True Connections (10 page)

Epilogue

Drawing in a deep breath, Lia knocked on the door. She heard Max’s voice through the panel and she turned the doorknob. He rose from his desk and a bright smile broke across his handsome features.

She’d never tire of seeing him looking at her with that spark in his eyes.

“Hey.” Max walked around the desk as she closed the door. “What are you doing here? I thought you had one of those date luncheon things to manage.”

Lia sighed. “We have a problem.”

His expression hardened at her words. Max drew her to the couch on the other side of the room. “What’s wrong? What are Grams and Nanna up to now?”

She smiled and looked down at the two-carat diamond ring Max had given her only a week after the party. Everyone had said they were rushing things, but she’d never been so sure of anyone in her life. Now two months later, they had another issue on their hands.

“Grammy and Nanna are mad.”

Her future husband frowned. “What did we do now?”

She blew out an aggravated breath. “My mom told them we’ve been sleeping together.”

Max lifted his hand and tucked an errant piece of hair behind her ear. “What’s the problem then? I’m sure they were bound to find out. Besides, we’re engaged now.” He nuzzled her neck, and Lia tilted to the side to give him better access.

“They’re old-fashioned about some things, but they’re mad I’m not pregnant
now
.”

He chuckled. “I guess I can see why they’re disappointed then, but I’m surprised since they’re the ones that insisted we get married in six months instead of just eloping.”

Lia grinned. “You know we’d never live it down if we steal their thunder.”

“I know.” He leaned in and brushed his lips across hers. She sighed and allowed him to pull her onto his lap. “We don’t have a choice then.”

She drew back. “What do you mean?”

“We can’t disappoint them.”

His fingers flickered over the buttons of her blouse, and Lia gasped as the material parted. Circling his shoulders with her arms, she leaned into him. “Why, Mr. Sheraton, it’s daylight still…”

“Yes it is, Soon-to-be Mrs. Sheraton. I take my job to keep you out of trouble very seriously.” His hand slid over her hip to the hem of her skirt. “I’m sure we can overcome our grandmothers’ scheming before they hatch another plan.”

Lia laughed. Max always had the ideal solutions. She’d found her very own True Connection without even going through the agency. Her match-mate was perfect. And he belonged only to her.

She was finally home.

Acknowledgments

Thank you.

I’ve been very happy and grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given to further my career. It’s been wonderful working with Entangled Publishing.

I thank my editor, Libby Murphy, for pushing me to strive for the best story. To draw out my full potential as an author and encourage me to keep writing from my heart. And of course, soothing me when I’m ready to pull out my hair. I thank you for just being so awesome.

I thank my fabulous critique partners from Passionate Critters, for their support and friendship that has made me strong to this day. Especially Jennifer Shirk for beta-ing
True Connections
before submissions, and Nina Croft, who has heard me rant and rave until I’m blue in the face. Wouldn’t be here without my wonderful girls.

I thank my “foster parents” who have taken me in, given me a home, and encouraged me to fulfill my dreams. Judy and Joseph, I love you both even though you drive me crazy.

And most of all, I thank my readers for giving me faith and motivation to keep writing. I love sharing my stories with you all, and hope you continue to enjoy them.

About the Author

Contemporary romance author Clarissa Yip leads a life of adventure and mischief. Constantly on the run, she’s always hanging out with her muse, plotting the next best story and looking for anything that will fuel her imagination. Besides being an avid reader and writer, Clarissa enjoys scrapbooking, video games, immersing herself in addictive TV shows, and engaging in anything that will challenge her mind. A lover of food and languages, she also loves to try new things. Her dreams involve finding the ultimate way of sharing her world with yours. From the Hawaiian island of Oahu to the beautiful season-changing New York, you never know where she’ll be. Find Clarissa on Facebook and Twitter or drop her a note at
http://www.clarissayip.com
.