New Romantic Suspense--OFF THE GRID Excerpt

 

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

http://www.susanneknight.com

Read outside the box: award-winning Romance Writing With A Twist!

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