by Joanne Wadsworth | Apr 21, 2014 | Author Blog
Welcome to the Spring Fling Blog Hop where over fifty authors and bloggers have joined together to bring you some amazing posts, great giveaways and loads of fun. Don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter below to win a Kindle tablet, gift cards, paperbacks and swag and be sure to check out my own giveaway of a $10 Amazon giftcard.
In the meantime, if you haven’t swung Down Under to visit me before then welcome to my blog. I can’t believe it’s spring around the other side of the world. In New Zealand it’s autumn and the leaves are falling from the trees by the masses. A total opposite to most of you. Ever wondered though what spring is like in Kiwi land? I can tell you, with our twelve million sheep against only four million people, it looks a lot like this. Happy lambies everywhere, and jumping for joy. 🙂
For this spring hop, I’m going to join you in the lead up to your summer by bringing you a taste of my recent release WITNESS PURSUIT. This is book one in my Bodyguards series, of which I’m currently writing book two. Let me just grab a glass of water, because the cover coming up is quite hot. Witness Pursuit is set in the beautiful islands of Fiji, a short three hour flight from NZ.
Here’s a short sexy excerpt to keep heating us all up. (Caution: Quite hot. Grab yourself a glass of water too.)
Lydia’s chest tightened. Tyler looked dangerously gorgeous. “You gonna hop into bed? Or should I call you Mr. I-don’t-want-to-stick-it.” Yeah, that should hit a nerve.
“You’ll want to take that back.”
Lazing on her side, she played her fingers over the blue spread. His gaze narrowed and his hands flexed against his thighs. She liked. “Why? Because you’re hoping I don’t get comfortable and this isn’t a long night? Oooh, I’m shaking. You better not sleep naked, because that might really scare me into squealing all my secrets.”
“That’s it.” He let out a fierce growl, which sent a shiver of approval through her. “Close your eyes if you’re the sensitive sort.”
“Not a chance. This is your room after all. Do what you’d like.”
He yanked the silver buckle release on his belt then dropped his pants in one swift move. Next, he jerked his shirt over his head and she was left with the sight of smooth black briefs covering a bulky package she was certain was on the rise.
“Last chance.” He slid his fingers under the band of his underwear.
“I’m still good.” When he dropped his underwear and kicked them away, her lips went numb and she tried to rub some life into them. Talk about hot, not to mention that rise was now a full salute. Of a very grand fashion.
“So I have to get naked for you to pay attention?” He shoved the covers back then slid in and hooked an arm around her waist. He tumbled her into him. “Now what were you saying about Mr. I-don’t-want-to-stick-it?”
“I was wrong. Totally wrong.”
-oOo-
For those who’d like to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a $10 Amazon gift card, then simply leave a comment at the end of this post. If you wish to sign up for my exclusive newsletter, click the link below and enter your email address. That’ll give you an additional two entries into the draw. Already signed up? Let me know in the comment, so I can toss your name into the hat an extra two times. 🙂
EXCLUSIVE NEWSLETTER —- Exclusive! I promise not to spam you.
But that’s not all… In addition to my personal prize for this hop, don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter below to win a Kindle tablet, gift cards, paperbacks and swag.
Keep hopping– The complete list of participating authors is on the list below
Thank you so much for dropping by, and I wish you and yours a wonderful week.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Jan 3, 2014 | Author Blog
COOKING UP LOVE
Jemima George leads a charmed life as a personal chef and assistant to reality television’s latest darling. But that changes in a New York minute when her Aunt Caro dies under odd circumstances, bequeathing her a small restaurant. Jem plans to sell the café and continue her life in NYC, until a dramatic phone call from her cheating boyfriend convinces her to experiment with the ingredients for happiness and accept her Aunt’s legacy. Throwing herself into remodeling the restaurant with the help of the town’s delicious contractor, Jem revamps the menu and renews her faith in herself.
Jack Kerrigan considered Caro a surrogate mother and hates the idea that the café could be sold. He doesn’t need the remodeling project, but if it means Caro’s beautiful, fascinating niece will stay to run the restaurant, he’s all in. He wouldn’t mind being savory to Jem’s sweet.
Jack’s brassy ex-wife is cooking up a scheme of her own, where Jack tosses Jem like a salad and comes back to her. Fold in a creepy attorney hiding secrets of environmental mayhem, add Jem’s claustrophobia, half-pint niece and nephew twins, one mysterious lockbox, and bring to a boil–a recipe for romance.
