Will Colton and Paige’s love be endless, the way it was always meant to be? Or will a new devastation fall upon them and ruin their fate?

*Contains Mature Content*


Buy Links:
Amazon


11696454_663490380449026_3982908237593371207_o



TEASER


Colton POV

“You have me alone. Now, start talking,” I said in a stony voice.
Madeline reached into her blue blazer and handed me a five-by-seven manila envelope. “Open it.”
I flipped it over, lifted the silver tab, and pulled out the stack of papers. My blood turned to ice when I took in the first photograph. It was of Paige and me on Hank’s property the night we’d scoped out his place. The image was dark and a tad pixelated. She and I were both holding flashlights and walking between two barns.
My gut coiled, but I kept my expression unreadable. “So what? We trespassed on private property.”
“There happens to be a reporter—Lexie West at The Murfreesboro Times—who is very interested in more details on my husband’s mysterious death. It doesn’t look good with Paige and you on my property weeks before my husband was murdered. She’ll run anything I tell her, Colton. You forget who runs this town.”
I was not threatened by her, so I told her, “Then, I’ll be sure to show her the images I have of my horse sperm in the refrigerator in your stables and the paperwork confirming the fire on my property was arson, committed by your husband.”
“Keep flipping,” she hissed.
The second picture was of Kyle, Jason, Damon, Blake, and me on the night when we’d gone to Hank’s estate and forced him to return what was rightfully mine.
I turned to the next image and immediately went rigid with uncontrollable fury. It was a close-up picture of Rusty’s laceration, followed by a close-up of Foster.
“You bitch,” I seethed.
Her laughter made me feel sick. “Keep going.”
The next images consisted of Ashlee Davis inside of Lovin’ Sweets, baking cookies and helping customers; Nancy Summers cooking in her kitchen and weeding her garden; Dave Summers working with his horses and herding cattle in the field.
My heart raced with each picture and its unspoken threat.
“I was originally here to chase Paige out of town…” Madeline trailed off for a brief second when my steely eyes met hers. “But after watching your face twist and writhe in pain, I’m glad I played a different angle.”
“What the fuck are you getting at, Madeline? Spit it out already. I’m not intimidated by some news reporter.” My patience was wearing thin. I was struggling not to line-drive her into the ground and wrap my hands around her neck.
“You have a grave weak spot, Colton, and I plan to decimate her by forcing her to endure losing everyone she loves, one by one, while I sit back and watch her misery consume her, destroy her, just as she did to me. You can’t protect her twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. You can’t save her from me. She’s going to know what it feels like.” Her body shook violently with indignation. “She made my heart bleed, and I won’t accept anything less than the blood of hers in return.”
So, she wants Paige to live a life without me? That’s her punishment? I swallowed thickly. This woman knew nothing about me—that I would give my last dying breath to save Paige, that my love for her had no bounds. It was endless, unceasing.
I moved with agile speed and got right up in her face, causing a whirl of activity around me. Two handguns were pointed directly at either side of my temples. Blake was right on my heel, shouting something. I didn’t catch a word of it. My fury and focus were concentrated solely on one human being.
“You don’t scare me,” I told her as my lethal gaze roamed over the dark circles under her eyes, her stenciled thin brown eyebrows, and the harsh set of her cheekbones. “You should know, I’ve never hit a woman before in my life. It goes against how I was raised, everything I believe in—”
“Don’t be foolish, boy.” She laughed shallowly. “My bodyguards would be on you in a second.”
I didn’t doubt it. Ignoring her, I continued as though I hadn’t heard her, “I’ll be making an exception for you. So, make no mistake, the first chance I get, I won’t hesitate a split second before snapping your frail little neck.”
“I’m giving you one week to leave town for good, Kingston. Seven days and not a single more, or I’ll start picking off those dear to her, one by one, and you won’t be able to stop me.” She snatched the envelope out of my grasp. “And I promise you, I won’t be as delicate as my beloved husband was with this situation. I’m far more callous.” She retreated with her bodyguards and sneered, “Have a good afternoon, boys.”

~Endless Fate, releasing July 23, 2015
Fate for Love Series


 11705670_664247883706609_3201384622782475214_o (1)



ABOUT THE AUTHOR



5889106Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography. Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing in my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you. Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...


Links: Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads   








a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, 23 July 2015

Release Day Launch: Exclusive Excerpt + #Giveaway: Endless Fate by Alicia Rae



Endless Fate RDL ban
 

We’re having a release day launch for ENDLESS FATE by Alicia Rae.
 
I am so excited to bring you the third book in her Fate of Love series! For her release day, Alicia is sharing a fantastic excerpt with us, along with a great giveaway! Be sure to check it all out!!


