Captured In Ink: Art Of Love, #3

By Donna McDonald

Don't believe in love at first sight? This Larson romance will change your mind.

Dumped by her fiancee in the middle of a tragic family crisis, Reesa Callahan readily admits she is jaded about love. No matter how sexy and nice, unless the man in her life is a home contractor, a plumber, or a potential employer, he can serve only one useful purpose to her. And even then, one night is all she can offer. She told Shane Larson that the night they met. Why can't the stubborn man accept her limited reality and just leave her alone? 

Graphic novelist Shane Larson's focus is on his next book release. When that is finished, he plans to complete his doctorate. Just like he told his nagging father and gloating brother, he had definitely not been looking for a serious relationship when a one-night stand ended up being the woman of his dreams. Weeks later he's almost given up hope when helping a friend accidentally leads him to the mysterious "Anne's" front door. Rather than it being the end of his search, he finds not only the woman he wants but a whole family. Being in love with the right woman is just as wonderful as his father predicted, but does he have what it takes to love them all?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Donna McDonald
• Release date: Aug 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781939988997

Donna McDonald

Donna McDonald published her first romance novel in March of 2011. Fifty plus novels later, she admits to living her own happily ever after as a full-time author. Her work spans several genres, such as contemporary romance, paranormal, and science fiction. Humor is the most common element in all her writing. Addicted to making readers laugh, she includes a good dose of romantic comedy in every book.

Book preview

1

Riding shotgun in his best friend’s beat-up work truck, Shane Larson was more depressed than he could ever remember being in his life. Instead of working on his latest graphic novel like he should be doing, in a moment of weakness he had rashly promised to do manual labor for Joe just so he wouldn’t have to spend one more frustrated day alone.

Tomorrow would be two weeks. Two weeks since he had met the mysterious Ann who continued to haunt him. He couldn’t even think of an adequate clinical term for his condition, but Shane had to admit he’d been a depressed mess since waking up alone without her. For a man so close to getting a distinguished doctorate in understanding the human mind from a prestigious school, Shane Larson certainly wasn’t being much help to himself.

So how is the book coming along? Joe asked, trying to bring Shane’s attention out of his head and into the pickup with him.

Not fast enough, Shane replied flatly. I’m probably going to miss my first deadline ever, and it’s all her fault.

"Her fault? You mean the mysterious Ann?" Joe asked, laughing in his disbelief.

I still can’t believe she ran away, Joe, Shane said sadly.

Joe laughed. Well, it’s not like you haven’t done that plenty of times yourself.

I guess that’s true, Shane admitted. Maybe part of his problem was that he was usually the one who snuck out and left his bed partner sleeping. It was easy to do when he wasn’t interested in staying to get to know the person better, but he refused to believe that had been the case for her. She had responded too honestly to him, and he had made her laugh. They had connected, damn it.

It was different with her, Shane said firmly, staring out of the window again.

Joseph McEldowney had known Shane Larson since they were in middle school and he was usually the most level-headed person in the world. Nothing much twisted Shane’s shorts into a knot. Even the lovely Angela from their sophomore year in college hadn’t caused this much soul-searching angst.

Damn, Larson—just how good in bed was the woman? And does she have a sister? Joe asked, trying to get Shane riled up because any emotion was better than the funk.

"Yeah right. Like I’m going to tell you how good she was, Shane replied, irritated with the lecherous question, even if it was just Joe being Joe. It wasn’t just the sex. I liked her. Didn’t you ever just like a woman, Joe? Why is that so hard to get?"

And he had liked her, not that the sex hadn’t also been life-changing. A few months ago his father had chastised him for his dating habits, asking if Shane had ever ached to be back inside a woman. His teasing reply to his Dad had been a resounding no, but he would be answering that question a hell of a lot differently if it ever came up again.

Now he ached for a woman all right, one specific woman. Worse than that, he wanted the whole package. He wanted to feel her under him, but he also wanted to hear her laughter when he amused her. He wanted to hear her telling him where to buy shoes and how important it was to follow his dreams. He wanted to hear her respectful, appreciative voice saying just about anything that made her green-eyed gaze hold his.

