Money Didn't Buy Her Love

By June Kramin

Trying to get his bearings on an unfamiliar street and not paying attention, Jeremy slams his brakes to avoid hitting the most beautiful bride he has ever seen. When Danielle climbs in his truck, he assumes she’s in a hurry to get to her wedding; he didn’t realize she was escaping one. He agrees to let her return to his apartment so she can call for help, only she refuses to leave.

As the days pass, Jeremy finds it harder to fight off her passes and claims of falling in love with him. Besides having almost ten years on her, Jeremy discovers the family secret she had been trying to hide. How could the daughter of a billionaire settle for a plumber living paycheck to paycheck?

Despite every tactic her father throws at her and an ex-fiancé who refuses to let her go, Dani stakes her claim to the only thing she has ever truly wanted in her life and fights to make Jeremy hers.

• Language: English
• Publisher: June Kramin
• Release date: Apr 18, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301888399

June Kramin

Wife, Mother, Writer, Lunatic. Not necessarily in that order.June, who prefers to go by Bug, was born in Philadelphia but moved to Maui, Hawaii when she was four. She met her “Prince Charming” on Kauai and is currently living “Happily Ever After” on a hobby farm in a small town in Southern Minnesota.Her son and daughter are her greatest accomplishments. She takes pride in embarrassing them every chance she gets.Being hopelessly addicted to 80′s music is her super power.

Book preview

Money Didn’t Buy Her Love

Book One

By

June Kramin

Money Didn’t Buy Her Love

By June Kramin

Copyright © June Kramin, 2013

V3 2021

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All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior written permission of the publisher.

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This e-Book is a work of fiction. While references may be made to actual places or events, the names, characters, incidents, and locations within are from the author’s imagination and are not a resemblance to actual living or dead persons, businesses, or events. Any similarity is coincidental.

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Published by Pau Hana Books, April 2013

ISBN: 978-1-484932-48-3

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This e-Book is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution via any means is illegal and a violation of International Copyright Law, subject to criminal prosecution and upon conviction, fines and/or imprisonment. No part of this e-Book can be reproduced or sold by any person or business without the express permission of the publisher.

Published in the United States of America

Cover Design: Valerie Kramin

Wedding Photo: Laura Leimbach Photography

For Darrell & Ashley

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

About the Author

Chapter One

On his way home from a Saturday afternoon car show, Jeremy heard on the news there was an accident on I-494. He was cruising along side streets in Minneapolis, taking a round-about way, trying to avoid the traffic, and lost track of where he was. He searched the shop names along the street, hoping to recognize something. As he glanced ahead, trying to catch the cross streets, he was forced to slam on his brakes as he hollered, Holy shit!

The young woman in her wedding dress was in a hurry, not paying attention, and was crossing mid-street. At the squeal of the tires, she turned to face his truck. Her hands landed on the hood as it came to a stop. Jeremy opened the door to get out and make sure she was okay, but before his foot hit the ground, she had rushed to the passenger door and climbed in.

Can I get a lift?

He was in too much of a shock to reply right away. Not only was he surprised at her climbing in his car, he was staring into the face of one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen. Of course, brides are supposed to look beautiful, but damn!

Hellooo. She waved her hand in front of his face. Earth to dude who almost hit me. I’m kind of in a hurry here.

Sorry. Jeremy cleared his throat. I guess you’re in a hurry to get to the altar, huh? He put the truck in gear.

Not exactly. He hit the brakes. Just go. Please, she begged. Wherever you are heading is fine.

I’m on my way home.

Works for me.

You—

Please. Can you get going? A car honked from behind, prompting him to release the brake and hit the gas.

Yes, ma’am.

Jeremy drove for twenty minutes before he reached his place. He pulled into the parking garage, taking a stall marked 524. Already out of the truck and walking, he realized his passenger had not yet moved. He backtracked then opened the door. You okay?

She held her hand up for assistance in getting out. He grinned at the gesture but accepted her hand anyway. You need help with the dress? he asked as he watched her awkwardly struggling to get out of the vehicle, tugging at it with her free arm.

