WindSwept Narrows: #3 Emily Temple

By Karen Diroll-Nichols

Emily believed it would be a grand day when she wandered into the unique jewelry shop next to the adult costume store where she worked. She created and displayed exotic and interesting outfits. But she decided she wanted a wedding ring to ward off the pigs who occasionally entered the shop.

Then things went wrong.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Diroll-Nichols
• Release date: Feb 29, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465839466

Karen Diroll-Nichols

At this time books are on AllRomanceebooks.com or smashwords.com or amazon.com. I write what I dream. I dream because I can't always be or do. And I always write to make people think and laugh and feel. I hope I succeed. I've been creating what I believe we're all in search of. Friendships and romance; communication and pure, simple fun. Throw in some misadventures and misunderstandings, not to mention a few not quite truths, and it should be a roller coaster of laughs, tears and thoughts. WindSwept Narrows Resort & Casino - Modern, contemporary romance with the occasional mystery and usually lots of family issues. They're building a community that's not greed based, but on the well-being of all. Hopefully. Yes, there's lots of romance - sometimes more than one per story. Yes, there's really sensual and sexy scenes. Devil Hills is a town between Seattle and Spokane, on the edge of the snow capped mountains on the Seattle side. It's a shifter town...and a few others. And of course, just like our world, there are those who believe they know what's best for everyone. Yep, lots of sex, arguments and laughter. Typical human mistakes and misunderstandings - but with a little fur thrown in to complicate things. Independence: Bailey is the first entry into this series that should fascinate and intrigue...what happens in a life when a little Dom and D/s are thrown into it. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart...but it'll make you laugh and maybe even identify. Breanna...slightly more spicy with 2 smart, caring guys falling for 1 slightly mixed up barista who makes wicked coffee and loves cooking. While I haven't a series name - there is a follow-up to her coming out before the end of the year, Danea...a fishy little tale on the coast of Washington. A Red Crystal Romance - well...what to say...imagine believing you're at the end of your life. You live in a retirement home. You're alone. The past in your memories and just fatigue in your bones. You visit a small metaphysical shop, buy some candles that smell good and are offered a chance to fish in a caldron of crystals. Free and for good luck. When you wake in the morning...nothing will ever be the same again. Yes, some of my stories have more than one romance in it. Because it's not a bad thing to have friends *************** A bio - wow - I live to the South of Seattle along the coast in a small town called Des Moines. Gorgeous Puget Sound as our backyard, with snow capped mountains in almost all directions. I've been writing for over 20 years and in that time I have noticed how hard it is for certain people to embrace their sexuality, and very very few have the backbone to even discuss it! I think sex is a very important attribute to our lives and is necessary in order to live a balanced, happy and healthy lifestyle. It exists for exploration and simulation; it exists for bonding and pure, simple happiness at the whirlwind of sensations that can overwhelm and take your breath away. I hope that my stories simply depict that, ignite the fires within and maybe even give some pointers on how to please your partner in some new exciting ways. Bottom line: they are here for enjoyment. So read, enjoy and live the happy healthy lives we are all meant to live. Now - a dedication: I can't say I grew up with anyone encouraging me, and that's fine, they had things in their life they were dealing with. My parents and 1st husband and current in-law said it was 'a nice little hobby'. When you get that kind of reaction from people who matter, it has the effect that you no longer tell anyone. And no one ever asked what I did for hours on end over a typewriter and then VIOLA! a computer keyboard! So no one knew. Until I met and fell in love with my 2nd husband. He found the large file cabinet filled with thick manuscripts, filed in alphabetical order by lead female name. And he talked to me about writing. My writing. The single thing in my life aside from my two grown children, that I adored and cherished. They became my community; my friends. It's an amazing thing what happens when someone believes in you. Maybe it rubs off and you begin to believe in yourself, too. So everything I've created and set free on the internet to share are thanks to him and his belief and love. He helps me with words I know but that are stuck in my head floating around somewhere; he helps me spot gaps in my stories and we bounce ideas off one another for covers for my girls. He encourages me and has also come to learn some interesting traits about himself that he'd submerged because of a bad relationship. So we've grown together and continue to explore all that we can. He has my love and my heart and my gratitude for sharing a little of his courage and belief. Email: [e-mail] Website: http://www.facebook.com

Book preview

Emily Temple

WindSwept Narrows

Book Three

Karen A. Nichols

Copyright 2011 by Karen A. Nichols

Smashwords Edition

Published by Karen Nichols. Copyright, Karen Nichols. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Jonathon Jack Garrett was kicked back behind the large glass display case, his feet up as he worked to sort the new batch of stones he’d bought. He knew there were at least four newly engaged and one married in his friend’s circle recently. And he sold them first class gems for the occasion. Chet was busy working on matching rings for the men as well as matching bands that the engagement ring would lock into. All good for business.

The magnifying glass fell from his eye when he lifted his head, tilting it and grinning. His neighbor was opening her shop, singing to the music she had playing. The last couple days had been rocking music, this morning her voice was belting out Celine Dion.

