Having not spent any time with the adult version of Macey, I have no idea what she drinks, so I’m surprised when she orders herself a whiskey, neat. It’s a hell of a woman who drinks whiskey straight up, or maybe she’s more thrown off at seeing me than she’s letting on. I sure as fuck am. Something in me likes that she’s not a fruity-drink type of girl. Her personality is straightforward and intoxicating, and her drink choice reflects it.
Once we’ve settled in with our cocktails, her eyes land on mine again. “So it’s true then.”
“What’s true?” I ask before swallowing a mouthful of scotch.
“That you own this place.”
I give her a nod.
She bites her lip as she toys with her glass, then brings her gaze back to me. “When I got into town tonight and Cameron wasn’t answering his phone, I Googled you.”
Watching her expression, I’m trying to read her, knowing she’s thinking I never had a penchant for kink when she and I were together. But I’m not explaining the reason why to her. Now, or hopefully ever.
“How long will you be in town?” I ask, my curiosity edging out my better judgment.
“For good,” she says, leveling me with those big blue eyes. “I lost my job, left my cheating ex-boyfriend, packed everything I owned, and here I am.”
Damn.
Macey worked as a newscaster for a Latin TV station in Miami. She double-majored in Spanish and Journalism in college, earning both degrees ahead of schedule. She’s smart and driven, and ambitious. Which is why it surprises me to hear her say she’s just thrown in the towel on it all.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” It explains the sadness radiating from her that I picked up on earlier. “So, what’s on your agenda now, other than hot, sweaty pounding?”
“Why don’t you finish that drink first, and I’ll tell you.”
“Are you trying to get me liquored up, Macey?”
“And what if I was?”
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Acknowledgments
There are so many people to thank, the process is almost overwhelming, as is the fear that I’ll inadvertently leave someone out.
My readers mean everything to me, and I’m blessed to have your support. I truly hope you enjoyed The Gentleman Mentor. It was one of those stories I wasn’t planning on writing, but within a matter of hours, I could see how the whole book would play out. Brielle, and also Hale, who were both nameless for the first several days, were plotting together to embark on this arrangement, and I was all too happy to document their journey. At the moment, I’m deep into writing The Dominant and enjoying every second of it. Where Brielle was unsure and timid, Macey is headstrong and opinionated. And Reece is a sexy dominant, so he’s fun to write. I can’t wait to share it with you.
To my friends and fellow authors, Meghan March and Rachel Brookes, your valuable insight always improves my writing. I’m grateful for you both.
To my dazzling publicist, Danielle Sanchez, your excitement over my work never gets old. I appreciate your partnership and guidance more than you’ll ever know.
Pam Berehulke, it’s an honor every time I’m able to work with you. I learn more each time, and I promise you, one of these days I’ll get my pronoun usage under control. Pinky swear!
To all of the bloggers, fans, and readers who have shared my books with others, who’ve left reviews and made beautiful graphic teasers, my heart is filled with bookish love for you. I hope you know how critical you are to this community. I’m grateful for every tweet, review, and mention.
About the Author
Kendall Ryan is the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of more than a dozen contemporary romance novels, including Hard to Love, Resisting Her, When I Break, and the Filthy Beautiful Lies series. Her books have been published into multiple languages and are sold in more than fifty countries around the world. She loves reading about tough alpha heroes with a sweet side, and aims to capture that in her writing. She detests laundry and enjoys coffee, cupcakes, and being outdoors playing with her two infant sons and darling husband.
Connect with Kendall Ryan
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Website: www.kendallryanbooks.com
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Other Books by Kendall Ryan
Unravel Me Series:
Unravel Me
Make Me Yours
Love by Design Series:
Working It
Craving Him
All or Nothing
When I Break Series:
When I Break
When I Surrender
When We Fall
When I Break (complete series)
Filthy Beautiful Lies
Filthy Beautiful Love
Filthy Beautiful Lust
Filthy Beautiful Forever
Stand-alone Novels:
Hard to Love
Reckless Love
Resisting Her
The Impact of You