Kiss From a Rose Read online

“What’s worse than thinking you’re dying…outside of you actually dying?”

  “Last year I killed a fourteen-year-old kid.”

  “That must have been…” she held her hand to her chest.

  “Horrifying. I console myself with the knowledge that in the exact same situation I would do the exact same thing. He had a gun drawn on my partner. Les was trying to talk him down, but it doesn’t matter. If a gun is raised at you, you shoot. Les would have shot him if he had his gun out. I still have nightmares. They’re better, but I still have them.”

  “That is worse.”

  “I’ve only been cleared for service for a few months.”

  “That must have been hard.”

  “It was, but I used the time to study for my detective exam.”

  “I like that. You turned a negative into a positive.”

  “But your job, outside of the hours what’s wrong with your job?”

  “Money.”

  “What about money?” Marcus asked, remembering he forgot to finish his search on salaries.

  “If… sorry when, I get this building done, on time, and better yet on or below budget, I’ll be a partner.”

  “And?”

  “And I’ll be making close to seven figures.”

  “Oh.” Well shit, he’d feared she’d be making his top out detective’s salary, but a million? Just the thought had his mind running in different directions.

  “And there’s the face.” Jenna crossed her arms and he could feel the disconnect immediately.

  “What face?”

  “The face of a man who went from being sure of himself to… Ah no.”

  “Do you slum it with cops and blue collar workers?”

  “I find men with a mind of their own, aspirations, and a strong love of self, attractive. Until about five minutes ago you were the sexiest man alive.”

  Jenna got up and crossed to her bathroom to retrieve a robe.

  “I’m not ashamed of my success,” she said as she tied the sash. “I work hard and deserve this promotion and all that comes with it.”

  “Why would you want a man who at best may make eighty thousand at the end of the year?”

  “Because he’s a man and doing what he loves and is good at. I shouldn’t have said anything. This is where all my relationships end.” She went into the bathroom and he heard the shower come on.

  A million a year? What could he be to her? Some idiot sex toy on her arm? Why had her comment emasculated him so much? Blood rushed from his head as he caught a chill. Marcus leaned against the headboard and stared at the ceiling hoping for enlightenment.

  He was proud to be a cop and he was damn good at it. He had all of the qualities she listed, or he did when he walked through the door. He did when he took her to bed. So what if he had a rich wife that made it so he didn’t have to work? Would she expect him to stay home if they had kids? Why was he thinking about this? It was one night. One amazing round of sex. Sure long term is what he wanted, but he wouldn’t lower himself to be with anyone. Then again Jenna made it very clear neither would she.

  After pulling on his pants, Marcus ran his hand over his cleanly shaven head and sighed. Jenna’s bedroom was dimly lit by light spilling from the bathroom. The smell of lavender wafted in the air from Jenna’s shower. It drew him to the door like a Greek Siren pulling him to shore. It may be the death of him, but he needed to see her one more time.

  Epilogue

  February 14th

  A hand wrapped around Jenna’s waist as she looked out the window. She fell back onto a firm body she’d become very accustomed to and closed her eyes. A velvet petal touched her forehead and she began to smell roses. The rose caressed her skin as it found its way down her nose, where she inhaled deeply until it landed on her lips, kissing them before continuing its journey and landing in between her breasts.

  “You’d thought they’d give you a bigger office,” Marcus whispered in her ear.

  Jenna licked her lips, but kept her eyes closed. With her eyes closed she could imagine the shower this morning where Marcus had his body pressed against hers like he did now.

  “I like the view from here. And I’m not officially a partner until March first. I thought you had to work all day.”

  “Minor deception. Do you still have your eyes closed?”

  “Yes, why?” Jenna asked. Of course the question made her open her eyes and she looked down at the rose.

  In the center of the stark white petals was a perfectly placed princess cut diamond engagement ring catching the light from her window.

  “Oh my God,” she cupped the rose in her hands and turned around. Marcus kneeled and took one of her hands from around the rose.

