Welcome to another LoveCats DownUnder Sunday Smooch!
Today we have a smooch from Stefanie London but first
... the winner of last week's Sunday Smooch Giveaway is Sasha
Can you please contact jstgeorge (at) gmail (dot) com to receive your copy of Tempted by the Billionaire Tycoon.
And now for today's Sunday Smooch from A Kiss in Kite Harbor...
Blurb:
Now she’s coming back for more…
When successful plus size model, Shelby Jenkins, is forced to return to her hometown of Kite Harbor, Maine, she must face her past demons. But asking for help doesn’t come naturally and it’s doubly hard when she needs it from the boy who broke her heart. Now he’s all grown up and is more tempting than a double fudge sundae with a cherry on top.
Nate Ritter loves being a teacher in the small town where he grew up. When the woman who stole his teenage heart returns, he’ll do anything to prove he’s no longer the insecure boy who betrayed her. As long as he makes sure he doesn’t fall for Shelby since she has a big, exciting life waiting for her back in the city.
Can his shot at redemption be enough to convince her to stay?
Smooch set up: Nate and Shelby are at their old high school, the place where he now works as a teacher. He wants her to see that school is just bricks and mortar, not this place that she's turned into a monster in her head.
“What
are you trying to say?” Her eyes glinted with mischief.
Now she’s coming back for more…
When successful plus size model, Shelby Jenkins, is forced to return to her hometown of Kite Harbor, Maine, she must face her past demons. But asking for help doesn’t come naturally and it’s doubly hard when she needs it from the boy who broke her heart. Now he’s all grown up and is more tempting than a double fudge sundae with a cherry on top.
Nate Ritter loves being a teacher in the small town where he grew up. When the woman who stole his teenage heart returns, he’ll do anything to prove he’s no longer the insecure boy who betrayed her. As long as he makes sure he doesn’t fall for Shelby since she has a big, exciting life waiting for her back in the city.
Can his shot at redemption be enough to convince her to stay?
Smooch set up: Nate and Shelby are at their old high school, the place where he now works as a teacher. He wants her to see that school is just bricks and mortar, not this place that she's turned into a monster in her head.
"It
never bothers me at home, people post mean things on the internet all the time.
Fat girls aren’t real models,” she mimicked. “And I don’t care. But coming back
here makes me feel fifteen again.”
“You
don’t look fifteen.”
“What
are you trying to say?” Her eyes glinted with mischief.
“I’m
saying you don’t have anything to worry about.” They were still holding hands
and he tugged her to him. “It doesn’t matter what people do, we both know
you’re the one who’s gorgeous…inside and out.”
“You
don’t know me, Nate.” She stiffened as his hand snaked around her waist,
drawing her closer, but she didn’t push him away.
Her
full breasts pressed against his chest, her thighs lined up with his. He
wouldn’t have to dip his head far to kiss her, she was right there. Tempting.
Tantalizing. Lush lips parted as her breath rasped in and out, the blacks of
her pupils expanding.
“Bullshit.
I know you’re the same girl I fell for back then.” His forehead pressed against
hers, the sweetness of perfume and perspiration on her skin setting off
fireworks in his brain. “I know you’re sexy as hell and I’d be a damn fool not
to kiss you right now.”
“You’ve
done foolish things before,” she whispered.
He
closed his eyes for a moment. “Shel, you know what I said. If I could take it back…”
For
a moment he was sure she’d push him away. And why shouldn’t she? He had nothing
to offer her—how could he compete with her exciting life in the city? History
told him you couldn’t hold people back from that. But he wanted that kiss,
wanted to reinvigorate the memory of having her in his arms even if for only a
moment.
Of
all the women who could have made him realize he didn’t want to be alone
anymore…why did it have to be her?
“I’ve
changed, I want you to know that. I’m not perfect, lord knows, but I’ve done what
I can to be a good person.”
“I
know.”
He
swallowed. “You do?”
“I
wouldn’t be here now if I didn’t see it for myself.” Her lips curved into a
gentle smile and her hands smoothed up his arms. “I can’t forget it, but I will
let you kiss me.”
