Authors: Ruby Laska
Tags: #Literature & Fiction, #Genre Fiction, #Family Saga, #Romance, #Contemporary, #Sagas, #Contemporary Romance
Black Flame (20 page)
"And there's rafting on the Little Yellow River. And there's a historic fort around here somewhere—"
"Right. Maybe Meredith fell for all of that. But I think I know you just a little better than she does." Carl tugged the leather laces of his knapsack and reached inside, pulling out a sleek top-of-the-line laptop.
The knapsack, like so much about Carl, was part of the disguise he had cultivated. He never actually came out and
denied
the rumors that he was Johnny Cash's nephew, but he made damn sure to cover up the fact he was the one who started most of those rumors. Regina was one of the only people who knew he'd been born Carl Bettendorf from upstate New York, and gotten himself a fancy East Coast education before coming to Nashville and transforming himself.
After a few taps of the keyboard, Carl spun the laptop around and Regina found herself looking at a publicity shot of the same girl who'd exited the stage only moments earlier. Underneath were the columns of data that Carl was so good at digging up: the handful of venues she'd played in the last few years, the few minor acts she'd opened for, the unknown bands she'd belonged to before they broke up.
Exhaustive research along with relentless determination was what Carl was known for. Just as what Regina was known for was discovering indie artists who were sure to become critics' darlings—and earn next to nothing.
"You wouldn't," Regina breathed. "She's mine. I found her." After a lot of hard work and almost as much soul searching, Regina had discovered Stiletta through an obscure blogger and recognized her commercial potential. Regina was determined to finally land a client who'd be a financial success, someone who'd attract the big labels and land the sort of contract that would finally make her colleagues stop treating her like an intern.
"Oh, yes, I certainly would," Carl said. "That was a very expensive wedding we cancelled, Reggie. I've got to recoup those expenses any way I can."
Other Ruby Laska Books
Larissa Learns To Breathe
It’s hard to stay uptight when the island breezes blow…
Larissa Lawson spent years fighting her way to the top of the corporate ladder. When it gives out under her, an unexpected lifeline arrives: a mysterious invitation to join the staff of the Cupid Island Resort in the Florida keys. Arriving two days before Thanksgiving, she’d just as soon work straight through the holiday as dwell on her shattered dreams. Besides, rolling up her sleeves will show her new staff that she’s all business.
Tommy Reid is quite happy spending his days in the sun and salt air on Cupid Key. The once-nerdy grad student has been transformed into an easy-on-the-eyes cabana boy with an advanced degree in relaxation. When Larissa shows up with an agenda and an attitude, can he slow her down enough to enjoy what the island – and its number one beach bum – have to offer?
THE CUPID ISLAND SERIES
Fans of Bella Andre, Kristan Higgins, and Susan Mallery will love the Cupid Island romance series, stories featuring women who are ready for love, and men with a passion for island adventure. The women come from small towns and big cities, but they'll all leave with the love of a lifetime.
*
Mountain Song
Considering how well Claudia Canfield juggles a demanding job and a four-year-old son, no one would guess she was once a spoiled, irresponsible young debutante. She left that chapter of her life behind for good. Or so she thinks--until Andy Woods makes a most unwelcome return to her life.
When Claudia's grandmother Bea takes a nasty spill that lands her in the hospital, Claudia breaks her vow never to return to Lake Tahoe. To the place where she found first love, then lost it. The place where her son Paul was conceived, a mistake that turned out to be the only good thing to come of a hopeless love affair.
Bad enough to be surrounded by memories of the long winter she spent skiing, spending her parents' money, and falling in love with Andy. He was supposed to be long gone by now, far from the mountains where he spent his hardscrabble youth. Instead, he earned a medical degree and came back to care for the people of his home town - including Bea.
Bea's injuries turn out to be serious, but all she wants to talk about is Andy. About how fortuitous it is for him and Claudia to be together again. How Claudia owes him the truth: that Paul is his son.
But Claudia is more determined than ever to keep Andy from finding out. The memory of their last night together still aches after all this time: she’d revealed her hopes for the future and he’d crushed them as easily as if they were made of spun glass.
It’s all in the past now, and Claudia vows to keep her secret from Andy, even after the ashes of their long-past romance threaten to erupt again into flame.