A Lyrical Press Contemporary Romance
A huge welcome to Gemma Brocato and her wonderful characters from Cooking Up Love. I’m so glad you’ve dropped by, Gemma, and brought two of your favorite people along with you for a character interview.
Joanne, Thanks so much for inviting me and Jack and Jem over today. We’re all eager to tell you a little bit about ourselves.
Let’s put Jack and Jem in the hot seat then. Jem if I can start with you. Did you ever consider your story would be told?
Jem: *smiling sheepishly* I worked for a reality TV star, and have appeared on camera often. This wasn’t the story I expected Gemma to tell, *sends and adoring glance toward Jack* but I’m so happy with the way it turned out.
What’s your favorite scene, one your writer portrayed just right?
Jack: *Jack grabs Jem’s hand* Can I answer this one, sugar? I found Jem in the café after she’d gotten a devastating phone call. We walked to the waterfront and watched the sunrise together. Gemma thought she was giving that sunrise to Jem. But, I knew the sun brought an exciting new promise for me, too. The promise of a happily ever after. *Jem sighs and blows a kiss at Jack*
Were there any particularly difficult scenes you’d rather your writer have never written?
Jem: I hated every scene where Gemma made me suffer from my fear of small spaces. *Shuddering*
What was your favorite thing to do in your book?
*They smile at each other*
Jem: We love to hang out at Red’s Tavern and play darts. I’m proud to say I usually win.
Are you happy with how everything turned out?
Jem: Oh yes!
Would you care for a sequel?
Jack: I think we’ve been in the spotlight long enough. It’s my sister’s turn to play the lead. Gemma was generous to her and her kids with her next story. That’s all I’ll say.
What was your favorite line?
Jack: It was right after Jem and I got locked in the pantry. She doesn’t like small spaces, you know. Gemma put some awesome words in my mouth. A foretelling of sorts. “We also have moments of glory and brilliance. Distracting you with a kiss was mine. As a matter of fact, kissing you could become one of my weaknesses.”
What’s your favorite time of the day?
Jem and Jack respond at the same time: Dawn
What’s your greatest fear?
Jem: *with a shiver* Small spaces.
Jack: *matter-of-factly* Losing Jem.
What’s your greatest weakness?
Jack: *smiles* Jem’s kisses. They make my heart flip every time.
What’s your strongest quality?
Jem: Can I answer for Jack? He is a kind man. He hates it when I say that, but it’s true. He’d rather I said he was a sexy strong stud with a wicked awesome sense of humor. And he is all of that. But a sweet, sensitive heart beats in his chest.
What makes you proud?
Jem: *A broad smile spreads over Jem’s face* Well, I hate to brag, but I had a role in reuniting a family torn apart by mistakes and pride. I helped a father be proud of his son again, when it seemed they’d never talk again.
Jack: *nod’s then adds his own moment of pride* I helped Jem heal after her aunt died, and her EX-boyfriend betrayed her. Oh, I also helped her find inventive ways to manage her claustrophobia. *He leers at Jem*
I have a couple of questions just for you, Gemma.
As the writer, is there anything you’d like to say in response to your characters’ interview?
Just that I’m pleased that they are happy with the end of the story. Although, it really isn’t an end, rather, it’s a delicious beginning for the rest of their lives.
Are you working on anything new and if so when can we expect to see it?
As Jack mentioned, his sister Pippa’s story, Hearts In Harmony, is due out in May 2014. That story tugged at my heart from the very moment I was introduced to her. Currently I’m working on finishing Sam Kerrigan’s story. He was one of my favorite characters in Cooking Up Love, so I’m delighted to be working on that. Since the story is based on the five senses, there are two more yet to come.
Here’s an excerpt to whet your appetite:
Jack smiled sadly and shifted on the hard rock. “That’s when I really got to know Caroline. She gave me a job and helped me figure out up from down. I’m ashamed to say I sort of lost myself in the bottle. Knowing how much I’d disappoint Caroline if I didn’t show up to work the breakfast shift kept me from drinking until dawn. My dad’s a patient man, but after putting me to bed drunk a few times, he got fed up. So the next time it happened, he poured me a strong cup of coffee, shoved me in the car and brought me here. He marched me down the pier and pointed toward the sunrise.”
