Hearts at Play (Love in Bloom: The Bradens, Book 6) Contemporary Romance (25 page)

“Whatever, dude. Don’t let me cock block you.” Mitch laughed.

“She’s an old…not a…never mind.”
My onetime best friend?
As he crossed the floor, all the love he felt for her came rushing back. He stopped in the middle of the crowded floor and took a deep breath.
It’s really you
. In the next breath, his body remembered the heartbreak of the last time he’d seen her. The time he’d never forget. When he’d woken up four years ago and found her gone—no note, no explanation, and no contact since. Just like she’d done once before when they were kids. The sharp, painful memory pierced his swollen heart. He should turn away, return to his friends. Ellie would only hurt him again. He was rooted to the floor, his heart tugging him forward, his mind holding him back.

A couple rose from the booth where Ellie sat, drawing his attention. He hadn’t even noticed them before. God, she looked beautiful. Her face had thinned. Her cheekbones were more pronounced, but her eyes hadn’t changed one bit. When they were younger, she’d fooled almost everyone with a brave face—but never Dex. Dex had seen right through to her heart. Like right now. She stared down at something in her hands with her eyebrows pinched together and her full lips set in a way that brought back memories, hovering somewhere between worried and trying to convince herself everything would be okay.

Her leg bounced nervously, and he stifled the urge to tell her that no matter what was wrong, it would all be okay. Dex ignored the warnings going off in his mind and followed his heart as he crossed the floor toward Ellie.

(End of Sneak Peek)

To continue reading, be sure to pick up the next

LOVE IN BLOOM release:

GAME OF LOVE,
The Remingtons
, Book One

Love in Bloom Series,
Book Ten

“Contemporary romance at its hottest.

Each Braden sibling left me craving the next.

Sensual, sexy, and satisfying."

—
Bestselling author Keri Nola, LMHC (on The Bradens)

LOVE IN BLOOM
is a contemporary romance series featuring several close-knit families

Check online retailers for availability

SNOW SISTERS

Sisters in Love

Sisters in Bloom

Sisters in White

THE BRADENS

Lovers at Heart

Destined for Love

Friendship on Fire

Sea of Love

Bursting with Love

Hearts at Play

COMING SOON

THE REMINGTONS

Game of Love

Stroke of Love

Hearts on Fire

Slope of Love

Read, Write, Love

Fans often ask if my heroes and heroines are patterned after people I know, and the answer is that pieces of them often come from those around me: friends, family, people I meet when I’m out and about, and even people I know only online. If you see yourself in my hero or heroine, there might be a reason why.

There are a host of readers, bloggers, authors, and friends I’d like to thank, and there is never enough space to do so. I truly appreciate the efforts and support of every member of Team Pay-It-Forward, the blogging community, and the amazing volunteers of the World Literary Café. I could not have made it through many days without having each of you to turn to. Thank you.

My editorial team works above and beyond my highest expectations. They have worked extra hours and at breakneck speed in order to meet the intense publication deadlines for my Love in Bloom series, and they deserve a standing ovation. Tremendous gratitude goes to Kristen Weber, Penina Lopez, Jenna Bagnini, Juliette Hill, and Marlene Engel. I am forever indebted to each of you and in awe of your generosity of time, your energy, and your dedication to your craft. Thank you.

From far across the pond, author and friend Chrissie Parker has educated me on all things racing. Chrissie, many facts might not have made it into the book, and I took creative liberty to create Hugh and Brianna’s world, but you gave me more information than I could have hoped for. Thank you for your support and encouragement.

I often ask my social media friends for help with my work, and I’d like to thank all of you for taking part in the contests, for encouraging me to continue, and for making me laugh (and sending chocolate!). Jen Fernando came up with the name of Hugh’s racing circuit, the Capital Series Grand Prix. Thank you, Jen. It suits the book perfectly!

Kathie Shoop, you are always there to kick me in the butt or pull me through the mud when I get stuck. Thank you for your friendship and your ability to help me see path beyond the trees when I’m lost.

Russell Blake, six books ago you pushed me to take the Bradens further than I had planned, and ever since, you have proved a trusted and solid friend and a source of competition. Thanks, skater boy. Write on.

Hugs and kisses of gratitude and love to my understanding and supportive family. You make my world beautiful every day, and I appreciate you.

Melissa Foster is a
New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling and award-winning author. Her books have been recommended by
USA Today’s
book blog,
Hagerstown
magazine,
The Patriot
, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, and the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa hosts Aspiring Authors contests for children, and has painted and donated several murals to the Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC.

Visit Melissa on her website or chat with her on The Women’s Nest or social media. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Melissa’s books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and through most online retailers.

www.MelissaFoster.com