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Forbidden Romance: Silverblade Book 3
Forbidden Romance: Silverblade Book 3
Forbidden Romance: Silverblade Book 3
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Forbidden Romance: Silverblade Book 3

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Happily ever after is just within reach, but life has more obstacles in store for Shane Martin than he imagined possible.

The frontman for Silverblade has been dealing with guilt since his best friend, Troy Hudson, overdosed. Shane’s feelings for Troy’s wife, Patricia, intensify it. Nevertheless, he yearns for a life with her.

Patricia Hudson lives with the ghost of her deceased husband, even mistaking Shane for Troy when attempting intimate moments. She is determined to find a way to make it work for them. A second chance at love is worth fighting for.

Warning: For those 18 and over only. May not suitable for all readers. Bumps in the road can be fun, right?

A Rockstar Romance set in the World of Triple Threat.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateSep 12, 2019
ISBN9780463415009
Forbidden Romance: Silverblade Book 3
Author

Bella Jeanisse

Server tech by day, author by night, mom and grandma all the time. I'm always striving for something more.

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    Book preview

    Forbidden Romance - Bella Jeanisse

    BELLA’S BOOKS

    Triple Threat:

    Reckless

    Tragic Soul

    Triple Threat

    Triple Time

    Rubbed Raw

    Raw Reunion

    Chasing Chad

    Dual Desires

    Desires Delivered

    COMPLETE

    Wicked End:

    Wicked End

    Passionate Needs

    Sinful Needs

    Fulfilling Needs

    Prelude to a Wicked Wedding

    Gasoline:

    Gasoline

    Persistent Urges

    Evolving Urges

    Forever Urges

    Final Urges

    COMPLETE

    Silverblade:

    Silverblade

    Accidental Romance

    Forbidden Romance

    In the works:

    Endless Romance (Silverblade 4)

    Eternal Needs (Wicked End 6)

    Brass Monkey

    Mark of the Devil

    Hands of Fate

    Winter Winds

    Wounded Hearts

    Velocity Series:

    Rockin’ Rhythm – Ash’s book

    Shredding Dreams – Ian’s book

    Silver Strings – Bryce’s book

    Driving Reigns – Leo’s book

    COMPLETE

    Erotic Tales:

    Double Dominance

    Insatiable Appetites

    PREFACE

    Shane is beyond ready to make Patty his and let the world know. They deserve a happily ever after, don’t they? However, roadblocks they never expected stand in their way. They’ll need a solid foundation to get through it all.

    Forbidden Romance starts two months after book two ends. Shane and Patty have stayed close, but haven’t found the groove they need to get things started. Prom night brings back memories and plans Abigail set in motion weeks prior. The question is: Will Shane and Patty take the hint?

    You’ll notice this book focuses more on Shane and not so much on Zack. It didn’t start out that way, but I had to follow my characters. Shane had so much to say, I couldn’t refuse him. I mean, why would I? Don’t you worry, Zack will have his own book after this!

    DEDICATION

    Music is always moving me in different ways. I wrote this book over the course of several years, so I don’t know what specific bands inspired me. The only think I can say for sure is when I am stuck, Avenged Sevenfold always finds a way to help me out of the rut.

    This story would never have come to be if not for one special lady. I met Kathy Aronoff for the first time in Orlando several years ago. She’s a spitfire from Brooklyn (like me) and made me comfortable within seconds. (I get anxious when first meeting someone, so she worked a miracle!) After talking for a while, Silverblade came up, and she told me Patty and Shane belong together (paraphrasing here). I felt that pull just after the words left her mouth. It was like Shane screamed, Yes! I tried to tell you but you won’t listen! So, thank you Kathy for showing me the light.

    Thank you to the amazing and loyal group of friends, betas, pimpers, inspirationalists, artists, proofreaders, and readers I have! You make the best team. I wouldn’t be doing this without you all. My star players are invaluable: Sandy, Traci, Sonia, LaDonna, Sarah, Anita, Patricia, Doris, Christa, Stephanie, Lisa, April, Stephanie, Coralee, Debbie, Ruby, Sarah, Camillie, Frances, Donna, Cortney, and Amy.