Blogs Taking Part in the Release Day Launch
 
Blog Name
Four Chicks Flipping Pages
Books to Breathe
Wicked Babes Blog Reviews
Sweet Reads: You're In For A Treat!
Bloggin With M.Brennan
Books Need TLC
The Dark Realm
Vera is Reading
Once Untold
JordansBookReviews
Elle's Friends and Books
Greyland Reviews
Verna Loves Books
Between The Lines
Once Upon An Alpha
Love Affair With Fiction
Indy Book Fairy
Becca the Bibliophile
Shelf Life
Adventures in Writing
mignon mykel : reviews
naughty Book Eden
Kimmy Loves to Read
Short and Sassy Book Blurbs
The Phantom Paragrapher
Zoe Forward
Books and Friendz
This Wacky Momma Reads
A girl and her books
Roxy's Reviews
My Favorite Things
Sexy Bibliophiles
Cassandra's Reviews
She Reads New Adult
G&T Indie Café
Angie's Lil Neck of da Author World
Romance Obsessed Book Blog
grownupfangirl
1-chick and her kindle
Bookalicious Babes Blog
Those Crazy Book Chicks
I Read Indie
Kindle and Me
Girls With Books
Friends Till The End Book Blog
Alpha Book Club
Jael's Reviews
Rumpled Sheets Blog
Evermore Books
Paola's Bookshelf
Southern Vixens Book Obsessions
Nicole's Book Musings
Hooked on books
Hooked on books
BayouBama book blog
Book Lovers Obsession
Love Danielle's Escape
Romance Bytes
For The Love Of Books
Books and Beyond Fifty Shades
Romance Schmomance
I Heart Books
One Book Boyfriend At A Time
Romanticamente Fantasy Sito
I Love Books
readingthesheets
 
 
EndFate Amazon (1)
 
 
Book Three in the Fate for Love Series

Colton Kingston is set on rebuilding his ranch to what it once was before his livelihood was diminished to a pile of ashes from a revengeful dark act of arson. His brothers at heart are there with him every step of the way to help pick up the pieces of the old and replace them with the new.

Paige Summers finds her inner strength to battle through her burdens of taking another person’s life. Standing in her rightful place by Colton’s side, she’s finally holding her own and living her dream of training horses.

Together, Colton and Paige have endured their fair share of obstacles and tragedies, and it has only made them stronger. With Hank Ulrich out of their lives, Colton is determined to make Paige, the girl he’s loved since he was five years old, his wife—forever.

But as one door closes, another opens, and a new danger is lurking in the shadows, threatening to stand in their way.

Will Colton and Paige’s love be endless, the way it was always meant to be? Or will a new devastation fall upon them and ruin their fate?

*Contains Mature Content*
 
Buy Links:
Amazon: pending
Barnes and Noble: pending
 
 
11696454_663490380449026_3982908237593371207_o
 
 
 
