Title: Skyscrapers & Camelot (Renovate, #1)
Author: Mindy A. Carter
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 3, 2015
Cover Design: Sara Eirew Photographer
Keegan was my world since I was six years old. When he walked out of my life, I was certain I would never see him again. He broke my heart, but truthfully I only have myself to blame. Now I'm looking into his incredibly beautiful blue eyes. He came back into my life as quickly as he left. Both of us have changed over the years, but I can't imagine living another day without him.
My name is Aimee, and this is the story of how I lost and found my best friend and love of my life. The journey may be tough but there is no denying that Keegan, and I were destined to be together. He rescued me the day we met and had always been my prince charming. One thing I'm sure of, I'm not letting my happily ever after get away this time.
He laughs at me. I’m starting to get angry with him. Why can’t he ignore me like he’s done the past eight years? I was fine before he came back into my life. I want to return to my mundane Keegan-less existence.
“Do you mean Gretchen? You know she’s my assistant, and she attends these things with me time to time.” he answers.
I look at him dumbfounded, “You’re kidding. Right?”
“No, we’re just friends, actually have been since college.”
Did he say since college? What the what?
“Since you two are such great friends then you don’t need me, do you?” I bark at him.
“Aimee, I’ve needed you since the day we met. You should realize that by now.”
Now this conversation is ticking me off. I’m losing my carefully composed patience.
“Wow, what a load of crap. I’m not playing these games with you Keegan; I'm not a child anymore, and I know exactly what this is” – I wave my hands between us –“You couldn’t just leave me alone. You left me, Keegan, without an explanation. It’s been eight years and suddenly you need me. Where were you when I needed you? I’m not the girl I was before you left. I’m stronger, and you know what, I don’t need you. Do me a favor and pretend I don’t exist. You’ve had plenty of practice, so I’m sure it won’t be too hard." My breathing is hard, he’s staring at me and I swear I see a hint of desire in his blue eyes.
“There’s that fire I’ve missed.”
I let out a laugh. “If you’ll excuse me, the air in here is stifling.”
I turn and walk away towards a set of French doors that lead to the outside terrace. My breathing is fast and the confrontation with him is making me tremble.
I hear footsteps behind me and know he’s followed.
Without turning to face him I ask, “why can’t you just leave me be?”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t Aimee. I want to fix this between us,” he admits.
“You’ve ignored me all week. I get that you’re busy and important and all . . . ”
He smirks at me, “you think I’m important?”
“Hello? This is all for you. Everyone is here for you,” I say.
“And I’m only here for you.” He closes the distance, and my heart plummets. I’m on the verge of tears. What the hell is he saying?
“What?”
“You. I’m here for you. I miss you Aimee.”
I can’t hold back the tears any longer and my eyes start to water. Keegan steps even closer and grabs my face in both hands, taking his thumbs and wiping away my tears.
“Don’t cry. I’m here for you and nothing else. I only care about you.” He says looking into my eyes.
He closes the remaining distance and brushes his thumb along my lower lip and my legs lose all feeling. I may just pass out from his touch. He says he’s here for me and I can’t help but melt in his arms. Staring at me, he says, “I’ve wanted to do this again for eight years.”
His lips drop to mine and I close my eyes relishing the moment. I can taste the scotch on his lips and it’s divine. I pray he doesn’t hear my heart pounding. He kisses me slowly, his lips soft and tender. He let’s go of my face and pushes me against the railing behind me. His body is hard against mine and I feel his warmth. I deepen the kiss and wrap my arms around his neck. Our lips move together feverishly and I’m in heaven. Too soon he breaks the kiss and I whimper at the loss. He places his forehead against mine as both of us try to catch our breath.
“I’m here for you.” He whispers and I nod at him, holding him close, not wanting to lose this feeling.
Unedited Excerpt Skyscrapers & Camelot 2015
Mindy has been in love with love, as long as she can remember. As a child, you could find Mindy engrossed in fairytale books and dreaming of her happily ever after. She was lucky enough to find her prince charming and lives in Ohio with him and her four precocious children.
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