A Catered Romance (21 page)

I suppose there’s some deeply-buried, lonely part of me that enjoys revisiting my past upon occasion. But a past with a guy like Blue—as his friends used to call him—is worth remembering. Especially when you’ve got a cad like Keith waiting at home in the here and now.

Tango’s sits about a mile up from the bridge on the outskirts of town. That’s the only place they’ll let a bar exist around Cypress Falls. This one’s been there since the dawn of time, I think. I can remember Tango’s back when I was a kid. In fact, I got my first alcoholic drink there when I was seventeen—yeah, it wasn’t legal back then, either.

Usually, when I come home, if it’s not a family thing, it almost always has something to do with heartaches and regrets. This time was no exception. My husband Keith had gone off on one of his
business trips
again and the kids were away on a summer trip to Cancun—I should be so lucky—so there wasn’t really much reason for me to sit around the house. Plus, I never was the kind of girl to sit around waiting for a guy to show up—even if he was my husband.

Times like this, I always liked to drop by Tango’s before heading for my parents’ home. A little liquid courage never hurt anybody, especially when you know what’s waiting for you when you get to the house. Facing the ridicule of my mother was never easy—at any age. And my mother always has plenty to say about my marriage, even after all these years.

I tapped on the brakes and let the car roll to a stop near the front door of the bar. There were only a couple of cars in the lot. I was glad I wasn’t likely to run into a bunch of people who’d be asking all kinds of nosey questions about my very famous twin sister or my failure to nab, and hold onto, a husband who was at best a second-rate actor.

I let out some of my frustration when I palmed open the wooden door. The inside was as empty as the parking lot. Tango was behind the bar wiping down the counter, and not looking much older than he had when he served me my first drink twenty-five years ago—God, had it been that long? It seemed like yesterday.

I approached the bar and he gave me a wink and half smile. “Long time no see, Ginger. What’ll you have…the usual?”

“Sounds good, Tango,” I said, claiming a barstool.

He reached into the cooler and grabbed a frosty bottle of Miller. “How’s the world treating you?” he asked, setting the beer in front of me.

“It’s a cruel world, Tango. Damn cruel world.”

“What’s the matter...?” A voice as smooth as Southern Comfort and as sensually sweet as a chunk of DeLafée’s chocolate snuck up behind me. “The law business short on entertainment clients these days?”

My heart damn near stopped right then and there. Not because of what was said, but because of who said it. I looked over my shoulder. “Jeffrey Dean Ramsey...as I live and breathe.”

His baby blues twinkled as he gave me one of his trademark grins. When he smiled, it was hard for a girl to resist. Then and now.

“Ginger...” he said my name and everything after that was a blur. At least that’s the story I’m telling for how I ended up in his arms.

It wasn’t as bad as all that though. It was just one of those friendly greetings between old friends that went on a little too long because we also happened to be ex-lovers. You see, Jeffrey Dean was my first.

He inched me an arm’s length away and gave me a good once-over. “Ginger, you haven’t changed a bit.” Yeah, right. It’d been at least twenty years. “You’re as beautiful as ever.”

“And you’re as good a liar as ever.” We laughed and I climbed back up on my barstool.

“May I?” he asked, gesturing to the empty stool at my side.

“Be my guest.” I shrugged.

Jeffrey Dean joined me at the bar and Tango served us Tequila Sunrises—in honor of those old high school days.

“Hey, do you remember when we met?” Jeffrey Dean elbowed my arm.

How could I forget? It was the night of the summer festival that had always taken place around the Fourth of July holiday. It was the break between tenth and eleventh grade for me. Jeffrey Dean was new to the area, and he was going to be a senior with his own car—plus, he was a hell of a baseball player. He’d infused new hope into Cypress Falls that year, and he didn’t disappoint.

“Yeah,” I said, feeling a little blue. The memories were bittersweet. Mainly because it was a time of such happiness, but it wasn’t meant to last. “I remember that...and a lot more.”

“It took a while to talk you up on that Ferris Wheel.” He gave a little triumphant laugh, even now after all these years.

“Yeah, well...” I rolled my eyes. “You were gifted like that.” I let out a snort and grabbed my cocktail glass. I could see this heading south at any moment.

Jeffrey Dean leaned closer to me. “I hear they still hold that festival every year at this time.” He waited for me to look at him. When I did, he said, “You going?”

Images of my mother badgering me to go, just like she’d done on that fateful night when I first met “Blue”, filled my head. “I hardly doubt I could avoid it.”

He stared at me for what seemed like forever, just looking at me the way he used to—his eyes, like bright sapphires, effectively prolonged the moment. I was torn, knowing I should tell him to stop, but I was enjoying the feeling washing over me. It was a sensation I hadn’t felt in ages, and right up until this very instant I hadn’t realized just how much I’d missed it—him.

Needless to say, I was feeling pretty foolish about sinking back into those old high school daydreams. I needed to get out of there before I did something I’d regret. Well, maybe not regret so much as feel damned guilty about.

I looked at my watch. “Oh, look at the time.” I grabbed my purse off the counter and pushed myself up from my stool. “It was nice seeing you again, but I’ve got to go.”

I made it to my car without looking over my shoulder, and I was damned proud of myself for it. I hit the unlock button on my key fob and reached for the handle. All I had to do was get in the car and I was home free. So why’d I feel like prey being stalked by a highly effective predator?

“Ginger...” He called my name and then followed it with a bit of a laugh.

Get in the car, Ginger
. My mental instruction did no good. I glanced over my shoulder.

