Taste of Cyn

Tomorrow is Father’s Day in North America. There are many types of dads in Romanceland. Some have biological children. Some have adopted children. Some become dads in nontraditional ways.

In One And Done, Smoke chooses to become a father figure to Woofer, a street kid. Woofer, a teenager, is mouthy and moody, a kid others might find difficult to love.

Here’s a scene from One And Done

***

A little over two hours later, Nana Zaire has moved to a bench positioned in a sunny spot in the secluded backyard. “He won’t be easy to love.”

“No, he won’t be.” I’m not certain whether she’s referring to the man or to the boy leaning over the Lamborghini’s engine. It doesn’t matter. The same observation applies to both of them. “We’re taking it one minute at a time.”

“He needs to hear those words but they’re just words, aren’t they? You’re already talking about making dinner rolls for next week and cupcakes for Lucy’s birthday.”

She’s right. I can’t live purely in the present. “I’m trying.”

“He is too.” Nana Zaire nods at Smoke. “And he realizes he’s difficult. That’s why he brought you here.” She pats my hands. “You’ll need my help. You have my number.” She gave it to me after dinner. “You know where I live. You’re welcome here anytime.”

“Thank you.” I can’t imagine Edward’s mother ever making me this offer. “If you need any help, I’m here for you too.”

“I’m counting on that.” She turns her head, watches Smoke and Woofer fiddle with the sports car, their shoulders touching.

Woofer’s mouth constantly moves, as do his hands. Smoke deflects a waving wrench as it threatens to clunk against the immaculate paint job. The boy doesn’t notice this close call.

“I should talk to Woofer.” He’ll damage Smoke’s pretty car.

“No, you shouldn’t.” Nana Zaire stops me. “Smoke understands. Zanders, my husband, was a proud audiophile, a purist. He had a huge collection of LPs, premium vinyl, rare records that were difficult to find.”

“Smoke smashed it.” I don’t need to hear the entire story to know how it ends.

“If he told you that, he’s even more serious about you than I thought.” She studies me. “Smoke takes his pain out on inanimate objects. He doesn’t harm people.”

“I know.” He’d never hurt me, not physically. Smoke removes the wrench from Woofer’s hands and closes the hood. “The hurt has to go somewhere.”

“True.” Nana Zaire nods. “How does Woofer deal with it?”

“He works.” I consider my history with the boy more closely. “And he acts like he doesn’t care but he does, very much.”

“They all do.”

Smoke strides toward us, rubbing his hands on a rag. Woofer follows him, attempting to imitate his swagger. They’re so damn adorable.

I love them both.

“I’ll take you inside, Nana Zaire.” Smoke reaches down and lifts her to her feet, handling the elderly woman as though she’s a delicate piece of fine china. “Woofer, you have something to say to Miss Jenella.”

“Yes, sir.” He scowls behind Smoke’s back and crosses his thin arms, unhappiness radiating from him.

My lips twitch. I must be receiving an apology.

Judging by Woofer’s expression, it will be the most ungracious request for forgiveness anyone has ever received.

***

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He wants one night. I want forever.

Hit it and quit it—that’s Smoke Sheridan’s relationship philosophy. The tall, dark, and dangerous club owner never spends more than one night with any woman. He seduces the broken-hearted, leaving them with smiles on their faces and a sexual confidence other men can’t resist.

I need his services.

My boyfriend of four years dumped me because I’m a lousy lay. Smoke can help me win him back, teach me how to make my man writhe in ecstasy. I’ll show him such bliss, he’ll bellow my name in the dark of the night, want me with an all-consuming desire.

This sounds like a great plan. Except I see the loneliness in Smoke’s eyes, feel the wistfulness in his touch, experience the wanting in his embrace. The player isn’t as shallow as he appears.

And I’ve never been good at letting go.

One And Done contains inappropriate humor, very bad pickup lines, a BBW heroine who doesn’t know what she’s doing and a player who thinks he does.
This is a standalone story.

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