The Intern (11 page)

A friend of my mom was over when the detective came over to ask her questions. She took us out of the room, so I didn’t hear anything my mother told me, but this report outlined the conversation.

She confessed that my dad was in debt to another man, but she claimed not to know who. My father had gotten into some financial issues and was working on re-paying him. She said it was months ago, and the report said police weren’t sure if they were linked or not to the shooting.

Another part of the report said the bullets were analyzed by technicians and were being put through the database for any matches to another crime. I know from my previous research that this was to cross-analyze to other shootings, but the results weren’t posted in the report.

I click out of the folder to search through the evidence folder when I hear footsteps in the hallway. I quickly click out of everything and hold in my breath, but my heart speeds up as I start plotting my way out of this.

Without making the chair squeak, I quietly push backward and dip down underneath the desk. I squeeze under the desk and pull the chair in as much as possible. He can’t know I’m in here.

*   *   *

B
entley

I wake up with the taste of her still in my mouth. The way her body tastes drives me insane. Everything about her makes me want more. The firmness of her breasts, the taste of her coming on my lips, the way her body tightens around me has me desperately craving more of her.

I’m thirsty as hell and decide I need to get up and grab something to drink. I roll over to kiss Ceci, but feel the cold bed under my hand instead. Her side is empty, and I start panicking that she’s left.

My memory starts flashing back to the night’s events. My heart beats faster as I think about Ceci and her body pressed up against mine—her stunning face, mouth, and legs. She’s fucking gorgeous.

The way she gave in to me, screamed for me, and released with me starts getting my cock hard again. If this is what being with Ceci is going to be like, I’m going to have a permanent boner.

I find my briefs on the floor and put them on before going out the door. I stumble to the kitchen and grab a bottle of water. I chug the entire thing before throwing it out and start walking back down the hallway. I expect to see the bathroom light on, but it isn’t. I drove her here so she couldn’t have possibly left.

Unless she snuck out purposely.

The thought makes my blood boil. Leaving me like a one-night stand when I have clearly made her mine... My hands turn to fists as I walk down the hall to look for her.

I open the bathroom door, but it’s empty.

“Ceci?” I call. No response.

I continue walking down to my office. The door is closed, but I step in any way.

The room is still and silent as I expect it to be, but I call for her again anyway. “Ceci, you here?”

Nothing.

Fucking A.

Rage builds inside me as I imagine the worst.
She fucking bailed.

I should’ve expected it.

They always do.

I start storming out of my office when something near my desk catches my eye.

Part of my white sheet.

It’s peeking underneath my desk. I look up at my office chair and see it’s not pulled in all the way.

She’s hiding.

––––––––

The End of Volume One

###

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*   *   *

The Riverside Trilogy

Kitchen Affairs, Book #1

Kitchen Scandals, Book #2

Kitchen Promises, Book #3

or grab the complete box set!

-All available now-

The Spark Series

Spark, Book #1

Burn, Book #2

Flame, Book #3 (Companion novel)

or grab the complete box set!

-All available now-

The Intern Serials

Vol. 1-3

Full-Length Novels Coming Soon

Bad Girlfriend

Mockingbird

Whisper

Blurred Lines

Brooke Cumberland is a
U
SA Today
Bestselling author who's a stay-at-home mom and writes full-time. She lives in the frozen tundra of Packer Nation with her husband, 3-year-old wild child, and two teenage stepsons. When she's not writing, you can find her reading love stories, listening to music that inspires her, and laughing with her family. Brooke is addicted to Starbucks' Caramel Macchiato’s, yoga pants, and sweets. She found her passion for telling stories during winter break one year in grad school—and she hasn't stopped since.

You can find Brooke on

Facebook

Twitter @blcumberland

www.brookecumberland.com

www.Pinterest.com/bcumberland8

I
truly don’t even know where to start. There are just so many wonderful people that have helped me along this journey. So many that have been with me since the start, so many new ones. It definitely takes a village to write and promote a book. This is no “one-person” task. Not only that, it takes hours and hours of hard work. And not just from me. Betas, fans, bloggers, my editor, my PR - Christine, AKA “Brooke’s Bitch,” and my cover designer, Sommer, AKA “Brooke’s Bitch #2.” They’re getting matching shirts made, too. Nicole, my new teaser-making genius. I mean, I could go on and on. It really takes a heaping amount of people to make this happen and for that, I am truly and humbly grateful.