The years had been good to Jeffrey Dean Ramsey. Shoulder-length black curls had me thinking about things I shouldn’t. Broad shoulders, a trim waistline, and long legs all looked tempting on his tall, athletic frame. Geez, he was good to look at.

I shook my hair back out of my face and squared my shoulders—like that’d really help. “You in town for a while?” I asked, mostly because I couldn’t think of anything else to say. But there was a little part of me that was curious about his plans. He nodded and tossed me a seductive glance. “Good,” I said. “Maybe I’ll see you around before I leave.” I opened the car door, slid behind the wheel and slammed the door shut. Honestly, I was feeling pretty good about putting so much metal and steel between us, but I’d be lying if I said the thought to lock the doors didn’t cross my mind.

As I turned the key in the ignition, I glanced up at the doorway and saw him mouth the words, “You can count on it.”

*I hope you enjoyed this preview of
The Memory Bouquet
from Sandra Edwards. If you’d like to read the book in its entirety it’s available on Kindle and is coming to Nook and other online retailers soon.*

PRAISE FOR CARA MARSI’S BOOKS

“LOGAN’S REDEMPTION has all the elements that keep the pages turning: passion, romance, thrills and suspense…This storyline is so fantastic the intensity of the players practically leaps out at the reader. This is my first book by Ms. Marsi and most assuredly won’t be my last.” ~Fallen Angel Reviews.

“I have to admit that the sexual tension between the two of them really kept me turning the pages. LOGAN’S REDEMPTION by Cara Marsi is a great read, plain and simple. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I definitely give it a Top Pick!” ~Romance Reader at Heart

“Marsi has a talent for handling a complicated plot. On top of the emotional story, she adds a strong dose of sexual tension that keeps the suspense and desire high with each turn of the page. LOGAN’S REDEMPTION should definitely be added to your must-read list.” ~My Romance Story Reviews

“LOGAN’S REDEMPTION is riveting. Ms. Marsi is an excellent author and I’ll definitely look for more of her books. I highly recommend this one!”- Romance Junkies

MURDER, MI AMORE is an EPPIE finalist for best romantic suspense.

(MURDER, MI AMORE) “Action, suspense, hot men and a sweet girl caught in the crossfire. Buckle up, this one gets wild…There were so many things to enjoy about this book. I’ve never been to Italy and I must say for the literary journey to a place the author clearly loves, it was worth every moment of my time. ..The characters were fun, sexy and bunches of mysterious. It was easy to envision their adventure in my mind’s eye, and this was one I could see playing out like a fast-paced movie…The pacing is fast. Definitely an edge of your seat read. They went from one major event to another, leaving me little time to catch my breath and steady myself for the next big scene…For those of you who love your romance with some mystery and adventure, and a romantic destination to boot, this is one to pick up and try. Enjoy!” The Romance Reviews

“MURDER, MI AMORE is an exciting adventure. Top notch romantic suspense! The whole plot of ‘they aren’t who the other thinks they are’ is always a blast to read about. With great pace, plenty of action, and sizzling tension, Cara Marsi creates an amazing suspense! And the setting, in Rome, I loved it! …If you like romantic suspense novels full of emotion, murder, intrigue and secrets, then MURDER, MI AMORE is a book to add to your list.” - Siren Book Reviews

(CURSED MATES)… “I couldn’t find anything needing improvement. The conflict keeping Kyla and Nick apart is valid, the resolution believable, but Ms. Marsi gives you plenty to worry about before getting to the end. If you enjoy werewolves, you must read this. If you don’t enjoy werewolves read CURSED MATES and you might just start.” - The Pagan & The Pen Reviews

“CURSED MATES has a lot within to appeal to romantic suspense readers who enjoy stories with paranormal flair. It entertains, astounds and even gives a few goose bumps along the way. I’m glad I had a chance to read this tale and am happy with the happily ever after. It’s wonderful to see a tortured hero find his happy and Nick certainly earned his. He was my favorite character.” - Long & Short Reviews

LOVING OR NOTHING IS A FINALIST IN THE NOVELLA CATEGORY IN THE GULF COAST ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA SILKEN SANDS STAR CONTEST

4 Cups from CBLS Reviews:

"Daniel and Tami are lovely characters and their plight with their pasts are believable and it is a nice pleasant journey they go on together to find love. Neither trust their new found feelings in the beginning and it's only as time progresses do, they work through and accept the changes within themselves....

"Overall, LOVING OR NOTHING is a sweet and tender romance mixed with some intense love scenes."

Other Books by Cara Marsi

A Cat’s Tale & Other Love Stories

Cursed Mates

Logan’s Redemption

Loving or Nothing

Murder, Mi Amore

Coming Soon

Storm of Desire

Redeeming Franco
(sequel to Logan’s Redemption)

All About Cara Marsi

I’m a former corporate drone and cubicle dweller with a romantic soul. I crave books with happy endings and I love to write about independent, feisty women and the sexy, strong guys who love them. I also love to put my characters in dangerous situations and situations that are merely dangerous to their hearts and watch them fight for the happy endings they deserve.

I credit my love of romance to the old Thirties and Forties romantic comedies I watched on late night TV growing up. I’m published in traditional romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, and I’ve also published numerous short romance stories in national magazines. My husband and I enjoy traveling and I love to write about the places we’ve visited. We share our house with a fat black diva of a cat named Killer.

I hope you enjoyed “A Catered Romance.” I really appreciate your purchase. Find out more about me and my other books at my website at CaraMarsi.com.

I’m on Goodreads and Facebook. I’m always interested in meeting new friends.

All my books are available at Kindle, Nook and other online retailers. Find excerpts at CaraMarsi.com.