Jean C. Joachim's Blog: Stories of Love and Passion

  FREE - football romance - GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK!!!!!!!!!!!

Book 1 of 9 in the "First & Ten" series. 

In the captivating novel, Griff Montgomery, Quarterback, author Jean C. Joachim delivers a poignant blend of romance, sports fiction, and drama. This novel is a must-read for those who crave stories rich with character development and emotional depth. Set in the world of professional sports and small-town life, it explores themes of loneliness, personal growth, and the quest for meaningful connections. With its unique narrative that intertwines the lives of a star quarterback and a woman at a personal crossroads, this book promises to resonate with readers who appreciate the complexities of human relationships.

DOWNLOAD GRIFF MONTGOMERY, QUARTERBACK FREE HERE: 
SMASHWORDS
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...

FIRST  & TEN SERIES

                               Plus a Christmas book.      

 Now that "Sam's Decision" has been released, the trilogy is complete. There will be one more book coming in the Catskills Saga of sweet historical romances. But now you can get all three -- all available in Kindle Unlimited here: 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L9HT3PD?...

Dive into Colonial America with the Chesney family as they move to Fitch's Eddy and their adventures begin. Steeped in the flavor of the times, this authentic series will captivate your heart as you watch pioneer folks grapple with the struggles of life in 1786 America. 

Dance with the people of Fitch's Eddy at the Harvest Festival, run from Zacaria Lee's mad bull, eat the fabulous baked goods from the hands of grandmother Martha Chesney, and fall in love with Abigail, Sarah and Sam. 

If you loved "Little House on the Prairie" you'll love The Catskills Saga.    Free in Kindle Unlimted.

 Made friends with a squirrel in the museum park yesterday. He kept coming back for more peanuts. He'd come right up to me and take the peanut in the shell from my fingers.

But when I switched hands, to the hand with the watch on the wrist, he hesitated. How interesting that he noted that and wasn't sure it was safe. Didn't know anything about the watch. When I went back to holding the peanut in the other hand without the watch, he didn't hesitate. He must have taken 7 or 8 peanuts from me.Who knew squirrels were so observant.

 Have you ever regretted letting go of someone you dated years ago? 

HEATHER & MIKE

Mike Sullivan’s dating Amy, the perfect woman. Everyone says she is, even his best friend, Bill. She urges him to move in with her, and he agrees. To Mike, living together means getting engaged. He’s picked out the ring and is ready to pop the question, isn’t he?

If Amy is the one, why can’t Mike forget Heather? He’d spent a magical ten days with her on Fire Island, ten days that changed his life. Then he’d screwed it up. As quickly as she entered his world, Heather disappeared, blocking his calls, and leaving him bereft.

That was five years ago. Finally ready to accept the fact that he’ll never see Heather again, Mike’s poised to take the big step -- until a magazine article turns his universe upside down.

The story is only $1.99 Find it here: 

AMAZON U.S.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5FRKPG

APPLE BOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/heath...

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heat...

If you like it, go on to read all the books in the ECHOES OF THE HEART series, all second-chance romances! 

 DAN ALEXANDER, PITCHER - FREE UNTIL MIDNIGHT 3/17!

In "Dan Alexander, Pitcher", the worlds of romance, suspense, and sports fiction collide ina captivating tale of love and redemption. Holly Merrill, a woman on the run from her past, finds herself in witness protection, hiding from the dangerous Flash Kincaid. Her new life in New york City leads her to a job at the Nighthawks stadium, where she crosses paths with Dan Alexander, the team's star pitcher. As Holly struggles to adapt to her new identity, she is drawn to Dan, whose own life is marked by superficial relationships and a longing for something deeper. Their connection grows amidst the backdrop of thrilling baseball games and the looming threat of Holly's past catching up with her. Get the free ebook here: With themes of identity, trust, and second chances, "Dan Alexander, Pitcher" explores the transformative power of love and the courage it takes to face one's fears. Will Holly and Dan find solace and safety in each other's arms, or will the shadows of the past tear them apart? Dive into this engaging narrative to discover a story of passion, suspense, and the pursuit of a new beginning.Series available free in Kindle Unlimited.Get the FREE ebook here: AMAZON https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Pitcher.../dp/B01M0UT7CS/AMAZON U.K. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M0UT7CSAMAZON CANADA – https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01M0UT7CSAMAZON AUSTRALIAhttps://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01M0UT7CS

Follow my blog to be the first to hear about special deals, like free books!