    MEET THE BANDS

    SILVERBLADE:

    Shane Martin - Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar

    Kyle Savage - Drums

    Carter Keys - Lead Guitar

    Zack Bryant - Bass

    WOUNDED HEARTS:

    Dominic Spinelli - Guitar

    Jon Harris - Drums

    Tommy Fischer – Bass/Piano

    Chad McLoughlin - Guitar

    Chris Bradley - Vocals

    Crystal Atkinson - Bass

    WICKED END:

    Brandon Knight - Lead Guitar

    Jake Thompson - Vocals

    Chico Rivera - Drums

    Scott Mason - Bass

    Austin Reese - Rhythm Guitar

    CHAPTER ONE

    What time is prom? Patricia Hudson sat on her rear porch watching the calm Reynolds Channel, phone in hand.

    Shane Martin, lead vocalist of Silverblade, smiled as he laid in his bed alone that mid-June morning. He hadn’t heard from her in a day and missed her voice. His feelings for Patty, his best friend’s widow, had grown. I think it’s at seven. Hard to believe she’ll be graduating soon.

    Yeah. Patty sighed. Eighteen years flew by in a flash.

    They did. Memories of his daughter, Abigail Turner, as a baby came to him. I was so clueless back then.

    She agreed with him but always kept it to herself. You’re a wonderful father now. That’s what matters.

    Thanks. His daughter technically lived with him instead of her mother at that point, so he’d done something right. Are you coming over tonight?

    Are you kidding? I need to take pictures of her.

    He moved his phone and pulled up the last group of photos he’d taken of Abigail. I do too.

    When a closeup of Patty appeared, he paused. He had snapped it without her knowing. She’s so beautiful. Why can’t we just be together? He knew why though. They continued to grieve her late husband, Troy. Months prior, they’d agreed to wait until both could handle a serious relationship.

    Shane?

    He looked up, expecting her to be in the room. Then he remembered she’d called. He put the phone back to his ear. Sorry. I zoned out. Did I miss something?

    Not really. She too wanted to find a way to be a couple. Even though their last intimate moment had ended badly, she hoped to try again soon. I’ll see you later.

    OK.

    After she disconnected, he laid there with a grin plastered to his face. She could lift any mood. His mind drifted to the weekend they’d spent in Florida at the end of April. They shared a room, since she hadn’t booked her own. Although they wound up in each other’s arms by morning, nothing beyond kissing had taken place.

    What would’ve happened if I hadn’t discouraged more? A scene formed in his head. If only.

    Did you forget to book a room on purpose? Shane turned to ogle Patty in her cotton nightgown.

    She glared at him as she tugged the blanket up. No. This was last minute, and it slipped my mind. Glad it did. Well, g’night.

    Night. He settled down and watched her do the same. When her breathing slowed, he reached out and ran a finger over her bare arm. You’re always so beautiful.

    His eyes snapped opened. Did I fall asleep? A sweeping glance told him morning had come. He swore he’d been awake seconds ago. How’d I lose eight hours? Fingers moved over his ribs, and he shifted his gaze in that direction. I like this. He grinned at Patty draped over his body.

    He wrapped his arms around her, then turned them to their sides. When skin brushed his, he cocked an eyebrow. Uh… where did our clothes go? He glanced down at her bare back. Who cares?

    Suddenly, they were kissing. He rolled on top of her and tugged her hair. Her fingers trailed up and down his back. His groans morphed into moans when he thrust inside her.

    Startled by his surroundings, Shane sat up quick. Shit! Was that a dream? He scrubbed his face. Or am I fantasizing in detail now? He breathed deep a few times. Maybe I need to get laid. Patty’s image flashed by. Or maybe I need to get rid of my leech. He hated when Patty called his part-time lover, Jasmine Lowe, that, but it rang true.

    Jasmine’s previous obsession with him came to mind. If I drop her, will she stalk me or something? She doesn’t seem the type. Do any of them? It didn’t matter. He had to move on from her.

    With a huff, he rolled off the bed. Time to get this over with.

    Determined, he walked out of his bedroom and hurried down the stairs. He and his daughter’s boyfriend, Zack Bryant, had flown back to New York for the prom. That plan hadn’t included speaking to Jasmine at all. It made no sense though. She would likely find out he’d been home somehow. Once he told her they were over, she wouldn’t be a factor any longer.

    Shane glanced at his bandmate when he reached the second floor. Hey.

    You heading out? Zack, bassist for Silverblade, called from the couch. Want company?

    Shane frowned. I have to do this alone. I’m going to the city. Let’s hope I don’t get stuck in traffic both ways. A minute later, Shane climbed onto a Vulcan from his motorcycle collection. She better not try something stupid.

    As soon as he merged onto the Van Wyck Expressway, he knew the trip to Demonfire Records, where Jasmine worked, would be long. Even at noon on a Tuesday, traffic was brutal. I should buy a helicopter. He chuckled to himself at the absurdity.