And okay—sue him—he wanted her hands. God, her tiny hands had been so strong and sure on him. He couldn’t imagine anyone touching him intimately now but her. The way Shane saw it, she had totally hooked him in about as many ways as was possible. A woman wasn’t supposed to change a guy this much and then just leave without a word. In the two weeks that had passed since he’d been with her, Shane had been begging the universe daily for another chance.

Joe sighed. There wasn’t enough time today to fix Shane and his client’s gutter.

Damn it, Shane. I’m not good at comforting people. You look scary enough without adding to it with that serial killer scowl of yours. My customer is a single mother with four kids. I’d just as soon not frighten any of them.

Get off my case, McEldowney. I’m doing you a favor even being here. I should be home working instead of playing with you, Shane countered, trying to make enough conversation to distract his brain from dwelling on her. How long does it take to hang a gutter anyway?

Not too long. This is a good size ranch house, but we’re just repairing the one side. A couple hours tops, I’m guessing. You got a hot date tonight or something?

Don’t start on me about hot dates, Shane said harshly. "If you hadn’t abandoned me two weeks ago for your hot date I wouldn’t have met the woman and taken her home with me. The woman was like crack and I got addicted in one damn night."

Joe’s laughter rang out in the truck cab. I can’t believe you never got her to tell you who she was, he said, shaking his head. Women bare their souls to you, Larson. All those months of abstaining must have made you lose your magic touch.

Shane shook his head as well. I did not lose my magic touch. The woman was committed to keeping it to just one night despite what happened between us. I swear I’d cash in all my good karma just for a chance to be with her again. You can’t know what it’s like until you’ve been with the perfect person.

For months now, Joe had been watching in stunned disbelief as Shane sent all women away with a polite no thanks, no matter how beautiful, how leggy, or how willing. Maybe Shane really was in love, which was not in Joe’s opinion an admirable condition for a man under the age of thirty.

The universe listens to you, Joe said finally, adding another shrug. If I ever see someone fitting her description at the club again, I’ll let you know. I don’t get the urge you have to track her down, but I would let you know if I saw her.

Thanks, Shane said sincerely, as Joe pulled up to the curb in front of his client’s house.

Joe stopped the truck and reached over to squeeze Shane’s arm in support. Come on. Let’s get this over with. Maybe we’ll grab a beer after.

Look at what’s sitting in the driveway. Like I needed even more reminders. Shane complained, frowning.

Ann had said she drove a minivan, though Shane couldn’t imagine the tiny woman he remembered actually driving something so large. The universe was obviously having a laugh at his expense this morning because a minivan with a sporty car parked next to it was in the driveway. He told himself not to agonize. In fact, he had almost succeeded in wiping the frown from his face when a tall teenage boy walked out of the house, carrying a pretty little girl in his arms.

Hello, the boy said, his gaze taking in the ladders and toolboxes. Did you come to fix the gutter?

Sure did, Joe replied, using his sunny business smile. Your mother home?

You’ll want my Aunt Teresa, the boy said to Joe, the welcome in his eyes fading slightly. She’s at a neighbor’s, but will be home in a minute. I can show you what needs fixed though.

Okay, Joe said easily, not sure why the kid’s attitude had gone into shutdown on him. He was a friendly guy and rarely had a client complain about his manners.

Shane studied the boy’s quiet demeanor as he climbed from the truck. The look on the kid’s face was sad, but he remained attentively polite to Joe. He stood by the truck door and rolled up his t-shirt sleeves in concession to the unusual heat of the autumn day. He turned back to get tools and heard the kid draw in a breath.

Wow, Dude. I like your tattoo, the boy said, coming closer. Care if I look?

Shane grinned and held out his arm. The little blonde he carried pulled the thumb from her mouth and reached out to touch it, too. The boy pulled her hand away before she made contact.

It’s okay, Shane said with a laugh. I don’t mind if she wants to touch it.

"That’s the coolest tat I’ve ever seen. Do you actually read The Winged Protector?" the boy asked with awe in his voice.

I have to, Shane explained, grinning at the boy’s genuine interest because he knew he was talking to a fan. I’m the creator.