       Welcome to Pine Grove! Take a walk on Main Street in the small town for people with big dreams. Step into Gramps old General Store and meet Deke Walsh, Rachel Cohen, and Gramps, of course! 

 

In a world where the glitz of Hollywood often overshadowsthe quiet strength of small-town life, Jean C. Joachim's latest novel, For You and You Alone, offers arefreshing narrative that bridges these contrasting worlds. This contemporaryromance, infused with drama and the nuances of personal growth, invites readersinto the life of Deke Walsh, a celebrated actor grappling with the isolatingnature of fame. Targeted at fans of character-driven stories, this novel delvesinto themes of redemption, family, and the quest for authenticity, setting itapart with its heartfelt exploration of love and belonging.

Jean C. Joachim's ForYou and You Alone is a masterful blend of romance and drama, set againstthe charming backdrop of Pine Grove. The novel follows Deke Walsh, a Hollywoodstar whose life is a whirlwind of red carpets and flashing cameras, yet hefinds himself yearning for something more substantial. When a call from hispast beckons him back to his roots, Deke's journey becomes one of introspectionand transformation.

At the heart of this narrative is Deke's relationship withRachel Cohen, a woman who embodies the simplicity and sincerity he craves.Their dynamic is a dance of tension and chemistry, offering readers acompelling exploration of love's complexities. As Deke confronts hisgrandfather's frailty and the dilapidated family store, he is forced toreconcile his glamorous lifestyle with the authenticity of his origins.

Joachim's storytelling shines through her vivid depictionof Pine Grove, a town that becomes a character in its own right, representingthe warmth and challenges of community life. The novel's themes resonate deeplywith readers who appreciate stories of personal transformation and the enduringimpact of familial bonds.

In the words of Jean C. Joachim, 'Deke's journey is one ofpeeling back the layers of fame to find the core of what truly matters—love,family, and authenticity.' This sentiment is echoed in early reviews praisingthe novel's emotional depth and relatable characters.

For You and YouAlone is a must-read for those who seek narratives that are as emotionallyrich as they are entertaining. It is a testament to the power of returning homeand the profound changes that can occur when one dares to embrace their trueself.

                                                    **********************************

The ebook is only $1.99 for a few days only. And only on Apple Books and Barnes & Noble, not Amazon. It's a private sale. Tell  your friends about it, but please don't post it on Facebook. Thanks. Here are the links:

Apple Books

https://books.apple.com/us/book/for-y...

Barnes & Noble 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-...

Comments are always welcome!

 I am re-activating this blog! I will be posting snippets of current books of mine, faves, classics, and along with snippets, inside information regarding how the books got written, personal experiences that went into developing the characters, cool details about the small towns and big cities where the books take place...including pictures!! 

So stay tuned, romance coming your way. The first new installment will be posted TOMORROW!!

 

Howdy! Today we start a new story, "Two of Hearts." It's a woman's fiction story and different from anything else I've ever written. Sorry that the opening excerpt is so long. It was necessary to include all this to establish who Terry is. Caution: there is bad language and sexual references in this story. If that b bothers you, then stroll on by. 

The word prompt is "cold." Don't forget to hop on over and read all the other fabulous stories. You'll find them HERE. 

          ***************************************************************

At six a.m., the creature breathing on Terry’s ear shouldhave been his wife, Clare, not their pug, Queenie, placing her cold nose against his temple.  His wife, an early riser, always took the dogon the early morning walk. But he’d put Clare on a plane to Los Angeles the daybefore. Terry grumbled as he pulled on sweats, slipped on a wind breaker, andharnessed the pooch.