Jack lost himself in thoughts of a long ago morning, as Jem stared at the horizon, waiting for him to go on.
“Dad doesn’t talk much. It’s just his way. He shocked me that morning by stringing a whole lot of words together. Said his heart was breaking for me. What I was going through was breaking my mother’s heart, too. He told me it was time to move on with my life, not stay buried in what I couldn’t change. Dad told me each sunrise offers a new promise. As bad as yesterday was, there’s new opportunity, new hope every day. He told me I was the only roadblock to happiness. I shouldn’t let Tessa destroy my essence. Yep, my dad talked about my essence.” Jack chuckled; the memory of the moment still amazed him. “Said I deserved more than the next guy to wallow in the misery. But I’d be better off accepting the new chance each dawning sun provided.”
He turned to face Jem and put his finger under her chin, turning her face his direction. Cupping his hand over her cheek, he rubbed his thumb along the smooth skin he found there. He prayed she’d lift her head enough to let him press a kiss to her lips, but she remained still, her eyes searching his. “That sun, right there, is your new opportunity. If you stay unhappy for a few days, or even years, it’s okay. Tomorrow, and every day after, the sun will come back with the same offer. And one day, you’ll be ready to accept it.”
He dropped his hand to her shoulder and scooted closer to her, easing his arm around her. Jem didn’t shift away from him, but didn’t lean into his solid warmth, either. Her sigh was audible as she turned her face back toward the brilliant orange globe on the horizon. Side by side, they watched the new sun rising over the water, brightening the day first with a rosy glow, then a fiery glare that made them squint. Bathed in an otherworldly glow, Clooney played in the surf as the rising sun painted vivid colors on the sea and sky.
“Thank you,” Jem said softly as Clooney finally wore himself out and trotted back to Jack’s side.
Jack rubbed his hands across the dog’s wet coat, slicking water off his back. “You’re welcome.”
How can readers find you and your book, Gemma?
Connect with Gemma on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gemma.brocato
Twitter: @gemmabrocato
Website: www.Gemmabrocato.com
Buy Links:
Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Up-Love-Gemma-Brocato-ebook/dp/B00G36CD0K/ Kobo http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/cooking-up-love-3
Barnes and Noble http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/cooking-up-love-gemma-brocato/1117213296
iTunes https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/cooking-up-love/id688219548?mt=11
BIO:
Gemma’s favorite desk accessories for many years were a circular wooden token, better known as a ’round tuit,’ and a fortune from a fortune cookie that said she was a lover of words; some day she’d write a book. All it took was a transfer to the United Kingdom, the lovely English springtime, and a huge dose of homesickness to write her first novel. Once it was completed and sent off with a kiss even the rejections, addressed to ‘Dear Author’, were gratifying.
After returning to America, she spent a number of years as a copywriter, dedicating her skills to making insurance and the agents who sell them sound sexy. Eventually, her full-time job as a writer interfered with her desire to be a writer full-time and she left the world of financial products behind to pursue an avocation as a romance author.
Her gamble paid off when she was a 2012 Finalist in the prestigious Golden Pen contest for Romantic Suspense and she received contracts for her first and second book.
www.Gemmabrocato.com
by Joanne Wadsworth | Dec 27, 2013 | Author Blog
GHOST LOVER
By Liza O’Connor
Contemporary Romance with a touch of paranormal
Two sexy English brothers. One irresistible ghost. Who would you choose as your lover?
Completely broke and with a criminal record to boot, Senna Smith is one day from eviction from her apartment when Brendon, her promiscuous roommate from London, suggests she go to England, marry him, and manage his fortune. With few other options, she agrees to an open marriage. But she’ll never, ever, have sex with him, knowing if she falls in love with him, he’ll break her heart.
As trustee of Brendon’s family fortune, there is no way Brendon’s older brother, Garrison Durran, is going to let him marry a self-professed American gold-digger. As Senna tries to embrace castle life and English society for Brendon’s sake, Gar discovers Senna is the perfect woman for him–beautiful and intelligent, kind and caring. Now, if she wasn’t already engaged to his brother…
The ancestral ghost of Durran Castle has to intervene if the Durran brothers have any chance of an heir. He can’t leave them to fix matters on their own. They are useless buggers when it comes to love. As counselor to Gar, matchmaker for Brendon, and lover to Senna, a ghost’s work is never done.
