The Treble With Men (Scorned Women's Society #2) - Piper Sheldon Page 0,115

love a good love story. Plus, they’re just our stage names. Not who we are. It helps to keep it separate. Being on stage with you is all that counts.”

“Ditto.” I held his face and looked deep into his eyes. “You know, none of that mattered to me. Your big tough guy act, the pop star background. Everything I love about you, is you.”

“Once I understood that, none of the other stuff mattered to me either. Thank you for loving me.”

I hugged him before he slid into his leather coat. “Mmm. You smell good,” I said.

“The weather is perfect.” He glanced out an open window.

“Let’s take the bike then.” I grabbed my own jacket as I tugged him along.

“Really?” He let me pull him outside and into the garage.

“Yes. I miss it.”

He gave me a look before handing me a helmet. “Let’s go, beautiful.” He winked at me and I felt sixteen again. But in the good way.

I straddled the back of the bike and wrapped my arms tightly around him. It vibrated to life with a roar.

“Ready?” He turned to yell at me.

“I’m so ready.”

He squeezed my thigh. We headed down the driveway and soon were on the mountain roads. The wind whipped my skin and the sun warmed me. I was fully alive. I rested my head on his back and smiled.

My life was just beginning.

THE END

Acknowledgments

I saw “The Phantom of the Opera” at the tender age of seven when my Aunt took me to see it in downtown Chicago. I was transformed. It single-handedly launched my love of musicals and misunderstood, brooding men. “The Treble With Men” was one of those books that I always dreamed of writing. The pressure to write a book that played homage to such a work of art was immense but I’m incredibly proud of this story and my own growth as I wrote it.

To all the readers who endeavor to one day write your own story, please remember, when things get hard, put on good music and just keep writing. Write for yourself. And above all you MUST believe in yourself. Also, having an amazing support system is oh, so necessary. So here is mine that I must thank for this book’s existence.

J.R., so many people talk the talk but few walk the walk. You, my love, walk the walk and how. Thank you for always believing without an ounce of doubt that I could finish this book. Thank you for politely and lovingly refusing to let me quit on that chilly October walk. Thank you for entertaining the kiddo so I could write even though you were just as exhausted. Thank you for losing sleep so I could maintain sanity. Thank you for the thousand other little sacrifices that go into unconditionally loving and believing in someone but that never get proper recognition. You are the reason I write love stories.

Tracy, for some reason you still believe in me too – surely you must be getting tired of me. Thank you for the middle of the night words of encouragement when insomnia struck. Thank you for coming to my side, grabbing my hand, and pulling me from the darkness by sheer determination when I couldn’t find the strength to even stand. Thank you for always pushing me to be the best possible version of myself. This book owes so much to you.

Pipe’s Peeps – though we be but small, we are fierce. YOU are my people and I’m so thankful for each and every one of you.

To the Sharks of Awesome, who are totally Penny’s people, but who I found when I needed them the most and where I met so many strong, amazing, and hilarious role models.

Rebecca and Michelle – you took this book and made it shine. I’m sorry I will never really understand how commas work.

To the Smartypants Romance authors, including Brooke and Fiona. Can you even believe we are here again? It goes without saying that I would not be here without you all. You make me laugh when I need it the most. [Piper] You offer words of wisdom and encouragement as only those deep in the trenches can.

Kelly, Layla, and Shannon – I hope you know what you mean to me. What is life?!

And, of course, to Penny. We are all here because of you. Your love and kindness knows no bounds. I intend to spend the rest of my life paying forward everything you’ve done for us all. You are a gift to