If You Want Me

By Mia Epsilon

Love 'em and leave 'em florist Adam wants no strings with any woman. Then a strawberry blonde ducks her head under his hood and refuses to leave his mind. How can one woman change everything in his life when dozens barely touched his heart?

Playgirl Emily has no intention of letting any man derail her career plans. Not even a drop dead gorgeous man who does incredible things to her body and soul. She'd survived for years with 'no strings, no regrets'. Why is Adam any different?

Yet 'drop dead' takes on new meaning when a stalker begins a deadly pursuit. Adam and Emily must come to terms with what 'commitment' truly means if they are to escape with their lives and find tying strings doesn't always mean making a noose.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mia Epsilon
• Release date: Nov 6, 2015
• ISBN: 9781310634727

Mia Epsilon

I like to think of myself as a cross between Doctor Who companions Donna and Amy. I have Donna's blunt manner of speaking and big gooey heart coupled with Amy's enduring curiosity and belief in one true love. And of course, I'm a fellow redhead.Story ideas tend to come from real life incidents, although I have not quite been able to bring myself to curse a heroine with setting her sleeve on fire at Christmas dinner and then flashing the entire fire department. Favorite authors include Samantha Holt, JD Robb, Stephen King, and Harper Lee. I read everything, anything, and prefer characters and stories that take me away. "We're all stories so make yours a good one."I write the 'Weddings by C & C' series. This Destination Wedding Planning Service is based in Hilo, Hawaii and follows Christine Jergens, her husband Charlie, their children, and friends as they all travel the often surprising and rocky roads to marriage.I pour a bit of myself into each character and story and often base plots on real-life events (like many authors do!). The almost plane crash in Book 1 is based on fact. The stalker in Book 3 is based on my best friend's horrible experience. The fandom of Book 4 is based on a real-life friend's obsession with Tom Hiddleston (okay, she got me to fangirl him as well. I'm only human!). I wrote the volcano eruption in Book 5 two years before the May 2018 Kilauea Eruption. I think I should write about winning the lottery next!I fell in love with words from the moment I could speak. My Grandfather and Father, in true Scot-Irish tradition, were storytellers who could hold an audience captive and wide-eyed for hours. I hope to someday come close to their abilities and tell the stories floating about in my head.I love to hear from readers, and feel free to connect with me on social media and tell me what you loved, liked, and hated in my books!

Book preview

If You Want Me

Mia Epsilon

If You Want Me

Weddings by C & C Book 3

Copyright 2015 Mia Epsilon

Cover Design: Love, Lust and Lipstick Stick Stains (Samantha Holt)

Edited by: Jen Bradlee

Formatting: DB Digital Publications

eBooks are NOT transferable. They cannot be sold, shared, or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

All Right Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of the author except for brief quotations embedded in critical articles or reviews. 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.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously, and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons living or dead, is purely coincidental.

First Electronic Print, August 2015

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

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Excerpt from Let Me Know, Weddings by C & C book 4

About Mia Epsilon

Contact Mia Epsilon

Other Books by Mia Epsilon

For the Fan Girls of the Secret Group, who made Adam truly come alive. I'm really glad I know you ladies.

For my Adam. I hope your 'Emily' comes along soon J

And for DB who helped me overcome my own misconceptions.

Chapter One

What the hell am I going to do? remained the utmost thought in Adam's cluttered mind while he drove along the interstate. Jumbled within the things to do, bills to pay, orders to fill, and avoid desperate, psycho females tumbled worry for the woman curled in the seat beside him. The cold gray February day seemed to reach icy fingers into the interior of the van. Adam reached over and upped the heat when the woman beside him shivered.

I really appreciate you coming with me. Anna rubbed a hand over her stomach and grimaced, her pale face pinched. I guess I owe you one.

No, you don't. I'm glad to help. Adam glanced at his sister before focusing back on the road. Still not feeling well?

Not really. Anna took a sip of ginger ale from the can she held, swallowed, and groaned. It's probably some stomach bug from one of the kids. I'll be fine.