CONTENT WARNING: Allergy warning: Ghost cat in book.
A huge welcome to Liza O’Connor and her wonderful characters from Ghost Lover. I love this cover. I’m so glad you’ve dropped by, Liza, and brought your characters along with you for an interview. And thanks so much for offering a giveaway. Check it out at the end, everyone. Liza’s going to take it away here, while I head over to her blog. My characters from Witness Pursuit are going to answer the hard questions at her place.
Today, Joanne and I are swapping locations. I’m interviewing my unruly herd at her site in beautiful and warm New Zealand, and she’s interviewing her characters on my site in a cold castle set in England.
Liza: I’m glad to see everyone is here, because I want you all to contribute to this interview.
Gar: I’m not discussing the ghosts.
Liza: Not a problem. Today’s topic is about when one door closes, another one opens. I believe all you have experienced this.
Brendon: I thought the saying was: When a door is locked, break a window.
Senna: No, it’s: Don’t cry ‘why me?’ when a door closes, because the door was actually a portal to hell.
Liza: *grips head* Why did I think this would be easy? Okay, who would like to begin?
Brendon: I’ll go. About a year ago, I lost the only person who had ever loved me. The cook attempted to console me, but then declared I’d gotten her pregnant. Attempting to fix matters, I convinced the trustee of my fund to give me a million pounds, which I purposely lost on a single roll of the roulette table. I thought if the cook believed I’d lost all my money, she’d remember someone else who might be the father of her child.
Gar: The cook held firm and demanded I give her a million to go away. In a fit of anger over both the blackmailing cook and the roulette fiasco I sent Brendon to the states, instead of realizing what he needed was a brother who loved him. I will forever regret that.
Brendon: I forgive you, since in the states I discovered a fabulous woman who liked me.
Cat: What? Who?
Brendon: *grips Cat’s hand* I found Senna, broke a window and crawled into her one-room flat —
Senna: Several nights in a row. I couldn’t afford to replace anymore windows, so I gave him a key. Then after I fed and sheltered him for six months, he steals $400 from my bank account so my rent check bounces and the landlord evicts me.
Liza: Yeah, Brendon, I had to drop the first two chapters of my book because of you. My readers seriously hated you for stealing her money.
Brendon: I had to save her. No matter how hard Senna tried, she couldn’t get ahead. I was certain if she came to England where she’d never have to worry about money again, she’d be so much better off.
Liza: Then why didn’t you just ask her?
Brendon: Because she would’ve never accepted my offer of marriage until I made her really desperate. As in rock bottom. Otherwise, she would’ve kept living on the edge, miserable and one step from starvation every day, with no friends to help her in times of trouble.
Senna: He’s right. No one likes a convicted felon. I was destined for a hard and miserable life before Brendon stole my money, then offered me a way out of the disaster he’d created.
Liza: So this is an excellent example of when one door closes, another opens. Senna was a day from being homeless and look at her fabulous life now. Now Gar, I know you hate participating in my interviews but–
Gar: I’m not discussing ghosts.
Liza: Could you give us an example how something you perceived as a terrible event turned out to bring you great happiness?
Gar: Brendon calls and says I have to pay for him and his fiancée to return to England or he’ll sell the family teacups he’d stolen when he left. The idea of having my life disrupted with Brendon’s antics again gave me an ulcer, but I had to save the teacups, so I bought the tickets.
*grips Senna’s hand*
And once I stopped being a jerk, I discovered Senna to be the finest woman of my acquaintance. My life became so much brighter with her in it.
Liza: And you, Cat. I believe you had a major ‘one door shuts, another one opens’ moment?
Cat: I did. I had just met a really nice English dude who had bought three of my paintings, only two hadn’t been for sale and I wanted them back. When he told me he’d already shipped them to England, I kind of got violent.
Gar: Kind of? She knocked me to floor and was seconds away from stomping me to death. I got up and assured her I’d send all three pieces back to her and stormed off. I intended to return to England alone the next day.
Cat: Only the monster who claimed to be my father sent a bunch a goons to my apartment and took everything I possessed…even the toilet paper. I had three new paintings I’d done…that still upsets me. But his message was clear. Come home and be an obedient daughter or die on the streets.
