Decker (Torey Hope: The Later Years #1) (27 page)

(These books are the beginning of the Torey Hope books. The parents and grandparents in
Decker
are the main characters in these earlier books.)

A
Torey Hope Novel Series
starts with
For Nicky
. Meet and fall in love with Nate and Nicky Morgan, twin brothers. Find
For Nicky
here:
http://bit.ly/NickyAmazon

“Hey, Audrey, what’s up? Come in.” Audrey smiles, which seems a little fake, and comes on in. She’s dressed to the nines as usual. Heels, tight skirt, tighter shirt, hair styled much bigger than you’d think is possible. I can smell her perfume and hairspray as she walks past me. Who dresses like this for a normal day? Audrey does, obviously. She looks me up and down. “Are you going somewhere, Beth?”

I tell her I have a date. She looks pissed for a moment, then gives me a smile that doesn’t even begin to reach her eyes, and says, “Oh, that’s nice. Who’s the poor shmuck?”

Obviously, she’s baiting me, but I don’t think quickly enough and I just reply, “Nathaniel Morgan.”

Audrey rolls her eyes. “Beth, sweetie, I’m going to try to say this in the nicest/sisterly love type of way. But, Nathan Morgan is way out of your league. You are dressed in a flannel shirt, you might as well wear a sign that says ‘frumpy’ on the front and ‘won’t ever get laid’ on the back. Nate is an animal in bed, I should know. He needs sex. I doubt you’re giving it to him yet. If you ever decide to try sex again, it will probably be as bad as it was with Austin. Not because Nate isn’t good, because the good Lord knows that man is G.O.O.D in bed, but there’s no way your ‘basically a virgin’ body can live up to what he’s used to. Hell, the boy wore ME out and I have as much experience as he does, if not more. I’m not sure why he’s hung around this long. Maybe he sees you as a challenge. Yeah, maybe he’s decided to string you along long enough to get in your pants, but, Beth, he’s not going to stick around. Nate needs hot sex, a variety of girls, no strings. I don’t want you to get hurt when he fucks you and leaves you. Oh, God, Beth, seriously, stop with the teary puppy-dog eyes. I’m just telling you the truth.” ~Libby {Beth} Decker
in
For Nicky

The sequel to
For Nicky
,
Because of Beckett
(this is Audrey’s story and as much as you hate her in
For Nicky
, you will find yourself liking her in
Because of Beckett
and you will fall in love with Jeremiah Jordan!) Find
Because of Beckett
here:
http://bit.ly/BeckettAmazon

The one girl he should stay as far away from as possible, the one girl who had made him feel more alive in one evening than he had in several years, the one girl who threatened his well-designed single-dad, good role model position in life was Audrey Decker. Instead of letting her off the hook and planning the party himself, he had practically begged her to stick with it and all but promised her there would be no problems. That was all well and good, he was truly glad she was going to take the party, except for one small problem, he hadn’t been able to get her out of his mind; he couldn’t stop thinking of those gorgeous blue eyes or her beautiful hair or luscious curves. His heart jumped into his throat when he saw her walking toward the shelter house; his breath hitched in his chest when her hand touched his knee; he wanted to hold her hand and start right back where they had left off the other night. But, they’d agreed that this was a business deal only, so he wouldn’t complicate it. They’d get through the party and move on. They were living in the same town; they’d surely see each other. Jeremiah was determined to keep things cool between them so that the party would be a success and they could be friendly toward each other in social settings.

And then, he watched her eyes light up as she knelt down and opened her arms to Beckett. He was gone; hook, line, sinker. Audrey didn’t strike him as the type to be particularly caring towards anyone, let alone a child with special needs. But, there she was, on her knees, hugging his son… How was it, the woman he had just promised he wouldn’t pursue, was on the ground hugging his child like his real mother never had? Jeremiah’s gut clenched at the thought. He wanted this woman in his life. But, she’d made it clear that she wasn’t interested and Jeremiah wondered if he had lost his chance to indicate any interest. So, he decided he’d have to settle for having her in his life as a friend.
~Jeremiah Jordan in
Because of Beckett

The families celebrate the holidays in
Christmas in Torey Hope, A Novella
. Love and family and friendship abounds and readers get to learn of the older couples’ love stories. Find
Christmas in Torey Hope
here:
http://bit.ly/ChristmasAmazon

“Libby-girl, you never cease to amaze me. That was amazing.” He kissed her and they proceeded to clean up and redress. “Now, we better get back to the house before everyone knows what I’ve been doing to you.” Nate winked.

Libby’s cheeks blushed but she said, “Nate, I’m pretty sure this is exactly what your mom had in mind when she sent us away for a bit.”

“Well then, I’ll have to sincerely thank my momma!” Nate kissed her lips as they headed back out the door, locking it soundly behind them.

*****

“Uh, Mom, I’m all for reminiscing and I know you and Dad love each other, but could we please keep it G-rated. For the love of all that is good, please don’t make me listen to sex stories involving you two.” Jeremiah shuddered but smiled good-naturedly at his mother.

“What? We all had to see you and Audrey and Nate and Libby come in here glowing after your little 45 minute romp; I think a little steamy romance story about your dad and I would serve you right.” Judy laughed at her son’s expression. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep it clean.” The whole group laughed at Jeremiah’s visible relief.

*****

Before the story could get started, Nate cleared his throat and said, “Mom, Dad, let’s keep in mind that I’ve walked in on the two of you in some compromising positions that are now burned into my delicate mind; please don’t add anymore trauma to my already scarred psyche.” Everyone laughed at Nate’s statement. “You all think I’m joking but I’m really not. You don’t know the images that still float through my mind.” Nate teased his parents and pulled Libby against him as they settled onto one of the couches.

