More Than a Kiss

"Why two covers?" you ask? Because I paid for both, I like both, and as an indie author, I can offer both so readers can choose the one they like best.

“From the classroom to the boardroom, directors to ducklings, Stacey Joy Netzel takes you on a fun, romantic joyride with two lovable people who are just trying to do the right thing in the cutthroat world of journalism and big business.” ~ Delia DeLeest, author of NOT LOOKING FOR TROUBLE

When a kiss...

All reporter Sadie Barton wants is to be taken seriously and judged on her own merits, not her stepfather’s money. She and her actress sister left Wisconsin to get out from under his controlling thumb and leave behind the malicious whispers that they’re no better than their gold-digging mother. But California isn’t all sun and fun, and paying the rent while trying to prove herself is harder than she ever imagined.

...is more than a kiss...

Something about Sadie drew self-made millionaire Zach Robinson—and it wasn’t just the amazing kiss they shared as impromptu actors in his company's commercial. He’s used to women being interested in his wealth, and Sadie’s fierce independence is an enticing breath of fresh air. He’s falling fast—until his brother suggests acting runs in her family and Sadie might not be exactly what she seems...

EXCERPT:

The moon-lit water beckoned and he sauntered over to stand in the doorway leading out to his oceanfront deck, soaking in the sounds of the gilded surf.

Bottle to his lips a few seconds later, he froze when he caught sight of familiar blond curls and a cotton-candy-pink T-shirt. One more swallow was all he could manage without choking from the sudden leap of his heart into his throat as Sadie walked toward him along the upper deck that ran the length of his house.

He lowered the beer, then had to lift his hand again to wipe the liquid trickling down his chin.

“Hey, everything okay? How’s Gemma?”

“She’s still sleeping.”

Zach was about to ask if she needed anything when he noticed her fingers were knotted together at her waist. He briefly noted her jeans and bare feet before returning his gaze to her face. Her smile wavered as her attention slid down to his bare chest before darting in another direction.

Face freshly washed, she looked nervous as hell and younger than ever.

He took pity and held up his bottle. “I was just having a drink. You want one?”

She shook her head no. Switched to a nod. Then laughed. The pretty sound shot an arrow of desire straight to his groin.

“Do you have a soda, maybe? Or a drink is fine, too.”

Zach flicked on the recessed lighting under the cupboards before opening the fridge to reach for another bottle.

“But not beer. I don’t like beer. Or anything hard.” After a one second pause, she added, “Liquor wise, I mean.”

Thank God he was facing away and had swallowed his last mouthful of beer, or he’d have spewed it all over at that last clarification. He managed to keep his laugh silent, but a wide grin split his lip open again as he relished the possibility of her thoughts running parallel to his.

The smile remained in his voice when he shut the door and straightened to ask, “How about a Sprite?”

“Sprite’s good.”

He handed her the can. She popped the tab, and then stared at his mouth without taking a drink. He hoped the stretchy material of his boxer briefs held up.

Finally, she sipped the soda, and then asked, “You got some ice in that fridge?”

“Sure.” He reached to put down his bottle to get her a glass and some ice, but she waved him away.

“I got it.”

Zach leaned against the edge of the sliding door and watched her wet a hand towel from next to the sink. She dropped a half dozen cubes in, gathered up the edges and turned toward him.

Ice pack. Made sense. Why hadn’t he thought of it?

Moonlight bathed her curves and glinted in her hair, silver blending with gold.

Dumb question.

He held out his hand, but she pointed outside to a deck chair and ordered, “Sit.”

Somewhat bemused by her switch from nervous Nelly to militant nurse, he took a pull off his beer and did as he was told. Sadie sat on the wide arm of the chair with her back to him before twisting around to reach for his face.

“You should’ve iced this right away.”

The first touch of the cold cloth on his sore lip triggered a reflexive jerk away. He hissed air through his teeth before relaxing to let it out slow.

She raised her other arm and laid her palm along his stubble covered jaw to hold him still. It seemed strange, her fussing over him like this when he could take care of himself. Warmth spread from her touch and started his heart thudding in his chest. As if someone smacked him upside the head, he realized this was the closest she’d gotten to him since they’d kissed on the set of the commercial. Voluntarily, anyway.

With her concentration fixed on his mouth, Zach let his gaze wander over her long, down-swept lashes, smooth skin, and enticing lips. Discomfort shifted to center below the waistband of his shorts. Didn’t help that she had the corner of that lush, lower lip caught between her teeth again. He wanted to nibble.

When he raised his gaze to find her watching him, his pulse stuttered. Color stained her cheeks, but she didn’t break the connection.

“I didn’t thank you yet,” she said softly.

“Sure you did.”

His grip tightened on the cold bottle in his hand. Shut up, idiot! Let her thank you however she wants.

“Not for taking me to get Gemma, I didn’t. Or helping us get out of there and taking the hit for us.”

“Two,” he reminded, throwing in a grimace for good measure. “I took two hits.”

A smile tugged the corners of her mouth upward. “Don’t worry, I was counting.”

“Good.”

She lowered the hand with the ice pack to rest on his shoulder, bracing herself as she leaned closer. The minty freshness of her breath filled his nostrils and he swallowed hard at the thought of tasting it on his tongue.

“So...anyway...thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Zach held still, afraid to even breathe in case she changed her mind. Anticipation sizzled through his body and what had been a refreshing ocean breeze now became a teasing caress on his heated skin.

Sadie’s lashes lowered as she closed her eyes and pressed her lips to his. Stomach muscles tightened in his effort to lean into the kiss, but she pulled away.

Well, damn. He had two chances here and one was already over? To hide his disappointment over the all too brief contact, he joked, “That’s one.”

The thumb of her right hand whispered across his lips. “How does your mouth feel?”

“Cold.”

He barely had a chance to draw a breath before she leaned in for take two.

~~~~~

I hope you enjoyed the excerpt and if you want to read the whole book, click on one of these links:

(Black Cover Edition)

AMAZON, BN, Smashwords, All Romance eBooks

(Sand Cover Edition)

Amazon US CA UK DE IT JP BR FR ES, iTunes, BN, Kobo, SW, ARe

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