You're the one who insisted on teaching elementary school. Adam lowered the volume of the radio so she wouldn't have to try to speak louder. How can you want to be around kids who are mini incubators for every disease known to mankind?

Shut up. I love teaching, and kids are not mini incubators. Anna shifted on her narrow seat and glanced from the can, to his head, and back to the can as if debating throwing the drink at him. Not all the time.

I could always tell Robin you miss him so much it's making you sick. Adam felt the worry build in his mind. Anna had been ill over a week now, ever since her husband left for a ten day conference, and yet she refused to go to a doctor. Stomach bugs didn't last this long.

They had been driving a bit over three hours and he'd stopped five times for Anna to use a fast food restaurant restroom. His old van definitely wasn't meant for long distance travel, but she'd never been car sick before. Perhaps this errand Anna so wanted to do wasn't worth the distance and the trip. Adam considered turning back, yet they had almost reached their destination. A dozen of one and twelve of the other, he sighed.

You won't. He already feels guilty for being away. But this conference is mandatory for his master's degree plus it gets his name and resume out. He's top of his class. The proud note in her voice made Adam's lips curve. When he graduates in a few weeks, he'll have his pick of positions.

Y'all wouldn't think of moving, would you? Adam threw his sister another quick glance as he took the exit for the small college they were visiting. He slowed for the small two lane road. Surprise and the first tingle of fear licked at the back of his brain. I mean, you're all settled in Mom's old house and seem pretty happy there. Especially since the upstairs addition is finished and you have twice the room.

Anna shrugged, shifted one hip, and punched at the cushion Adam had supplied for her seat. We're happy where we are, but if Robin wants to take another position, I won't hold him back. He's a brilliant teacher, but he's then again he's brilliant period. He needs a challenge, I think.

Like being married to you isn't challenge enough. He braced the side of his body nearest her. Anna didn't punch at him, laugh, or actually throw the can which worried Adam more. She didn't even retort. She must feel sick-enough-to-be-in-the-hospital rotten. He swallowed more fear and tried again. Come on, you have to admit that was funny.

You didn't have to come if all you want to do is insult me. Anna threw an arm over her head.

But insulting you while you're sick is so easy. I've got to get my laughs where I can. I'm making her call her doctor the minute we start back down these mountains, Adam decided. Or I'll call Mom, tell her all about Anna's illness, and let her nag Anna.

I thought you got enough laughs from Megan spreading the news around town you two were about to get engaged. Anna lowered her arm and glanced over at him. Her big brown eyes opened wide and lashes blinked fast enough anyone who didn't know her would believe the question was asked in concern not sarcasm.

Ouch, damn, you hit back hard, don't you? Adam grimaced and allowed the self recrimination to make him the slightest bit disgusted. For the record, and all those at the coffee shop who will be dying to ask you, we were never getting engaged. Never. We were never even steady, in a relationship, or anything close to it. Period. And it's not funny.

Her lips compressed over the grin which gave Adam a tiny bit of relief. Neither is saying me being Robin's wife is enough of a challenge to him. Anna glanced out the wide windows. We're here.

Yes we're here. Adam gestured to the brick buildings and blew out a breath. You want to buy Robin a motorcycle he sold a couple of years ago because you aren't enough of a challenge to him.

No, moron, we're here because it's our second anniversary and this bike is Robin's first love. He only sold because I behaved like an idiot and- Anna punched him in the arm -it's sweet and romantic for me to buy it back for him.

Being sick affects your brain and makes it all mushy. Something was wrong. The uneasy feeling gnawing at his stomach refused to go away regardless what Anna said. She needed a doctor.

Oh please, Anna gripped the dashboard as he made a turn. "Just because you remain jaded and cynical doesn't mean you get to scoff at those of us who have found true love."

Yep, you need a doctor. You're mushy, delusional, and out of your mind. Adam breathed a tiny bit easier when his sister joked back. Have you been binge watching old romance movies again?

I really do worry about you, Anna whispered. Not all women are like Paige or Megan. You're a worse womanizer than Robin used to be.

