Hi everyone, V here. I recently had the pleasure of reading a heartwarming book about a one night stand that turned into something much more. One Night Stand by Parker Kincade is a deliciously sexy romp with big ol’ heart. And at the heart of One Night Stand is the Martin family.
For me, Thanksgiving (my all time favorite holiday) is about family and love, and appreciating the wonderful moments in life. I am thrilled to have Parker as my guest today, sharing a Martin Family Thanksgiving.
Life – all busy schedules and deadlines – seems to get away from me sometimes. When Amanda called to invite me to share in their Thanksgiving celebration, I was elated. Not only for the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but also to spend time with a family I’ve grown to love so much.
Holiday travel being what it is, I am, of course, late. As I pull through the arch that signifies I’ve arrived at the ranch, I smile at the warmth I feel here. A vast difference from the all but abandoned property this had been not so long ago.
Joe waves to me from the paddock as I pull around and crawl out of my rental. Clad in his usual black T-shirt and jeans, I notice he’s traded his usual motorcycle boots for more appropriate footwear. In my mind, his mud-covered cowboys only enhance the sexiness that is Joe Sterling – a man not afraid to get his hands, or in this case boots, dirty.
“Hey, sunshine,” he calls, walking over to the split rail to meet me.
I step up on the bottom rail to make it easier to receive the hug I know is coming and I plant a wet, noisy, kiss on his dusty cheek. “What are you doing out here?”
He laughs, a deep, rich, and utterly male sound that makes me want to sigh with happiness. I don’t, of course.
“Avoidance, mostly. It’s a madhouse in there.”
“Ah, I’m the last to arrive.” Not a question. I already know the answer by the number of trucks scattered about. And I know exactly why Joe is out here with the horses. “Still overwhelming to go from a lone existence to this bunch, huh.” Also not a question.
Joe snorts, but I can see the love shining in his baby blues. He wouldn’t have it any other way. “Go on in, darlin’. Everyone’s inside. I’ll be right behind you.”
“You got it,” I say with a final squeeze of his neck, amazed that he can be covered in dust and still smell like hot chocolate on a cold winter’s night.
The house is decked out in the rich colors of fall, from the bright orange pumpkins on the porch, to decorations made from gourds, yellow and rust colored leaves, and pinecones.
“One holiday at a time,” Amanda said when I remarked on the lack of shiny reds and greens that so often intruded this time of year. “How can we truly enjoy Thanksgiving if we are focused on Christmas?” She shook her head at me then, sadness hovering the edges of her smile. “We have so much to be thankful for this year, Parker. Let’s not rush through it.”
I give her a quick hug before motioning her to lead the way into the dining area. The others are already seated (did I mention I was late?) and, as usual, talking over one another. Smiling, I marvel at Amanda’s skill in controlling this bunch. I experience a strange sense of pride, knowing she’s blossomed into a fierce matriarch with a keen eye for keeping the peace within her family.
Even her seating arrangement is done with purpose. Joe – astonishingly dirt free – enters behind us and wraps his arms around Amanda. He places a quick kiss on her neck, eliciting a giggle from her before he takes his place at the head of the table. Amanda takes the place to his right. Samantha is seated to Joe’s left, as far from Caleb’s place at the other end of the table as possible. Smart move, I’d say, since the two can’t stop glaring at each other.
Alec gives me a swift kiss on the cheek and pulls out a chair for me to sit next to Caleb, before taking his place between Amanda and I. Brandon and Joe’s brother, Jake, round out the other side.
Once we are all settled, Joe stands and clears his throat. Groans go off in a wave around the table.
“I’m not gonna get all sappy and shit, so just relax.” His gaze tracks around the table. “Hell of a year, huh? Before we dive in to all the delicious food my beautiful Mandy cooked up, I want to say something.” He hesitates a moment. “It’s been a long time since Jake and I had anyone to share Thanksgiving with. Hell, we’ve rarely spent it together.” He gives his brother a grin. “But today…today marks a new tradition for the Sterling and Martin clans. Today, we celebrate family.”
He raises his glass. “My brothers.” His eyes drift from Jake to hit on Brandon, Caleb and Alec. “My sister-in-spirit, Samantha.” He offers Sam a smile. “My…uh…Parker.” His silly grin makes us all laugh. “And my love.” He reaches out, taking Amanda’s hand and placing a kiss on her knuckles. “No matter where our journeys lead us, may we always remember the road home.”
A round of “hear, hears” erupt and I can only think one thing.
I couldn’t agree more.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
One Night Stand by Parker Kincade
Blurb:
Amanda Martin has the worst taste in men. After being cheated on not once, but twice, she’s lost all faith in men…and in herself. Determined to regain her confidence, Amanda decides to have a one-night stand. No relationship, no promises, no threat of being hurt again…just sex. What she doesn’t anticipate is meeting a handsome-as-sin stranger who will give her pleasure unlike any she’s ever known.
