Love On The Rocks: Fireball, #3

By Robin Rance

Merci…

 

     I tried my hardest to forget everything about Ryan West.

 

     First off, I started dating a nice guy; a man who was the complete opposite of Ryan–in looks, and his behavior. But he was also boring as hell.

 

     Oh well. I knew Danny would never hurt me the way Ryan had–not intentionally.

 

     My life was back on track, and it might be dull, but the longing I once had for Ryan was finally gone.

Or that's what I thought. until I saw him staring at me from across the room…

 

Ryan…

 

     I spent , and a whole lot of time searching for Merci. Her phone number and address were unlisted, so I finally gave up.

 

     At first, I drowned myself in Bourbon. I'd experienced so much loss–a child I was told was mine, half my fortune, and a wife, who left me for an old friend.

 

     However, it was much harder to lose Merci.

 

     After months of drinking away my sorrows, I gave up on ever finding the woman who set my world on fire.

 

     Until fate finally stepped in and threw me a lifeline…

 

Last Call…Will this be the end, or the beginning for Merci and Ryan? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Robin Rance
• Release date: Apr 27, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201711702

Robin Rance

Robin Rance is married but spent twenty-two years as a single mother of five before she married her forever husband. She was a letter carrier for twenty-four years and is now retired from the postal service. Now she lives in Southern Utah, where she writes her books, cooks, and spends quality time with her family and grandkids.   Robin began writing after a reoccurring dream kept making an appearance. She wakes up regularly with other stories begging to be told. Robin generally writes contemporary romance and has written other genres, including inspirational romance and a fantasy historical book. She also has three children’s books, one a sweet young adult book.  Robin currently has over thirty books that are all self-published and is always working on writing more. If you enjoy what you’ve read, please remember to leave a review, and please recommend her to your friends and family members who read

Book preview

Merci...

I tried my hardest to forget everything about Ryan West.

First off, I started dating a nice guy; a man who was the complete opposite of Ryan–in looks, and his behavior. But he was also boring as hell.

Oh well. I knew Danny would never hurt me the way Ryan had–not intentionally.

My life was back on track, and it might be dull, but the longing I once had for Ryan was finally gone.

Or that's what I thought. until I saw him staring at me from across the room...

Ryan...

I'd spent money, and a whole lot of time searching for Merci. Her phone number and address were unlisted, so I finally gave up.

At first, I drowned myself in Bourbon. I'd experienced so much loss–a child I was told was mine, half my fortune, and a wife, who left me for an old friend.

However, it was much harder to lose Merci.

After months of drinking away my sorrows, I gave up on ever finding the woman who set my world on fire.

Until fate finally stepped in and threw me a life-line...

Last Call...Will this be the end or the beginning for Merci and Ryan? 

Robin Rance retains 100% of the rights and copyright licenses to the manuscript and all other materials found in this book.

All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law.

@Robin Rance 2020

Year of the original publish date 2020

Case # B01N6F3EUX

ISBN: 9798812383558

Dedication:

The last few years have been so hard on everyone. They will never be forgotten, and we’ll never get that time back. However, we can do our best to push forward, and make the best of what we have.

We’ve learned a lot from the last two years as well. Don’t take anyone or anything for granted. Always say I love you before you say good night, or goodbye. And thank God for all he has done to protect us.

This is the final book in the Fireball series. Enjoy the story.

Chapter One

Merci

I opened the closet and looked at my choices for the evening. Danny gave me clear instructions. Whatever I wore couldn't be too revealing, too short, or too long. No tight skirts, no jeans, and it had to be a little warmer because it was supposed to be colder tonight.

I went through almost everything I had. When I reached the back of my wardrobe, there it was, the blue dress that Ryan bought me in St. Lucia. He'd sent it and the matching shoes to the hotel, the night I left him standing on his boat.

It took me months to get over Ryan. When I returned from the island, he called and called, and I refused to talk to him. Everything about our relationship was embarrassing. One night, after the girls were both in bed sleeping, I sat down with my parents and told them how I met him, and most of what had happened since then.

They knew we'd had sex, but I left out the sordid, humiliating details, and told them nothing about the money he'd left for me. Thinking on that now, I really did feel like a high-priced hooker.

Little by little, some of the facts from my night of terror in St. Lucia came back to me. It wasn't much, but I wrote everything down and called Jameron whenever there was more to share.