    What the fuck, man? Shane gave the ass who’d cut him off the finger. Why the hell can’t people pay attention to bikes? The number of dumb moves he’d seen over the years could fill a book. I should get a GoPro and post these assholes on social media.

    By the time Shane walked into Demonfire’s new main entrance, he had a plan to end things. Jasmine sat at the front desk on the phone. He kept out of her line of sight as long as possible. When she hung up the receiver, she noticed him.

    I didn’t know you were flying in today! She jumped out of her chair and rushed to him. I missed you. Her arms surrounded him before he even reacted.

    His coldness worried her every time she met him on the tour since Seattle. Because he hadn’t refused sex, she still had hope. Her plot to make him fall in love with her was difficult to implement without him around.

    Shane was happy no one witnessed her clinginess. Get off. I don’t have time for this. Abigail’s prom is tonight.

    So, you’ll have the place to yourself? She grinned. I’ll keep you company.

    He jumped back. Uh, no. I already have plans.

    Do you want to come to my apartment then? Jasmine grabbed his hand. I’ll make you dinner.

    I shoulda ended things when she surprised me in Kansas City. After a deep breath, he whispered, Can we go someplace private?

    Her lips curled into an evil smirk. There’s an inner conference room that locks.

    He followed her with the hope she wouldn’t cry. It was pointless to keep her around at that point. Sex with her was amazing. However, he wanted someone to love; mind, body and soul. Like Patty.

    As soon as Jasmine locked the door behind them, she fell to her knees before him. Just to get you started. She yanked the button of his jeans open.

    Whoa! Not why I came here. Shane backed up and shook his head while he closed his pants. We need to talk.

    She rose to her feet. OK. Fuck me while we talk. It’s been a few weeks.

    No. He growled and threw his hands up. You have no idea what’s going on here, do you?

    I don’t. She laid a hand on his chest. Isn’t it normal for boyfriends to want their girlfriend?

    He wanted to scream but kept his cool. That’s not what you are to me.

    What am I? Her face screwed up with confusion. No matter what he’d said, she assumed their bond had deepened.

    A friend, fuck buddy. We can’t have much more, not my thing. He growled, I told you this two months ago.

    Tears filled her eyes. Why not? We have fun together, and I let you do what you want to my body. I thought we were getting closer.

    Sex is not a relationship. He moved away from her. I can’t- He frowned. She doesn’t need to know about Patty. I should go.

    Wait! She threw herself at him and clung to his middle. Don’t leave me! I need you, especially now.

    The last comment made him curious, but he refused to ask about it. She sobbed into his shirt as he tried to pry her hands off him. You gotta be kiddin’ me. When he stepped back, she let him drag her along. You’re acting like a child. He hadn’t expected that reaction.

    I’ll do anything, she begged. Tell me what to do to keep you. I love you!

    His eyes opened wide. Instinct told him to get the hell out of there. I gotta go. Don’t call me again.

    He shoved her as carefully as possible. When she fell onto her bottom, he felt bad. Sympathy would lead to her clinging to him again. Once in the hallway, he frowned when he noticed Jon Harris, co-owner of the record label.

    Hey, what’s wrong? Jon cocked an eyebrow. Wait a minute. Did we have a meeting I forgot about?

    Shane shook his head. Uh, no. I just came to talk to someone. He glanced up when Jasmine appeared.

    Who?

    Um… Shane hoped she stayed quiet.

    Jon turned and saw tears running down Jasmine’s cheeks. You didn’t hook up with my receptionist and tell her to fuck off, right?

    Not exactly.

    Shane’s odd expression made Jon ask, What then?

    I was kinda seeing her, Shane explained. She applied for this job to meet me. Hope she’s not the stalker type.

    Jon glanced at her again. She’s polite and never hits on anyone. Maybe you’re wrong about her.

    I hope so.

    One minute. Jon walked to Jasmine. Are you OK? Her nod assured him. Do we have a problem between you and Shane?

    No, sir, she mumbled. He just came to say goodbye. She peeked at Shane, then focused on Jon. Do you mind if I take a break?

    Jon shrugged. Fine with me. He waited for her to leave before he headed back to Shane. She says there won’t be a problem, so you can relax.

    OK. Shane hoped that was true. It’s over now anyway.

    Good. Oh! I meant to tell you. We hired a photographer to film the tour. She’ll be taking pictures onstage and off, and her small crew will be filming as much as possible. Next year we’ll probably put out a DVD and maybe some live audio tracks of all the bands.