Exclusive Excerpt
 
Deep sobs raked through my body, recalling how I’d indeed watched the life seep out of Hank and the deep satisfaction it had given me to do so.
What kind of person does that?
I felt his proximity before I heard him, and in seconds, Colton’s hand came to the base of my shoulder blade where he spread his fingertips wide and glided them upward bit by bit.
“Jesus, Paige,” he murmured, barely above a choked whisper. “You’re shaking.”
I hated that I had been distancing myself from him, inadvertently hurting him, but I was powerless to stop it. My mind was my worst enemy.
I closed my eyes, overcome with shame. Colton had never witnessed one of my shower breakdowns before. I preferred to do them in private. I didn’t want anyone to see me fall apart. Especially not Colton. I wanted to be strong for him. I had my pride.
Seconds ticked by before I finally braved spinning around on my heel until I was facing him. Unable to look him in the eyes, I bowed my head and stared at his chest.
How do I explain to him that no matter how many times I shower, I still feel dirty because I have blood on my hands?
Eddie had made me feel weak when he pointed a gun to my head while kidnapping me before knocking me unconscious. Hank had done so by treating me like I was worthless and disposable, as if my life had no value. It was as though they’d stripped me bare, stolen my confidence and my pride…me. Then, I’d become a monster myself and killed without mercy.
So, which one of us is evil?
I shook my head, grief-stricken. Nothing made sense to me anymore.
Colton gently grasped my chin and lifted my gaze to meet his. A crease formed between his brows, and he frowned at me. Worry and regret clouded his normally bright baby-blue eyes.
“Tell me what to do.” Panic filled his voice. “Tell me how I can help you move past this. I will do anything to get rid of that look in those beautiful eyes that I love so much.”
The worst part was knowing that I had no answer for him. I felt robbed of my own mind to make the decision of what I needed to heal. My heart was vacant. I was an empty shell, lost and alone, stuck somewhere in my own private hell.
“Do you remember when you found out the barn fire was arson and you sent me away?” I broke off at the painful memory, recalling what it had felt like when he pushed me away. I was doing no better now, but I was incapable to stop it. I tried to collect my thoughts on where I was going with this.
He winced. “Yes.” His tone was low and full of remorse.
“Then, remember you later snuck in my window and asked me to let you hold me”—I swallowed, stifling the urge to cry—“without any questions or explanations?”
His shoulders rose and fell. Understanding filled his baby-blue eyes. His arms were already in motion, wrapping around my waist. “Yes,” he answered, pulling me close.
“That’s what I need right now. No questions, no judgment…” My voice cracked, and I placed my hands on the center of his chest. “I just need you to hold me.”
An overwhelming pain appeared in his features before he tightly hugged me. He nuzzled his nose into my neck, and I could feel his warm breath along my skin.
“No one’s judging you, Paige. Please, please don’t be so hard on yourself.”
His words sent my heart into a tailspin. I laid my head against his sternum and sobbed uncontrollably. I cried for the lives I’d affected by Hank’s death, mainly his wife and two college-aged children. I silently pleaded for forgiveness for my actions even though it had been self-defense. I prayed my mind would let me let go of this evil head-trip I was currently suffering through and allow me to move forward with my life. I dreamed my life with Colton would return to a normal, simple one.
Eventually, I ran out of tears, and my breathing began to level out until I could only hear the water running and the sounds of my and Colton’s breaths as he continued to comfort me. Somewhere along the way, Colton must have adjusted the nozzle because the water temperature had changed.
“The water’s warmer,” I stated quietly, wanting to break the silence. My lungs were scratchy and raw from all my crying.
“I didn’t want to brave hypothermia.” His lips seemed to curve into a smile, and his hands soothed up and down my sides. “Though, I fear our hot water tank will run empty any minute now, and we’ll be left shivering again.” He shifted fractionally and brought one hand to the base of my chin.
As his thumb started to stroke back and forth across my cheek, he gazed into my eyes. An endless array of emotions rippled out of him, matching the intense look in his baby-blue eyes. “You’ve lost your way before, and so have I.” The lonely ache in his voice seized my heart. “And that’s okay. Heartache has a powerful impact on the soul, and we all get lost now and then. But I need you to promise me that you’ll come back to me, Paige, because nothing will keep us apart. I won’t accept anything less than forever with you.”
I desperately clung to the feeling of hope he sparked somewhere deep within me, and a genuine small smile spread across my lips at his natural ability to make me swoon with his tender words.
“You promise?” For some unknown reason, I needed his reassurance in this moment.
He bent forward and kissed the tip of my nose. “I promise.”
~Endless Fate, releasing July 23, 2015
Fate for Love Series
 
 
 11705670_664247883706609_3201384622782475214_o (1)
 
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 
 
5889106Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography. Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing in my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you. Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...
 
 
 
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday, 25 February 2015

Cover Reveal: Exclusive Excerpt + #Giveaway: Boundless Fate by Alicia Rae




Today we have the cover reveal for Alicia Rae’s Boundless Fate and I am so excited to share it with you!!! Alicia is sharing an excerpt as well as a really fun giveaway, so make sure you check it all out!! :)  
 

 
Boundless Fate
by Alicia Rae
 
BF Amazon
 
 
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Day: March 24th
 

Colton Kingston’s livelihood has been reduced to a pile of black ashes by a tragic act of arson. After sending away the woman he’s loved since the tender age of five, a dark hateful revenge threatens to overtake his heart. Colton knows pushing her away is the only way he can keep her safe.
Paige Summer’s has endured her fair share of obstacles in the past, and refuses to give up on Colton and the life they share together. As interferences try to tear them apart, Paige is determined to stand by Colton’s side and remind him of their love and its strength.
But at every turn, tragedy continues to strike and more devastation falls upon them.
Will Colton and Paige’s love be boundless? Or will revenge conquer their fate?
 


