Marc wrapped her in a big hug. “Congratulations, baby. That’s fantastic!”
She hugged him back. “I know!”
“Congratulations,” Rosser said.
“How did that come about?” Army asked.
“Marc, remember that night at the grand opening of Fowler School, we were talking to Mick Rooney?” She looked at Duncan and explained, “Marc told him I was helping him with his social media stuff, and he asked me a bunch of questions about my business. Well, apparently he was curious and started following me on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook, and he and Colby started checking out some of my clients to see the work I’m doing.” She grinned. “They really like my tweets for Kleinheinz Cheese.”
Marc laughed.
“So that’s what they’re hiring me for. To give all the guys social media training and work with Communications on their various social media platforms.”
“Wow, Lovey.” Army stood too. “That’s great.”
“Thank you.” She met her brother’s eyes. “Are you impressed?”
“I am,” he admitted, shoving his hands into his jeans pockets. “You’re doing great with your business, Lovey.”
Her smile beamed out. “Yes.” Then she sighed. “I’m so relieved.”
Marc hugged her again. “I knew you could do it.”
“Hmm. I’m not so sure you were convinced of that at first.”
“Well, it didn’t take me long to see that you’re capable of anything you set your mind to.” Her lips trembled and he brushed his mouth over hers. “You are. I believe in you.”
She shoved her face into the side of his neck and squeezed him tighter. “I love you.”
He stroked a hand down her silky hair. “Love you too, baby.”
Army groaned behind them. “Jesus.”
They both turned and grinned at him, arms still around each other. Rosser looked amused, still reclined in the armchair, crunching on a pretzel.
“Hey,” Army said. “We were just talking about Christmas. What are you gonna do, Lovey?”
She bit her lip. “I’m not sure. I guess we better decide, huh?” She undid the belt of her coat, then unbuttoned it, moving into the center of the room.
“Army wants you home for Christmas.” Marc chuckled inwardly. “He’ll miss you if you’re not there.”
Army glared at him. Then he shrugged. “Hell, it’s true. You kinda make things fun.”
Lovey looked at Marc with big eyes. “I feel so torn. I know you want to see your family.”
“Hey, you know what? This year the All-Star Game’s in Montreal. That’s pretty close to home. My parents will for sure come and see it.”
“Assuming you make the All-Star team, jackass,” Army muttered.
Marc paused. “Well, yeah.”
“Of course you will.” Lovey frowned at her brother. “You both will.”
“Eh.” Army shrugged. “The way our team’s playing, not so sure of that. But whatever.”
“Well, even if I don’t make the team, we can go to the game. And see my parents then.”
“That’s late January, right?” Lovey tipped her head.
“Yeah. I forget the exact dates right now. So we’ll go see your parents for Christmas.”
Marc caught Army’s grin before Lovey threw her arms around him again. “You are so getting lucky tonight.”
“Jesus,” Army grunted. “And once again, what Lovey wants, Lovey gets.”
Lovey’s head lifted and she shot her brother a glare. “I thought you wanted me to come home for Christmas?”
“Uh. Yeah. Right.”
“So really, you’re getting what you wanted.”
Marc laughed. Câlisse, he loved her. She lived up to those words tattooed on her pretty torso—live, laugh, love—and had brought that into his world too. He wanted to live and laugh and love her for the rest of their lives. He brushed his mouth near her ear. “Tu es ma joie de vivre.”
She smiled at him. “Merci. Je t’aime aussi.”
To my agent, Emily Sylvan Kim, and editor, Sue Grimshaw—thank you for loving my Chicago Aces and for helping to make these books better. Also big thanks to everyone in my Sweet Heat Reader Group for all the support, encouragement, and entertainment you give me.
BY KELLY JAMIESON Aces Hockey
Major Misconduct
Off Limits
Icing
Top Shelf
PHOTO: LANCE THOMSON PHOTOGRAPHIC
KELLY JAMIESON is a bestselling author of over thirty-five romance novels and novellas. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex,” “sweet and satisfying,” and “blisteringly sexy.” She likes coffee (black), wine (mostly white), shoes (high), and of course watching hockey!
kellyjamieson.com
Facebook.com/KellyJamiesonRomanceAuthor
@KellyJamieson
The Editor’s Corner
Another month of new Loveswept romance books is here! I know you’ll adore this selection of stories chosen just for you…
USA Today bestselling author Claire Kent continues her emotionally charged story of longing, betrayal, and insatiable desire with Darker the Release, sequel to Sweet the Sin. Another Loveswept USA Today bestseller, Lauren Layne, introduces her new Oxford series with Irresistibly Yours. Wendy S. Marcus’s latest sexy yet sweet military romance, All I Need Is You, releases this month as well. Then there’s another Friends First story from USA Today bestseller Laura Drewry, How Forever Feels. USA Today bestseller Stacey Kennedy finishes up her successful BDSM Club Sin series with Mine, simultaneously introducing her next series of erotic play, Dungeon’s Key, and hot hero Micah.
We’re back on the ice with the first in the Aces Hockey series from Kelly Jamieson, Major Misconduct. Ladies, hold on to your hearts, the Caldwell Brothers are here—USA Today bestselling author MJ Fields and Chelsea Camaron want you to meet Hendrix, the first book in a series about three alpha men who live up to their legendary names. Last, something a little different—bear-shifters anyone? An alpha hero to the extreme, hot highlander Ronan is all that you could want in Bearing It All by Vonnie Davis, perfect for fans of Jennifer Ashley and Shelly Laurenston.
Fabulous variety with a book for everyone, yes? I hope you’ve found your book boyfriend in this month’s releases. However, if you haven’t, fear not, as November’s hot lineup is just around the corner. Until then…
Happy Romance!
Gina Wachtel
Associate Publisher
Read on for an excerpt from Off Limits An Aces Hockey Novella
by Kelly Jamieson