Undeniable Love

By Susan V. Vaughn

Shane Reed won't be swayed by love. He's a city boy with a passion for tattoos and melting women's hearts. Until he finds his bachelor status threatened by a beautiful news reporter he just can’t seem to forget.

Josie Brooks won't let anything get in her way. She's in Chicago to make her weather correspondent dreams come true. But when a dashing stranger comes crashing into her life, can she really ignore her heart’s desire to save her career?

When two paths entangle…resolves can be broken, hearts can be stolen, and a love can become undeniable.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inkspell Publishing
• Release date: May 10, 2017
• ISBN: 9781945910197

Book preview

Undeniable Love

Susan V. Vaughn

The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, places, or events is coincidental and not intended by the author.

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If you purchase this book without a cover you should be aware that this book may have been stolen property and reported as unsold and destroyed to the publisher. In such case the author has not received any payment for this stripped book.

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Undeniable Love

Copyright © 2017 Susan V. Vaughn

All rights reserved.

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ISBN: (ebook) 978-1-945910-19-7

(print): 978-1-945910-20-3

Inkspell Publishing

5764 Woodbine Ave.

Pinckney, MI 48169

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Edited By Vicky Burkholder

Cover art By Najla Qamber

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This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission. The copying, scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic or print editions, and do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials.  Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

CHAPTER ONE

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Josie Brooks was freezing. She could no longer feel her toes. Her ridiculous three-inch-heeled fashion boots offered no protection from the cold. The snow came down steady and fast, sticking like cement to her thin, charcoal-colored, fur-trimmed coat. Her gloveless fingers—frozen to the large metal microphone in her hand—throbbed with pain.

We’re on in five, Josie.

She looked up at KBLN news’s overweight cameraman, Chuck. He was from the Midwest, and appropriately dressed for the weather—thick gray snowsuit, heavy wool gloves, oversized winter hat complete with earflaps. He looked like an Abominable snowman. He looked warm. She shivered again, eyeing Chuck with envy. He signaled to her that they were live.

It’s show time.

She turned toward the camera and pasted on a smile. This is Josie Brooks, reporting for KBLN news on North Park Drive in the downtown Chicago loop, and the snow is coming down steady here. I’d say we already have around three inches. The wind is blowing at a gusty thirty-miles an hour, bringing frigid temperatures at close to ten below.

Stop giving us the weather report, Josie! Her earpiece buzzed loudly with the relentlessly whiney voice of her boss, Ross. This is a human-interest piece. Just talk about the dogs frolicking in the snow, smile, and look cute.

Human interest? Who cares about a bunch of dogs in the park right now when it’s snowing this hard! She felt the frustration of the situation crawling up her spine. She was done being Ross’s human-interest girl. She wanted to do weather. That’s what she went to school for.

Chuck signaled for her to continue talking, and she increased her smile.

It may be the worst storm in years, but the dogs out here are still having a blast. I’ve been in Washington Dog Park all afternoon, meeting a lot of eager dogs and adventurous dog owners loving every minute of the snow.

She walked farther into the dog park, careful to look professional and not slip on the icy pavement. It was time to conduct an interview, despite not finding many people willing to talk. The five or so people brave enough to take their dogs out in this weather were in a hurry to get back home. If it weren’t for a flirty college student named Sam, she would have had to scratch the whole piece.

Sam stood about a yard away with his large chocolate lab waiting patiently at his feet. Normally interviewing college kids was a risk, but she was desperate. Ross said she had to have an interview in order for this segment to be over, and she desperately wanted this segment to be over. She needed to feel her toes again!

Sam Hawking and his dog Mario are just one of many sets of dogs and owners having fun in the snow. Isn’t that right, Sam?

She held out her microphone out and tried not to show how stuck to it her fingers were.  

Uh, I guess so. He looked vacantly up at her under his oversized green ski hat. I wanted to like, sleep all day, you know? But Mario was like, ‘I have needs!’, and I was like, ‘Okay!’, so here we are.

Crap! She pulled the microphone back and smiled until her teeth hurt. Her interview was going horribly. She could hear her boss yelling in her ear to wrap up. At this rate, she would never get off human-interest stories.

Well, that’s the enthusiasm out here in Chicago. No snowstorm is going to stop our good pet owners from taking care of their animals’ needs.

She pushed her way in front of the camera, edging Sam out of the shot. He was starting to mouth things into the lens and wave. Ross screamed louder in her ear, making it hard to concentrate, but she was a professional. She didn’t leave her sunny warm state of Florida and move to the frigid north to fail.

I’m, Josie Brooks, reporting for KBLN.

Stop, Luigi! Come back!

She barely made out the shape of a large dog running at her because its white fur blended with the snow. But she heard the deep voice of the man running behind the dog, yelling at it to stop. She couldn’t think, she couldn’t move, everything seemed to be in slow motion and then BAM! The dog knocked her onto the ground, his large paws pinning her shoulders while his slobbery tongue went to work licking her face.

Luigi, no! Don’t do that!