He
needed no more invitation. Sliding his hands up her back, he lowered his mouth
to hers. Soft lips met him, open and willing. The tentative slide of her tongue
jacked his pulse up and sent blood rushing in his ears.
It
was everything he’d wanted then and he wanted it even more now.
Her
fists gripped his t-shirt, holding him close as she breathed into him. He
roamed her, mapped the highs and lows of her body. His hands found delight in
her rounded hips, sliding around until he allowed himself to go lower, cupping
her full behind.
All
the blood in his body rushed south as she arched against him. If she had doubts
about his attraction to her, she would know for certain now.
For your chance to win an ebook copy of the entire box set, leave a comment below answering this question:
"Have you ever gone back to your old high school? How did it make you feel?"
Come back next Sunday, when the winner of today's giveaway will be announced and another smooch will be posted!
Hi Stefanie
ReplyDeleteFirstly congrats on this story I have been lucky enough to read it and it is fabulous I loved it, it really is a moving and heart-warming story :)
Well I went to an all girls high school and although I have not been back into the school we did have one reunion which was lots of fun :)
Have Fun
Helen
Thank you for all your support, Helen. You're a great advocate for romance!
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed your reunion, it's fun to see how people have changed after so many years.
Sounds like a fabulous story... just jumped across to Kobo before completing my comment to pre-order. I want to read your story now though!
ReplyDeleteHmm, which high school? Changed schools when I moved from Upper Hutt to Hawkes Bay one term into 6th form (year 12). Haven't had an opportunity to return to either and not sure I'd want to either. Apparently the one in Upper Hutt has gone down hill. I did have on other high school I attended for my very last term of 7th form (Year 13). I have returned to that one since the school offers evening classes and I've taken a class there within the past year. What surprised me was how little had changed.
Thank you, Lyn! I hope you enjoy it :)
DeleteI feel like places ether change complete or not at all - it's funny how some places seem to get preserved at they are. I must admit, I never went to my high school reunion and I don't know if I would ever go to one in the future :)
I am looking forward to reading your story Stefanie. This is a subject close to my heart too. So many people are judged by their appearance, and High School can be a lonely place if you don't fit in. Not many of us get a chance to go back and change people's perception. Well done.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Yes, it can be a very difficult time and I can only imagie how hard it is for kids these days with social media and smart phones. I'm glad there are no digital recording of my high school years haha
DeleteLove that excerpt, Stef! And I love the sound of A KISS IN KITE HARBOR. I've just pre-ordered the boxset -- it looks like a winner. :-)
ReplyDeleteCount me in the the big fat NO column for revisiting high school. The very thought makes me break out in hives, LOL. ;-)
Thanks Michelle, I hope you enjoy it!
DeleteLOL I know what you mean. When I got the letter for my 10 year reunion it went straight in the bin :)
I loved this Stephanie! I want to read the whole story now. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tambra! Not long to go til it's out - eep!! Two days and counting :D
DeleteHe certainly does sound "more tempting than a double fudge sundae with a cherry on top".
ReplyDeleteI went to three different high schools. You don't look back.
hehe thanks Mary! Wow, three different high schools? Yeah, I agree always move forward :)
Deletelove the review I went to an all girls school --reunions are fun but sadly as the tears go by more faces are missing look forward to reading this one ----Lynette
ReplyDeleteThanks Lynette! Yes, that is very sad but it's also great to see how people have spent their lives :)
DeleteFab smooch, Stefanie! I love reunion stories, all that delicious history to overcome! I've been over to snaffle a copy of this boxed set of books! Brilliant bargain! Once our painting is done (which just at the moment feels a lot like NEVER, but it's Monday so maybe that's why I'm having an attack of the glums!), anyway, once the painting's done, I'm looking forward to some serious reading time!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon! Yes 99c for nine stories is a pretty good deal we thought :D Hope the painting is done soon (we re-painted our entire first house when my husband and I bought it, I remember that pain!)
Delete