Staying Grounded (A Rocky Harbor Novel Book 1) Read online

  This. This is what she’d dreamed of for years. A handsome man to come home to at night, to cuddle with during cold, winter nights, and a family to shop, go out for coffee, and celebrate the holidays with.

  When Rachael hedged at wanting to organize her and Doreen’s recipes, Maggie jumped at the opportunity to get the girls together, to work on building friendships all around. Although right now getting Rachael emotionally healthy was her number one priority. With Lucy’s coaxing, Rachael had gone out to Coast & Roast a few times and even to the outlet stores to take advantage of the after Christmas sales. It hadn’t taken long to build Rachael’s confidence.

  “I like the idea of a website to keep my recipes organized. I’m not fond of the cookbook idea, though. I thought maybe…” Rachael toyed with the recipe card in her hand. Maggie nodded her encouragement to go on. A few months ago Rachel wouldn’t have spoken her own opinion; now she was sharing her two cents. From what Graham had told her, Rachael had always been full of snark and spice, keeping her brothers in line. Maggie had yet to see this side of Rachael and hoped to see it soon. “Maybe I could bake from home and sell my desserts to bakeries or some of the local shops.”

  “That’s a wonderful idea.” Maggie beamed with pride.

  “Not bad. Good way to market yourself. Get your name, your product into the hands of others.” Sage swiped her iPad and continued to tap.

  Lucy chimed in. “I can design a logo for you.”

  “And I thought…well, I like kids so maybe…maybe I could offer cooking classes to them or something.”

  “You’re a genius. Maggie, get this girl a refill.” Sage pointed to Rachael’s empty glass. “Hell, pour us all another round.”

  They drank and laughed and planned, not paying any attention to Sweetie Pie when she started barking.

  “Sounds like there’s a party and I wasn’t invited.” Graham entered the kitchen, a light dusting of snow covering his coat.

  “Go away. This is girls’ night.” Lucy ignored her brother and continued jotting down ideas with Rachael.

  “Hey, handsome.” Maggie got up and greeted him with a smile and a kiss. “I missed you.” Graham and Luke had gone up north on a snowmobile trip with Luke’s brothers-in-law and she missed him like crazy. It was their first time being apart since she trapped him at the camp a few months ago. Cell service had been spotty but Graham had managed to find a few times during the weekend when he could catch a signal and send her a text. They were short and sweet—and somewhat dirty—and made her glow for hours.

  “Cherry?” He licked his lips, wrapping his arms around her.

  “Cosmos.”

  “When are my sisters leaving?” he asked, ignoring the three women at the table, nuzzling her neck and sending shivers down her spine.

  “Soon. We’re just about finished up here.”

  “Good.” Graham stepped out of her embrace and walked around the table, kissing the top of each sister’s head. “You ladies okay to drive or do you need a lift?”

  “I got stuck as designated driver. Good thing. Your sisters don’t know how to hold their liquor.” Sage sighed as Rachael stuffed her notes back in her bag.

  “I’m not drunk.” Rachael hiccupped.

  Graham snorted. “Nice try, Rach.”

  He helped them with their bags and walked them to the car, watching Sweetie Pie do her thing in the deep snow before returning to the house.

  “Thanks for having my sisters over.” Graham hung up his coat in the closet and kicked off his shoes.

  “We had a good time. Rachael actually has a business plan and is excited to venture back out into the real world. She’s stronger emotionally and physically every day and I know she’ll be able to make it over the hurdles still standing in her way.” He stood on the other side of the living room, hands on his hips, studying her. “What?”

  “You’re a hell of a woman. I haven’t seen Rachael glow like that since before she left for California.”

  “It was the alcohol.”

  “It was you.”

  Maggie couldn’t fight her smile. Feeling the buzz from her drinks, she bit the tip of her index finger and jutted out her hip in what she hoped a seductive fashion. “You think so?”

  Graham’s hair was in desperate need of a haircut and his face hadn’t seen a razor in a few days. And he’d never looked better. The space between them shrunk as his long legs worked the room until they stood toe-to-toe, their bodies touching, their eyes burning with need. “I know so. You’ve brought light into her eyes again and a purpose in her life, and you’ve done the same for me. I love you, soon-to-be-Mrs. Riley.” He kissed her like he hadn’t seen her in months instead of a mere two days. She ran her hands through his hair and yelped when he picked her up.

  Wrapping her legs tightly around his waist, she brushed her lips against his. “Take me to bed or lose me forever.”

  His body vibrated and he crushed his mouth against hers, unable to kiss her through his laughter. “That line was for Goose, not Maverick.”

  “Whatever. I just always wanted to say that.”

  “Show me the way home, honey.”

  BEFORE YOU GO…

  DON’T MISS OUT!

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  Acknowledgments

  To my many Facebook fans and friends who helped me name the Rocky Harbor series and who are always there to cheer me on and support my books. And especially to the Ricecakes, who are the first to hear my ideas and encourage me when I need a boost. Rebecca, Amy, Chloe, Ann, Donna, Stephanie, and Mary, you’re rock stars.

  Team Limitless, from the top to the bottom, you’re all amazingly supportive, kind, caring and giving. Thank you for making my work shine.

  Like always, I couldn’t have written this book without the support of my family. Thank you for ignoring me and letting me ignore you so I could get this book written, submitted, edited, and published.

  I love you all.

  About the Author

  Marianne Rice writes contemporary romances set in small New England towns. Her heroes are big and strong, yet value family and humor, while her heroines are smart, sexy, sometimes a little bit sassy, and are often battling a strong internal conflict. Together, they deal with real life issues and always, always, find everlasting love. When she’s not writing, Marianne spends her time buying shoes, eating chocolate, chauffeuring her herd of children to their varying sporting events, and when there’s time, relaxing with fancy drinks and romance books. Connect with her on Facebook or visit her website at www.mariannerice.com

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