Gar: Fortunately, she knew where I was staying and came there. When I washed her face clean of her Goth makeup, she looked incredibly like Senna, leaving me no choice but to bring her home.
Cat: *hugs Brendon.* And there I met my soul mate.
Lassier the ghost: *materializes* And finally I had the proper cast to set matters straight. But still, you would not believe how difficult they made it. Keeping this family line going is nearly impossible. How I long for the old days when women had no say in the matter of marriage and children.
Cat: If I kick Lassier in the balls while he’s materialized, will it hurt him?
Lassier: I’m out of here. *disappears*
Cat: *grins* I take that as a yes.
Brendon: I don’t think you should test your theory. Ghosts have long memories and excel at pranks.
Liza: Once again I have lost control of the interview. I know inviting only one or two would be easier, but then the rest would have been at the castle where Joanne Wadsworth is interviewing her characters on my site. Anyone want to lay odds her characters are better behaved?
*Everyone stares at their shoes, plucks lint, or stares out windows*
Liza stands: I’m calling this interview done. It’s a gorgeous day in New Zealand. I’m going rafting down a 21 foot waterfall. Who’s with me?
And now a short excerpt for those who didn’t fit in the raft:
Senna woke to her breast beeping. Trying to make sense of the oddity, she pushed herself up to rest on her elbows and discovered the noise came from Brendon’s wristwatch. Somehow, his hand had found its way beneath her bra during the night, and now chirped like a baby chick.
She contemplated tearing his hand off at the wrist, but he looked so angelic with his curly dark hair framing his handsome face. With a heavy sigh, she unlatched her bra and eased his hand out, then gently shook him until his face scrunched into a pained grimace.
He groaned and frowned at his noisy watch. “This is a god-awful hour to be woken up,” he said in his sexy British accent. “Never bothers me when I’m coming home at this hour.”
Senna rolled her eyes. “Speak for yourself.”
Pushing himself up, he shook his head. “Remember the second night I came around? You kept yelling at me, ‘Did I realize it was four in the morning?’ At the time, I couldn’t understand your fuss.” He groaned and scratched his scalp. “Well, I certainly understand it now. It’s bloody hell to be woken at this ungodly hour.”
BUY LINKS
Amazon ebook Amazon print
B&N
About Liza O’Connor:
Liza lives in Denville, NJ with her dog, Jess. They hike in fabulous woods every day, rain or shine, sleet or snow. Having an adventurous nature, she learned to fly small Cessnas in NJ, hang-glide in New Zealand, kayak in Pennsylvania, ski in New York, scuba dive with great white sharks in Australia, dig up dinosaur bones in Montana, sky dive in Indiana, and raft a class four river in Tasmania. She’s an avid gardener, amateur photographer, and dabbler in watercolors and graphic arts. Yet through her entire life, her first love has and always will be writing novels. She loves to create interesting characters, set them loose, and scribe what happens.
Liza’s Blog and Website Facebook Twitter
Click Here for More Information
About Ghost Lover
–ooOoo–
FREEBIE!!!!
To One Lucky Commenter, I’ll give away one copy of Worst Week Ever
What do you get when you put a hardworking, can-do middle-class young woman together with an egoistical, outrageous, billionaire boss, then throw in the worst week of disasters imaginable?
A humorous disaster romance of epic proportions.
Just leave an email address in your comment and tell me you want Worst Week Ever.
–ooOoo–
Hey everyone, I’m back. My characters from Witness Pursuit are answering the hard questions over at Liza’s blog. If anyone wants to drop by, here’s the link-> http://www.lizaoconnor.com/2013/12/joanne-wadsworth-brings-her-witness.html
Don’t forget to leave a comment for Liza’s giveaway right here, along with your email address. Have a wonderful week. 🙂
by Joanne Wadsworth | Dec 2, 2013 | Author Blog
WITNESS PURSUIT
One witness…one bodyguard…one life.
Twenty-one-year-old New Zealander Lydia Sands witnessed the hit-and-run of a powerful man’s son. Her bodyguard is shot when the killer returns to dispose of her and The Program puts her in hiding. A year later, the case remains unsolved and her handler needs to get her further from the killer’s reach. Lydia detests the thought of being close enough to endanger the man who nearly died protecting her, even if it’s aboard a super-yacht traveling the South Pacific.