"Seriously? Wow, the boy said, smiling at Shane. My aunt and I are huge fans. We wait on every issue to come out."

You may be waiting longer than usual on the next one, Shane admitted, smiling at the little girl the kid held, who was smiling back. I’m stuck on something in the storyline.

Wait until Aunt Teresa meets you. It’s nuts that you’re really here. So is this like your day job? he asked, eyeing the truck.

No, Shane said with a laugh, seeing the kid’s disappointment in the unglamorous condition of the truck. Joe’s a friend, and I owed him a favor. He’s using me instead of his ladder today.

The kid, who was almost as tall as Shane, looked at Joe and shrugged. I could have helped with that.

Probably, but looks to me like you have your hands full, Shane said, reaching out and pulling the blonde cherub’s thumb from her mouth on purpose. The girl laughed at Shane, and the boy’s gaze looked off in the distance.

Here comes my aunt now, he said.

Shane turned to look at the woman walking up the sidewalk. His heart stopped beating for one moment, and then picked up a panicked rhythm as he recognized her. The wicked laugh that erupted a little bit maniacal as he released the tension he’d been carrying around.

Shane looked up at the clouds and the blue between them, filled with gratitude for the mysteries of the world. Thank you, he said to the sky, hearing the boy laugh beside him.

Dude—you okay? the boy asked, laughing.

Joe walked to where they stood, his tool belt in his hand. He looked at the enormous smile on Shane’s face, wondering when his friend had started liking kids so much.

What’s your name? Shane asked the boy, his voice demanding of the truth.

Zack Lansing. Why?

"Zack, I’ll give you the next pre-production copy of The Winged Protector novel before it releases if you will tell me the full name of the woman walking towards us now."

Aunt Teresa? You want to know my aunt’s full name? Zack asked on another laugh, confused but thinking it was funny The Winged Protector guy was so interested.

Shane nodded slowly. Yes, I do. I definitely want to know who she is. So she’s your aunt? How about that?

Yes. Her name is Teresa Callahan, Zack supplied. Let me think, I think her middle name is…

"Ann," Shane said firmly with a broad smile.

Yeah, I think that’s right, Zack admitted, his gaze narrowing as he assessed the man again. Do you know Aunt Teresa?

A little, Shane said easily, not thinking of his calm answer as lying. But I would like to know her a lot better. Is that okay with you?

I guess. Isn’t that up to her? Zack asked, laughing at the strangest conversation he’d had with an adult in a while.

I don’t think so—not this time, Shane said, feeling a bone deep gratitude for having found her. Your aunt is my destiny, Zack.

"Destiny? Zack repeated, laughing at Shane’s nod. That’s pretty heavy, dude."

Stopping in the middle of strapping on his carpenter’s belt, Joe’s gaze jumped between Shane and the kid, and then went up the street to look at the woman.

Oh, you have got to be kidding, Joe said in disbelief. You actually found her? My client is your mystery woman?

Shane handed Joe the tools still in his hands and walked determinedly towards the woman who had changed his life.

Reesa Callahan’s mind had been on making carpooling arrangements with a neighbor so Zack could go to basketball practice or she would have noticed the giant blond-haired man sooner. Looking like a conquering Viking striding towards her, Shane Larson wasn’t exactly a man you could pretend not to see. He had to be every bit of six-foot-four, she realized, watching as Shane steadily held her gaze.

The eyebrow piercing and the tattoo were menacing. A more rational woman would have been put off by that alone. His shaggy hair and unshaven face marred the romantic picture he made, but his sexy, confident, and determined gaze would have set any woman’s heart racing—just like it was hers.

She told herself not to smile, but it was really hard not to. The rest of his body was as good as God made young men—youthfully attractive, firmly muscled, and the stuff of dreams. And she should know because he’d featured in hers for two weeks now.

Damn—he really was a giant, Reesa thought, tipping her head back and up when Shane stopped in front of her. Her fantasies about those huge shoulders of his were nothing compared to the reality of them. Her fingers curled into her palms remembering. Damn. Damn. Damn.

This is one of those weird life coincidences, isn’t it? Reesa demanded, going on the offense before he could even open his mouth. Look Shane—do us both a favor and just go away.