    That’s cool. I need to get home.

    I’ll see you tomorrow in Jersey. Jon grinned.

    It took a few seconds for Shane to realize what Jon meant. Oh, right. I forgot you guys were joining the tour. I came back early for my daughter’s prom. See ya tomorrow.

    CHAPTER TWO

    When Shane arrived home, he was more frustrated than when he’d left. Soft voices came from upstairs. He didn’t want his daughter to see his distress, so he headed to the kitchen. In the refrigerator, a lone beer bottle called his name. It took all his strength to resist.

    Unsure how else to let the anger go, he slammed the door closed. She better not turn into a psycho bitch! His fist connected with a wall. Why can’t she be more like Patty?

    Did you call me?

    He spun and grinned at Patty. Sorry. Didn’t know you were here.

    She moved his way. Glad you’re home.

    Me too. Shane leaned down and almost kissed her lips.

    Aware of his blunder, Patty held his cheek. I was dying to see Abigail in that dress you bought her. They’re both upstairs getting ready.

    Yeah. Since Shane had funded the extravagant senior prom months prior, the school had allowed a change in the planned date for his benefit.

    You seem upset. Patty had seen that expression on his face many times. Where were you?

    Unable to lie to her, he explained, I went to visit Jasmine. You were right. He sighed. When I told her it was over, she turned all fangirl on me and practically begged me to be with her.

    Are you relieved? She knew he’d been torn on the matter for a while.

    His shrug was automatic. Some, but what if she won’t let go?

    Like Amber? She despised Shane’s last girlfriend. If Jasmine tries that, I’ll take care of her.

    Shane couldn’t help but laugh. I’d love to see that. Bet you’d really kick her ass. He tugged her into an embrace. What would I do without you? They stood there until creaking and whispers came from the stairs. When Zack and Abigail appeared, Shane’s mouth dropped. Whoa! You look beautiful, Abigail.

    Zack grinned madly. Doesn’t she? He wore a rented black tuxedo.

    Gorgeous. Patty admired the special ordered dress and the accessories they’d added.

    Abigail glanced at herself in the foyer’s mirror. Her style had changed a lot that year. Much had to do with growing up. However, Zack and the discovery of what she wanted in life influenced her as well.

    The black strapless, tea length dress had layered lace with skulls and rose designs. Beneath that was a black petticoat. The black lace and bead choker had been difficult to find. Her knee-high multi-buckle boots matched the goth-like outfit. She also wore the pink diamond necklace Zack had bought for her birthday.

    Patty took Abigail’s hands in hers. You’ve grown up so much. Tears rolled down her cheeks.

    Abigail fought the urge to cry with her. Thanks to you two. Her mother hadn’t done anything to add to her maturity. If you want to take pictures, you should do it now.

    Right! Shane pulled his phone from his pocket. Zack, move closer to her. He snapped a few photos of the couple, then some of his daughter alone. Have a good time tonight, but not too good.

    His daughter rolled her eyes. I won’t drink or do any drugs. There’s an afterparty, but it’s at Gigi’s house, so there won’t be too much craziness. We’ll be home by two.

    Which home? It hadn’t dawned on Shane until that moment his baby had brought most of her things to Patty’s, so she wouldn’t be alone during the tour.

    Abigail smiled. Aunt Patty’s. Unless you want me to pack a bag and come back here for the night.

    No, not at two in the morning. Shane sighed. That meant Zack would go there also. If he had mentioned it earlier, they could have planned for her to stay at his place. The front door opened, and he growled. Who left the door unlocked?

    Lacey Turner, Abigail’s mother, walked into the house. Did I miss her? She spied her daughter in her prom dress and gasped. Oh my God! Baby, you look so grown up!

    Really? Abigail rolled her eyes.

    Zack grabbed her arm. Let her have a few minutes to be excited for you.

    Why?

    Because she’s your mother.

    Abigail forced a smile and turned. Thanks, Mom. Daddy got me exactly what I wanted.

    I’m sure he did. Lacey glared at Shane. If I was rich and famous, I’d spoil you too.

    Yeah right, Abigail muttered to herself. We were about to leave, so we only have a few minutes.

    Lacey yanked her phone out. I need some pictures to post—I mean to treasure. Please. I’m still your mother.

    Fine. Abigail posed for a few photos and took one on her own phone.