She felt the man pry the dog off her and she stood, off-balanced, her heeled boots immediately slipping on some ice. She was wet and disoriented. Her earpiece long gone, along with her cute white knit hat. She knew she looked like a disaster, but the only thing that mattered was whether the camera was still rolling. She glanced over at Chuck, who was fighting back laughter and signaling to her that they were still live. It was time to improvise.

She took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes at the handsome young man who was now struggling to get his dog under control. His dark, snow-covered ski jacket and worn jeans looked damp from the effort. His striking brown eyes pulled her attention like a moth to a flame. Handsome didn’t even scratch the surface of the man’s flawless features. If she weren’t in the middle of taping a ridiculous dog segment, she would have swooned. But the camera was on, and if it were at all possible to turn this situation around, she would have to act fast.

She turned toward the camera and pulled the man into the shot. This is exactly the type of enthusiasm I was talking about. The snow might be a disaster to us humans, but for dogs, it’s a great adventure.

She giggled in a professional, cute way, and gestured for Sam and his dog to join them in the shot. On top of all the fun we’re having watching these two, big, furry friends enjoy the snow. We get to witness the reunion of two long lost brothers. Mario, meet Luigi.

Everyone in the shot laughed while the two dogs sniffed one another. She placed a hand on top of Luigi’s wet, furry head. This is Josie Brooks, reporting from downtown Chicago for KBLN News. Be safe everyone, and try to take some time to enjoy the snow. Just like our friends here!

She pasted on another smile and patted Luigi’s head until Chuck signaled them off. She then immediately removed her hand from Luigi’s wet sticky fur and wiped it on her wetter black leggings. "Yuck!"

A chorus of laughter erupted from her cameraman and Luigi’s owner. Sam and Mario had already left the scene. The young man was probably looking for a bar, which was what she should be doing.

Stop laughing, Chuck!

I’m sorry, he said, sounding more amused than sorry. He broke down the camera, hiding a smile. But that was some class act reporting.

Don’t remind me. She sighed, fighting her own need to smile. Chuck was right. The segment was a disaster. The only thing left to do was laugh.

She turned to Luigi and shook her head. The large dog appeared to be a Siberian husky and a slobbery one. My segment turned into a circus act. She pointed her finger at the dog’s snout with a grumpy expression. And it’s all your fault!

The dog cocked his head, looking back at her funny.

Actually, it’s my fault. Luigi’s owner stumbled forward, hand stretched out before him. There was a sexy smile on his full lips. Shane. Nice to meet you.

Hello, Shane. She shook the man’s hand, fighting a blush. He was even more gorgeous up close—dark bedroom eyes, chiseled jawline, and some serious dimples in both cheeks. I’m Josie, and your dog sucks.

He threw his head back and laughed richly. The sound was deep and musical. She felt the sudden need to recheck her heart. Handsome and a sense of humor. Shane was a catch! That is if she were interested in dark and handsome, or any other type of distracting male. Which she wasn’t. Career first, men later. That was her motto.

I’m glad you find that funny. She let go of his hand and inclined her head. Tell me, Shane, do you watch KBLN news?

No, he admitted, showing off those dimples. But I will now.

Why is that?

Because their dog reporter is hot.

She frowned. She wasn’t sure what to be more offended with—being referred to as a dog reporter, or gaining a fan solely because of her looks.

I’m sorry, he added, noticing her displeasure. I meant to say insanely hot.

I see. She turned away. The man was ridiculous and therefore was not worth her time. Have a nice day, Shane.

Wait a minute. He grabbed onto one of her hands, preventing her retreat. The heat from his skin was shocking compared to the frigid temperatures outside. Or at least that was her explanation for her heart-pounding reaction. Where are you running off to?

More than likely a bar. She pulled back her hand. "It’s hard work being a dog reporter."

He clenched his jaw, clearly fighting the need to smile. I didn’t mean to offend you.

You didn’t, she lied, tucking a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. He trailed the movement hungrily with his gaze.

Sounds like I did.

Oh please. She rolled her eyes. Why would I be offended by a complete stranger’s opinion of my job?

He stared back at her seeming lost for words, and Luigi barked between them.

Especially a stranger whose dog ruined my segment. She gestured to the Luigi, sighing. And probably cost me my job.

I’m sorry—

Don’t be sorry, she interrupted in her coldest tone. She was irritated with Shane. There was something about the way he teased her that made her uncomfortable. Maybe because it sort of turned her on.... Too bad she wasn’t in Chicago for a fling or a man. Just take your dog and get lost.

She walked away.

At least let me buy you a drink. He walked alongside her, undeterred, Luigi trailing behind him on his leash.

No way. She turned to chastise him, but his dimples were out again, making her weak.

Fine, I’ll buy you two drinks then, he said, still not getting the point. One for what my dog did to you, and one because I hurt your feelings.

You didn’t hurt my feelings.

Sure I did. He scooped up her hand again, looking sincere. And I’m really sorry for that.

She bit onto the side of her cheek, attempting to bring back her irritation—anything to distract from those bedroom eyes. I accept your apology, but I’m not interested in a drink. She rescued her hand from his grip and steadied her features. I need to go.

Hold on. He dug into his back pocket, pulled out a little black card with red letters, and handed it to her.

