Falling for Piper

By Susan Horsnell

A high school graduate.
A Special Forces Operative.
Friends their whole lives.
Or, were they?
PIPER
Once upon a time……
It's how every fairy-tale begins or, almost every fairy-tale.
My tale begins on the night of my prom, but would I capture my prince?
Would I have the happily ever after?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lipstick Publishing
• Release date: Sep 29, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223865230

Susan Horsnell

I’m an Australian author who lives in Queensland when not travelling and I write in a variety of Romantic sub-genres, including Western,  Historical, Gay, Mafia, and Contemporary Romance.  I have published over 60 books and novellas, many of which feature strong, independent heroines and rugged, alpha male heroes. Some of my popular series include the Outback Australia series and The Carter Brothers series. My books are known for their well-researched historical details, vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and real life experiences. My work has garnered praise from readers and critics alike, and I have been a Finalist in both the Rone Awards and Laramie Awards as well as being a multiple times International Bestselling Author and USA Today Bestselling Author. If you're interested in learning more about my books:  Linktree https://linktr.ee/SusanHorsnell   

Book preview

Falling for

Piper

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SUSAN HORSNELL

USA Today BESTSELLING AUTHOR

Contents:

Copyright

Note to Reader:

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

About the Author

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Author of Amazon No 1 Best Sellers in 2018:

Matt—Book 1 in The Carter Brothers Series

Clay—Book 3 in The Carter Brothers Series

Amazon No 1 Best Seller in February 2019

Andrew’s Outback Love—Book 1 in The Outback Australia Series

Amazon No 1 Best Seller in July 2019

Ruby’s Outback Love—Book 2 in The Outback Australia Series

Amazon No 1 Best Seller in May 2019

Eight Letters

Will—Book 2 in The Carter Brothers Series

Amazon Best Seller in April 2020

Cora: Bride of South Dakota

FALLING FOR PIPER

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Copyright © 2018 by Susan Horsnell

The right of Susan Horsnell to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by her under the Copyright Amendment (Moral Rights) Act 2000

All rights reserved. This publication (or any part of it) may not be reproduced or transmitted, copied, stored, distributed or otherwise made available by any person or entity (including Google, Amazon or similar organisations), in any form (electronic, digital, optical or mechanical) or by any means (photocopying, recording, scanning or otherwise) without prior written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

Written by Susan Horsnell

Edited: Redline Editing

Proofread: Leanne Rogers

Published by: Lipstick Publishing

ABN: 573-575-99847

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Cover by Eleanor from Shower of Schmidt Designs

https://www.facebook.com/groups/683325511826696

Note to Reader:

This story is a figment of the author’s imagination.

Some places are fictional, some are real.

All characters are fictional and do not represent anyone living or dead.

The author has no experience or in-depth knowledge of Special Forces missions or practices, the scenes are purely fictional and embellished for the sake of the story.

Chapter One

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PIPER

Once upon a time……

It’s how every fairy-tale begins or, almost every fairy-tale.

My tale begins on the night of my prom, but would I capture my prince?

Would I have the happily ever after?

~*~

Everyone expected us to attend my prom together. As a couple. Dalton and I have shared everything in our lives. The good times and the bad—the cuts, scrapes, bruises and broken hearts. Throughout everything, we’ve been there for each other. But no, we are not attending the prom as a couple. We will be there, hand in hand, as best friends. 

We’ve known each other since I was born—Dalton was four years old. Our parents are best friends, both of our fathers serve in the Navy and have been posted to the same places together. So, we’ve always been neighbors. Dalton and his older brother, Mitchell, my protectors. Where Mitchell is my knight in shining armor, Dalton is my prince.

I can’t wait to see him. Much to our father’s dismay, Dalton joined the Army—Special Forces and has been posted out of Fort Bragg for the past three years. It’s been almost a year since he was last home. He promised to take leave for my prom and he kept his word, like he always does. He flew in late last night. 

Turning to the mirror, I check myself one final time. My gorgeous dress was carefully selected because the deep blue matches my eyes. The strapless bodice is lacy and dotted with sequins. The plain silk skirt flares ever so slightly over my hips and falls to my knees. My stiletto-heeled shoes afford me some much-needed height and I pray I can manage to stay upright in the damn things. My cornsilk blonde hair is swept up at the sides with sparkly clips while tendrils of loose curls have been left to dance over my face. 

I twist from one side to the other in an effort to capture every angle. Does my ass look enormous? Why don’t I have more than bee stings for breasts? I sigh deeply. There is nothing more I can do; Dalton will be here in ten minutes. There is no time to change into anything else. Not to mention, I have nothing else suitable.

My mother’s voice floats up the stairs. Piper, Dalton has arrived.

Coming. I swipe on a final lick of lipstick, gather a wrap in case it becomes cool and leave my room. My descent down the stairs is calculated and slow. The last thing I need is to faceplant at Dalton’s feet.

Dalton whistles and I feel my face heat. He’s never seen me dressed so formally before, I was ill on the day of his prom and like the good friend he is, he’d refused to attend without me. On occasion, I’ve worn dresses, but mostly jeans and a shirt fit the bill. I guess you would say I’m a tomboy. 

My date offers his hand as I reach the bottom and I slip mine into his. I laugh as he twirls me around. You’re absolutely gorgeous. Where have you been hiding? He kisses my cheek—a chaste, brotherly kiss.

Thank you. You look pretty hot yourself. Dalton is mind-blowingly sexy in his tux. Tall at more than six and a half feet, he dwarfs me even in my stilettos. Without them, I don’t reach his shoulders. Our height difference is hilarious. 

As I take him in, I notice his shoulders have become broader in the past couple of years. His waist is narrow, hips are slim. His body is a testament to his daily workouts and sensible diet; he carries not one ounce of extra fat. He says he has to be fit and strong to be part of the Special Forces. 

He tugs at his tie. I’m glad you approve. I have something for you.

Dalton holds a clear box toward me. A gorgeous single red rose with glossy green leaves is inside. I open the top