Cinderfella: RIVETED, #2

By Nikki Woolfolk

A midsummer dream could link two hearts…or shatter them like glass.
(formerly known as The Men of Summerly) Once upon a midsummer night's steampunk dream a prince of a man found his cinderfella.

Ash arrived in Stubborn, West Virginia an orphan with nothing—except more knowledge of glasscrafting tech than any other artisan at Pantoufle Glass Factory. But thanks to his two jealous bosses, he's not even allowed to touch the scraps he's forced to sweep off the floor.

On the night of Summer Solstice Ball, he has until midnight to pretend all his dreams could come true. And for a moment glittering with magic, he holds happiness in his hands. But then the clock strikes midnight, and everything slips through his fingers—including his most precious possession.

British envoy Simon Leatherby came to Stubborn to make trade deals for his Queen. He never expected the hottest commodity in town would be—himself. Even the networking ball he's hosting is morphing into a marriage market, and he's the prize.

When he meets a dazzling young man with lonely blue eyes, Simon is enchanted—until the anonymous object of his fascination disappears. With but a single clue to go on, Simon can think of only one solution. So, the townsfolk of Stubborn want to play matchmaker? He's about to give them their chance.

Note: Contains sweet-smelling nuts (not those kinds of nuts—get your mind outta the gutter), an opinionated piglet, a steampunk ball with all the bells and whistles, and a lot of lost marbles.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nikki Woolfolk
• Release date: Oct 6, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393568407

Book preview

Ash looked at Simon and said, Let’s go swimmin’.

Simon looked back toward the house. What about the other guests?

They can join too, Ash said with a grin.

Ash put the bottle of wine upright on the grass and removed his borrowed clothing and gingerly placed each item on the post until he was in his undergarments.

This’ll be our secret. I won’t tell your boss if you don’t tell mine.

Simon smiled. Pinky swear. Ash offered his little finger.

Simon hooked his own pinky with Ashland’s and within minutes was standing near the water. Ashland turned his back and removed his skivvies, plunging into the cool, dark water. Simon soon followed, treading water as Ash circled him.

Are you a rebel perhaps? Simon asked, his face inches from Ash, his eyes serious.

When will I ever come to this house again? Shouldn’t I make the most of it? The fire glow from a passing boat illuminated their faces.

Who am I to argue with a gentleman?

No one’s ever called me that before.

I only say what I see, Simon replied and slid a hand around Ash’s waist.

Simon slipped one arm around the mysterious man and took a sip of the sweet wine then offered a sip. He watched the blond’s full lips on the rim of the glass, sipping the love potion. Simon was becoming heady, but it wasn’t from the regional wine.

Cinderfella

By

NIKKI WOOLFOLK

RIVETED: A Collection of Steampunk Tall Tales

Book Two

Stories by Nikki Woolfolk

Riveted: A Collection of Steampunk Tall Tales, Volume 1

The Invitation: A Night of Misadventures with Love, Book One

Cinderfella, Book Two

The Case of the Rose Grimoire, Book Three

Suzette & the Holiday Hangover, Book Four

The Spy Who Went to the Circus, Bonus

Bittersweet Mystery Series

Mise en Death, Book One

Carrion Flours, Book Two

Pretty Poison, Book Three

ill Tempered, Book Four

Blerd Grrl Series

Joystick, Book One

Poundcake, Book Two

Martini Shot, Book Three

Honey Trap, Book Four

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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Except for use in any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author Nikki Woolfolk.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

The Men of Summerly: Book Two, a Sweet & Steamy Series novella, 2nd edition: May 2015, 2019

Cinderfella: Book Two, Riveted series: October 2020

Copyright © 2020 Nikki Woolfolk

Cover design by Creative Paramita

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 978-1517107300

ISBN-10: 1514107309

Printed in the United States of America

DEDICATION

For Aunt Joyce Mae

STUBBORN, NEW VIRGINIA

June 12, 1880

You’re gonna love my nuts! Simon and Henri turned to the smiling, leathery face of a man behind a cart. I’ve got the best nuts in town. The smiling man looked from one face to the next.

Pardon me? Henri sputtered.

The vendor’s smile wavered. My doughnuts. Haven’t you heard? The vendor held out a plate of the sugar-dusted, fried concoctions for the men to try.

Simon gave a side glance to his assistant and stifled a laugh. I shall have a taste of your sweet treats. Simon took a bite of the confection and smiled. Indeed, sir, you are right. These are delicious. I shall take a dozen. No, my dear sir, make that two dozen.

The vendor smiled as he placed the treats in two bags. You fellas aren’t from around here, are ya?

What gave it away? Simon playfully asked.

The vendor looked from Henri to Simon. Recognition crossed his face. Oh my word. You’re that fancy fella from England come to do business with our podunk town. Well, would you look at that? I have royalty at my booth, eatin’ my here doughnuts!

Henri sputtered, but Simon interrupted him before he could continue. Tell me; what is your name?

Frank, the vendor said.

Simon shook the man’s hand. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Frank.

I say, Your Excellency, Henri interjected, placing several coins in the man’s hand that far exceeded the cost, We must be going.

The vendor handed Henri the bags. He tried to give back two coins and opened his purse to make change for the one he kept.

Keep the difference, my dear sir. Your delicacies are worth it, Simon said as he allowed Henri to lead him away.

Thank you! Frank called out behind them. Imagine that!

The two men walked into the crowded Stubborn Market filled with people selling their goods and wares a week before the Summer Solstice. Ripe harvest and happy hearts abounded in the festivities.

"Your Excellency, we must put an end to this at