  “Jenna Turner, my reward for not being scared of a blind date, the best mix-up in the world. You love me for who I am and have never asked me to change.”

  Jenna felt warm tears streaming down her face, but tried to stay composed.

  “I never knew how important a thing that was until I met you. I love you. Lightning doesn’t strike twice and I could search the world and never find another Jenna, with a relative named Kurt,” Jenna giggled and tried to push down the lump in her throat. “That I could love more. You’re not the only one who can see for centuries and when I look I can see no one by my side but you. Will you, Jenna Turner, marry me, plant a tree, and love me from now until forever?”

  “Yes,” she cried and leaned down to find his lips. “Now and forever.”

  _****_

  About the Author

  Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes new adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.

  With characters yelling "It's my turn damn it!!!" She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.

  When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.

  Michel has been awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press for 2013 and is a Pro member of RWA and Midwest Fiction Writers. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, cat and new puppy.

  You can find Michel at:

  Personal Website

  Facebook

  Twitter

  Red Hot Valentine

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  Goodreads

  Pinerest

  Other Contemporary Romances By Michel Prince

  The Guardian’s Heart: Case Thomas is always in control whether its on the basketball court, the lab where he works, or in his love life. He thinks he has everything all figured out. All that changes when his parents pass away during his last year of college and Case is thrown into fatherhood when he becomes temporary guardian to two adorable twin toddlers. Weeks later, exhausted and running out of time, Case must decide if he's ready to become a father to these children, or give them up and move on with what's left of his life. Then he meets Gabbie Vaulst.

  Gabbie is amazing with the kids, owns her own business, and has all the right curves in all the right places. She can tell Case is attracted to her, but does he really love her or is he just settling for a surrogate Mom who can wrangle his new kids? Knowing that she's falling in love with him, she chooses to push him away until his world straightens out. Can Case prove to Gabbie, and himself, that his feelings are real? Or is this sudden family too much for both of them to handle?

  The odds, as well as members of their past who've come out of the woodwork, are against them, but when kids are involved, all bets are off. Available Now from Secret Cravings Publishing

  Silly Girl: Are professional sports just children’s games played by oversized kids?

&n
bsp; With an all-consuming focus Matthias Jessup has sacrificed his body in pursuit of greatness. But while he’s enjoyed the spoils of being an elite athlete, the physical punishment can only be held at bay for so long. He knows his time is running out and he will have to face his future soon.

  Sylvia Kinder is obsessed with Matthias' public image. But now that her fantasy has walked into her life, could it possibly lead to a happy ending? She worries if there's any place for her in his world, much less his heart.

  Drawn to each other on a chance meeting, Matthias must look off the court and discover the real world, while Sylvia will have to find the strength of self to not become lost in a world she doesn’t understand. But those who aren’t ready for a life after the game surround Matthias and are willing to do anything to keep him on the court.-Available now from Secret Cravings Publishing.

  The Queen’s Heart: At the tender age of seventeen, Mary Beth discovered the family she thought would see her through anything couldn’t accept her one mistake. Thank goodness for her best friends that stepped up to support her decision to keep her child. Seven years later together with her friends she’s created a successful business on the verge of a large expansion.

  But the desire to be accepted by her family continues to be a failure that taints all her accomplishments and has her making concessions she never thought she would.

  Elias Marquez was content with his life. He definitely wasn’t looking for the vibrant redhead down the hall from him. After a chance encounter he can’t escape the need to be in her company again. He wants to explore the possibilities and the undeniable spark her touch inspires.

  Torn between trying to right the past and accepting that she can only control her own life is Mary Beth truly ready for the love Elias is prepared to offer as a future?-Available from Secret Cravings March 2014

  Red Hot Valentine Collection

  Quarterback Sneak by Desiree Holt

  Stacy Halligan has spent her adult life focusing on her career, choosing men with far less care than she does her professional path. That’s probably the reason all of her relationships end in disaster. Now she’s senior editor of the magazine where she works and she was so sure this latest hunk would be the one. When he dumps her, just before Valentine’s Day, who does she complain to, as always, but her next door neighbor and friend, backup quarterback Max Sullivan. She sees Max as her best friend. Comfortable. Easy to be with.