I got it, she said, finally out of the truck. I may need help getting out of it, though.

Out of it? Um. No. I didn’t sign up for that. He pointed to a door by the automatic garage door and kept walking toward the stairs. You can get out that way.

She ran in front of him and blocked his way. You can’t leave me here. I don’t even know where I am.

You said you were going where I was. This is where I was going. I didn’t say anything about taking you in.

He walked around her and reached the door. Again, she blocked his way, leaning against it.

Please, just for a few minutes until I can figure out what I’m going to do.

No. I don’t want a part of whatever this is.

I can pay you.

I don’t want your money.

Please.

When tears welled in her eyes, he could no longer fight her. He let out a heavy sigh. All right, but only for a little bit. You can use my phone to call someone but then you have to split.

Thanks. She stood on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. I’ll only be a minute. I promise.

They climbed the stairs up to his apartment. She had to sit down to take off her heels on level two. What’s your name anyway? she asked.

Jeremy.

She smiled at him and paused in between shoes. I’ve always loved that name.

Jeremy caught a better glance at the cleavage the dress offered from this angle. He had to turn away. They’re someone else’s, you moron. She was wiggling her shoes at him to take, but he wasn’t reaching for them. I’m not carrying your shoes.

I need to take off my nylons. They’ll run on this cement.

You plan on getting naked right here?

They’re a hundred bucks a leg. Humor me.

He accepted her shoes then crossed his arms, trying to look as impatient as possible. He really didn’t mind the show.

She rested one leg on the stair and slid off her garter belt. Go long, she teased as she threw it at him.

He was too surprised to do anything but catch it before it hit him in the face. You win!

She laughed as she reached under her dress again.

God no, not stockings. There were the distinct sounds of snaps before she rolled down her stocking. She went for the other one and again he had to look away. It had been too long since he dated someone who wore stockings.

Ready, she said, trying to get his attention. He was pretending to be occupied with something outside the small window.

About time, too, he mumbled as he walked past her. He hurried up the stairs then found himself going back down a flight to look for her. You sure you don’t need help with that dress?

I got it, she grunted back. Doesn’t this place have an elevator?

It does, but I don’t use it much. You only have a floor to go anyway.

She took the turn with a grunt when he decided to go back down to help her. He grasped a bunch of the dress and lifted it up. I’d like to get in my place before supper, Princess Di.

Thanks.

Finally reaching his door, he helped her through it and over to the island that separated the kitchen from the living room. After dropping the dress, he was surprised at the weight he was relieved of. Holy crap. No wonder you were having a hard time with it.

Turning around, she swept the veil over her shoulder. He couldn’t tell how long her hair was; it was pulled into a fancy bun. Ringlets and curls went every which way. He was admiring a comb with pearls and rhinestones when she said, Can I get you to help me with the buttons?

You’re taking it off?

Well, I’m not staying in it.

What do you have on underneath?

What do you think I have on underneath?

Not enough.

Can’t I borrow a big t-shirt or something? Please? This thing is not built for comfort.

Jeremy ran his hand down his face then went to his bedroom. He came back with a gray shirt with a plumbing company logo silk-screened on it and a pair of gray sweat shorts with a draw string. He walked behind her and began to undo the tiny buttons. Not that it’s any of my business or anything, but shouldn’t the groom be doing this?

"Normally, yes, but normally there is actually a groom."

Killed him at the altar?

Should have, but no.

Do I want to know?

Not unless you want to hear me rant like a crazed lunatic for an hour.

Pass. He stopped when he had unbuttoned enough to realize there was no bra. Dammit.

She tugged at the sleeves of the dress. I still can’t get it off. Can you do some more please?

He worked at a few more, stopping again when his view revealed the lace of her white panties. Nope; thong. Double dammit. Um…you should be able to get it off now.

Thanks. She pushed it over her shoulders then let it drop to the ground.

What are you doing? Jeremy turned around so he wouldn’t catch a glance of her semi-nakedness.

It was heavy. She removed the t-shirt from the countertop and pulled it on.

He waited until he was sure she had the shorts pulled up before he turned around. She was already walking toward the refrigerator. Not even asking for permission, she opened up the door and leaned in. How the hell do those shorts make that ass look good?