“Whatthe fuck, Queenie? Why do you have to go out so God damn early, anyway?”

Heshuffled down the hall to the elevator, dog prancing alongside. His wifeoccupied his thoughts. An acquaintance got her into some dumbass west coast script-writinginternship program. Exactly what would she’d be doing there? He had no clue. Ridingdown to the lobby, Terry recalled his conversation over dinner with Clare.

“Aren’tyou a little old for an internship?” He’d asked, refilling their wine glasses.

“It’snot for neophytes. Only for experienced writers.”

“Oh.” Henodded.

“This isa once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to break into the movies.”

“Isn’tthat a bit cliched?”

“Veryfunny.”

“Sorry.”

They’d polishedoff the bottle, then Clare had led him to the bedroom and seduced him. Hechuckled to himself --not like it was difficult.  After great sex, Terry couldn’t deny heranything. She used lovemaking to get her way, but he didn’t care. He loved Clarewith all his heart.

“Howlong is this deal?” He’d asked, lying next to her.

“Sixmonths. That’s all. It’ll pass quickly.”

“Andyour freelancing?”

“Sarahsaid I could take a leave of absence.”

“Andyour job’ll be there when you get back?”

“That’swhat she said. We live on what you make anyway. My dippy shit little salary won’t bemissed.”

“It’snot the money. I’ll miss you.”

“You cancome on weekends. Please, Terry? I may never get another chance.”

With thepleasure from release still floating through his veins, he hadn’t been thinkingclearly. Sure, he’d fly out there at least once a month, catch up on theirlives and screw their brains out. If he made love to her eight times over threedays, that would average out, over a month, to twice a week –more than someguys got. It was only for six months, right? Easy peasy, he’d thought.Obviously he’d gone brain dead.  

“You’llhave Queenie,” Clare had said.

Hearing hername, the animal had jumped up on the bed. After breathing in his face, she circled,nudging her way between them, and plopped down, resting her chin on Clare’sleg. He admitted Queenie had wrapped her little self around his heart, but shewas no substitute for his wife.

“Okay.Six months. Only six months. Then you come home, right?”

“Right.Thank you. I love you madly, truly, dearly,” she’d said and slid down his body,arousing him once more.  

Once hismind worked again, he’d spent the next month looking for ways to back out ofthe deal. But he’d never seen Clare happier. She sang in the morning, initiatedlovemaking every night, and created mouth-watering dinners. How could hedestroy her hopes?

Did hebelieve she’d have a dazzling career as a scriptwriter? He doubted one coursewould turn her into Steven Spielberg, but kept his misgivings to himself. 

Thefirst time the alarm went off at six instead of seven, he regretted hisdecision. Six months of getting up early, six months of walking the damn dogbefore he’d had his second cup of coffee, and six months of no sex –what thefuck had he been thinking?

That's it. Thanks for stopping by. 

 

It's summer and time to scoop up incredible books for your summer reading list. Here are some I especially recommend because they are quick, short reads, or suspenseful reads, or just heart-warming love stories. Take your pick! 
Looking for the audiobook versions? Scroll down. 

Let's start with summer's biggest sport - BASEBALL! 

DAN ALEXANDER, PITCHER (baseball romance)

Fed up withcheating women, Dan Alexander, star pitcher for the New York Nighthawks, grewrestless. Searching for something more than a bar babe, he zeroed in on a girlin the stands. He never expected to see a beautiful chick pushing frankfurters.But the hot dog girl looked as smokin’ as the food she was selling.

Holly Merrill found a place to hide inplain sight, as a vendor at Nighthawks’ stadium. Keeping her secret safe andsimply happy to stay alive, she never considered finding love an option. Afterall, a bad girl doesn’t deserve a decent guy, does she?

Coming off his best season ever, Dan wentinto the playoffs, hell bent on winning the pennant and playing in the WorldSeries. But could he maintain his focus on the field, where everything wasgoing right, when off the field everything was falling apart?  Locker room language. Full novel. 

  https://www.amazon.com/Alexander-Pitcher-Bottom-Ninth-Book-ebook/dp/B01M0UT7CS/

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dan-alexander-pitcher-jean-joachim/1124673500?ean=2940153518251

 

APPLE BOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id115...