  Max doesn’t mind hanging out with Stacy but in the three years they’ve lived next door to each other he’s hoped for a lot more. Now he sees his opening. When he offers to put on a blitz leading up to Valentine’s Day to make the guy jealous, he has an ulterior motive. He wants to show her he’s the one she should pick, because he wants Stacy for himself. His campaign includes, chocolate, flowers, little gifts and hopefully, really hot sex. Because he’d been dying forever to get her into his bed and keep her there.

  Will this work? He only has until Valentine’s Day to find out.

  http://www.desireeholt.com/

  * * * *

  If You Dare by Aliyah Burke

  When two people lost in their careers are thrown together, can passion kindle lost souls and ignite the flames of love?

  Justin Kapp is on an Alaskan cruise when he meets a woman that gives the vacation an entirely new outlook. From the very beginning he knew she was something special. Something more.

  Kathryn Maynard, a top divorce attorney in Virginia Beach, accepts a dare that puts her on an Alaskan cruise and rail package. She would rather be anywhere but here, however the arrival of an intense man, changes that. Changes her.

  When reunited in Virginia and Justin wants more than she's willing to allow herself to give. After he leaves, she realizes what is the most important. Will she take the chance and dare her heart to love?

  http://www.aliyah-burke.com/books/index.htm

  * * * *

  Redneck Romeo by Randi Alexander

  When Genevieve Riley sneaks onto the O’Bannon Ranch to return a stolen heirloom, the boy she’d fallen in love with as a teenager, Nick O’Bannon, catches her before she can slip away. The problem is, he’s now a big, rugged cowboy, and those feelings from a decade ago resurface. She can’t concentrate on anything but picking up where they left off.

  Nick can’t believe what his dogs cornered. Beautiful ‘Jellybean’ Riley, all grown up and sexier than sin. He never knew what tore her from his life when they were teens, just as their relationship was starting. With the heat radiating between them, he knows he can seduce her, but can he make her stay this time?

  http://randialexander.com/preview/red-hot-valentine-redneck-romeo/

  * * * *

  Tastes Like Chocolate by Graylin Rane

  Viviana's heartbreak and betrayal by her ex-fiance' is poured into her sculpting. While working on a statue of pure milk chocolate, she finds herself talking to the man emerging about her hopes, dreams, and desires. Sprinkling gold dust over his stunning finished form makes his body glitter as he comes to life taking her into his arms. Their passion ignites a side of her she'd given up on, can they survive the jealousy of her former flame to find love?

  http://www.graylinfox.com/rhv-tastes-like-chocolate/

  * * * *

  Sweet Indulgence by Shyla Colt

  This sexy short will help make your Valentine’s day sizzle.

  Born on February 14th, Chastity Roberts has never taken stock in the holiday for lovers. But this year Cupid has a little something special up his sleeve. Out on the town with her best friend, she runs into the green-eyed male who keeps her panties wet and her thoughts dirty at work.

  Eli Cole is a man who turns heads. But the only woman he has eyes for is Chastity. After six months of hiding his affection to allow her to settle into her new role, he’s ready to indulge in the sweetness only her body can offer.

  http://www.shylacolt.com/books/

  * * * *

  Sweet Sizzle by Jodi Redford

  Valentine’s Day—the bane of Rory Sinclair’s existence. Hard to forgive the one holiday responsible for the single most moronic decision of her life. If it was up to her, she’d skip anything to do with cupid, but with her business partner home sick with the flu, she’s stuck delivering a bunch of cookie bouquets to a local firehouse. Who knows, maybe she’ll cure her Valentine’s Day neurosis and heat up the mattress with a hunky firefighter. Her plan of donning some edible undies and getting her freak on goes up in flames though the instant she steps through the doors of Station 5 and spots Bennet Jackson—the man responsible for her decade long Valentine’s Day boycott.

