finds her face. I prepare myself for a sassy as hell response about not ever being too old for the naughty step when a group of people swarm us. Her eyes are scared, and she grips me harder, before pushing her face into my neck again. “Who are they!?” Maddie cries, her fingernails dig into my shoulder and I hold her tighter in my arms.
“She’s unharmed,” I tell the EMT. She was hiding, but she’s shaken up. Give her some time,” I tell them as I press a hand to her back.
“We still need to—” one of the EMTs starts.
“I said she’s fine. Now give me a minute,” I bark at her.
“You need to let me do my job,” she argues back and I look down at the small child who is still gripping onto me for dear life.
I pull her back to look at me. “Maddie, sweetheart just go with the nice lady, she’s just going to check you over okay?”
“No! Don’t leave me!” she wails against my chest and wraps her tiny arms around my neck. She perks her head up, the tears swimming in her eyes and threatening to move down her little face. “Please, I’ll be a good girl!”
I’ve dealt with children before, and never had I felt the pain of one of them. Never once did I feel a thump in my chest that I couldn’t ignore as the tears fly down her face. I felt bad, of course, but Maddie’s pleas make me want to do something, anything to make them go away. “Just for a minute, okay? I’ll be right here.” One of the EMTs manages to get her out of my grasp and she begins to kick against them in an attempt to get down.
She reaches both arms towards me. “No…CAL!”
Get Unconditional now!
* * *
This book wouldn’t… couldn’t have happened without some pretty fabulous people. Your input, your love, your support is invaluable to me. As I, (and Carrie Bradshaw) have said probably a million times—sometimes family is the one you’re born into, and sometimes it’s the one you make for yourself.
Carmel Rhodes, my girl for life. Thank you for everything. For pushing. For mom-aging. For talking every last thing out with me at the most insane hours. For telling me “yes, this is it,” but more importantly for telling me “no, this ain’t it.” The T to my C. Love you!
Melissa Spence, Leslie Middleton and Erica Marselas you’ve been with me for quite a while at this point and I don’t think you even understand what it means to me. I love you guys so much for everything you’ve done and do for me every day. You continue to show up for me and for that I’m so grateful!
Danielle James, Oh my God, I could go on for days about how much I’m obsessed with this cover! Thank you so much for making me this gorgeous thing! Your talent is immeasurable!
Kristen Portillo & Stacey Blake, with every book I swear it gets better, and it’s because of you both! Your magic never ceases to amaze me!
Harlow Layne, Kelsey Cheyenne, Gemini Jensen, Helen Hadjia, Rose Croft and Alexis Rae, Thank you for being a sounding board, a safe space and my tribe. I love being on this journey with you guys! So much love.
Denise Reyes, I am so freaking grateful for you. You’ve taken on so many roles at this point, I don’t even know where to start thanking you. For keeping me going. For talking with me about everything book related and for being in a different time zone which means I can message you at two in the morning and you’ll see it! For running my street team. Gah! My love for you is endless! Thank you so much!
Ari Basulto, My love for you is endless! From being a beta, to the street team, to all the gorgeous graphics that just show up in my inbox. You’re so good to me! I can’t wait to squeeze you hopefully one day soon!
Chelé Walker, You’re a gem in book world and I’m so glad that you found me! I appreciate everything you do for me! For all the gorgeous pictures and reviews and posting and reposting—sending you a million thank yous and so much love!
My Street Team Babes: What was I doing before you all came along? You guys have changed my writing career for the better and I love you so much! Your enthusiasm, your excitement, your support means everything to me. I don’t think I can say that enough. A million thank yous!
All the amazing and super talented authors: I’m so lucky to know so many of you and I can’t thank you enough for your friendship and advice and support!
To everyone in the Hive, I love you! Some of you have been with me, what, almost five years? Where does the time go? Thank you for your love and your support and making me feel like I can.
And finally, to the readers: Thank you for going on yet another journey with me. You guys rock my world every day!
* * *
My Best Friend’s Sister
Unconditional
Forget Me Not
Bittersweet Love
BITTERSWEET DUET
Bittersweet Surrender
Bittersweet Addiction
CAMPUS TALES SERIES
First Semester
Second Semester
Spring Semester
* * *
Hailing from the Nation’s Capital, Q.B. Tyler, spends her days constructing her “happily ever afters” with a twist, featuring sassy heroines and the heroes that worship them. But most importantly the love story that develops despite inconvenient circumstances.
Sign up for her newsletter to stay in touch!
Website: www.authorqbtyler.com
Reader Group
Goodreads
Bookbub