 

KOBO

http://www.kobobooks.com/search/search.html?q=9780997183399

 

SMASHWORDS

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/667364

AMAZONU.K.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01M0UT7CS

                                ***************************************************

DANGEROUS LOVE DUET

Dangerous missions, a desertedisland, terrorists –and heart-stopping love affairs with strong, sexy men willkeep you up nights, turning the pages to find out what happens next. The twofull-length romantic suspense novels, LoveLost & Found, and its sequel, DangerousLove, Lost & Found, come together in one volume, bursting with actionand romance. This rip-roaring saga of two Marine buddies will keep you on theedge of your seat. 

This secondedition collaboration of an experienced romance writer and a retired Marine isaccurate to a fault, and weaves in two love stories that will leave yousighing. The second story won FirstPlace in the suspense category in the OklahomaRomance Writers of America International Digital Awards contest.  Caution: some cursing. TWO COMPLETE NOVELS IN ONE VOLUME!

AMAZON

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07923H98W

 

AMAZON U.K.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07923H98W

 

 APPLE BOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1438403142

 

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-lost-found-a-military-romantic-suspense-duet-jean-c-joachim/1129709151;jsessionid=2CF706E2CC098A20DB8E0C67AB6C23D2.prodny_store02-atgap09?ean=2940155730880

 

 

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/love-lost-found-duett

                      *********************************************************

HEATHER & MIKE: THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY (Echoes of the Heart series, Book 1) 

Mike Sullivan’s dating Amy, theperfect woman. Everyone says she is, even his best friend, Bill. She urges himto move in with her, and he agrees. To Mike, living together means gettingengaged. He’s picked out the ring and is ready to pop the question, isn’t he?

If Amy is the one, why can’t Mike forget Heather? He’dspent a magical ten days with her on Fire Island, ten days that changed hislife. Then he’d screwed it up. As quickly as she entered his world, Heatherdisappeared, blocking his calls, and leaving him bereft.

That was five years ago. Finally ready to accept the factthat he’ll never see Heather again, Mike’s poised to take the big step -- untila magazine article turns his universe upside down.   Quick read novella.

AMAZON

 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D5FRKPG

 

 

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heather-mike-the-one-that-got-away-jean-joachim/1128750667;jsessionid=C92187063F27386C8A43F93160C8DD90.prodny_store01-atgap05?ean=2940155581567

 

 

ITUNES/APPLE BOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1387172571

 

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/heather-mike

 

 

GOOGLEPLAY BOOKS

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=JYKKDwAAQBAJ

                 **********************************************************

UNMPREDICTABLE LOVE (Pine Grove series, Book 1)

When SSGT Trent Stevens receives a letter and hot picture from Jory Walker,he thinks his dreams have come true. Deployed in the Middle East, the lonelysoldier writes back right away and waits impatiently for a reply.  

Uh oh. Amber signed her sister's name on a pen pal letter to a Marine, andJory is stuck fixing the little white lie.  

As letters pour in from SSGT Trent Stevens, Jory has no choice but torespond, though, he's probably drooling over Amber's bikini photo, thinking it’sJory. What harm could it do if she sends him a few letters? After all, they'llnever meet, right?

When love sneaks up on Jory, will her charade boomerang? Is unpredictablelove destined to break two hearts? Full novel.

AMAZON

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DM4EOUW

 

BARNES& NOBLE

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/unpredictable-love-jean-joachim/1123604545;jsessionid=6E9E3C00CA6DC699E42AA48022A31180.prodny_store01-atgap08?ean=2940153168463

 

GOOGLEPLAY

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=SGKCDwAAQBAJ

 

APPLEBOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1098064633

 

KOBO

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/unpredictable-love

               ****************************************************************** 

LIZ & NICK: NO REGRETS (Echoes of the Heart, Book 3)

Called “the Odd Couple” in high school, athletic Nickand brainy Liz hit it off. From tutor and pupil to lovers, they formed a tightbond –until college. Heading off in different directions, they agreed to cut theirties with no regrets. That was the last time they saw each other.