"Go away? Are you crazy? It’s taken me weeks to find you. God, I forgot how short you were, Shane said. He reached down and stroked her smooth cheek with his hand as he smiled. I can’t believe you didn’t come back to me. I’ve looked for you every day."

Reesa stepped back and away from his caressing hand. Shane—stop the full court press here. There’s a reason they call it a one-night stand. You know I never meant for you to find me.

Shane laughed at her words. "One-night stand? Is that what you think happened between us? Boy, were you wrong. That was us falling in love, which is why we’ve been thinking of each other so much since. Missing you has even been affecting my work."

Reesa walked around Shane and kept going. Don’t be ridiculous. We had sex. We did not fall in love, Shane Larson. You don’t even know me.

Shane caught up to her in one giant step. "Maybe not, but I want to know everything about you. Now I at least know your real name, Teresa. You can’t hide anymore."

That’s not my name.

"Want me to call you Ann, instead? Shane asked, starting to get annoyed with her refusal to pay attention to him. Zack told me your real name."

I…no…you don’t need to know. We are not talking about this so please go away. I have enough problems in my life to deal with. Less was more, she told herself. The last thing she wanted was for Shane to know how much his presence unnerved her. Go find one of those tall, leggy blondes who like you so much. Fall in love with one of them.

No woman could possibly follow you, Shane stated firmly, ignoring the hurt her comment caused him. She had been all he’d thought about for two weeks, and it made him mad as hell to think she would lie about returning his interest. But his anger was not going to win her.

Who’s the great kid? Shane asked, changing tactics and the conversation, which was getting him nowhere.

The great kid is my nephew, Zack. The little one he’s carrying is Sara. Chelsea and Brian are in the house. They’re my nephews and nieces, but I’m raising them. For all intents and purposes, I’m a single mother with four kids, Reesa said, fighting the sinking sensation the words always caused in her. Now you know what I was hiding. I’m sure you can also see why a night of casual sex now and again is all I have time for in my life.

Reesa passed by Zack and all the questions in his eyes. She walked by the minivan, opened the screen door, and went into the house. Inside, her best friend in the world, Jillian Lansing, was sitting on the couch looking at fashion magazines with fourteen-year-old Chelsea. She wanted to tell Jillian about Shane showing up and ask her what to do, but there wasn’t any opportunity. Three of the four kids were all within hearing distance.

When Jillian let out a quiet expletive, Reesa knew Shane Larson had followed her into the house. She had no choice but to turn around and deal with him, which meant looking up almost a foot and a half into a face that was remarkably familiar to her considering this was only the second time she’d seen him. In a different world, she could get used to that face, even as unshaven and menacing as it was at first glance. Shane Larson was appealing to her on many levels, which was too bad because she had no time for appealing. She had no time for anything.

Shane’s brown-eyed gaze was calm but determined as it held hers. Her own gaze raked his face looking for some clue as to why such a young man was pushing her to let him into her life when she’d made it more than obvious that she had no interest in pursuing anything more with him than they already shared.

Look, Shane, I don’t know how you found me or what you think is going to happen, but I guarantee it’s not going to work out like anything you think.

Shane only smiled at her protest and looked over at Jillian. You were the friend who waved at the club, he said.

Jillian nodded. "I’m Jillian Lansing, also Aunt Jillian to these guys. This is Chelsea."

Chelsea’s gaze swept Shane from his size fourteen feet to his glinting eyebrow ring. Hi, she said, her eyes going wide at his appearance.

Shane smiled at the girl. Hi, Chelsea. My name is Shane Larson. I’m dating your Aunt Teresa.

We are not dating, Reesa said firmly, practically growling the words.

Maybe not yet, Shane amended, but we will be. I’m a great guy, Teresa.

Zack came through the door with Sara still in his arms. The little girl tapped Shane on the shoulder and held out her arms. Shane took her and raised Sara high until her head almost touched the nine-foot ceiling of the entryway.

Sara likes me, Shane said to Reesa, his look daring her to deny it.