Tyler Whitehall’s shooting stole weeks from his memory. Physically recovered, he oversees security for Whitehall Shipping. While on a family holiday, Tyler is suspicious of the woman accompanying them without notice or security clearance, as his nephew’s caregiver. Stronger than suspicion is his incomprehensible attraction to her, and his instinct to protect her.
Once sensitive information is leaked, Lydia undergoes re-identification to evade a killer and protect the man who’d die to save her. Her bodyguard has just begun his pursuit, and she may have underestimated his abilities.
CONTENT WARNING: Sexual content
–ooO00–
WITNESS PURSUIT has just released. Yay! This novel is a contemporary romance, and book one in my Bodyguards series, a heart-pounding line in which each story brings you a bodyguard and the woman he protects. It’s also my first book which has released simultaneously as both an ebook and in paperback. Here’s the pic I took today to prove it. Yep, see that grin — no one could get that off my face all day. What a wicked feeling it was to hold the physical copy of my book in my hands. So exciting. The buy links are just below. 🙂
BUY LINKS:
BUY THE BOOK: Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback / B&N Nook & Paperback / iTunes / Kobo
I hope you’ll sit back, relax and enjoy the first five pages of chapter one.
Chapter 1
“That is one massive super-yacht, and one I shouldn’t be on.” Lydia crossed her arms, eyeing the four levels of darkened glass and sleek white panels as the luxury ship sat proudly in its private berth at Auckland Marina’s gated wharf. And was that a– Shoot. Yes, it was. A huge kidney shaped pool glistened from the center of the one-hundred and fifty foot yacht. All the comforts one could desire, except not her. She shouldn’t even be here.
“Ben.” She swung around, leveling a glare on her bodyguard.
“Don’t say it.” Ben scanned the marina. “You’re getting on that ship and working as a caregiver. No arguments.”
“Don’t you ‘no argument’ me. Tyler Whitehall will throw me off his ship, or he would if he remembered me. What happens if he does?”
“He’ll have to dive in to rescue you.” He smiled then quickly straightened his mouth. “Tyler’s one of the best bodyguards in the business, and I still need you somewhere safe, away from home shores. With your case unsolved, Tyler’s ship is my choice.”
Tyler had been assigned to guard her after she’d witnessed the hit-and-run of a wealthy businessman. Ten days later, he’d taken three bullets in the back to protect her and four-year-old Jay. She’d never forget his blood on her hands as it had pumped from his body.
“Tyler put his life on the line for me. I won’t allow that to happen again.”
“Now, he wouldn’t have wanted you or the boy to get hurt. That’s what we do, guard.”
She planted her hands on her hips. “Yes, you guard, but no, you shouldn’t get shot. Not for me.”
“You’re an eyewitness. If we don’t have you, we don’t have someone to identify Johnny Taita’s killer. That’s when we find him. Which we will.” His look was sharp, determined and inarguable. “You’ll have the cover you need once on board with Tyler, as well as a break from the safe-house. Surely you like the idea of a cruise to the Fijian islands?”
She frowned. “That’s a trick question. Being in The Program means remaining in seclusion. Not on board a luxury ship. Tyler’s wonderful brothers and nephew will be on board. This is their family holiday.”
“You’ll be in more danger from Nico than he ever will be from you. Four-year-olds, as adorable as they are, are tricky little things. Nico has endless energy.”
“Children aren’t things.”
“Same, same.” He shrugged. “All that matters is you’re one of the best caregivers I know. I told Nico’s father, and he’s all for your arrival.”
“But he won’t know who I am.” She wanted to hit him over the head. The man was far too obstinate, and deaf. He didn’t listen to a word she said. “Even Tyler won’t know.”
“That’s the whole point of you having name suppression.”
“This is impossible.”
“I knew you’d come around.”
What? She was not coming around, but he nudged her from behind then directed her through the arched gateway and along the slatted wooden walkway. He rolled her suitcase over the boards. Its clatter overpowered the water lapping and sloshing against the pilings.
“What I should have said was you’re impossible.” And a lunatic.
He chuckled. “We’ve lived with each other day in and day out for a year. The safe-house will ring with peace while you’re gone.”
“Peace my ass. I’ve asked Saria to ride your tail. Damn it, I can’t believe I’m doing this.” She yanked on his black shirtsleeve. “I mean it. I don’t want to do this.”