Tenyears later, Nick still searches for a woman as smart at Lizzie who could lovea jock. He’s still single. Unable to find a big-hearted man who isn’tintimidated by her smarts, Lizzie remains unmarried. When Fate steps in, will thelovers find the answers to their dreams or is it simply too late?

Quick read novella. 

AMAZON

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLBMPWF

 

BARNES & NOBLE

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liz-nick-no-regrets-jean-c-joachim/1128885953;jsessionid=70560C6FA39FB3CD27C7BC383AACDBE1.prodny_store01-atgap04?ean=2940155514824

 

APPLEBOOKS

https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1396077000

KOBO

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/liz-nick

                 *************************************************************                  ***********************************************************
AUDIOBOOKS
These books are available in audio from Chirp: 
Dan Alexander, Pitcher 
Barnes & Noble 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dan-alexander-pitcher-jean-joachim/1124673500?ean=2940169081541

Love Lost & Found

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-lost-found-jean-joachim/1122636941?ean=2940169081572

Dangerous Love Lost & Found

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dangerous-love-lost-found-jean-c-joachim/1121154969?ean=2940171809461

Heather & Mike: The One That Got Away

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heather-mike-jean-c-joachim/1140300554?ean=2940171809225

Liz & Nick: No Regrets

Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/liz-nick-no-regrets-jean-c-joachim/1128885953?ean=2940169081404

And here's a bonus -- Dan in a beefcake pose! 


ENJOY LOVE AT THE BEACH!

 I have always said I don't have a favorite book. In fact, I love most of my books. But I do love a few more than the others. Shh. Don't tell them. 

I'm going to be posting favorite scenes from some of my most cherished books here. If you're intrigued, I'll post links where you can buy the book. 

********************************

The first book up is "TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE." It's book 4 in the Manhattan Dinner Club series. I started rereading this book for a new project I'm working on and I got sucked right in. The meet/cute drew me into the story. I hope it does the same for you. 

TO LOVE OR NOT TO LOVE

Jean C. Joachim

 

 

Chapter One

 

 

Central Park

Wham! A huge, shaggy, golden retriever sent runner Penn Roberts flying through the air. Intent on his prey—a gray squirrel—the dog never missed a beat, racing full speed after the wily rodent. The furry target scurried safely up a tree, leaving the canine barking in frustration on the ground.

Struggling to breathe and shirtless, Penn lay flat on his back in the dirt. Pebbles dug into his bare skin. The fall had knocked the wind out of him. The perpetrator trotted back to lick Penn’s face. He looked up into a pair of soulful brown eyes belonging to the handsome pooch. Buddy! Was it Buddy? His beloved golden, died seven years ago. As he reached up to touch the dog he didn’t believe was real, he heard a voice.

“Are you hurt? Should I call 911?”

Penn switched his gaze from the canine to the most beautiful teal blue eyes, framed in black lashes, he had ever seen. The woman’s peaches-n-cream complexion was set off perfectly by long hair as dark as midnight. Her left hand held two more leashes. One with a pug at the end, the other linked to a Boston Terrier.

“Lucky didn’t mean to knock you over,” she said. The dog licked him again. “See? He’s sorry. Are you okay? Can you talk?” She leaned over, providing a perfect sneak peek of a pair of tantalizing breasts. Penn’s gaze was riveted.

He pushed up on his elbows. “I’ll live. Is this your dog?” He petted Lucky.

“I’m his dog walker.”

“Some dog walker…can’t keep control of one this big, eh?” His regard moved from Lucky to the luscious figure of the stunning woman crouched before him. She wore black bicycle shorts topped by a low-cut, turquoise tank top. The outfit molded her figure perfectly, leaving little to his imagination, kicking his libido into overdrive.

“You’re okay?” Her brows knitted.

“No thanks to Lucky, here…or you, for that matter.” He tried to scowl but was unsuccessful.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. When he sees a squirrel, he bolts. My fault all the way. I’m Miranda Bradford.” She stood then extended her hand.