Loving Josie
is a story of second chance love for two lost souls. This is a standalone novel in
A Torey Hope Novel Series
, so you can read it without reading the first books. Find
Loving Josie
here:
http://bit.ly/LovingJosieAmazon

“What the hell are you thinking, Josie Decker?” This from Audrey. She continued, “I just left my house after calling in my reinforcements here. Did you know Kyle’s over at my house talking to Jeremiah? He’s all dressed up, pierced up, tatted up, bleached up, and styled up. Do you know why? He’s got a date. Oh, but that’s right, you already knew he had a date, didn’t you?!”

When I didn’t respond, because I wasn’t sure if this was a rhetorical question or not, she powered on. “It was bad enough when you bought a house with the man. But now you’re going to ‘pretend date’ him?! This isn’t a good thing, Josie. If he weren’t so fucked up, I would be cheering you on. And, honestly, I think dating you would be truly good for him. But, he’s so damn stubborn, I worry he’ll never let go of the notion that he can’t love you the way you deserve and, in the end, you’re going to end up being hurt.” ~Josie Decker
in
Loving Josie

Turning me around he tipped my chin up, “We need to talk, Jo. Some things have changed. No more practice dating. No more stopping kisses and pretending they shouldn’t happen. I want to see more than my ink on you; I want to see me on you.” With that final comment he brought his mouth down on mine. This kiss was different than all of the others had been. This kiss was all Kyle, he was holding nothing back.
~Josie Decker
in
Loving Josie

This recipe comes from the 1971 Better Homes and Gardens cookbook and has been used by the author’s mother for almost 40 years.

Pastry crust:

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

2/3 cup shortening (author’s mom uses lard instead and it’s much better!)

5-7 tbsp ICE cold water

Sift flour and salt together; cut in shortening with pastry blender till pieces are the size of small peas.

Sprinkle 1 tbsp water over part of the mixture.

Gently toss with fork; push to side of bowl. Repeat until all is moistened.

Form into a ball for each pie

Flatten on lightly floured surface by pressing with edge of hand 3 times in both directions.

Roll from center to edge til 1/8 inch thick

Fit pastry into pie plate, trim ½ to 1 inch beyond edge

This is a lattice top pie, to make the lattice top:

Roll remaining dough out

Cut strips of pastry ½ to ¾ inch wide with knife

Lay strips on filled pie at 1-inch intervals

Fold back alternating strips as you weave cross strips

Trim lattice even with outer rim of pie plate, fold lower crust over lattice strips and

pinch/flute the edges

Cherry Pie Filling

¾ cup juice from cherries

1 cup sugar

2 TBSP quick-cooking tapioca

3 cups canned pitted tart red cherries (water pack)

3-4 drops almond extract

1 bottom pastry, 1 lattice top pastry

1 TBSP butter

BAKE at 400 degrees for 50-55 minutes.

This is always one of the hardest parts of finishing a book, but quite possibly the most important part! It’s so hard because I fear I’ll miss someone who has helped me out, supported me, been a listening ear, or offered advice and encouragement. If I miss listing your name here, please know it wasn’t on purpose and I love you dearly!

To my editor, Stephanne, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sharp eyes and professionalism. You were a gift to me over 9 years ago, and you continue to be a blessing.

To my friend, fellow author, and cover designer, Andrea Michelle at Artistry in Design. Thank you for taking my vision and bringing it to life through your design. I love you!

To my dear beta readers. We’ve grown in numbers recently, but all of your input and feedback and encouragement has proven invaluable to me! I truly trust you all and value your opinions more than you’ll probably ever understand.

To my street team/pimpers. Those of you who list me in contests and comments and shout outs all the time, you’re amazing and I love you for always working to get my name out there! If I start naming people here, I’ll be sure to miss some; just know if you’ve ever shared my name or my books, it means the world to me and I appreciate you more than you’ll ever know!

To my READERS!! Without you, there would have never been a third book, let alone a fifth book! Thank you for loving Torey Hope and the characters as much as I do; knowing you are looking forward to another book is a lot of what keeps me writing some days. As long as these stories are in my head, I’ll keep sharing them with you.

To the BLOGGERS who read and review and share my books!! You are beyond a shadow of a doubt some of the most dedicated and selfless people I’ve ever known! Thank you so much for being such a support to those of us who have stories to tell. I love BLOGGERS!

To my girls at The Indie Erogenous Zone. You are beyond fellow authors, you’re my support, my heart, my friends. There have been days I wanted to give up, but I had you to turn to; days when a bad review breaks my heart, but I talk it out with you. I truly consider you all my close friends and I wouldn’t want to be facing this crazy journey without you! IEZ4Life! T&F girls!

To my Juice Box ladies! Thank you so much for welcoming me into your crew and sharing your knowledge, experience, advice, and fun with me! Having some real-life authors/friends I can collaborate with is a great feeling. Dance parties, lunches, movies, videos, wine, pizza…the list goes on and on! Thank you for letting me a Juice Boxer!

To my fellow authors. Those of you who read my work, share your work with me, cross-promote with me, and offer advice and support, THANK YOU! You make this a little easier and enjoyable.

A new addition to my acknowledgments list on this book: Brett. Your momma is one of my favorite readers and I lucked out when she introduced me to you! Your input on this book was beyond valuable. Every time I logged on to chat with you I found myself with a huge smile on my face because you’re such a great guy and so very fun to talk to! Thank you for answering my questions and reading my work.

To my family and friends. I know most of you don’t understand my obsession with getting these stories out of my head and on paper, but you’re proud of me either way. Some of you get to read my books, some of you get to see cover ideas, some of you have to watch me lose myself in a story, some of you have to hear me vent about the hard parts of all of this; all of you love me and support me and for that, I am truly lucky and grateful.