NOX, page 24
part #3 of The Royal Protector Academy Series
“Easy.” He leans closer. “You’re at a higher altitude now. Slow down your breathing.”
I inhale slowly through my nose, trying to push off a slight headache beginning to form.
“You need to be careful up here. If you aren’t used to the high altitude, you’ll get sick.”
“Just another life change I’ll have to get acclimated to, I guess.”
After a few more intense moments pass between us, he finishes changing out the tire.
Once my breathing evens out, he stands and holds out his hand to help me up. Without a second thought, I slide my fingers across his palm and allow him to guide me to stretch to my full height.
“You okay?”
I nod.
“You should be all set now. I’ll throw the damaged tire in your trunk. Once you’re settled in town, swing by the Havenwood Falls Garage. Tell Joshua I sent you. He’ll take good care of you.” His accented voice is silky, calming.
I nod again, suddenly feeling shy and vulnerable. Averting from his, my gaze lands on our entangled hands, and I realize I’m still holding on to him. An unexpected blush rises on my cheeks, and I quickly remove my palm from his. My body shamelessly protests the action.
“S-sorry,” I blurt out quickly, and wrap my arms around my stomach to avoid reaching out for him again. “Thanks. For fixing it. And stopping. And helping me breathe. You know,” I babble, unable to stop. “All of it. Undressing and redressing me—it. The tire. Anyway . . . thanks.”
He leans back on his heels, a haughty grin curling on his lips.
“No problem. You’re lucky I couldn’t sleep and was out for a late-night drive.”
I open my mouth but nothing comes out. Not even air. Did I mention I’m socially awkward?
“All right then,” he slowly draws out, in reply to my lack of response.
I watch as he picks up the tire, throws it into my trunk, and closes the hatch before I come to my senses. Shaking off my gawking, I quickly make my way to the driver’s side, but he’s faster and grabs the door for me, holding it open, waiting for me to slide in.
Once I do, he leans in closer.
So close that his mouth is only a breath from mine, and warm, mint-flavored air brushes over my lips. “Start her up. I’ll follow you into town.”
I raise my eyebrows at his statement.
“It’s easy to get lost out here. I’ll make sure you get to the inn safely.”
“O-okay,” is all I manage, as his spicy scent wraps around me, stupefying me.
His green eyes drill into me, searching my own.
“W-what did you say your name was?”
“Everett.” His voice is husky.
“Graysin,” I reply.
“Well, Graysin . . . welcome, to Havenwood Falls.”
Covetousness is AVAILABLE NOW
THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE TO thank who are a part of this amazing journey I’m on. A simple thank you to them for encouraging and supporting me just doesn’t seem like a strong enough show of gratitude on my part.
To my husband and daughter, thank you for loving me and sharing your time with the characters I write and being understanding of my deadlines. And for bringing me coffee.
Hang Le, By Hang Le. I love you like I love dancing squirrels. Thank you for always visually capturing my stories on my covers and being my design soul mate.
Sarah Hershman, my agent, and the team at Hershman Rights Management, thank you for your ongoing support.
Rick and Amy Miles, and the entire Red Coat PR team, thank you for allowing me to be part of the author family.
Liz Ferry, thank you for coming into my life and polishing these stories so they shine. You’re amazing.
Christine Borgford, at Type A Formatting, thank you for making the interiors of my books look badass.
Pot&Kettle, thank you for Tristan and Serena’s beautiful love song, ENDLESS.
A HUGE thank you to Randi’s Rebels. Y’all are the best reader group a girl could ask for. You keep me sane when I need it, provide me with endless book recommendations, and fill my days with man candy and laughs. Rebels Rock! Special Rebel shout-outs to: Alexandria Faust for naming Tova and Janean Desmarais for naming Lael! As well as to Misty Mayo for naming Umbria.
Thanks to my family and friends, I love you all.To the readers, thank you for reading my stories. Thank you for continuing to take chances on me and the stories I write. Thank you for trusting me with your imagination.
I’m honored to be part of your literary world.
Randi Cooley Wilson is a bestselling author of paranormal, urban fantasy, and contemporary romance books. Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts, where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation, she moved to California, where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years.
Randi makes stuff up, devours romance books, drinks lots of wine and coffee, and has a slight addiction to bracelets. She currently resides in Massachusetts with her daughter and husband.
Visit randicooleywilson.com for more information about Randi or her books and projects.
Twitter: @R_CooleyWilson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorrandicooleywilson
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/RCooleyWilson
Randi’s Rebels: www.facebook.com/groups/randisrebels
Randi Cooley Wilson, NOX
