She is a pampered politician’s daughter.
A decorative ornament, raised to smile and nod and do what she’s told.
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Except… she doesn’t. Not with me. Ever.
In this city full of thugs and thieves, I’ve kept Aislinn safe.
From my enemies.
From me.
Until now.
https://www.taraleighbooks.com
About the Author
Tara Leigh is a multi-published author of steamy contemporary romance. A former banker on Wall Street, she graduated from Washington University and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School, but she much prefers spending her days with fictional boyfriends than analyzing financial spreadsheets. Tara currently lives in Fairfield County, Connecticut with her husband, children, and fur-baby, Pixie.
Website: https://www.taraleighbooks.com
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Whiskey & Roses
Kaylee Ryan
1
Rhett
I’m lying to my wife. Well, not technically, but I am keeping a secret from her—her and our youngest daughter, Lilah. That little bugger can’t keep a secret to save her life. The older kids are on board, and I’ve sworn them to secrecy. It’s crazy, but I feel like I’m cheating on her. I’m packing my phone everywhere I go and am constantly deleting messages and emails. She’s been eyeing me suspiciously for weeks, and it’s stressing me the fuck out. Thankfully, we only have one more day of this before we fill her in on what’s going on.
“Babe, are you even listening to me?” Saylor huffs.
“Sorry, lots going on today and my mind wandered off. What were you saying?”
“Gracie has practice tonight at five. Number Four has karate at five thirty. I’ll pick them all up from day camp at four.”
“What do I need to do?” I ask this because my wife keeps our family moving. Sixteen years and four kids later, and she still handles all of us with so much ease and a big-ass smile on her face. Never once has Saylor complained of too many practices or running around too much with the kids. She’s a mom and a taxi driver all in one, and she loves it.
She smiles. “Nothing. I just wanted to tell you what we were doing. I’ll have Nora and Lilah with me. I’ll probably bring home dinner.”
“I can cook,” I remind her.
“You’ve been working like crazy on that new line at the distillery. I think a relaxing night is what we all need.”
“If you change your mind, let me know.” I’m mentally going through my day for real this time, trying to see what I can cut out. An evening to wrap up any final plans is perfect.
“Kids,” she calls. “We’ve gotta go.”
The sound of four sets of feet pounding down the stairs makes me smile. I grew up visiting this house. As an only child, I always wished for a sibling to hang out with. Sadness washes over me anytime I think about those days. Gramps has been gone for five years now, and it never gets any easier. All of the kids got to know him except for Lilah; she was just one when he passed.
“Gracie, don’t forget your cleats,” Saylor reminds her as she wipes down the kitchen counter.