Penn used it to pull himself up. “Penn Roberts.”

“What can I do to make it up to you?” Miranda picked up the dog’s leash.

That’s a leading question, honey. I can think of lots of things. Embarrassed by his own X-rated thoughts, he sensed heat rising from his chest to his face.

“Have breakfast with me at The Boathouse.” He shaded his eyes from the brilliant, June sun. Squinting, he located his Aviator sunglasses, knocked away by the collision. He brushed dirt off his shorts. Sweat from running glued the loose soil of the bridle path to his back. He handed her a handkerchief and turned around. “Would you mind?”

Miranda turned over the leashes to Penn. She flopped the cloth over her small hand then touched him softly.

He squirmed. “Hey, that tickles!”

“Sorry.” She increased the pressure, brushing away the debris. Her delicate nails dislodged a few stubborn pebbles embedded in his skin. At her touch, a tingle ran up his spine then straight down to his groin. Penn was in no hurry to move away from her warm fingers. After a few more caresses, she dropped her arm.

“Thank you. Breakfast?” He faced her, his gaze warm.

She handed him the dirty linen. “I can’t…Lucky, here. Romeo and Blackie, too.” She gestured to the two small dogs sniffing the ground.

“They’re allowed to sit with us in the outdoor section.”

She tried to hide a smile. “Glad to see your injury hasn’t killed your appetite.”

 “Nope. Stomach’s fine. Will you join me?”

“Guess so. If you’re a serial killer, Lucky’ll protect me.”

“By licking me to death?” Penn cocked an eyebrow. A grin played on his lips.

“Pen, like the writing implement?” she asked, casting a long gaze over his form.

“Two ‘n’s,’ short for Pennington,” he explained.

“Family name?”

“How’d you guess?”

She laughed.

“You walk three dogs three times a day?”

“Only twice a day. I have others, too.”

“A lot to keep track of…” he commented, putting his hand in front of each pooch’s nose to get acquainted.

“I’m used to it.”

“You’re a professional dog walker?” He crouched down to pet the animals.

“I’m a playwright, actually. But this pays the bills.” Her frank stare roaming over his body warmed him.

Not surprised Miranda checked him out, he prided himself on his tall, lean, muscular build.  Clear, light gray eyes and straight, dark, almost black, hair constantly annoying him by falling over his forehead completed the picture. He rubbed his face, shadowed with a day’s growth of beard, wondering if this woman appreciated his scruff or preferred a smoothly shaved face. He’d been told the shadow on his square jaw coupled with his dark eyebrows gave his face an expressive quality.

“I’ve never met a playwright before. Would I know your work?”

“My plays haven’t been produced yet, but I’m getting close…long story.” She gathered the leashes to continue her walk.

She’s more embarrassed about not having a play produced than obviously giving me the once-over. Interesting.

Miranda pulled the leads tighter, drawing the dogs closer to her as they approached the road snaking through the park. She headed for the big hill leading to The Ramble, a maze of paths winding around trees and artfully planted shrubbery.

Penn tugged on her hand. “Let’s go this way, by the Shakespeare Garden,” he said.

“But that’s a longer route,” she protested.

“The roses are in bloom, and they’re amazing right now.”

“You know this how?” She lifted an eyebrow.

“I run in the park every day.”

She followed along, turning right toward the Swiss Chalet puppet theater then making a sharp left. Penn didn’t drop her hand as she fell in step with him. When they rounded the chalet, pink and white roses bloomed abundantly, climbing the long, winding split rail fence on both sides of the path. The sweet fragrance of their perfume drifted toward the pair, enticing them farther along the way, as lovely as it was fragrant. The canines stopped to sniff.

“You were right. This is amazing. Do they do this every year?”

“Roses are perennials, so the answer is ‘yes’.”

“You’re into gardening?”

“I’m into beauty,” he said, tightening his grip on her hand, pleased at the blush coloring her cheeks. They walked slowly on the rose-petal-strewn trail, giving the dogs a chance to get their fill of the scent. Next came the Shakespeare Theater.