Joe Sterling has spent his life avoiding relationships, his former job as a military sniper not allowing for such commitments. Now he’s come home to Texas, to let go of the past and to prove he is more than the killer he’s been trained to be. When Amanda’s life is threatened, Joe’s killer instinct is tested while Amanda struggles to protect her heart. Will they succumb to their overwhelming desire for each other, or lose it all by letting the past dictate their future?
Excerpt:
Joe couldn’t believe his ears. Did Amanda just ask him if he wanted to leave with her? Before he could recover his shock, she was hightailing it out the door. From the moment he’d walked into the bar tonight, he’d been captivated. First by the way she defended herself, next by the vulnerability he felt as he’d held her hand, and then by the way she looked at him as if he were a treat she’d like to eat.
Now he was just plain curious. He’d had women come on to him before. What surprised him was his desire to follow through with this one.
“Hold up, sweetheart.” He snatched her money off the bar. “Jake’s gonna cover your tab tonight, aren’t ya, Jake?” Joe looked at his brother expectantly.
Jake shrugged. “Sure, no problem.”
“Give me one minute.” Joe walked behind the bar and grabbed a full bottle of whiskey. “Don’t leave,” he added as he caught her looking between him and the door.
Jake wagged his eyebrows. “Someone’s finally gonna get laid,” he taunted.
Joe smacked him on the back of the head as he walked by. “Just for that, dickhead, you can pay for this bottle too.” He tried to sound irritated, but he just couldn’t keep the smile from his voice.
It had been a long time since a woman had caught his interest and it felt nice. He’d spent his life avoiding commitments. His former job with the military wasn’t really conducive to the white picket fence kind of lifestyle. He’d been alone most of his life, refusing to get attached to anyone or anything. But this woman…
Damn, she looked good. She dug her hands deep into the pockets of her low-riding jeans as she tapped the sexiest pair of cowgirl boots he’d ever seen against the concrete floor. Her blonde curls tumbled downward, teasing the lower part of her back where her T-shirt had ridden up. Imagining the feel of all that temptingly tanned skin under his tongue made his mouth water. He swore he could already taste her. He grunted as his cock swelled at the thought of licking every inch of her.
He was suddenly very glad he’d stopped in tonight.
Joe held the bottle up as he approached her. “Whiskey okay?”
Her vibrant green eyes latched on to his. “Sure.”
Smiling, he just barely resisted the urge to lean in and kiss her. Instead he trailed his fingers across the exposed skin on her back, resting his palm in the sexy little bend above her belt. The feel of her warm skin had his already engorged erection pressing painfully against his zipper. “Ready?”
“Sure,” she said again.
“Things are gonna go very well for us tonight, Mandy, if you stay so agreeable,” he teased with a wink. He chuckled at her sharp intake of breath as he guided her out the door.
The cool air hit them as they walked outside. Amanda was quiet beside him as he led her across the gravel to the only car left in the parking lot that didn’t belong to Jake. Joe had ridden in on his Harley and there was no way he was putting her on the back of his bike without the proper gear.
He glanced at her apologetically. “While I’d love to take you for a ride on my bike, tonight isn’t that night. Only one helmet,” he said at her puzzled frown. “I can follow you or…” He waited to see if she’d jump in, hoped she’d jump in. Anything to get her talking. “Mandy?”
She shook her head slightly. “No, no. It’s chilly out. Why don’t you ride with me?”
“You okay to drive?” He looked at her with mock sternness and gently raised her abused knuckles to his lips. That earned him a sweet smile.
“I’m sure I can manage.”
Joe sighed and let her hand drop. Maybe she was having second thoughts. He wasn’t sure what had caused her to close off all of a sudden, but one thing was for sure—he was going to play this out. He suddenly wanted to break down her walls and see what was there. He wanted to hear her laugh. He wanted her to cry out his name in pleasure.
He wanted her naked.
Oh yeah, he was going to play this out. “Lead the way, Mandy. I’m all yours.”
Parker, thank you so much for coming by and sharing a bit of Martin family love with us!
Parker Kincade is an award-winning erotic romance author and has been writing since she was a little girl. Her love affair with romance novels began as a teen and she dreamed of writing her own. She is thrilled to be living her dream.
Parker lives in the southern United States with her husband, children and beloved boxer sidekick. She loves reading, playing golf, spending time with her family and friends, ice cream from the ice cream truck, taking her dog to the park and watching old musicals.
You can find Parker’s book One Night Stand here: One Night Stand at Liquid Silver Books
Parker’s links:
Website: http://www.parkerkincade.com
Blog: http://www.parkerkincade.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/parkerkincade
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/parkerkincade
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6475101.Parker_Kincade