And Jack knew she was alive. Following a ritual he’d begun two weeks ago, he rose and stretched, ambling to the walkway outside their shops, hands casually sunk in his pockets. Moving to the edge, he turned and seemed to be studying the display window, his palm up and stroking slowly over the slight growth on his face.

This morning she was wearing shimmering pale green harem pants that rode low on her very feminine hips. The top stopped beneath her breasts with buttons down the front and a scooped neckline. Very I Dream of Jeannie, considering the pale brown hair was pulled into a long ponytail at the top of her head. She had one ear pod in, singing happily and dancing around the store. Her palm lifted and she waved with a bright smile, continuing around the room opening doors and straightening costumes.

Jack went inside with a long sigh. She was getting used to him in their mornings. He caught sight of himself in his own display window, comfortable khaki shorts with big pockets, a bright and baggy flowered Hawaiian print shirt and scruffy growth on his face. He’d shaped it up a bit this morning so it wasn’t looking quite so backwoods.

Gradually the music was lowered and he heard talking. He knew her assistant, Grace arrived about the same time as his partner, Chet came through the backdoor. Both were barely in their twenties and usually went off to lunch together.

So did you already ogle Em today? Chet set down the large cup of fresh coffee on the counter and kicked back in a chair further to the back of the store where his tools were for creating the designs drawn up by the two of them. He held a steaming cup of coffee between his hands.

"Hmm…I Dream of Jeannie this morning," Jack answered, peering through the jewelers’ glass and separating gems on the black velvet fabric board.

So what’re you waiting for? She’s single, Chet continued casually.

Don’t you have work to do? He looked up with a frown, a thought occurring to him a second later. Do you talk about this with Grace?

Naw…figure it’s your life, Chet answered with a shrug.

Yeah…I used to actually believe that, Jack returned dryly, his head shaking. I got three weeks of vacation left and I want it in peace.

Grace said Em thinks it’s kinda cute…that you must be the shy reserved type, Chet went on, chuckling at the pale lashes narrowed in his direction.

I thought you said you didn’t discuss me with Grace?

Hey, you don’t have to say anything for girls to talk about stuff, he answered, slipping his ear pods into place and searching for his goggles.

Jack went silent, peering through the glass at the bright sunshine outside.

Several hours later, Jack was certain he would never forget the date and exact time that chaos arrived, upsetting his carefully constructed peace cart all over the shiny hardwood floor of his shop. It arrived in a slinky looking pale green harem outfit, wearing a brilliant white smile, dangling hoop earrings and several gold and silver bangles on her wrists and no shoes.

Hi… Emily Temple stepped carefully over the edge of the floor, eyes aimed down momentarily at the bare feet choosing their way to avoid tripping.

Good morning, Jack returned, looking quickly behind him and then at the clock. Chet and Grace had left for lunch. An observer he didn’t need. He set the jewelers glass down and leaned back in the high stool.

I thought it was time we met and I actually have a couple things to discuss with you, Emily told him, a serious expression on the full bow of her lips.

Do tell… He stood up and extended his palm. Jack Garrett.

Oh…Emily Temple, her palm fit nicely into his with a firm shake. She dropped her hand to her side, gazing at the various displays hanging on the walls. You have some beautiful jewelry, she complimented, wandering to one of the hanging cases with dozens of intricately carved bangles.

Thanks…we try.

Do you make them?

Jack mentally smacked himself, blinked and sunk back to the stool. She had the biggest, widest most innocent looking brown eyes he’d ever seen. And there was no fake make up accenting them. A soft, oval face with high cheeks and a long, slender neck. And that was before his eyes drifted over the slinky outfit.

I do some of the designs…Chet does some. He’s the metallurgist in training, let’s say…I can create…I like designing and finding us good deals on supplies, he answered honestly. So what did you want to discuss?

Well…first, I hope my music doesn’t bother you, Emily beamed a bright smile at him, her hands moving expressively. It’s just such a great way to get the blood moving in the morning…and it’s been so nice and warm, I can’t stand having the doors closed. I need air flow.

I like music, you’re safe, he replied with a crooked grin.

Okay, good…since we’re neighbors, it’s important, full lips pulled into a taut bow. I need a ring… She announced firmly. And I thought, you being an expert, maybe you can help me figure out which would be best.

For you…for your guy, he asked, trying to sound casual.

No guy. But I’m not sure if a wedding ring is right or if an engagement ring would work better, she continued, small hands on the edge of the glass case, eyes peering inside at the collection.

Not a guy…a girl? The words gurgled out of his lips.

A… Emily met his eyes, blinking and then widening, her laugh bright. She watched the color flush into his tanned cheeks. Oh, no…no…it’s for me, she assured him with a soft laugh.

But there’s no guy in the middle? Usually…

Well, Jack Garrett, that is where your expertise comes in, she informed him with one finger aimed at him. She pulled a stool behind her and plopped down, elbows on the case and fingers entwined. She rested her chin thoughtfully on the tops, unaware of the view she afforded him down the front of her top. It isn’t necessarily your expertise as a jeweler that I need so much as your expertise as a guy. And please, don’t take this personal…

It’s only noon, Emily and you’ve got me confused and intrigued, Jack leaned back and closed his eyes, but the image of the full breasts remained in his mind. He looked up to see her staring at him thoughtfully.

