Fireball Series

Merci… My husband Paul continually beat me down, and I was shattered because of it. Somewhere I'd heard the phrase 'When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' Me, I went for the hard stuff, Fireball Whiskey.   And that's what sent me straight into the arms of Ryan West. That and the reality that he was kind, gorgeous, and incredibly sweet. Did I mention hot?   He made one thing clear for me, I couldn't stay with my abusive husband, or he would crush my spirit. I deserved so much more, and thanks to Ryan, I had the desire to go for it.   Ryan… The weekend was here again, and I sat alone at the bar. One of these days, Tricia, would push me too hard, and I'd leave her for good. Wishful thinking will get you nowhere, old man.   If my marriage wasn't so unsatisfactory, maybe I wouldn't have noticed the blonde with the incredible legs. She looked like a fish out of water as she floundered in those heels in her hurry to get to the bar.   I did my best to focus on something – anything else but that beautiful woman. Instead, I order her another fireball whiskey. I didn't know it then, but because of my actions, nothing in my life would ever be the same again…   Get ready for the ride of your life. Will this be the end or the beginning for Merci and Ryan? 

Merci Crandall        The last time I saw Ryan, he left me heartbroken, and ashamed. He put me into a car and his driver take me home.        I still loved him, but I was even more determined to forget all about him after learning that he and his wife were expecting their first child.  Apparently, all his talk about leaving her was a lie.        Eventually, I'll get over him.        Now, I have a fantastic new job as a personal assistant to the partner of one of the most prestigious law firms in the state. I'm finally an independent woman, and for the first time in my life, everything's perfect – well, almost.        If I could just forget about the man who changed everything for me. It would be easier if he didn't show up in the most unforeseen places…   Ryan West          My wife, Tricia, was expecting. It would be our first baby, and now I was more determined than ever to make our marriage work. I wanted our child to feel loved and needed, especially after knowing how it felt to be only a means to an end as I was with my parents.          I once loved Tricia, and I wasn't sure if I'd ever feel the same about her again, but I had to try. So, I arranged for her to join me at one of my resorts in the Caribbean.          I would leave all thoughts of Merci behind me.        But try as hard as I could, I couldn't get her out of my mind. Everywhere I went, I still saw her face and heard her whimsical laughter. Was it just my imagination…

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?