    So, you’re going out with Zack? Lacey’s eyes shifted to the sexy bassist. I read you and him were a hot item, lots of scandals. Don’t you think your mother should be privy to your relationship status?

    No I don’t. Abigail sensed Zack’s frown. "I’m an adult now, so what I do is my business. But if you must know, we’re dating exclusively."

    Lacey clapped her hands. This is so exciting! My baby’s gonna marry a rock star!

    No one said anything about marriage! Shane pursed his lips and stepped backward. I know, keep out.

    Patty tugged the back of his shirt. Please, let her deal with her mother.

    Are we having a graduation party? Lacey snuck a glanced at Zack. Maybe somewhere fancy.

    Abigail struggled to control her temper. You’re not- She sucked her lips in so she wouldn’t reveal what they’d planned. If you want to celebrate, we can go to dinner or something.

    That’s up to your father. I don’t have any income right now.

    I guess that means you’ll finally have to get a job. Abigail realized her mother hadn’t worked a day in her life. Unless you found another Sugar Daddy.

    Oblivious to her daughter’s sarcasm, Lacey shrugged. I have a few I’m dating.

    I give up.

    Zack tugged Abigail into his arms. Let’s take a few more pictures together and then we can head out.

    Lacey squealed and snapped a few photos. My baby!

    OK, Mom. Enough. Abigail waved a hand in the air.

    Just a few more. Lacey moved closer and rubbed her hip against Zack’s.

    Startled, Zack jumped back. His mind flashed to kissing her months earlier. Ugh! Why the hell’d I do that? I don’t think- His eyes widened when Lacey palmed his ass cheek. He pulled Abigail to his other side. She’s getting handsy.

    You can leave now, Lacey. Shane gritted his teeth.

    Lacey sighed. Can’t you be nice?

    Why bother? You’d use it against me somehow.

    Patty poked him in the back. Let’s not start a fight.

    Yeah. Lacey scowled. Even your chick of the week agrees with me.

    "Don’t you dare talk to Patty like that! Shane snatched Lacey’s arm. You know exactly who she is and why she loves Abigail so much. This is my house and you can get the fuck out. He dragged her to the door and opened it. Go home and don’t come back."

    Zack threw an arm over Abigail’s shoulders as they stepped outside. He waited until Lacey pulled away and a limo parked in front of the driveway. Perfect timing. We should leave. It starts soon.

    OK. Shane hugged his baby girl, then Zack. I’ll see you tomorrow.

    Patty clutched Shane’s arm while they watched the young couple get into the limo from the porch. She thought of Abigail as her own daughter. They’d been living together for only two months, but Patty had taken care of Abigail quite a lot over the years. It was hard to imagine she would soon be on her own.

    You OK? Shane tugged Patty closer.

    She nodded with tear stained cheeks. Yeah, just memories getting to me.

    Of Troy?

    No, of Abigail as a little girl. When he hugged her, she shut her eyes. I never had my own children. She hadn’t thought of that in a long while. It was never the right time.

    Shane kissed the top of her head. He wished he could say they would have children. However, he wasn’t sure they should, even if they did get together. He wanted to test the waters soon, hoping they were ready to be a couple. She hadn’t mentioned it, but he needed her more than ever.

    What should we do tonight? We have the house to ourselves.

    Patty looked up. I haven’t eaten. Have you?

    Nope. He grinned. We don’t have much in the fridge, but we can order something.

    That’d be nice. She played with his hair. Your roots need to be touched up.

    Yeah, dying my hair is becoming a hassle.

    Would you rather let the blonde grow out? Salt and pepper is sexy.

    Um… not sure I wanna look so old.

    You could never look old to me.

    His gaze met hers. Thanks, but I’d be self-conscious. How about I go darker? Like darker than my hair used to be?

    Hmmm… She wove her fingers into his hair and bit her lip. Do you mean black like Brandon Knight’s hair?

    Not that dark. He smirked. "Or should I dye it blue?’

    She burst into laughter. That would be a shock. After all the bitching you did when Kyle dyed his blue? Or when Lacey let Abigail do hers pink.

    It was a joke.

    Obviously! She tugged his hair. I think you’d be sexy with dark hair again. Let’s run to the store, then bring home dinner.

    Patty smiled when Shane leaned on her as she washed the dishes. His freshly dyed hair draped over her shoulder. Do you need something?

    Yeah… but not gonna ask you for that… yet. His eyes closed as his body responded to their closeness. One foot moved back, then he decided he shouldn’t hide his desire for her.