Men are pigs, she declared simply, her finger raised thoughtfully. Not all men, of course. But in the shop, I have come to the conclusion that guys out escorting their girls around are mostly pigs. They have a perfectly nice woman on their arm, holding hands, some of them are even married…and what do they do? Stare and flirt with us like they’re twelve, for pity sakes! A guy even patted Grace on the…well…you know…

In defense of pigs, Jack began when he stopped laughing. You’re wearing a harem outfit, Emily…as a guy, I can’t say as I blame them. Although a do not touch sign should be observed unless removed, he added hastily.

Well…thank you…but that’s not the point, she eyed him critically. Do you get hit on more because of what you chose to wear?

Jack opened his mouth and closed it with a snap.

I’m a girl! I like being a girl! I like the clothes I get to wear and I like being me…I have to give up being me ‘cause some guys can’t keep to their own property? I don’t think so, she declared hotly. I’m going to be a very unhappy camper if I have to start wearing turtle necks and long pants.

That would be a shame, he agreed sincerely.

It really is…rude…they have their girl with them right there…right next to them…and they flirt and…and… she shuddered delicately. It’s disgusting.

Jack wasn’t sure turtle necks and jeans would even hide her curves. Definitely a different visual.

"You know…I have this outfit from the Van Helsing movie. Anna wore it. And I am very sure it wouldn’t be any less a deterrent to the pigs of the world. So…I came up with this other idea," she returned to her train of thought with a smile.

A ring?

Yes…don’t you think it’s a good idea? She breathed hopefully.

Jack closed one eye and leaned closer, his voice low. The finest jewels in the world are kept untouchable, behind locked doors, Emily.

Oh. She turned that bit of information over, her lip pulled between her teeth.

To some guys…it would almost be a challenge, he watched his words sink in, their eyes in a long, silent stream. He found himself wondering what it would be like to bring fire into those eyes, shaking himself mentally and sinking back in his seat.

So you don’t think it’s a good idea, she exhaled deeply, lips pursed thoughtfully.

Okay…it would work on me…you know why?

Emily stared into his eyes. She liked his eyes. They were a pretty dark green. Because you have honor, she said after a quiet minute. And integrity. And you wouldn’t poach…but more importantly…you wouldn’t want to hurt the girl you’re with, she answered softly.

Jack felt his breathing slow, his gaze trapped between the wide eyed innocence in her eyes and the sensual bow of her mouth. Maybe he was coming down with something?

But all men aren’t like you, Jack, she swallowed and turned her gaze back to the trays of rings in the display.

It’d probably work on fifty percent of the guys, Emily, he answered flatly.

And the other fifty percent…

Still pigs, he said with a rueful nod.

Hmmm…well, the odds aren’t that bad, she said cheerfully, looking up with a smile. I think I’ll make it a wedding band…

Jack just slid the door open and reached for a tray backed with red velvet, sliding it over the glass top toward her.

Emily let her fingers move over the array of gold and silver bands, each intricately carved. Some set in silver or white gold with a contrasting color metal on the edges. She looked up to find him staring at her.

You and Chet do some beautiful work, Jack, her fingers paused over a slender band with Celtic carvings etched into the white metal.

That’s white gold inlaid in yellow gold.

It’s the Celtic symbols that I like… she lifted one and slid it onto her finger, admiring the shining white gold. This one, she said with a nod, her head up and eyes wide, hands automatically going to where her pockets would have been. She held up one hand, her finger raised. Be right back…no pockets…oh…how much is it?

Seventy five, Jack answered, his look bemused as she moved toward the door.

Okay, be right…ohhhh! Excuse me… Emily had been moving backwards, about to turn when her body came up hard against another. Her eyes went wide immediately when the glint of steel flashed before her eyes and rested against her throat, just beneath her chin. She froze, brown lashes blinking, her breath frozen in her chest even though she felt her heart beating a hundred miles an hour.

Chapter Two

You… He looked directly at Jack, his head shaking. Nothing stupid…nice and quiet or the little girl gets hurt, were the words spoken roughly next to her ear.

You seriously need a bath, she stated, her nose wrinkled and a wince crossing her features when his hand tightened painfully. Her gaze caught on the pale lashes, Jack’s hands went flat against the top of the glass display case. She saw his eyes narrow, his jaw set.

Don’t move, ordered the large dark male holding one arm tightly around Emily’s waist, the other gripping the large knife to her throat. You give me that nice looking tray of rocks and I disappear…nice and quiet.

Let the girl go… Jack felt his knuckles whiten, forcing himself to lift his hands and slide the tray forward over the glass.

Yeah…no problem…but she does feel good… He chuckled lewdly, his palm caressing along her side.

Jack figured their conversation about males being pigs wasn’t working in the guys’ favor at the moment. He watched the scene and later wasn’t sure which had been worse, knowing she was pissed or watching her act on it. The guy holding her didn’t see her knee bend but he really felt it when she brought her heel down hard on the middle of