My wonderful betas, you are truly sent from God. That’s my only explanation for how amazing you are, how you give great feedback, make me a better writer, and your unconditional support. I’m so truly thankful for you all. *Warm fuzzies*

To my author support 101 group – there are so many of you, but I feel like I “know” you. We’re not just a group of friends, we’re family. We truly want the best for each other. That’s what I love about it. We boost each other up when we’re down, fist-bump when one of us does amazing, and encourage one another when things aren’t going as planned. It’s my go-to group every day, and I love each and everyone of you. *kisses*

Erika Ashby, Christine Stanley, Megan Noelle, Tabby Coots-

I feel like I wake up to one of you four every morning and go to bed with you every night. Without you four, my life would be just a shell. You’ve been a support system, a quirky bunch, friends that are more like family.

Erika – Thanks for befriending another
Night Owl
fangirl and fangirling with me. It’s become so much more than that. Support and a good face slap when necessary. I value our friendship so much. I might have an attachment issue. Just a FYI for you.

Christine AKA BB#1 – Thanks for stalking me for your blog. Probably the best stalker in the world. Thanks for ALL you do, which is a ton! You’re an amazing friend and badass PR. Thanks for boosting me up when I’m “grumpy” and giving me virtual wine and chocolate. *Many kisses.*

Megan – You’re the J to my PB sandwich. So happy that we were able to find each other online and connect. I consider you a close friend and value all the support from you. So thank you! *hugs and kisses*

Tabby – You’ve been with me for a
long
time. Ever since Spark you’ve been my #1. You are so supportive, so helpful, so sweet. You’ve become my beta reader, my brainstorming partner, my friend. Thanks for putting up with me all this time. Thanks for continuing to be my friend when I have my “less than nice” moments. And I wish you the absolute best luck & wishes on your writing career. *Huggies*

Whitney G. AKA My Professional Stalker - You’re a rockstar and I look up to you so much. You’re stronger than you realize and I admire your work ethics. Thank you for sharing your secret weapon with me! You’re so nice, so sweet, and so willing to help others around you. Can’t wait to meet you (
real
soon!) P.S. *side eye* Andrew is mine.

Brittainy C. – I knew you could do it. You’re amazing. You’re always so sweet and willing to  help your fellow authors. You’re awesome and an amazing friend. #WisconsitesUnite! Soon we will meet and drink ourselves in Starbuck caffeine and Chinese food.

Bloggers/Reviewers – Thank you for taking a chance on a 25,000 word serial novella. I know they aren’t for everyone, so thank you for giving it a chance and for giving
me
a chance. You’re kindness doesn’t go unnoticed and I’m very appreciative of it.

Readers – You are the real rock stars. Your love for books and authors amaze me. The energy you give into sharing and talking about books drives Indie authors like me to keep doing what we love to do. Word of mouth is so important and you don’t
have
to do it, yet you do for the love of books. So thank you for all you do. Thank you for loving books and indie authors and for your reviews. Thank you for being the reason indies can self-publish and live our dreams. *Lots of hugs and kisses all around*

To all the authors that let me interview them the week of my release – Kimberly Lauren, Rachel Van Dyken, Mia Sheridan, M. Pierce, Whitney Garcia Williams, Erika Ashby, Leah Raeder, and Caisey Quinn. Thank you for celebrating with me! Xoxo

Coming June 18, 2014

Cover reveal June 2, 2014

––––––––

My cock noticed her before I did.

She came out of nowhere.

Completely unexpected.

And I let her in...
unwillingly
.

But she gave me no choice.

She sledgehammered my thick walls, leaving me charmed by her knowledge, and seduced by her beauty.

I was captivated.

And now...it was about to tumble down in a tsunami of lies.

Uncertainty riveted my core as my anger spread...she was impossible to forget.

After all, she was still
my
intern.

Forbidden.

Lust.

Betrayal.

I felt all of those things for her at once. But only one would destroy us.

*The Intern is a three-part romantic suspense serial.*

Not suitable for readers under 18.