You wouldn’t have any wine, would you?

No. Did I miss the part where I invited you for a drink?

She picked up a beer and handed it to him.

I didn’t say I wanted one.

Silly. Open it for me.

He wasn’t sure why he opened it then handed it back. He should have kept it for himself.

After a long swig, she said, Just one, then I’ll make a call, okay? Sorry, but I am a little on edge here. You sure you don’t want one?

One of my own beers? Sure. While she reached in for it, he picked her dress off the floor and tossed it over the couch.

I’ll get a hanger for it. He accepted the beer from her then walked toward his bedroom again.

A garbage bag will be fine.

He stopped in his tracks. You’re worried about your two-hundred-dollar stockings, but you’re ready to throw out a dress that probably cost two grand?

Eight…and I’ll wear the stockings again.

Eight grand? For a dress? Are you insane?

For agreeing to marry the son of a bitch in the first place, apparently so, she said angrily as she worked on the bobby pins for her veil.

Jeremy gave up the quest for the hanger and flopped in his recliner. His head was still spinning over what the hell was going on. He stared out the sliding glass patio door in a daze. Cabinet doors opened and closed. What are you doing? When he turned back to her, he discovered she had shoved her veil in the garbage can with it overflowing to the floor.

Looking for something stronger than beer.

Above the fridge, he said with a wave of his hand. He was no longer surprised by anything she did.

She removed the bottle of tequila and two shot glasses then sat on the floor next to him. I’d hate to drink alone on my wedding night. Want one?

Why not.

~*~

After three shots back-to-back, Jeremy walked to the refrigerator for another round of beers. I’m ordering a pizza. I suppose I have a dinner guest.

No green peppers, she shouted before downing another shot.

After he made the call, he joined her on the floor. What the hell is your name?

Danielle. My friends call me Dani, though.

And what does your husband call you?

I didn’t get married. I escaped before that part. I thought we covered this.

You escaped before that part? So that rock on your hand that is big enough to buy Brazil was a pre-ceremony gift?

She stared at the three-carat stone on her finger and scoffed. This was my engagement ring. I never went through with the wedding. She stood and staggered a few steps, then walked to the bathroom.

After flushing, she was back by him and sat down. He picked up her now naked hand. You flushed that down my toilet?

Yup. With no emotion at all, she poured another shot.

He stood and ran to the bathroom. Son of a bitch! It’s gone, all right. He picked up the phone. I’m calling maintenance.

Don’t bother calling your custodian. I don’t want the friggen thing back. She hiccupped before downing another shot.

You’d better lighten up on that until you’ve had something to eat.

She stood again and poked him in the chest with her index finger. I don’t believe it’s your turn to watch me, Jeremy. She swayed as she spoke.

Wrong. You put me in this position. Now, lay off the shots and tell me who to call to pick your ass up.

I’m not going anywhere till I have my pizza. She bent over for her beer and almost fell. He caught her by the hips.

Damn. You can’t handle your alcohol at all, can you?

I don’t drink.

Then what are you doing?

Having fhun.

Jeremy rolled his eyes at her slurring. Right. You’re loads of fun right now.

She pushed him backward until he hit the wall. I can be loads of fun, you know. Wanna know a secret? She rubbed his chest with both hands. I’m a virgin. She let out a laugh and threw her head back.

Jeremy held her by the arms. You’re drunk.

I’m serious! Can you imagine that? You have your very own virgin right here, wearing white and everything. She shook out of his hold and removed her shirt. Jeremy’s eye fell to her bare breasts. Whoops. Forgot I didn’t want to wear the white bra. She laughed as she swung the shirt around.

Jeremy finally found his mind, grabbed the shirt from her and held it at her chest, covering her with it. Put that back on.

Why? You don’t like what you see? She tried to pull it away, but he held it in place.

Put it back on! he said a little louder. Finally, she did as he asked.

Leaning into him, she poked him in the chest again. I want what I had coming tonight.

Pizza?

No. Sex. I waited all this time for nothing. I want sex, dammit. She ran her hands down his sides, but he stopped her, holding her by the wrists.

