A Rose Has Thorns (A Novella Series)

By G.L. Ross

Graham Gaskin and March Ranch have met their match with a feisty, Texas red-head, with an Irish temper, named Leslie Taylor. The interior decorator has relocated to Birmingham, Alabama and it doesn't take long for her to become intrigued with the Wrangler wearing rancher. Graham is captivated by the new "Yellow Rose of Texas" re-decorating his offices, but the wealthy race-horse owner soon learns even the most delicate roses have thorns.

This is a novella series for ages 18 and over, due to explicit sexual language.

• Language: English
• Publisher: G.L. Ross
• Release date: Sep 12, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310798795

G.L. Ross

G.L. Ross is a proud, sixth generation, native Texan. As a true Southern Belle, G.L. has always dreamt of the “happily ever after,” the prince riding in on the white horse sweeping her off her feet. She hasn’t found “Prince Charming” – yet (always an optimist) – but finds him every time she writes about her characters’ “happily ever after” endings. Her motto in life is to “always find the good” in every person and situation. Whether through laughter, prayer, music, or a glass of wine or vodka, G.L. finds the good in life and shares her sense of humor, love, and adventure in her stories.

Book preview

A Rose Has Thorns

A Novella Series

G.L. Ross

Copyright

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to real people, living or dead, businesses, restaurants, places, organizations, and names are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, businesses, and events are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblances are entirely coincidental.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please purchase only authorized editions.

First Original Edition, August 2014

Second Edition February 2016

Copyright © 2014 by Gayle L. Ross

Published by G.L. Ross at Smashwords

All Rights Reserved. No parts of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without written consent from the author.

ISBN: 9781310798795

Cover design by Melody Simmons of eBookindiecovers.

Also by G.L. Ross

The Flyboy Trilogy:

Turbulent Passion

Burning Desire

&

The Strength of Love

(An Inspirational Romance)

Coming Soon:

Crosswind

In loving memory of Joe, my March twin. I will always be your yellow rose.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Chapter One

Thrashing against the bed, Leslie fights with every bit of strength she possesses. No, she mumbles. The comforter falls to the floor as she continues to tangle herself in the mummy-wrapped sheets. I said to leave. Leave me alone. No means no, she screams. Perspiration covers her pale skin and flaming red cheeks. Her teeth puncture her pouty, ruby red, lower lip. Her auburn tresses toss back and forth, increasing in speed, as the growing anger in her whipping head and arms intensifies. Why? she whimpers. Why me? she cries, her defeated frame curls into a well-recognized fetal position. Tears dampen her pillow as she lulls herself into a deep sleep.

Chapter Two

Do you like your new apartment? Rhonda asks, surveying the compact kitchen.

It’ll do. I plan on being so busy working that I’m never here, anyway. Glancing at her new jeweled tone couch, Leslie continues, My plan is to land some great accounts, make a bunch of commissions, and buy a townhome near Birmingham. Something quaint, with charm, not modern. I’m really tired of modern. Someday I’ll own a two story home, with a wrap-around porch, on about five acres of prime country property. I’ll have dogs, cats, and horses.

Plan on having a husband on that five acres of prime property? Rhonda asks.

Lifting a large box Leslie carries it into the master bedroom, while shouting her answer, Not necessarily.

You really don’t want to get married one day?

Nope, I really don’t. Don’t ask me why, but I don’t trust the male species with three legs.

Rhonda chokes back a giggle. Three legs?

Shut up and get in here, Leslie orders, between stifled laughter.

Yes ma’am. So when do you start work?

The fiery red-head explains, The Dallas office gave me a week to move and get settled. I report to the Birmingham office Monday, but then a week later I have to attend a black tie gala for some Ranchers Association. Any suggestions where to buy a gown?

Robertson’s. They have great cocktails and evening gowns. They also carry wedding gowns if you ever decide to date someone seriously. Rhonda smirks.

Leslie rolls her eyes. Get over yourself. You think maybe Thursday, after work, you could go shopping with me? I need someone else’s opinion. I never know what looks good on me.

You can design gorgeous interiors for offices and homes, but you can’t buy yourself a dress?

"Nope, but I can damn sure guarantee the room you wear that dress in will