smirked at me when you looked down at your dress after she asked why you were wearing it. She definitely enjoys your antics.” His words rock me to my core.
“They are smitten with you.”
“Only because I am smitten with you.” I shake my head at his words.
“No, you could have brought any man, but if you weren’t smiling like you did, I’m sure they wouldn’t have approved.”
“I’m no Rylee,” I say to him.
Noah wraps his arms around my back and dips me. I smile up at him.
“No, you are completely different, yet so much the same. You, Rhianna Harley, are the fire to this family and the light in my eyes right now.” He leans down and kisses me.
“I think I found my birthday and Christmas gift all wrapped in one package” I smile at him.
“Oh, and what is that?”
“You…my love-struck lover.” I smile at him.
“Absolutely. Because, baby, I’m all fucking yours.”
“Merry Christmas.” I smirk, then lean up and take those lips.
And what fucking lips they are.
Now, they’re all mine.
If you want to read Rylee’s story, click here.
About the Author
USA Today Best Selling Author T.L. Smith loves to write her characters with flaws so beautiful and dark you can't turn away. Her books have been translated into several languages. If you don't catch up with her in her home state of Queensland, Australia you can usually find her travelling the world, either sitting on a beach in Bali or exploring Alcatraz in San Francisco or walking the streets of New York.
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Chapter One
CALLISTA
“Shit,” I mumble, looking up at the screen in the airport. My shoulders slump as I read the screen. Delayed. My flight is delayed. Again. I’ve been here for over twenty-four hours trying to catch a flight home. My sister, Charity, and her husband, Brody, are due to have their first baby any day now. My boss sent me to Michigan for what was supposed to be a two-day shoot the day after Christmas. Now, here I am the day before New Year’s Eve, which is also the day before my sister's due date, and I’m still not home. This trip has been a fucking disaster. I just want to get home to Cedar Rapids before my niece is born.
Charity is not just my sister. She’s my best friend. We’re Irish twins—she was born in January, and I was born in December, the same year. That’s another reason I’m anxious to be home. Twenty-six isn’t a milestone birthday, but I still want to be home. When Charity told me her due date was on my birthday, she was worried I might be upset. I was the opposite. I hope Sadie—that’s what they’re naming her—is born on my birthday. I’m going to be the best aunt to that little angel, and sharing a birthday is just another bond that will bring us together. I can see us celebrating our joint birthdays for years to come.
Glancing over my shoulder, I see the line for the rental cars. It’s about a mile long. I’m not particularly looking forward to the eight-hour drive, especially in this weather, but I have to get home. Tired of waiting, I grab my carry-on and head toward the end of the line. As I stand here, I know that I need to break the news to my parents and my sister.
Me: Hey. My flight’s delayed again.
I follow the message up with a picture of the line I’m standing in.
Me: Trying to get a rental to drive home.
Charity: Again? How bad is the weather? Are you sure you should be driving? If flights are canceled, that sounds bad.
She’s not wrong, but I’m determined to be home when she delivers my niece.
Me: I’ll be fine. It’s an eight-hour drive, but it’s more than likely going to take longer. I’ll keep you posted.
Charity: Please be safe.
Me: Will do. Will you let Mom and Dad know?
Charity: On it.
Even though I’m turning twenty-six, I’m still really close to my family. We’re tight-knit. I still check in with my parents often, and Charity and I talk every single day. Every few minutes, the line inches forward. I try to psych myself up for this drive that is sure to have me white-knuckling the steering wheel all the way home. Driving in snow isn’t new to me, but that doesn’t mean I want to do an eight-hour stint either. Luckily, I’m prepared and have my cell charger. I’ll just plug it in, pull up my playlist, and take my time. It’s better than