Hello LAlaland (Lost in LAlaland) (11 page)

“That’s fine, Walt,” I told him as my frustration faded and a lazy grin swept over my face. Kris and Alex had been visiting for the summer, taking a much deserved vacation from the craziness of Wall Street and spending time with Walt. My little man had grown so much in the past few years. He was becoming just as good looking as Kris, and he was getting into surfing and soccer—also just like his dad. “But go check on your sister first and ask her if she wants to go to the beach, too. Her daddy and I can take her down and watch your surf lesson.” My handsome, blond-haired son nodded with excitement and ran off in search of my husband and daughter.

“Tony!” Walt yelled as he ran. “Tony!” Sighing, I shook my head with a little laugh. The boy would never learn.

Minutes later, I felt little arms wrap around my leg, and I looked down at the owner of the chocolate brown curls and light, olive skin. “Wanna go to da beach, Mama!” my little two-year-old, Ciana, exclaimed with excited enthusiasm. My husband of three years entered the kitchen close behind our daughter. Following her lead, Tony wrapped me in his arms, placing a hand on our daughter’s head and hugging us both.

“Hello, wife,” he greeted me with his famous sultry grin. “You’re looking exceptionally beautiful today.”

Laughing, I swatted at his chest. “You know it’s the pregnancy glow, and it’s all your fault.” I placed a hand on my swollen belly, smiling when the little girl inside kicked against me. I’d told Tony that I wasn’t sure I wanted another child after we had Ciana, but he insisted that we’d make his mama the happiest Nonna in the world if we gave her just one more grandchild to dote on.

“I rather enjoyed putting that baby inside you, Mrs. Ricci,” Tony informed me with a suggestive growl. He wrapped his arm around my back and pinched my ass. I yelped in surprise and spun out of his reach.

Ciana looked up between us, giggling. “Sillwy Dada,” she stated matter-of-factly and ambled off toward the back door. We followed her down the steps, leading to our private stretch of beach. Kris, Alex, and Walt waved to us from the surf as we settled down on a blanket on the warm sand. Ciana quickly fell asleep in the warm air. I, too, must have fallen asleep as I lay soaking up the vitamin D just beyond the umbrella that shaded Ciana’s little body, because I was roused awake by Tony’s lips rubbing gently over my belly.

“I love you, little Vera,” he whispered against my skin, speaking quiet words of adoration to our growing little girl. Tony caught my movement as I lifted my head to watch him, and he smiled in devotion. “Love you, too, Wini Ricci.” He loved to call me that, even though I’d never changed my surname from Chapman after finally dropping the Jensen part.

“You, too, babe,” I told him softly, smiling back and enjoying the blissful moment before I closed my eyes against the hot California sunshine and my husband’s loving touch once again.

Finito.

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Acknowledgement

First, I want to thank the wonderful girls who have read this for me, giving me humorous and very helpful comments. Christy, you help me get through each day with your love and text messages. You are my bestie. Kimberly, your support means the world to me, bestie/twinsie. Here’s to us and our retro-glam–filled future. Always. Lauren, I know I’m a comma-holic, but thank you for seeing past that to the bigger picture. Lori, you’ve been a great help in my writing. You never want praise for your help, but you deserve it! Carrie, from wine to wonderful conversations, thank you for everything. Eryn, for being an awesome writing partner and go-to for advice. Your books are amazing, and I strive to be like you.

Second, I want to thank the lovely ladies who have graciously put up with me and have been both my editors and my friends. Bella, you’re the sweetest person and make me smile each time I hear from you. Your strength in adversity is inspiring, and I’ll always admire your resilience. Di, Miss 80s, you’re so kind and helpful with all the work I send your way. I’ll never watch a Molly Ringwald movie without thinking of you.

To the awesome team at TWCS: Thank you for giving me a shot and making my dreams come true. You’ve all been so helpful and wonderful. I can’t wait to publish my upcoming novels with you!

I thank my handsome rock star, Jonny, and our little pumpkin, Scarlett. You both put up with a lot of my time being focused on writing, and I cannot thank you enough for that. I love you both to “da inittee and de-on!” Kisses always.

Finally, to the readers who’ve just come across my work, and the wonderful fans who’ve supported me for the past two years as QuinnLark, I thank you.

I do intend to create a series out of the LAlaland books, along with several full-length literary and historical fiction novels. The information on these and all my novels can be located on my website:

www.madimerekbooks.wordpress.com

and my blog:

www.themadimerek.wordpress.com

where I host flash fiction contests for aspiring writers and post writing advice.

Also, follow me on Twitter (@MadiMerek).

Thank you for supporting my work. Happy reading!

Author Biography

Madi Merek was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. She married a sexy rock star from Los Angeles in July 2008, and they have a beautiful daughter named Scarlett Rose. Her first novel was finished at fourteen. She’s currently writing a literary/historical fiction novel based in the Second World War. Jon and Madi spent several years in Los Angeles before moving back to Denver, but they plan to return home to LAlaland soon.