Robin is an amateur. Besides, all he sees now is you, which is a good thing because I'd murder him if he ever did cheat on you. Adam shoved away the name and memory of the woman who had almost killed him as well as the name of latest in a long line determined to calm the bad boy. And you should be worried about me. Obviously women are desperate to make up flaming lies about me.

That's what you get for being Abbeville's most eligible bachelor plus charming your way through every woman under eighty. Anna held up the directions and pointed. Turn here. Both Robin and I would like to see you happy.

Good God, not this again. He didn't need a steady relationship to be happy. He just needed good sex. Not all of us are Bogart and Bergman. Some of us are Gable and Leigh.

Anna pushed her long ponytail over her shoulder. The ends brushed Adam's shoulder like a reproach. "Casablanca had the wrong ending and so did Gone with the Wind. Since you're so misguided, you can come over for pizza and a classic movie marathon after we get home so I can prove it to you."

Now that was more like his sister. Adam grinned with the beginning of a laugh. She couldn't be too sick if she wanted pizza. Sounds good. You buying? He'd have a chance to make sure she called her doctor and rested.

I'm an elementary school teacher with a husband in graduate classes about to buy a motorcycle with most of my savings. You think I have money? Anna waved her hand. You're the one with his own business.

Fledging business. Adam made the final turn and found a parking spot. Just as well, you're sick and didn't come up here on your own. You'd have gotten lost with all these back roads. He opened his car and hopped out. The ginger ale can shot past him to clatter on the parking lot. Geez, temper, temper, sis.

Anna slammed her own door and stomped around to the front of the delivery van. Adam Matthew Howell, I mean it. You stop teasing me or the next time the wave comes it's crashing surf over your head.

Peace. Adam held up a hand, palm forward. The thought of driving home while smelling like a frat room after a wild party night hushed him. This is my faithful work van. Please don't vandalize it or its driver in any way including gross, smelly, disgusting ones.

Let's just find this kid and get Robin's baby back. Anna shoved at her hair, bright red spots in her cheeks. Is it hot here?

It's the end of February in the mountains. Nothing is hot outside. Adam frowned as she sagged against the hood. Worry surged back full force. Her face now shaded the gray of a well used sidewalk. Okay, that's it. I'm taking you to a doctor as soon as we get home.

Um, hi, Mrs. Bates?

They both turned at the greeting. Anna straightened while Adam debated growling at the kid for interrupting. Yes, that's me. But please call me Anna. You must be Ethan.

The young man nodded and held out his hand. Thanks for driving up. I couldn't get a ride back if I drove the bike down what with everyone busy and all.

No problem. Anna smiled. This is my brother Adam. He came to help.

Adam held on to his sister's arm and walked with the two, listening with half an ear as they discussed gas mileage and when the last oil change had occurred.

Anna had just scared the crap out of him yet now seemed fine. He may not be a doctor, but stomach bugs didn't just come and go. He'd seen Anna sick as a kid. Never once had she turned gray and looked about to faint.

He cleared his throat, caught her glance, and could tell from her narrowed eyes she'd spend the trip back arguing why she shouldn't go to the doctor. He'd say one word. Mom. That should be it. Anna would be in the first urgent care clinic once they got back home.

Satisfied he had the upper hand Adam turned his attention to the motorcycle. Robin had sold his baby when Anna insisted it was a death trap. Which is my fault, Adam thought with a twist in his gut. Anna had asked him before Christmas to help find the owner. They'd finally tracked the kid down.

Ethan had taken great care of the bike. Its whole body and seat were spotless. The engine purred like a well contented cat. Adam felt a twinge or two of apprehension as he straddled the bike to take it for a short test spin. He'd not ridden a motorcycle in over ten years. Yet he could still recognize a good machine. Anna would make Robin a happier man than he already was.

There was freedom in riding. Adam remembered it well and felt it again. A bit of the worry left his shoulders when the cold wind whipped around him, the miles and countryside flew by, and the scents of asphlat and engine oil smelled almost as sweet as roses. A part of him urged to ride, ride, ride and not stop. Then his thigh quivered and he sighed. Time to go back.