 
Exclusive Excerpt
I pulled off the main road of Paige’s home and slipped my truck into park. An overwhelming sense of relief filled me when I saw she’d made it home safely. All the lights were off, and nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary.
Except the lonely ache I felt inside.
I’d barely ate or slept in four days. But in this moment, I just wanted Paige, nothing else mattered.
The thought of her sleeping alone in her bed without me combined with the desperate need to feel her body against mine had me slouching forward and resting my forehead against the steering wheel.
I closed my eyes briefly, and muttered, “Don’t do it, idiot,” as I fought the impulse to go to her.
I could practically feel her heart beating—her soul calling to mine—I was that connected to her.
I was a starved man, yearning to have her in my arms. Before I was able to stop myself, I was striding across her front lawn, feeling an internal pull to be with her. I went around to the backside of the house and tapped on her window.
While standing there my attention fell to the grass, and all of the reasons why this was a bad idea oppressed me. I shouldn’t be here. Staying away from Paige was the only way I could protect her. I couldn’t let Hank see how deeply mine and Paige’s love went for one another, or he could possibly take his animosity for me out on her. And if Hank hurt Paige in any way, it would be game over—there was no telling what I would do. She was my weakness and my strength all rolled into one, right around my heart.
Just as I was about to walk away and let Paige be, a dim light flickered on. The white curtain covering the window pane was drawn to the side, and I lifted my gaze. Paige stood before me staring through the clear glass, dressed in a long white tee. The conflicting emotions in her beautifully brown eyes reflected the way I felt inside, and it caused my heart to thump unevenly.
She lifted the window and then leaned forward while wrapping her fingers around the window frame, peering down at me.
“Colton,” she breathed my name, and I was uncertain if it was meant as a greeting or a question.
“Can I come in?” I queried, getting straight to the point before I came up with reasons to force myself to leave her be.
“Yes.” She stepped aside.
I braced my palms on the bottom ledge and hoisted myself upward. My right shoulder hit the window framing as the upper half of my body made it inside her room. I hadn’t crawled through this window in ages, but the damn thing seemed smaller.
I lowered my feet to the ground and stood tall before briefly turning to close the window at my back. When I faced the room again, Paige was at the edge of her bed. She sat down and nestled herself under the comforter. When her eyes met mine, she grasped the corner of the blanket and lifted it as though a silent invitation.
Without a single sound, I slipped off my boots and went to her. Once climbing in next to her, she let the comforter gradually fall over me and stretched over to the nightstand where she turned off the light. Then, she settled back down on her right hip, her back toward me. I could feel her hesitation as she tried to distance herself from me.
To feel that kind of uncertainty pouring out of her was the same as someone cracking open my chest and grabbing ahold of my heart. But in truth, I couldn’t blame her for feeling this way, because it was my fault for being hot and cold all over the place. It wasn’t fair to her.
Desperately craving her warmth and needing to know that we were okay even though it was wrong of me to do so, my arm came to the center of her stomach, and in slow motion, I hauled her into my chest. She didn’t fight me.
I outstretched one arm above her head and rested my cheek on my bicep while scooting closer till my nose rested against her hair, so I could inhale the sweet scent of her. With my other hand still at her center, I began to methodically rub tiny circles on her abdomen with the pad of my thumb. Her breathing increased with every full loop.
My eyes began to fall heavy with the weight of the last few days. I was so damn tired, but lying here with Paige—just like this—was all I ever wanted.
“Colton?” she asked suddenly out of the blue.
“Yeah?”
Her hand came to my wrist and she caressed it softly. “What are you doing here?”
Paige couldn’t have asked me a tougher question, and I bit back the defeat I felt inside. I didn’t hold the answer she was looking for. Instead, I made light of the situation, hoping to make her smile. “Sneaking in your window. Which shrunk drastically in size over the years, by the way.”
A quiet laughter seeped out of her, and I found myself genuinely smiling for the first time in days. She rotated to face me and set her hand on my chest. “It didn’t shrink. You have—” She skimmed her palm across my chest up to my shoulder—“broadened, so you don’t fit through it as well as you used to.”
“Maybe,” I grinned mischievously.
In that instant, so many childhood reminiscences with Paige flashed through my mind, all of them filling my soul with sense of peace. 
As a teen, there had been countless nights where I longed to see her so I’d go to her house and knock on her window. Paige would come outside, and we would lay in the grass for hours, watching the stars.
Even in the midst of my darkest days, those memories could bring a smile to my face. It was her that kept me going.
An unexplainable calm tranquility settled over me at having Paige’s body pressed against mine. She gave me hope I’d find myself again, and she made me believe someday I could let go of the hate and revenge I carried inside of me.
A profound tiredness took over me from the build-up of the past several happenings, and I was losing the will power to keep my eyes open. 
Paige rose her hand to touch my cheek, caressing it. Her skin was so soft.
“Colton?” she repeated my name, softer this time.
I gazed down at her. “Yeah?”
The movement of my thumb paused on her stomach from the intensity burning in her eyes. “You know that’s not the answer I was looking for…”
“No, it wasn’t,” I agreed, knowing she deserved an honest explanation. “I don’t know why I’m here, only that I didn’t have the strength to stay away, so please, just let me hold you.”
“Okay.” She set her finger on my lower lip and gently ran it back and forth. Then, she leaned in and softly kissed the corner of my mouth. “Goodnight, cowboy.”
“Night,” was all I had time to say before sleep carried me away.
 
 
 
 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 
FFG_0682Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.
Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing in my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo
Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.
Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...
 
 
 
Enter Alicia’s giveaway!!
 
 
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