Kennedy asked.
Arilyn bit her lower lip. “I don’t believe this. My list. These aren’t Jacob’s qualities at all. They’re Stone’s.”
“Can you read it aloud?” Kate asked.
Arilyn cleared her throat. “Okay, here we go. A man who challenges me. A man who makes me laugh. A man I find sexy and dominating in bed.” She fought a blush at Kennedy’s cheer and went on. “A man who makes me feel alive. A man who’s loyal. A man who won’t cheat. A man who loves me with a desperation that doesn’t make sense. A man who gives me all of him. A man who wants to share all of my life, including friends and family. A man who loves dogs. That’s it.”
“Definitely not Yoga Man. Girlfriend, that is Stone Petty. The love spell does work,” Kennedy stated.
They looked at each other, unsure of how to process it. Gen finally spoke up. “I still have the book, you know.”
Kate shivered. “When I touch it, I get an electrical shock. It’s spooky.”
“But powerful,” Kennedy pointed out. “Ladies, we have stumbled upon the greatest gift a woman could find. A way to find our true soul mates.”
Arilyn leaned against the aqua chair and pondered. “There is something about harnessing the power of our thoughts, wants, and needs to the universe. Maybe a combination of fire and writing and being with each other made the difference.”
“Wow, between Kate’s touch and The Book of Spells, we can make Kinnections the most famous place on earth!” Kennedy squealed.
Kate laughed. “Hold on, tiger. We are not going public with my witchlike abilities or the book. This stays between us. It’s sacred.”
“And we can use it for good,” Arilyn said. “Is there someone else who needs it?”
They thought for a few minutes before Gen spoke up. “Izzy. She’s changed. Can you imagine what meeting the right guy can do for her?”
“But she has to do the spell,” Kate said. “That’s a leap of faith. You have to want it.”
Gen nodded. “I’ll talk to her. Who knows? It’s worth a shot.”
“Good. In the meantime, Gen, you keep it safe, and we’ll see what happens. Anything is possible,” Kate said.
“Especially with us,” Kennedy said.
Arilyn looked around the circle. “I love you guys.”
“Back atcha, sweets,” Kennedy said. Kate and Gen sniffed, overemotional from too many apple martinis, and they all squeezed together for a group hug.
Arilyn realized once again how finding love can change a person’s life. Funny thing is, even before Stone, her life had already been blessed.
By true friendship.
acknowledgments
AH, SO MANY people to thank.
First off, a huge thanks to the Town of Montgomery Police Department, who welcomed me into the station when I came to ask a bunch of ridiculous questions and treated me with both respect and warmth. A huge shout-out to Officer Jason Meehan, who let me ride in his cool car for an official “ride along” and let me pepper him with what-if scenarios so I could create a truthful environment for Officer Stone Petty and his coworkers. Any mistakes I made are mine and mine alone. They are truly an exceptional team and I thank each and every one of them for keeping us safe.
Thanks to my editor, Lauren McKenna, who wanted me to write a cop story and refused to settle for anything less than perfection. It’s a joy working with you. Thanks also to my agent, Kevan Lyon, for all the advice along the way.
Thanks to my local shelter, Pets Alive, who gave me my beloved Lester, and rescued the real pit bull Robert—who you can find living happily with his own Facebook page, Rockin’ Robert, at www.facebook
.com/RobertPetsAlive. Pets Alive works tirelessly to make sure all animals have a fair chance at love and a safe home. They inspired me to create another canine survivor in Pinky.
A shout-out to the Probst Posse, who help me with all of my books and are a great support system on this writing journey. You guys seriously rock.
Thank you to all my writing friends who keep me laughing and writing. I wish I could name them all here but there are just too many and you know who you are. You make every writing conference the absolute best!
If you enjoy the Searching For series, please tell your friends. Leave reviews. Help spread the word. I’d love to give a few more characters their happy ever afters. Don’t forget that the original Book of Spells is available as an ebook for only $0.99 and includes an exclusive short story featuring Alexa and Nick from The Marriage Bargain.
Finally, as always, to my readers. Thank you for your emails, posts, tweets, and shout-outs. Thank you for your belief in me and my stories. Thank you for reading them and allowing me to write full-time, fulfilling the lifelong dream I’ve had since I was six years old. I love you all.
about the author
Matt Simpkins Photography
JENNIFER PROBSt’s novels, novellas, and ebooks range from sexy contemporary romance to erotica. She lives in upstate New York. For more about this multitalented New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author, visit JenniferProbst.com.
FOR MORE ON THIS AUTHOR: authors.simonandschuster.com/Jennifer-Probst
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ALSO BY JENNIFER PROBST
The Searching For Series
Searching for Someday
Searching for Perfect
“Searching for You” in Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Searching for Beautiful
The Marriage to a Billionaire Series
The Marriage Bargain
The Marriage Trap
The Marriage Mistake
The Marriage Merger
We hope you enjoyed reading this Pocket Books eBook.
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