Get away from it all! Go... OFF THE GRID! My newest Romantic Suspense is now available.
OFF THE GRID
Author: Susanne Marie Knight
Genre: Romantic Suspense; Woman-In-Jeopardy
Available electronically at Amazon.com and Smashwords.com
Price: $4.99
Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJYGHY23/
Price: $10.99.
Buy link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B7GMJPQH ebook
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1174457
Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BJYGHY23/
Blurb:
Running from her mother’s
killers, Jean goes into hiding. A chance meeting with a small town’s chief of
police upsets not only her escape plans but also changes her life.
SHE’S GOT TO RUN
Up-and-coming New York
fashion designer, Jean, discovers her mother has not only been murdered, but
she had also been leading a life of crime. Whoever killed her mom is now after
Jean. Changing her identity, Jean takes to the road, looking for a place to
hide, a place she can be safe. Midway across the country, she stops to get gas,
and instead gets a second chance. She’s taken under a kind stranger’s
wing--Uncle Nick--and is offered sanctuary at an off the grid cabin. The hitch?
Uncle Nick’s handsome nephew is the chief of police who’s interested in
pursuing the intriguing newcomer.
HE’S GOT TO STOP HER
Chief of Police Lawrence
Crenshaw is not only single, he’s sworn off women. With his family history, no
good ever came from a marriage union. Then the mysterious Jean comes to town.
She’s not only trouble, she’s in trouble, but she refuses to confide in
him. Wooing her slowly, he tries to convince Jean that not only can he keep her
safe, but that she belongs by his side. Does a small town cop stand a chance at
love with a New York City gal?
Scene Set-Up:
Police Chief Lawrence
Crenshaw gets a call from his uncle to drive to a gas station because there is
something interesting for him to see. The “something interesting” turns out to
be an intriguing female motorist.
EXCERPT
Easing out of the SUV, Captain Lawrence Crenshaw
stood for a moment, adjusted his gun holster on his belt, and then straightened
his sunglasses. Although the time was nearly five o’clock, it was still as hot
as blazes. The dying rays of the Missouri sun seemed to be just as strong as it
had been midday. At this angle, the rays glinted off his golden captain’s
badge.
The woman stared at him; he knew that as surely as if
he could see her eyes. The stare wasn’t a flattering one. Hostile would’ve been
a better word. He felt her antagonism, even at this distance.
The corner of his mouth curved up in amusement, but
then he flattened his lips. Members of the fairer sex typically didn’t look at
him with suspicion. He was more familiar with the greeting of open arms and
yeah, open legs.
He approached the gas pump.
Uncle Nick opened his mouth to speak, but Lawrence
forestalled him. He jabbed his chin in the woman’s direction. “You J. R.
Walters?”
“Jean. Yes. And you must be Chief Crenshaw. Nice to
meet you.”
Feeling ornery, he corrected her. “Captain Crenshaw,
officially.”
Her lips thinned. “Right. I’ll be going now.” She
took a step toward her car.
He held up his hand. “Ma’am.” That one word brooked
no argument.
She turned her head in his direction. “Yes?”
“You from New Hampshire?”
“No.” She cleared her throat. “From New York.”
“City?”
She nodded.
He lifted an eyebrow. “Is that so? Why the New
Hampshire plates?”
The tip of her pink tongue slid over her top lip,
obviously an anxious gesture. Heaven help him, the very sight sent an urge down
below his belt.
She responded, “I recently bought this car from a
friend.”
He noted her voice was edged with nervousness. “Where
are you headed?”
Her well-formed eyebrows lowered to a vee. “That’s
none of your business... Captain. I just stopped here for gas. Now, if you don’t
mind, I need to be getting on my way.”
During this exchange, Uncle Nick avidly watched like
it was a damn ping-pong match. “Now, Lawrence, don’t be upsettin’ Jeannie so.
She’s not on the lam, hey? Just lookin’ to find a place for the night. Long
drive from New York, eh? Told her no vacancies from here to Ralford City and
plumb beyond, ’cuz of the festival.”
A bead of sweat appeared on the woman’s forehead to
then zigzag a dance down her temple. She swiped it away and then blinked. “Um,
I’ve got to... sit down.”
“Let’s get you to your car.” Uncle Nick slid his hand
up the firm skin on her arm to then grip her under the armpit. He headed with
her in the direction of her car.
Even with the support, the woman, Jean, stumbled.
“So... sorry,” she mumbled. Her head drooped.
Uncle Nick waved him over. “Give me a hand, Lawrence.
Poor gal’s dead on her feet. Told her she can room with me--just for the night,
y’know. Thought maybe you could convince her I’m just being neighborly, that’s
all. So she’d be reassured.”
“No, no.” Jean sagged to the side. Her knees bent.
“No, I’ve got to...”
Whatever the woman had to do would have to wait.
Lawrence scooped her up, one hand under her bare knees and the other around her
small waist. She didn’t weigh much, and truth be told, carrying her was a
pleasurable sensation. His work didn’t usually provide enjoyable duties.
He bit back a grin. Me Tarzan, you Jane, or rather
Jean!
Heaven help him, he honestly couldn’t help spreading
his fingers out along her smooth lower thigh to enjoy more of the feel of her
skin.
She didn’t protest; but then again how could she? She
was out--completely out. Her head lolled against his shoulder like a heavy
weight, and her lips rested against the thick cord of his neck. He felt her hot
breath on his skin.
Hell. He couldn’t help the sear of desire wiggling
down his spine.
But this beauty was just a temporary diversion--a
blip on the radar. He had no need for any complications in his life. Or rather,
any more complications in his life. Not from New York. Not from New
Hampshire. Not even from Missouri. Not for a minute. His plate was not only
full, it was overflowing.
He
turned to his uncle, now by his side. “Now what, Uncle Nick? Tell me, what have
you gotten me into this time?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Reading!
Susanne Marie Knight
Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!