  No matter how hard he’s tried, Ben has never gotten over the innocent girl he foolishly let slip between his fingers. When Rory unexpectedly crashes back into his world, he figures it’s his only shot at righting the wrongs of his past and getting her back in his bed and his life. For good. Unfortunately, she has other plans. Ones that don’t include him. He’s well aware that she has every reason to despise him, but if there’s one thing he’s up for, it’s a challenge. Because there’s no way in hell he’s losing the woman of his dreams again. And this time he’s prepared to pull out every dirty, sexy, and hotter-than-sin trick to convince her to stay.

  http://www.jodiredford.com/More_Books.html

  * * * *

  Turnaround by Cassandra Carr

  Becca and James don't date. Both are in their thirties and neither has found anyone they feel is potential spouse material. Becca attends a "We Hate Valentine's Day" party at a local bar where James is bartending. He knows from the first day they meet that Becca is someone special, but Becca's more cautious. James sets out to prove to Becca there really are happy-ever-afters.

  http://www.booksbycassandracarr.com

  * * * *

  The Bet by Ty Langston

  Meet Chris Knight, lead singer of the international Rock Band, Knight’s Armor. He’s successful, rich and is in deeply in love with his girlfriend, Gabrielle. Gabrielle is a music columnist for Rockline Magazine. He
r love of everything music pales in comparsion to the love she has for her boyfriend, Chris Knight.What happens when two people love each other so much, but decide to change the rules? The dice is cast, a bet is made, how much will things change between them? Or will it end things for good?

  http://www.tylangston.com

  * * * *

  A Kiss From a Rose by Michel Prince

  Jenna Turner wasn’t looking for anything but a quick bite to eat when she met the sexy peace officer Marcus Peterson. While Jenna has always been singularly focused on her next big promotion at work, suddenly she’s distracted by alluring texts from Marcus.

  His evocative words and her naughty responses invoke emotions neither seem ready for, and luckily, neither have room in their busy lives to follow through on all their sexting.

  Can two career driven people find the time to take their relationship to the next level? Or will careers and the pressure to achieve goals cause the end to a budding love?

  http://www.michelprincebooks.com/

  * * * *

  Falling for Cupid by Christin Lovell

  Cupid Valentine, a.k.a. Coop, is the worst divorce attorney in the entire Northeast. Ninety-eight percent of his clients reconcile before the gavel hits the block. He's dedicated his life to love; yet he's never experienced it for himself...until Daisy.

  Plus size Daisy and her best friend, Brad, made a pact when they were younger: if they weren't married by thirty, they'd marry each other. Two years later, they've learned that love has many forms, and a passionate love is needed to have a fulfilling relationship.

  The pair confounds Coop. His job has always been to repair relationships, but what happens when he suddenly finds himself rooting for the opposite of all he stands for? He does what any smart cupid would do and flies away. But you can only escape Cupid's arrow for so long, even if you happen to be Cupid.

  http://christinlovell.com/

  * * * *

  True Love’s Fire by Sable Hunter

  While vacationing at a cabin in the Ozarks, Scott Walker - Austin neurobiologist, gets snowed-in and has to be rescued by local, Lia Houston. She brings him food, helps him fix his heat and tries to get his car on the road. A monster storm has paralyzed the mountain and as she’s trying to chain his car to her truck, a huge ice-covered limb falls, crushing the front of her pick-up and almost flattening Scott. If she hadn’t moved fast, he’d be a memory – but the brave action on her part comes with a price, she’s injured and stuck with Mr. Know-It-All until the weather abates. Scott doesn’t believe in love, much less love at First Sight. So when he meets Lia, he welcomes the attraction, but fights the tenderness with every breath in his body. Join Sable Hunter as she chronicles their journey from lust to love with a lot of fireworks in between. They meet at the dawn of the New Year, and by Valentine’s Day the fires of True Love are burning bright.