What are you? Nineteen? You think that’s some big deal to wait for sex?

I’m twenty-one, asshole, and yes. It was a big deal. I want sex and I want it now. Again, she leaned in. This time, he stepped aside, and she fell into the wall. She spun around and crossed her arms. Afraid you’ll like it?

Liking sex is not on my list of fears, sweetheart.

She reached for the bottle, but he hurried over and took it away. No more for you, dammit.

Party pooper. She fanned her face with her hand. It’s hot in here. Don’t you have central air?

I do, but I’d rather fresh air. It’s not so bad; you’re just feeling the booze. He walked past her and opened up the sliding glass door. When he turned around, she had removed the shorts. What the hell are you doing?

Don’t have a hissy. This t-shirt could be a dress. I’m hot!

I’ll turn on the air, he said with another heavy sigh. He closed the door and hit the air conditioner.

She was downing the rest of the second beer and Jeremy shook his head. You should be drinking water if you’re that hot and thirsty.

I’m not thirsty. I want to get drunk.

Mission accomplished.

Come on. She sashayed toward him. Have sex with me.

Would you knock it off? Jeremy felt like a coward, but he hurried to the other side of the counter to put something between them.

Dani rested her elbows on the counter with her chin in her hands.

Jeremy was grateful he was on the opposite side of her. He didn’t want to get another look at that ass.

She narrowed her eyes. How old are you?

Twenty-nine.

Not such a big age difference. Why won’t you do me?

Because you’re drunk, for starters.

You’d do me if I stayed sober?

No.

Why not?

Because you’re upset and just looking for trouble. I don’t know how I get myself into this shit, but you have to give me a name of someone to call who will come get you before you do something you’ll really be sorry for.

Wrong, Jeremy. For the first time in my life, I don’t regret what I’m doing. She shoved herself upright and again had to steady herself.

So, showing your bare breasts to strange men is a regular habit of yours? Before she could answer there was a knock at the door. Jeremy was grateful for the distraction. He removed his wallet from his back pocket and went to pay for the pizza.

When he came back in the living room, she was sitting on the couch with her head on her knees. He placed the pizza on the coffee table and removed a piece. He held it in front of her.

Take a bite; you’ll feel better.

I’ll throw up.

No, you won’t. Take a bite.

She lifted her head up and took a bite then put her head back down as she chewed. Jeremy gave her a minute before he said, Another one. She did as she was told. After she finished an entire piece, she looked a little better. Jeremy convinced her to have a second one along with a glass of water. He sat next to her on the floor then picked up the remote and found a Twins game on. You mind?

I don’t care. Her head dropped to his shoulder. It was only minutes before her head dropped into his lap. She was sound asleep in seconds.

Perfect, Jeremy said out loud. As the hours passed, he found it hard to concentrate on the game. He kept glancing down to her sleeping face and dared to brush away the hair that fell across it with her occasional shifting. As she moved, he removed bobby pins from her hair. They were poking into his leg, or at least that’s what he would tell her. When the game finally ended, he carefully moved her head and stood. He removed a blanket and pillow from the hall closet and made up the spare room. Carefully picking her up, he placed her on the bed and took out the pins from the other side so she would be more comfortable. He finally left her and went to his room, again wondering how he got himself into these predicaments.

~*~

At three a.m., Danielle opened the door to Jeremy’s bedroom. She could hear him breathing heavily as she pushed the door closed, careful not to let it click. Trying to move the bed as little as possible, she lifted the sheet and climbed in next to him. He was sleeping on his back with the arm closest to her behind his head. She gave him a gentle kiss on this chest before resting her head there. He let out a slight moan but didn’t move. Gently caressing him, she leisurely moved her hand over his chest and across his stomach. She liked what she felt. Jeremy took care of his body. Her fingers softly caressed the indents of his chest that separated each muscle. His was a working man’s body. He moaned again and brought his hand over her shoulder. Dani froze as he did so, but he still hadn’t woken up. His head shifted slightly, and he was breathing heavily again in a minute.

