Sweet Little Thing: A Novella (Sweet Thing) (16 page)

“Yes.” I sighed.

“You were crying earlier. Why?’

I shook my head.

“Please tell me it wasn’t because of how RJ treated you?”

“No.”

“Then what?”

“Remember, I just want to forget everything.”

He nodded, looking away for a second. “Are you ticklish?”

“Don’t you dare.”

He laughed. “Well there is one thing I know…”

“What’s that, smart guy?”

He put his hands on my hips again and I let him, even though I knew it was crossing the line. It felt so good, like being enveloped by warmth and security.

His mouth turned up into a knowing smile, and then he said, almost wistfully, “Just friends is going to be hard, but I’ll try. It’s just that I like you. You’re witty and sweet and you happen to be the most infinitely beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”

I sucked in a startled breath. He paused, looking all drowsy with desire before opening his mouth to speak again.

“Don’t,” I murmured.

“It’s not hyperbole, Katy. I promise.”

Giggling nervously, I slowly sank beneath the water, thinking Jamie was out of his mind. I never would have described myself the way he had.

But then again, I had allowed Stephen to make me feel like I was barely worth coming home to . . .

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I am grateful with all my heart for the unwavering support I’ve had from friends, family, readers, bloggers, and fellow authors. THANK YOU for reading
Sweet Thing
and writing about it and telling others about it long after the release. I don’t know if I would have continued this story if it wasn’t for your generous encouragement.

Getting back to Mia and Will was such a treat. They lived deep inside of my soul while I was away and that’s where they’ll go now, to live and love each other forever. Thank you for reading and being a part of this journey with me.

Chris Wojdak, thank you for bringing your talent to the project. I had so much fun watching you work. I’ll be your assistant anytime!

Christina and Jhanteigh, you’ve both been great sounding boards on this and I appreciated your expertise through the process.

Gretchen de la O, A.L. Jackson, Emmy Montes, Toni Aleo, Julie Prestsater, Rebecca Shea and Hadley Quinn, what would I do without my weekly laugh with you girls? Thank you for being there when I needed a giant virtual hug.

Carey Heywood and Christina P, thank you for your helpful feedback and willingness to read at the drop of a hat.

And of course to the Rami’s, for the many books worth of material you’ve given me and for happily being early draft readers.

Sarah Hansen, thank you for your great work, patience and for helping out during that small shit storm we had.

Zoe Norvell, thank you so much for sharing your talent with us.

Kim, Kylie, Joanna and Kim J, glad to have you girls to bounce things off of and to have a laugh with every now and then.

Anne Victory, thanks for working tirelessly and being flexible even though I’m always the last-minute girl.

A big thank you to Dawn Robinson for her support and for doing a fantastic job of last minute proofing.

Brandyn and Denyse, you made our dream cover a reality. You are not only stunning but professional and a joy to work with, thank you.

Ellie, you found us our Will. Need I say more? Thank you.

Katy Evans, thank you so much for your support and for reading the early draft. You’ve been such a great mentor to me.

Melanie, Brenda, Kaitlin, Sara, Kandace, Megan, Melanie, Cyndi, Stacey, Evangelina, and the babies, thank you for helping with the cover shoot and being a part of that fun day.

To my Ya Ya’s: Heather, Katie, Angie, Rebecca, Carla and Noelle, thank you for the many years of inspiration and for nourishing a supportive group that values strength and leadership in women. Your encouragement has meant the world to me.

Heather, what would I do without you? You’ve been amazing and that isn’t the half of it. Thank you for reading anything and everything I send you, even if I’ve written it in my sleep. You’ve been an awesome support, cheerleader, friend, and expert in this world. Love you and thank you.

To my boys, who are regularly subjected to my bizarre ideas and strange music choices, thank you for belting the songs out with me at the top of your lungs.

Anthony, it would be very hard for me to write a good hero if I didn’t know at least one that existed in real life. Thanks for riding the wind with me.