Hopeful Hearts

By Susan Laine

Shy curator, Lily Swan buries herself in books and artifacts to hide away from the world, while brazen adventurer Mickey Slater travels up and down the world seeking obscure relics and treasures.
One night, at a museum party celebrating a new exhibition, Mickey uncovers a secret gem in Lily.
Though dissimilar, the two women strike up a conversation and agree to spend the night together. Spectacular sex follows, rocking both their worlds.
The following day brings about revelations and resolutions. It’s time for these two strong, smart, and sexy women to show what they’re really made of—and what truths are in their hearts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Evernight Publishing
• Release date: Apr 2, 2013
• ISBN: 9781771303323

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Published by Evernight Publishing at Smashwords

www.evernightpublishing.com

Copyright© 2013 Susan Laine

ISBN: 978-1-77130-332-3

Cover Artist: Sour Cherry Designs

Editor: Cheryl Harper

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this book may be used or reproduced electronically or in print without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, and places are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

DEDICATION

I dedicate this story to the fans of the GLBT romance genre. Thank you, and enjoy.

HOPEFUL HEARTS

Hearts, 1

Susan Laine

Copyright © 2013

Chapter One

Who is that? Lily Swan asked the colleague next to her.

Moira Dayton followed her gaze to the woman who had just entered the museum great hall. She was unlike any woman Lily had ever seen, and so out of place for this soirée.

Tonight, at the grand opening of a new exhibition, everyone was dressed in black ties and evening gowns. This new arrival, however, was wearing a tight white tee, blue jeans, women’s dark tennis shoes, and a light brown suede jacket, all showcasing her tall, lean, athletic figure. There was something almost catlike about her, Lily thought. Her brown hair was cropped so short it was almost a crew haircut, her face was without makeup, and her hazel eyes held an amused light as she surveyed her surroundings, making a few innocuous chin-lift greetings.

Her lively gaze stopped at Lily, her head cocking to the side a bit, and there went the lifting chin again.

Lily gave a startled smile, not expecting a woman like that to notice a wallflower like her. Her smile was bashful and awkward, she could feel it, and knew she probably looked like a constipated virgin. Staring down at the floor and her own clothing, she knew she should have worn something else. The cocktail dress she wore didn’t belong to her, as she didn’t own any, and it made her look bigger, baggier, and just plain bad.

Brushing her long blonde hair behind her ear, she swallowed, needing a drink badly.

It was then that she realized Moira was talking to her. That’s Mickey Slater.

"That’s Mickey Slater? Lily’s blue eyes shot back to the woman whose reputation as an adventurer was notorious. I thought Mickey was a man!"

Moira shrugged, disinterested, and moved away to converse with the other patrons of the party. They didn’t call it a fundraiser, but donations to the museum were encouraged.

Lily watched rapt as the woman she now knew to be Mickey Slater sauntered around the hall, speaking with people casually, laughing and telling stories, an accomplished social animal. The complete opposite of Lily who had trouble in large gatherings and big functions. Well aware she was a mousy little assistant curator, she had no expectations when it came to the elite who attended these kinds of formal events.

Walking over to the nearest waiter and taking a glass of champagne from his tray, Lily took a deep breath, and settled into a long, boring night of endless prattle and nervous