BLURB:
Losing fifty pounds is an incredible achievement. But for Melissa
Atherton, progress doesn’t come with praise—a scathing comment from an evil
cousin at a bridal shower threatens to crush her new self-esteem. Who will she
bring to the upcoming wedding? Showing up without a date would be humiliating.
It just isn’t an option.
Personal trainer Jake Sawyer was attracted to Melissa before she
lost weight, but her progress has him floored. When she admits she plans to
hire a male escort—and why—his heart all but breaks. Melissa’s come too far to
be knocked down, especially by her own family. He’ll go as her date…and figure
out a way to keep his hands to himself.
But when a steamy hotel room encounter takes them both by
surprise, Jake balks. He’s sworn never to date one of his clients, not again.
And Melissa can’t bear to be just friends with the man who treated her so
tenderly, even if it was only for a weekend. Jake’s helped her see she’s strong
enough to stand up for herself, but will she find the strength to pursue the
only man who’s ever seen the real her?
EXCERPT:
“I
went to my cousin’s bridal shower earlier today.” Jake looked up, relieved to
find that she hadn’t appeared to notice him staring at her breasts. Good. Now
he just had to remind himself not to do it again. He shouldn’t be thinking
anything other than professional thoughts about her. Friend or not, Melissa was
his client and therefore strictly off-limits. “She’s getting married next month
at Pebble Beach.”
He
let out a low whistle. “Beautiful, but from what I know of that area, pricey.”
“My
aunt and uncle are very well off.” Melissa pushed her cup to the side and
folded her arms on the table. “You know how I told you she always made fun of
my weight when we were kids?”
Jake
nodded, remembering their conversation of a few months ago. “She sounds like a
witch.”
“She
is.” Melissa sighed. “I overheard her and her friend talking about me in the
ladies’ room.” She gave him a wan smile. “And you know what they say about
eavesdroppers never hearing good of themselves. Well, it’s true.”
“What
did she say?”
“That
I was too fat to be a bridesmaid and that even if I’m able to get a date to her
wedding, it’ll probably be with some loser.”
Jake
tamped down his anger. He’d struggled with his weight when he was younger and
knew only too well how cruel some people could be. Leaning forward, he reached
across the table and put his hand on Melissa’s arm. He tried not to notice the
satiny smoothness of her skin but failed and quickly withdrew before the warmth
of her skin could tempt him to linger. “Don’t let her get to you, Melissa.
She’s not worth it.”
“That’s
what I told Paige when she suggested we sabotage the wedding ceremony.”
Jake
couldn’t help but laugh. “I’ve only met your sister twice, but that’s exactly
what I’d expect her to suggest.”
Melissa
smiled, then quickly sobered and gave him a determined look. “I’m going to that
wedding even though it’s the last thing on earth I want to do.”
“Do
you have a date?” he asked, more interested in Melissa’s private life than he
should be. She’d never mentioned a boyfriend, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t
seeing someone. Even at her heaviest—as she’d been when he’d met her—she was an
attractive woman.
“No.
But I have this off the wall—” She stopped mid-sentence, stared at him for
several seconds, then she shook her head and laughed. She had a good
laugh—melodic and sexy at the same time. “Never mind.”
“Never
mind what?” he asked as he leaned back.
“It
wasn’t important.” She tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. Her
cheeks turned pink under his scrutiny. “Okay. Okay. I was thinking about hiring
an escort for the wedding. Someone super-hot. That would shut my cousin up for
good.”
“Hire
an escort?” Jake asked, surprised she’d go to such lengths—especially when she
didn’t need to. He grinned as the perfect solution to her problem materialized
in his head. It was the least he could do for a friend. “I have a much better
idea and it won’t cost you any money.”
One
delicately arched brow rose. “What’s your idea?” she asked, with a hint of
trepidation.
“Not
what. Who.” He pointed to his chest. “Me. I’ll be your date for the wedding.”
AUTHOR Bio and
Links:
Originally
from the San Francisco Bay Area, Alison now lives in Southern Nevada where
she’s still getting used to the blistering summers and the slot machines in
every grocery store.
When
not working at the day job that pays the bills, keeps a roof over her head, and
supports her book and chocolate habits, Alison spends most of her free time
writing. But when she takes a break, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and
spending time with her family and friends.
Website:
http://alisonpackard.com/
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/Alleyfics
Alison will be awarding a $25 Amazon GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
the more they comment, the better their chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
Thanks for having me on your blog today, Alisia. :-)
ReplyDeleteI liked the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteI really do understand how she feels about attending this wedding alone. Loved this excerpt.
ReplyDeleteNice blurb
ReplyDelete