“Do you ever come to Shakespeare in the Park?” she asked him as they lingered for a moment in front of the statue of Romeo and Juliet.

“I used to. I haven’t been in a long time,” he admitted.

“I come every year. They do different plays, so it’s worth it. And it’s free.”

“But you have to get here at daybreak to get in line for tickets.”

“I have friends…we each take a shift. I bring breakfast and catch up on some sleep or read.”

“If you get up so early, can you stay awake through the show?”

“It’s Shakespeare. You’re kidding, right?”

He looked at her quizzically.

“My name is Miranda. My dogs are Romeo and Juliet. See a pattern here?”

“You’re a Shakespeare nut?”

“My father was Shaw Bradford, a Shakespearean actor. My folks named us after characters from his plays. My sister is Cressida,” she said as they passed the turtle pond, heading for the edge of The Ramble.

“Was?” He dropped her hand to lean on the railing.

“He passed away when I was seventeen.”

“I’m sorry. I know what that’s like. Both my parents died when I was fifteen.”

“Both?” she exclaimed, putting her hand on his forearm, and squeezing it, her eyes wide.

He nodded and stared at the pond, avoiding her gaze. Six turtles rested on rocks, basking in the sun. She put her hand in his again, and they walked on in silence. Coming down the steep path toward The Boathouse, Miranda gasped when she saw the riot of bright yellow and dazzling red tulips in front of the private dining room.

“I try to come by here every few weeks because they change the flowers often, and each display is more beautiful than the last,” he said, tightening his grip on her fingers.

Lucky barked at a squirrel. Romy and Blackie sat down and panted. Miranda tried to quiet the retriever. Lucky jerked again, trying to get loose. He caught Miranda off balance, bringing her down hard on her knees on the pavement. Tears filled her eyes.

Penn grabbed Lucky’s leash and yanked him back. “Bad dog!” he said to the animal, who promptly sat and looked shamed. “Are you all right?” he asked, helping her up, a frown creasing his forehead.

When Miranda stood up, the cut on one leg started to bleed. Her eyes watered, but she blinked rapidly to hold back the flow. Her lip quivered. “I’m okay,” she answered in a wobbly voice.

“Come on.” He took the leashes in one hand, putting his other around her waist to support her, ignoring the sparks he felt when he touched her. He settled her in a chair at the restaurant and went to the men’s room, returning with some wet paper towels, one with soap.

She held the dogs while he knelt down and cleansed her wound. His long fingers gently washed off the lather with a wet towel and then dried the gash. Bruising and swelling had already begun. He tried to keep his attention focused on her knee, but managed to steal a peek at her chest when she leaned forward.

“Ice. I’ll be right back,” he said, jumping up.

“No, no…it’s okay,” she called, but he was already halfway to the counter before he heard.

Upon returning, Penn examined her wound. The bleeding had stopped. It looked angry, but clean. Penn wrapped a few ice cubes in a paper towel and held it on the area. “I think this injury calls for a big breakfast, coffee alone won’t do. What would you like?”

“Oh, I…” she stumbled, clearly embarrassed.

“Come on. I’m hungry, too. Getting all those paper towels gave me an appetite. Keep me company. They have great bacon here.” He coaxed her.

“Okay, okay. Bacon and scrambled eggs sound great.”

“How do you like your coffee?”

“I prefer tea, if that’s okay…with milk and a little sugar,” she replied, making eye contact with him.

“Done,” he said, reluctantly pulling his gaze from hers and rising.

 

* * * *

 

Miranda sat on the wrought iron chair, holding the leashes, and watching Penn walk to the counter. God, he is poetry in motion, she thought, focusing on his confident gait, broad shoulders, and cute butt, unable to keep a grin off her face despite the sting in her knee.

Once he placed his order, he turned to look at her. Cupping his hands in front of his mouth, he hollered, “Ice!”

She smiled and waved then returned the small, makeshift ice pack to her injury. The cold made the pain subside. When he returned, carrying a tray with beverages as well as two paper plates loaded with bacon, eggs, and toast, he straddled the chair opposite her.