    She pressed against him and bit her lip when she felt a bulge in his shorts. What’s he like in bed? Should I make the first move? Does he like that sort of thing? Ugh! We’re taking this slow, remember? Maybe we should go out on a date.

    Patty? She hadn’t responded to multiple questions. With an urge for more contact, Shane placed his hands on her hips. How about we watch a porn on the couch?

    The plate in Patty’s hand slipped. What?

    That you hear, but not me asking if you’ve seen the new Star Wars movie?

    She blushed. I’m sorry. My mind drifted for a while.

    I know. His lips touched her ear. What were you thinking about? Me?

    Yes. Her entire body shivered. Are you trying to seduce me?

    His eyes widened. Uh… no. He stepped back. Sorry.

    She turned and winked. It’s working.

    Really? He brushed her lips with his. I guess we should continue then. He groaned when his phone chimed. Sorry, wanna make sure it’s not Abigail.

    Shane! Oh my God, Shane! Cassidy was a regular hook up for Dave Connor, head of Silverblade’s road crew. Shane, I don’t know what to do! The kitchen floor is covered in water! She checked on all their homes when they were on tour.

    Patty heard the girl’s voice. What’s wrong?

    Something about water, Shane explained, then he turned his attention to the phone. Cassie, did a pipe break? Call a plumber.

    She took a deep breath. I did. They said it would be an hour. No one else is available. The water is heading to the living room. The wood floor’ll be ruined!

    We’ll be there in a few. Shane waved at Patty.

    Cassidy asked, We? Who’s we?

    Patty’s here with me. Shane grabbed her hand. Give us about ten minutes.

    What happened? Patty followed Shane to the door that led to the first level.

    Shane rolled his eyes. She’s freaking out about water in Dave’s kitchen. We’ll just help her clean it up.

    Patty almost jumped for joy when Shane took two helmets down from the rack. She hadn’t been on a bike since she’d lost her husband. Her heart pounded as she wove her hair into a braid. It would be the first time she rode with him.

    Shane glanced her way and smiled. She seemed excited. He couldn’t wait to have her body against his. It was the perfect opportunity to get her on the back of one of his bikes. He’d been trying to think of an excuse for weeks.

    Ready? His gaze moved over her.

    She nodded. Hell yeah. She accepted the helmet and strapped it on. When he opened the garage and walked a Harley out, her heart sped up. It’s been a while, so I might get nervous.

    You’re always safe with me.

    Seconds later, she watched him straddle the bike. The engine roared to life, and she giggled. Once settled behind him, she forced the memories of her dead husband away and wrapped her arms around Shane. She felt content for a change.

    You all right? he shouted.

    She patted his chest. I’m good. She pushed her feet against the pegs and prepared for acceleration.

    The wind whipped around her as they drove down the street. She held him tighter and grinned. It had been so long; she’d forgotten the rush riding gave her. Eyes closed, she listened to the engine. It soothed her.

    When he stopped for a red light, his hand automatically reached for her thigh and squeezed. She reacted by tightening her grip on his middle. His smile was wider than ever. It felt just right having her behind him. He’d never had a passenger that gave him peace.

    Dave’s place soon came into view. Both were disappointed the ride would end. Before Shane even had the kickstand down, Cassidy opened the front door, seemingly panicked. He pulled his helmet off and secured the bike.

    Thank God you’re here!

    Patty almost laughed at the dramatic tone to her voice. Time to find out if she’s exaggerating.

    Yep. Without a thought, Shane took her hand in his and walked toward Cassidy. Did a pipe burst?

    Cassidy threw her hands up. I dunno. It’s coming from under the sink. She yanked the couple into the house and to the kitchen. You might wanna take off your shoes. I slipped earlier.

    Whoa! Shane’s eyes widened when he saw the water. It covered the entire floor. He rushed to get his boots and socks off while Patty did the same. Go find towels and blankets to contain this mess.

    He carefully made his way to the sink and opened the cabinet doors beneath. On his knees, he searched for the source of the water. From what he could see, it was a loose connection.

    Grab me an adjustable wrench, too!

    When he shifted his position, his knee slid. No wonder she panicked. He hoped the fix was easy. Although he knew some about plumbing, he wasn’t an expert for sure.

    Patty hurried back with a bundle of towels. We can’t find a wrench. She laid towels across the edge of the kitchen to stop the water. Maybe you can wrap something around the leak to slow it down?

    Good idea. He searched the room and found duct tape. This fixes everything. He chuckled to himself as he climbed under the sink again.

    Cassidy came in with a comforter and spread it on

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