Of course Sara likes you, Reesa replied snidely, she’s blonde and female. In twenty years, she’ll be your perfect woman. We’ve had this discussion before, and I’ve seen your preferences in person.

Yes you have, Shane said boldly, his narrowed gaze and tight voice the only indication that she was ruffling his composure. "You see my ideal female every time you look in the mirror, Teresa Ann Callahan."

As lines went it wasn’t all that bad, Reesa thought, but if she rolled her eyes up any higher, she’d be looking at the inside of her brain. What was it going to take to get rid of this guy? Zack walked up and put a hand on her arm, drawing her attention away from Shane.

"Aunt Teresa, you’ll never believe this. Shane’s the artist who makes The Winged Protector novels. He’s the creator."

Reesa swung a startled gaze to Shane. "The Winged Protector? Is that what’s on your tattoo?" she asked in a squeaky voice, unable to stop the question or prevent her awe from peeking through her resolution. Her gaze went to his arm.

Shane just smiled and nodded, enjoying her surprise and turning his arm around to show her. See? I told you I was a good guy.

"I purposely picked the worst guy I could find. I can’t believe he turned out to be you," Reesa said, turning on her heel and heading to the back of the house.

Shane watched her run away and had to fight the urge to laugh at her cowardice. It was going to take more than just sharp words to discourage him. The ache for her had hit him full force over and over while they had stood arguing in the street. He wanted to hug her and tell her it was going to be okay. He wanted to hold her until she attacked him again.

Did you do something to make Aunt Teresa mad? Zack asked tightly, his instinct to protect his aunt momentarily overriding his awe of Shane Larson.

Shane pulled his mind from its wishing and wanting to focus on the boy confronting him. Maybe I did make her mad. I might have made your aunt fall in love with me when she didn’t want to, he explained, wanting to laugh at the kid’s shock. I fell pretty hard for her when we met. Maybe I messed it up telling her too soon. I’ve never been in love before. It’s not like there’s a rule book.

Zack laughed at the bold words, though he suspected the man wasn’t kidding, even if it sounded like a joke to walk in cold and announce you loved someone. Obviously, Aunt Teresa wasn’t buying it.

"Love? That’s crazy dude. But if it works out, I guess you won’t be any worse than the last guy," Zack declared, following his pronouncement with a shrug.

Last guy? Shane wondered where the last guy was and why such a hot woman had been trolling for sex at a club if there was a potential guy in her life. Then he remembered that the last guy had to have been gone for at least five months. He and Teresa Callahan had ended their celibacies together. To Shane, it was one of the best things about that night. He now saw it as a sign he and Teresa Callahan had been waiting to find each other.

Jillian rose from her seat on the couch and walked to where Shane Larson stood staring after Reesa, obviously lost in his thoughts. The man was really tall, not like her brother Jackson had been, but still Jillian knew Larson would be scary tall for her petite best friend who tended to not date anyone over five-eight or nine.

Not that Jillian believed for a single minute Reesa was seriously worried about the man’s height at this point. Reesa had already spent the night with the man, so height was just the handiest excuse today. Jillian figured Reesa was more worried that Shane Larson wanted access to her life, something she knew Reesa wasn’t able to contemplate at all at the moment. And damn Brentwood Addison for that shit, she thought viciously, sincerely hoping the investment strategist rotted in hell for his betrayal. Brentwood alone was reason enough to help this shaggy, scary guy.

You seriously interested in her? Jillian demanded.

More than I can really go into in front of a mixed-age audience, Shane answered sincerely, holding Jillian’s dark, assessing gaze. I definitely want to date her.

"Well don’t get your hopes up because your chances aren’t good, but at least call her Reesa, not Teresa, Jillian advised. She hates her real name."

Thanks for the heads up. Can I give you this cutie pie? Shane asked.

Jillian nodded, and Shane promptly passed Sara to her. Sara Girl, you are going to have to start walking. You are five and way too big to be carried around.

I am not five, Sara denied, sticking her thumb back into her mouth.

Sorry, Jillian said to Shane. We have some issues we’re working through here. Somebody thinks she’s a baby instead of a big girl.