What’s this?

My business card, he said proudly.

She glanced down at the card. It read: Shane’s Tattoo Shop. You own a tattoo shop?

Yeah, just down the street. He gestured behind him with one hand. I get done with work at nine, so meet me around then.

Her jaw dropped. Didn’t she already tell him no? I’m not meeting you—

Sure you are. I’m buying you a drink, remember? He winked.

I never agreed to—

But you will, he interrupted again, grinning like a fool.

She stared back at him, noticing how well he wore a pair of jeans, but attempting not to give into his charm. The man was so persistent and outrageous—he almost made her want to say yes. But she knew better. Listen, Shane. She kept her voice purposefully composed so he wouldn’t misinterpret the brush off, but the cellphone in her jacket pocket began to vibrate, distracting her.

I’m listening, he teased back.

Hold on. She dug out her phone and frowned at the screen. It was her boss. I have to take this.

She turned away from Shane and placed the phone to her ear. Hello, Ross.

Hello yourself, he clipped back in his usual cheerful tone. I just got done reviewing your segment again. It was a circus show.

I know. She tightened the grip on her phone, feeling completely depressed. Give me a chance to explain.

Explain which part, Brooks? He chuckled sarcastically. The stoned college boy you interviewed, or the dog that trampled you to the ground?

She let out a long, dramatic breath. Both.

Well, you’ll get your chance tomorrow morning.

Tomorrow morning? She figured Ross would fire her on the spot not wait until tomorrow.

That’s right, he grumbled back. My office at six a.m., don’t be late.

I won’t.

There was a click on the other end alerting her that the conversation was finished. Still, she stood there, gripping the phone to her ear. Why would her boss give her a chance to explain herself? She had seen Ross fire reporters for simply chewing their gum too loudly on air. She was sure she was going to have to pack her bags today, and now this. It made no sense.

She shrugged and placed her phone back in her jacket pocket. It hardly mattered what Ross’s motives were. At six in the morning, she needed to be in his office, prepared for the worst. This could be her last chance to fight for herself. KBLN news was her first on-air job. No newsroom would want her if she was let go.

With those sour thoughts, she walked to the KBLN news truck. She had forgotten about flirty Shane and his offer for a drink. He and his crazy dog Luigi were nowhere in sight, which was a good thing. Hanging out with a dark and handsome stranger was the last thing she should be doing. Men were nothing but distractions for women on the road to their dreams.

She had a dream, even if the road was about to be cut short.

CHAPTER TWO

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Shane pulled open the door to his tattoo shop, whistling happily. He glided in front of the reception desk—Luigi at his heels—and performed an impromptu tap dance.

Wow, you sure are cheerful, Shane. His receptionist and best friend, Megan, watched him with a sarcastic smile on her pretty face. Did you build a snowman or something?

Better than that. He took off Luigi’s leash and patted his wet head. Isn’t that right, boy?

Okay, I’m hooked. She stood and grabbed onto his arm, green eyes alight with interest. Tell me what could be better than building a snowman.

She wasn’t the only one interested. Everyone in the shop had turned to look at him expectantly—including his tattoo artists, Dan and Tony, and their large, rough-looking biker clients. It could have been because sound carried so well in the tiny one-room shop, with only four cramped stations and a desk. Or it could have been the sight of a large man doing a tap dance, dog in tow. Either way, he wasn’t deterred.

I’ll tell you what’s better. He grabbed one of her hands and spun her in a circle. Meeting the world’s sexiest woman.

The world’s sexiest woman? She pulled back her hand and groaned. Oh boy, here we go again.

The shop erupted in laughter at his expense. He ignored it. I don’t think you understand me. This is not just some ordinary good-looking woman. She’s like Miss America, beauty queen gorgeous.

She shrugged, unimpressed. Plenty of women you brought home were that gorgeous. If you were thinking with your brain and not other areas, you would have noticed.

Who needs a brain? he argued. That’s not why I bring those women home, and that’s not why they come home with me.

His friend’s chastising tone annoyed him. He had done nothing wrong playing the field with women who knew the score. He wasn’t breaking hearts; he was bringing satisfaction. He appreciated the opposite sex. Women were gorgeous, soft, and wonderful. Why settle for one when he wasn’t tied down? His father had stupidly been tied down and left his entire family because of it. Shane did not plan to make the same mistake.

You’re right, I’m sorry, she said, looking anything but. You’re single and ready to mingle. So, let’s talk about your next conquest.

Jesus, Megs! Don’t cheapen it. He wasn’t going to conquest Josie. He was going to wine and dine her. The woman was so damn gorgeous, so completely out of his league. He planned to take it nice and slow and savor her beauty—before moving on.

Why don’t you stop cheapening it? she countered. And just like that, the disapproving tone was back in her voice. Aren’t you a bit too old to keep playing this game?

I thought I was. He shrugged, grinning. But that was before I met Josie.

Josie? She has a name?

Of course she has a name. He walked behind the reception desk to check the next client on his schedule. What a silly question.

None of the other women you brought home had names, she pointed out, trailing him like an annoying pest. Could it be that you finally found one you like?

"Of