Jameron. If Ryan hadn't been on the island, I know we could have–would have been together. He hadn't deserved what Ryan, or I put him through. Jam still dropped little hints, but eventually, I had to tell him that it just wasn't going to work between us. He is an incredible person, and he deserves a woman who’s crazy about him.

He didn't tell me much of what occurred after I left Ryan on his boat, only that Tricia left the following day with Troy. The baby wasn't Ryan's but my former boss's. Poor Ryan. They'd screwed him over. He didn't deserve that, but neither had I.

Jameron told me he overheard Tricia and Troy discussing me while he took them to the airport. She threatened to leave him and disappear with the baby if he didn't fire me as soon as he returned to Seattle. That's when Troy said he'd compromise, and relocate with her to New York.

Troy Masters left the law firm shortly after returning from the island. He was snagged by another one immediately in New York, leaving me high and dry. But that was okay. I wanted nothing to do with him after learning the reasons he brought me to St. Lucia in the first place.

He did leave me with excellent references, and I was snatched up by another law firm immediately. I didn't make as much money with them, but I felt good about myself and my choices.

I also met a man who was attractive, single, and both my parents and girls liked him.

Danny was a few years older than I was. He was tall, with mousy blond hair, and he was as skinny as a rail but most importantly, he didn't come with any baggage.

Tonight, we were going to a cousin of Danny's engagement party. He assured me he would have other family members there as well. I was nervous about meeting them. It was kind of a big deal when a man introduced you to his parents, let alone the whole fam damily.

Back to my party choices...I quickly slipped the dress on. The material was cashmere, and it felt so soft on my skin. I didn't think it was too sexy, even though it hung off one shoulder. I had a strapless bra to wear under it so that I wouldn't pop out anywhere.

Before I could talk myself out of keeping it on, I slipped the matching shoes on my feet and hurried over to the mirror. The dress must have been expensive. It would probably look good on anyone. But as soon as I thought about it, I knew that wasn't true. It looked like it was made for me.

A little piece of me wished Ryan could see me in it.

Stupid girl. You're with Danny now, and he is going to love it. But was it too sexy?

Someone knocked at my bedroom door. Merci, Danny is downstairs waiting for you. He's rather anxious for you to join him. He's afraid you're going to make him late for the party. Do you need any help getting dressed?

Girl, it's too late to change your clothes now. I whispered as I turned around to look at my backside in the mirror, No. I'm ready, Mom. Tell him I'm on my way. I grabbed my purse, put on some more lip gloss, and brought my hair forward to hide my bare shoulder, and hurried down the stairs to greet my date.

Danny's gray eyes grew larger. Is that what you're wearing?

My one hand went to my hair, and the other one clutched my purse tighter. Why? Is it too much?

He leaned in and whispered in my ear, I told you not to wear anything revealing. We're already running late, and you don't have time to change.

Alrighty then. I wasn't expecting to hear that.

My family sat on the couch. Mom stood up and followed us to the door. You look lovely, Merci. Is that dress new?

Danny took my hand, I don't know how late we're going to be, Mrs. LaChance, but I'll try and get her back home at a reasonable time.

Don't worry about the time. Enjoy yourselves.

Danny was always a gentleman. He was pleasant, quiet, and boring as hell. But he felt safe, and the complete opposite of Ryan. However, after he shut my car door, and sat down behind the steering wheel of his little Ford Focus, his behavior toward me reminded me of how Paul treated me just before our divorce.

Apparently, he either had something on his mind besides me, or he really hated the dress. Danny, did I do something wrong?

He glanced at me briefly, then turned the music up a bit louder. I told you my parents were coming to the party. Not only will they be there, but my entire family will also. Don't you have any clothes that aren't so–revealing?

Is there something wrong with showing a little shoulder? Geez, Paul. It's not like you can see my boobs.

I'm not Paul.

Whoops. No, you're not, but you sounded just like him. Danny, if you'd prefer not to take me with you, it's not too late to take me back home. I don't have many other choices.

I already told them you were coming. Everyone is anxious to meet you. Can you pull the dress away from your–your body, so it's not so clingy?

He was really racking up those points tonight.

Is there something wrong with my curves? Never mind, don't answer that. I leaned over and turned the radio even louder. This was going to be the night from hell. I hadn't had anything to drink since leaving Ryan's island resort and hoped they were serving alcohol tonight. I'm going to need it.