“Hey, you’ll be fine. I know you’re worried, but you don’t need to be, and your sister’s in good hands. Stop stressing, and enjoy this break. It’s only on offer once.”
“Tyler’s on board that ship. You know the guilt I feel. I can never forget what happened to him.”
“Tyler recalls nothing of his initial Program assignment with you.” He pressed a hand to her back and moved her forward. “Simply assume the role of Nico’s caregiver and relax. This is your chance for a little time out.”
Relax? She rolled her eyes. “I can’t believe I have to leave Saria behind. Do you realize twins shouldn’t be separated?”
“Brigs is guarding her, and you don’t have a choice.”
“I could help with her correspondence study. Her nursing finals are so close.”
“I’ll help her.” He increased his pace. “And I think by the age of twenty-one, we can safely separate you two for a month.”
“We’re not twenty-one, yet.” Groaning, she rubbed her palms over her white cotton pants. The ship was so close. Another twenty feet and they’d reach the gangplank, and she was fresh out of arguments.
“This is where I leave.” Ben halted and leaned in. “This is your chance to see Tyler as you asked for after the shooting. I know you two were…close. I couldn’t grant your request then, but you’re not a victim, Lydia, you’re a survivor. You must live, even under confinement.”
Her heartbeat raced. A year ago, she’d begged Ben to allow her to see Tyler in hospital. She’d needed to see he’d survived.
“Stop thinking and start moving, and don’t forget, keep in touch on the sat phone. I expect updates as often as possible.” Ben handed over her case and turned her toward the ship. “That’s my girl. Now move.”
“I am not your girl.” Still, she flexed her fingers around the square handle of her suitcase, and taking the deepest breath, walked away from Ben for the first time in a year. She shivered. No, she could do this. A child was on board for her to look after. He was who she had to concentrate on, because her case was stagnant and the inaction wasn’t doing her any good. As much as she didn’t want to go, she understood Ben’s arguments. She needed this break to refocus, and the Fijian Islands, wow, what a dreamy location.
She tugged at the inside of her white blouse collar then lifted her chin and eyed the ship. Up close, the white panels sparkled in the sunlight. Oh no. She slammed to a stop as Tyler stepped out from behind darkened glass sliders on the second floor. He moved across the deck to the stern, and halted ten heart-stopping feet away.
He looked strong and well, his jaw angled as firmly as always. His midnight black hair blew over his ears and brushed his shoulders. The longer length suited him over the buzz-cut he’d had last. So cute.
No. She was here for Nico, not to dance with Tyler again. That’s right. Tyler must’ve moved on. It had been a year. She forced her thoughts under control.
* * * *
Staring out over the harbor, Tyler tucked the tails of his blue button-down shirt into his black pants. The breeze was brisk, the dawn sun warm on his skin. A perfect morning to set sail, on a family holiday he’d longed for. Liam and Nico were on board, and Dylan and Luke wouldn’t be far away. These moments with his brothers and nephew mattered as much as his next breath.
Shifting onto his heels, he searched the marina for them, only his gaze landed on a young woman standing stiffly below.
Mmm, chocolate-brown hair, his favorite shade, and so long it touched her tiny waist. And those eyes, the same delicious shade, and now locked on him. Did he know her? She looked familiar, yet not. Leaning against the railing, he called, “Can I help you?”
“Um, yes. I’m after Liam Whitehall.”
She was after his brother? “Who are you?”
“My name’s–” Rubbing her neck, she glanced over her shoulder then back at him. “Lydia Sands. I’m Nico’s new caregiver while you’re on holiday. Ben Hammers arranged this job. It was short notice.”
She couldn’t be Nico’s new caregiver. Liam would never employ anyone without running it past him first. Tyler ran all security checks, and had this past year since stepping into the security role for Whitehall Shipping. “I don’t believe you.”
“You should check with Liam. I promise Ben sent me.” Her voice wobbled, a level of distress leaking through. “You do remember Ben, don’t you?”
“Ben’s impossible to forget. I worked alongside him for seven years.”
“He dropped me off.” She motioned toward the gated entrance, and sure enough under the intricate scrollwork of the wrought-iron arch, Ben Hammers waited. With a slow movement, Ben saluted him with just two fingers.
That salute was their team’s customary silent signal for handover. But handing over whom? This woman? He didn’t work for Ben, and hadn’t since the shooting. Which didn’t matter. The call for aid from one bodyguard to another went unquestioned, and Ben turned to leave, giving Luke a nod as he arrived.