Moving herself up a little more, she gave his lips gentle kisses. He groaned again, reached for her face, then returned them. She was surprised when he plunged his tongue into her mouth, having expected more of a fight. Reaching down, she took him in her hands. He was already turned on or had been having a good dream when she climbed in, because he was more than ready for sex. His kisses became harder, and he pulled her close. Dani made her way to on top of him and kissed down his neck. She rubbed both hands over his chest then down his sides.

Suddenly his hands grasped her wrists and he sat up. What the hell do you think you’re doing?

Seducing you. What did you think I was doing?

I thought I was dreaming.

Well, you didn’t seem to mind the dream. Still in his lap, she wiggled back and forth, grinding herself into his midsection. It still seems to me like you don’t mind. She kissed his neck, pushing him back down with her as she did so. Making her way back to his lips, she kissed him again and he was responding as he was before. His hands released her wrists and went to her sides. He caressed her and pulled her tighter to him. She tried to position herself so he could enter her, but he broke their kiss again and held her by the shoulders.

We aren’t doing this, Danielle.

I think we are.

Dammit, Dani. You don’t realize what you’re doing.

I know exactly what I’m doing. I’m a big girl, for crying out loud. I want sex and I want it now. Freeing his hands from her shoulders, she whipped her shirt off then placed his hands on her breasts. He tried pulling them away, but she held them there. Don’t tell me you don’t want me, Jeremy.

That’s hardly the point.

That’s totally the point. Make love to me.

You’re a virgin, Dani. I’m not going to take that from you.

It’s mine to give. You worried about hurting me? You won’t. I’ve had exams. You’re not going to break anything that isn’t already broken, if that’s what you’re worried about. Her eyes widened. I’m sorry. That’s hardly talk to turn you on, is it? She covered his mouth with hers and did her best to get his mind off her in an exam room.

His hands left her breasts and reached around her waist. Again, she ground her mid-section over him, and he groaned.

Jeremy’s hands went to her hips then he swiftly changed positions with her. Now on top of her, he gave her a hard kiss. He backed away and held her gaze. You’ll hate me in the morning.

No. I won’t. I want you. Her arms went around his back and she whispered, Please.

He did as he was told.

~*~

Jeremy entered her slowly, using great care not to hurt her. If she was what she claimed, that wasn’t going to be possible. Dani let out a soft cry when she had all of him. Her cry was a mixture of emotions. Jeremy couldn’t tell if was pain, happiness, shock, or pleasure. He stopped, staring at her, hoping for answers.

Don’t stop, she whispered as she pulled his face to hers for a deep kiss.

~*~

Sex was everything Dani hoped for and more. She couldn’t help the way her body responded to his every stroke. She’d often dreamed of her favorite movie stars making love to her and she’d woken up more than once feeling like she really had. She wasn’t at a loss for finding how to please herself,

Reviews for Money Didn't Buy Her Love

[rebeccagraf · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Jeremy’s life changes when he almost runs over a woman in a wedding dress. She doesn’t need a ride to the church. She needs a ticket away from the cheating scum at the altar. Put anger, alcohol, and a sexy man in her path, Dani jumps into a life she was not raised for. From rich girl to struggling with every day responsibilities, Jeremy finds himself fin love and Dani a new perspective on life.This was a unique read. It started off like a light-hearted romance, but the story developed into something more than that. It went beyond them falling in love. The story took them to dealing with family and discovering their place in life. It became a story of money and family as well as love.The characters were good. At first they seemed rather flat, abut as the story progresses they grow in depth. They become characters with potential. The ones that were materialistic did still stay rather flat but the book would have had to be quite a bit bigger and focused more on them to really get to know them. So, in that sense, it might be the right way to deal with them.There are a lot of hot scenes. They are not explicit, but they are present throughout the story. There is also a lot of language. F-bombs are dropped as are slang words for body parts. I have to say that it wasn’t done so much that the book was crude, but there were intense scenes where it was heavy.I didn’t start off enjoying the story, but as it moved beyond rich girl wanting poor man I loved it. The characters grew on me and the story become really interesting.Note: I received this book from participating in a virtual book tour with no expectation of a positive review.