Once he nodded confirmation, Anna paid Ethan, who grinned from ear to ear. Ethan helped Adam load Robin's baby into the van with a bit of creative twisting and turning. Anna hugged the still grinning Ethan, climbed in the passenger seat, and they headed back home.

Robin's going to be so excited. As sick as she'd looked a bit ago, Anna glowed.

Adam recalled her gray skin and decided glowy or not, Anna was still going to see a doctor today.

I can't wait to see his face.

I bet he won't be home ten seconds before you're yanking him to the garage to see it. Adam shifted gears. He frowned at the odd grinding sound as he drove down the two lane road toward the interstate.

Ha. You'd lose. The first place I'm yanking Robin once he gets home is our bedroom.

Yeah, yeah, I know, you two have a wonderful sex life, yadda, yadda, yadda. Adam noticed the steering wheel seemed stiff right and managed to jerk the van off the side of the road before the engine sputtered and died. Damn.

What's wrong? Anna clutched the dashboard as the van shuddered to a stop.

I'm not sure. Stay here. Adam tried to flip on the emergency flashers but muttered a curse when they failed to come on. He waited for the lone car behind him to pass before he got out and raised the hood. Nothing seemed smack-in-the-face noticeable at first. He poked a bit and almost jumped out of his skin when a quiet voice spoke.

It's your serpentine belt.

Glancing over, Adam met a gaze from the most unique pair of eyes he'd ever seen. Not a true blue, not a true green, the colors swirled together and changed the more he stared into them. He straightened and did a sweep of the woman standing beside him. Strawberry blond hair pulled tightly back, tall, shapely. Hello, beautiful. He smiled and leaned a bit closer.

Yes, I just discovered it's broken. I'm Adam. And you are?

Just trying to help. She pushed past him to poke and prod a bit at the belt. It can't be fixed. It needs a total replacement. There's a small garage a few miles down the road. I'll call them to come and-

Wow, you don't believe in foreplay, do you? Just jump straight in. Adam let his jean clad thigh brush hers. Though a bit of…anticipation only adds to the eventual resolution.

There. She shifted away in total disregard of his flirting and lifted her cell phone from her back pocket. The movement outlined her grab-me hips and caused Adam's mouth to water. Manning's Garage has a ready supply of belts and can have this fixed in no time.

What are you their spokesperson? Just give me their number, and I'll call them. Adam watched her eyes flare a bit. This trip might prove rewarding in more ways than helping his sister. Then give me your number and name.

I'm not interested in exchanging names and phone numbers. She glared at him. Take the hint and knock it off. Someone should be here with a tow truck in around fifteen minutes.

What's your hurry, sweetheart? Adam indicated her bare left hand and watched in fascination as the tiny freckles across her cheeks seemed to beg for his lips. I don't see a ring, or is there a little man waiting somewhere for you?

Her gaze narrowed as one blunt nailed finger drilled into his chest. Look, I said I'm not interested. Do you want my help or not?

Oh I can imagine you helping me in a number of ways, Adam murmured as he caught her finger and brought it to his lips. She immediately jerked it away. Why he pushed so hard, he couldn't fathom. He only knew right this second he wanted this woman like none he'd wanted in a very long time. Just tell me your name and we'll go from there.

She sighed long, deep, and with a depth of impatience. Listen, Mr. Smooth Talker-

Adam. The name's Adam.

Yeah fine, whatever. Listen, Adam. The emphases on his name slapped against him and caused him to raise an eyebrow at her vehlmance. You couldn't handle me if I came with instructions. So back off.

Adam? Anna appeared at the passenger edge of the hood. What's the problem?

Ms. Strawberry Blonde balled her fist and slugged Adam in the stomach. It felt like a Mack truck slammed him. You jerk. Coming on to me, and you have a little woman of your own not five feet away. What a creep!

Adam wheezed out a breath and shook his head at the same time Anna spoke.

But I'm not- Her face colored split pea soup green, and she leaned over, violently sick.

Ms. Blonde hurried over to her, murmuring, and stroking Anna's back. She glared at Adam. "Now look what