Neither one of us spoke on the way to this party. I wanted to ask Danny about his cousin, who she was marrying, and if there was anything I should know about his other relatives, but the music continued to blare, and neither one of us was turning it down.

Stubborn jerk.

I knew I would have a headache before the night was over. And just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, Danny steered his car into the packed parking lot of The Surrender.

Oh, hell to the no.

I swallowed down the lump, pushing its way into my airways. I was afraid of Danny's answer, but I had to ask even though I knew what his response would be.

I cleared my throat. Um, why are we here?

He was still pretty testy when he answered me. Isn't it obvious, Merci? This is where my cousin, Denise, is having her engagement party. I wanted to talk to you about it, but you kept turning up the radio.

Me? Tell me about her before we go inside, Danny. I'm sorry about the radio, and I'm sorry you don't like my dress. I got it as a gift, and I haven't had a chance to wear it yet.

"It's okay, Merci. I'm sorry too. You did bring a sweater with you. Maybe you can keep that on over it.

As you can see, the place is already filling up. It's a private party, so only invited guests are welcome: family and the wedding party. We don't have time to talk, but I'll try to point people out as we go along. Sit tight, and I'll be right over to open your door.

I grabbed my sweater from the back seat, so I was ready for him. I was relieved it was a private affair. That made me breathe easier. Thank you, Danny. I kissed the side of his cheek quickly, and he took my hand.

No problem. I hope we can find a table to sit down at. Even though this is for family, I think more showed up when they heard who the entertainment was for the night. I guess the group is pretty popular, but I've never heard of them. What about you, Merci? Dirty Crush, or Rush. Their big hit is...

"Slow Motion, and it's Dirty Rush. The song Ryan and I last danced to. I gulped. Will there be an open bar?"

Yes, but I'd prefer it if you just sipped on some wine. I don't need you to be tipsy too.

The more he spoke, the angrier I became. I am a big girl, Danny. I'm not stupid enough to get drunk with your parents in the room. I don't drink in front of mine. However, I need something to relax me. I've had a headache all day, and it's only going to get worse if you keep harping on me.

We reached the smokey glass doors, and Danny pulled them open for me. I'm starting to regret bringing you here, Merci. Please try not to embarrass me, that's all I'm asking. Okay?

I was ready to turn around and tell him to go screw himself until I saw a friendly face standing near the familiar bar. Zane? I pushed my way past Danny, and zeroed in on one of Ryan's best friends,

Zane, is that you? I almost didn't recognize him as the same guy I used to see at my favorite coffee shop. He had lost so much weight.

He heard me say his name and spun around, Merci? What are you doing here? He hurried over to me and gathered me in his arms, lifted me off the ground, and whirled me around in a circle.

I giggled out loud as he set me back down. You look incredible, Zane. What are you doing here? This is a private affair?

It's my private affair. I'm getting married–wait, you haven't met my fiancée, Denise.

Zane turned around and grabbed his fiancée's hand and pulled her forward to meet me. Merci, I would like you to meet Denise Merchant. Denise, this is Merci. She's a friend of–uh, was a friend of Ryan's. I was blown away. Danny brought me here to celebrate his cousin's engagement party, and she was marrying Zane?

I glanced at the girl quickly before reaching for her hand. Denise, it's a pleasure to meet you. How long have you known, Zane? She looked just like Danny. They could have been brother and sister, rather than cousins. The same hair color, dull gray eyes, and both were thin as toothpicks.

Why did Zane choose this girl?

His friend, Brock, introduced us. Merci, if you're a friend of Ryan's, you probably know Brock Bennet?

Yes, I do. What a small world.

Denise, I'd forgotten all about Danny standing behind me. I haven't met the lucky man yet. I'm Denise's cousin, Danny Merchant,

Zane stuck his hand out to shake Danny's. It's so nice to meet you. Denise talks about the two of you all the time. I'm Zane Masters.

Masters? Oh, this was too freaking weird. Masters? Zane, are you related to Troy?

He’s, my brother. He can't be here tonight, but he promised he'd try and come for the wedding. He's living in New York now. How do you know him, Merci? Where are my manners, you're probably thirsty? Jake? What are you drinking, Merci?

Danny said wine at the same time I said, Fireball Whiskey, I caught Danny's eye, and said, I'll take a shot to relax me, and Danny will take one too. Then we'll have some wine. I flashed Jake a big smile.

He smiled, and two-finger saluted