Luke clapped Ben on the shoulder, and then continued toward him in his jeans and t-shirt. Ambling along, his youngest brother adjusted his brown leather duffel over one shoulder, as if he didn’t have a care in the world, and at twenty-three, he didn’t.
The woman, Lydia. He shouldn’t forget her. He gripped the second-floor rail then launched over it and landed on the peer next to her.
She gasped, and her gaze jolted over him. “Tyler, what are you doing? You can’t just jump off the side of a ship like that.”
“Bro.” Luke strode in, one brow cocked. “There’s a gangplank. You know, one can walk down.”
He slid between his brother and Lydia. “Yeah, I know, but Ben dropped her off. With Ben, one doesn’t stroll.”
“What’s she here for?”
“She says she’s Nico’s caregiver. Have you heard about this?”
“No.” Luke clicked his tongue as if telling him off. “C’mon, Liam wouldn’t do that. It’s too soon after Gabriella and Mum.”
Their mother and Liam’s wife, Gabriella, had passed only two years ago. Not one woman had been permitted on board The Idle Dream since then. This was a sacred trip between him and his brothers.
From behind, Lydia gripped his arm and a river of fire raced through his veins. Whoa. He spun and faced her. “What are you doing?” He stared at her hand.
She tucked herself in even closer, and he breathed deep.
“Tyler, I need to get inside.”
Her plea spoke to his heart. “How do you know my name? You’ve said it twice.”
A light flickered in the depths of her eyes. “Because we went out. Once.”
His heart tripped a beat. Damn, he’d only ever lost a few weeks of his memory, and that was a year ago. He certainly didn’t remember her. “Who the hell are you to me?”
“Someone you knew for a short time. We went on a date, and like I said, it was only once. Ben set me up for this job, of which there truly is one.”
“Yeah, there wasn’t a job going, Lee.” He frowned. “Um, sorry, I meant Lydia.” Yeah, she’d said her name was Lydia, not Lee. Only why did Lee sound more natural?
“It’s okay. I had a child I cared for once who called me Lee.” Her lips lifted. “Not that I’m saying you’re a child.”
“Ah, excuse me.” Luke sighed and walked past them to the gangplank. “I feel like I’m interrupting a moment here and, bro, it’s almost time for the ship to set sail.”
“You’re right. Let’s go.” Tyler held her arm and led her on board as Ben’s sleek silver Jaguar revved in the parking lot. “You and Ben? You’re what to each other? Are you his client?”
“No. He’s a friend and got me this job. I’m not a client at all.”
They walked through the opened double glass doors on the second floor and into the living room where two cozy groupings of four white leather couches faced each other. Black and white sea prints his mother had adored graced the walls painted in her favorite shade of ocean-blue.
Lydia’s shoes clipped across the polished pine floors as she set her case near the stairwell. She inspected the area. “Do you mind if I ask where Liam is?”
“Below-stairs. Luke will grab him for you.”
His brother groaned as he dropped his duffel on the couch. “I will?”
“Yes. Liam’s downstairs checking inventory with Malcolm. Tell him we have a guest, one Lydia Sands, and bring Nico.” He would see how this mysterious woman responded to his nephew, because if she wasn’t a caregiver, he’d soon know.
Luke sent him a good-natured grin as he took off. “I’m onto it, only, bro, you’re not to interrogate the girl while I’m gone. I see that look in your eyes.”
“Just watch where you’re walking.” At thirty-two, he’d kept his family and countless others safe, and Ben had dropped her off. Which meant protection was required in some order, whether she was a client or not.
Leaning toward her, he met her gaze head on. “Okay, it’s you and me. Now, tell me who you truly are.”
–ooOoo–
I hope you all enjoyed that.
Thank you all for helping me celebrate the release of WITNESS PURSUIT by joining me today. Thank you. Thank you. 🙂
~ Joanne Wadsworth’s Books ~
Buy WITNESS PURSUIT (Bodyguards #1) at: Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback / B&N Nook & Paperback / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Magio-Earth #2) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy PROTECTOR (Magio-Earth #1) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy FIRST FROST, A Lyrical Press Anthology (including Highlander’s Captive by Joanne Wadsworth): Amazon Kindle / All Romance Ebooks
TAKE CARE. 