Looking around at Zack, Chelsea, Jillian, and Sara, Shane made a swift assessment of the situation and an even swifter decision that he belonged in the picture. I’ve got to go help fix the gutter, but I’ll be back sometime soon, he said to both Jillian and Zack. "Reesa Callahan. I like it. It suits her much better than Ann."

Smiling genuinely for the first time in two weeks, Shane walked back out the door and went to find Joe.

After Shane left, Jillian and Zack exchanged looks, both of them shaking their heads. Then Jillian laughed as the truth just tumbled out on its own.

Reesa could have dated a preppy guy who smiled at her all night, but no—shaggy, ugly Larson was who she opted to spend time with. In my opinion, Reesa Callahan brought this whole mess on herself.

Zack chuckled in response. "Shane said Aunt Teresa was his destiny."

Jillian rolled her eyes. "Destiny? Man, it’s getting deep in here now. Bring the shovel around in case Larson comes back and we have to dig our way out of the melodrama. Never date an artist, Zack."

Zack laughed at his aunt’s wicked humor and headed back outside to see if the two men needed his help. Personally, he liked Shane Larson. And the man wrote The Winged Protector. He sort of hoped things worked out.

2

Time to get to the heart of the matter, Jillian decided. She set Sara down next to Chelsea on the couch, and headed down the hall. She found Reesa in the master bedroom putting away folded laundry and slamming drawers shut as she did so.

Girlfriend, what the hell do you do in bed that’s so great? And why are you not sharing your secrets with me? Jillian demanded, giving Reesa a questioning look. It’s bad enough I’ve watched every male you ever dated or slept with try to marry you. But this is the first time I’ve seen a one-timer track you down to get some more.

Oh please—I was just a novelty to the man. You should have seen the twenty-something who hit on him in front of me. I swear I never told Shane Larson who I was or anything personal about me no matter how talented he was at extracting information, Reesa denied. The man was very good—no, forget that stuff. I am not going to say it out loud. Just tell me how to get rid of him, Jillian.

Get rid of him? God sent him here today, girlfriend, Jillian said, laughing. You can’t be messing around with divine intervention. If you don’t date the man, body parts might start dropping off.

Reesa snorted, refusing to laugh at Jillian’s teasing. Well, I did finish the mountain of laundry in record time today. I guess for my reward I could throw on a pair of five-inch stilettos and a short skirt to cook dinner for the seven of us. Would that count as a date?

Now you’re just being a wise-ass.

Reesa put the last of the clothes in the chest of drawers that once held her sister’s clothes, and then turned to face her friend full on.

You know I can’t even consider dating Shane Larson. Even if I was interested—which I am not—I’m guessing he’s not even thirty. I would never date someone so young with my current life situation. Get real about this, Jillian. If Brent didn’t want to take on the kids, someone like Shane is never going to want the whole package I come with.

Brentwood was a wimp, and that’s the kindest word I have to describe the SOB. Shane Larson, on the other hand, looks quite capable of a lot of things. Was he good in bed?

Reesa was quiet so long that Jillian laughed again at the telling silence.

Worse than good, Reesa finally admitted, using their code for only the most seriously hot men. The man made me laugh—over and over—in between the many orgasms he was more than happy to provide me.

Shame on him then, Jillian teased, pushing down her envy. You should strip off his shirt and flog him. That way I can check out the chest lurking under those massively wide shoulders.

Jillian—stop! Reesa ordered, clutching the empty clothes basket, trying not to think about Shane’s shoulders or any other part of him. Stop making me think about his body. I’ve spent two weeks thinking about what he was like. I cannot think about him any more. I cannot have him.

"Well, my bad, Jillian said with a laugh. Do you know what I’ve spent two weeks thinking about? Work—that’s what. You don’t see any of my men tracking me down and getting in my face. If Larson wasn’t the color of chalk, I might be interested in him for myself."

Reesa laughed. She couldn’t help it. She knew Jillian preferred her men to be the color of coffee—and the darker, the better.

He’s not my type either, but that’s just part of it, Reesa said firmly.

"I know what you’re thinking. So he’s tall—big deal. Are you worried he’s one of those big macho guys who just wants a tiny woman to make him feel like a real man?"