“I got you whole wheat toast…since you’re in such good shape…I mean, you look like you work out. You’re wearing running gear. Anyway, I figured you eat healthy,” he said, stammering to cover his obvious appreciation of her body.

“Good choice,” she responded, staring at his chest, covered with a smattering of dark hair. She flushed when she raised her gaze to his then looked down, flustered, and focused on her toast. Penn blushed slightly then yanked his T-shirt from the waistband of his shorts and slipped it on. God, he saw you staring at him, checking him out, like a schoolgirl.

“So, you write plays. What kind? Drama? Comedy?” he asked, slipping a forkful of eggs into his mouth.

“Comedy,” she answered, delicately fingering a piece of bacon.

“I love comedy.” His eyes lit up.

“Most people do, but it’s the hardest to write.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know, but that’s what they say. Seems like it should be harder to make people cry than laugh, but it isn’t. Say, what did you called Lucky? Buddy?” She changed the subject.

“He reminds me of a dog I used to have. He looks just like Buddy.”

“When you were a kid?”

“I got him as a consolation prize right before my parents flew off to a week’s vacation in the Bahamas, leaving me behind. They never made it.”

“What happened?”

“Their private plane went down, and they were killed…together. I was left with Buddy.”

Miranda looked away from him as tears pricked her eyes, thinking about the lost fifteen-year-old boy, suddenly on his own.

“Buddy died seven years ago. I still miss him.” Penn’s gaze rested on Lucky.

She tore off a small piece of toast for each dog and fed it to them.

“You treat each one as if he’s your own,” he observed, breaking the silence.

She laughed. “Walking them every day, they feel like mine,” she admitted. “What happened to you after…after you lost your parents? You were only fifteen.”

“My uncle Alfred, my father’s brother and business partner took me in for three years. Then, I went off to college. My father left me his half of the business, and I’ve been running it for the past ten years.”

“What business are you in?”

“Real Estate are you uh, seeing anyone, in a committed relationship?” He glanced at her naked ring finger before making eye contact again.

“Not now. I’m kind of busy.”

“Too busy for dating?” He raised his eyebrows.

“My life is complicated,” she replied, petting Romeo and avoiding Penn’s eyes.

“Isn’t everyone’s?"

“I mean I have responsibilities. It isn’t only about me.”

“Children?”

“No kids. Look, I have to go.” She put down her fork and stood up.

“Wait.” He grabbed her elbow.

A stab of pain in her knee and Penn’s tug on her arm made her sink down again.

“You’d better let your knee rest for a bit more. Tell me, what responsibilities?”

“I take care of my mother and sister. My sister just graduated from F.I.T. I hope she can get a job soon. My mother has emphysema and can’t work. And the two pugs. I have baggage. Most guys aren’t interested in someone like me…who can’t spend the night whenever they want or be available all the time to focus on them. I can’t,” she said, facing him.

“I run a company. I understand about responsibilities,” he said, taking her hand.

“Do you? You live alone?”

“Yes.”

“No pets…of any kind?”

“No.”

“Then you don’t have the same idea about responsibilities. Mine are twenty-four seven, not only nine to five,” she said, pulling her hand away from his to pet Lucky. Miranda adjusted the leashes in her grip. “Do you have a girlfriend?” she asked after a pause, looking into his eyes.

“I play the field. Safety in numbers.” He chuckled.

“A commitment-phobe with no responsibilities beyond himself. Nice to meet you and thanks for breakfast,” she mumbled, standing up. Miranda winced with the pain but continued anyway. She untangled the leads.

“Can I see you again?”

“Why?”

“Because I like you.” He blushed.

“I come to the park every day it doesn’t rain. Thanks again for the food and for the medical care.” She moved away with the dogs.

“What time?” he called after her.

“Same time as today.”

Penn turned and headed south while Miranda went north.

******************************************* 

If you liked the beginning and want to read more, you can find it free if you have Kindle Unlimited. If not you can buy it from Amazon. Get the book here: 

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