Title: Moon in Mazatlan
Author: C. L. Kraemer
ISBN: 978-1-62420-223-0
Email: clkraemer1@gmail.com
Genre: suspense
Excerpt Heat Level: 1
Book Heat Level: 4
TAGLINE
Follow
Detective Corey Williams on a fugitive hunt to Mexico with a Harley riding,
red-haired, tall reporter who is stealing his heart while getting the news
story of the year.
BLURB
Detective Corey Williams is
content with his small town Virginia home. Normally, his busiest night is Saturday, but when his best
friend’s ex-wife attempts to have him killed, Corey gives his promise to ensure
justice is served. Meeting a red-haired, Harley riding goddess has thrown a
wrench in his quiet staid life. Only one hiccup in this situation; the goddess
is a reporter. When the ex-wife of his friend flees the country, the reporter
makes sure she is right behind Detective Williams. He is oath bound to bring
the fugitive ex-wife back for trial. What he hadn’t counted on was falling for
the Harley riding reporter.
EXCERPT
Corey turned to the goddess residing next to him.
"Hello, I'm Corey." He'd stuck out his hand. The redhead surveyed him
head to toe. She took his hand in hers and firmly shook it.
"Riona Byrne."
The husky alto reply sent shivers up his back. He opened
his mouth to ask a question.
"Attention! Can I have everyone's attention?"
Someone at the head table was speaking into a handheld microphone. The room
quieted and Tom Manning stood up. "Hello, everyone. Most of you know me
but for those who don't, I'm Tom Manning. I've been Justin's best friend since
we were kids in grade school."
Everyone shouted, "Hi, Tom," then erupted into
laughter.
"To continue..." Tom grinned. "It wasn't
too long ago things looked pretty bleak around here. But thankfully, we've all
made it through and are here today to celebrate the wedding of Justin and Diane
Anderson, two people who, this time last year, were determined not to get married
again. Aren't we glad they changed their minds?"
Guests whistled and clapped.
"If you'll all raise your glasses, please." Tom
lifted his champagne glass to the newlyweds. "To Justin and Diane… I wish
you a lifetime of happiness and whatever success you desire. May you never go
to bed angry and may you always find laughter in your lives. Cheers!"
The room was filled with the sound of clinking glasses
and applause. Corey turned to the enchantress he'd just met and found himself
facing an empty seat. He sighed. Today is just not my day.
The call went out for all unmarried men to assemble in
the center of the room. Corey struggled out of his chair to join a small group
of young boys and grandfathers in the center of the reception room. The wedding
garter was removed and tossed to the rowdy group. Absently, he put his hand up
and choked when the garter landed in his palm. Great. Just what I need… the
threat of marriage, again.
He looked to the head table to find Riona smirking at
him. The unmarried women were commanded to appear on the floor, and Corey
watched closely to see if the enchantress would respond. He smiled to himself.
She was easy to spot standing head and shoulders taller than the other women.
He easily related to her slightly bored expression. She doesn't want to spoil
this for Justin and Diane any more than I do.
The center of the room began to bubble with giggles and
jostling for position, except for the tall redhead who stood at the back of the
group, tightly crossed arms supporting her impressive bust line. The bride
turned her back to the rowdy group, and on the shouted count of three threw the
bouquet over her head. The crowd rushed forward to capture the prize but it
sailed over everyone's head and landed in Riona's folded arms. Corey exploded
in laughter at the shocked expression on her face. A camera flash caught the
moment. Straightening to her full five foot eleven inches of height, she bowed
from the waist and proceeded back to the head table.
"Who the hell came up with these archaic traditions
anyway?" she growled as she plopped into the chair.
"I have no clue, but I don't think they're going
away anytime soon," Corey said.
"I could live without everyone giving me flak about
being single," she said.
"I know what you mean. Everybody has a cousin
they're sure you need to meet. Not all of us have a desire to be married,"
Corey said.
"Boy, have you got that right! I've done damn well
without a husband so far, and it doesn't look like I'll be having too many
problems in the future requiring one," Riona responded.
"Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention
please," the DJ announced. "The bride and groom will start this dance
alone. On my signal I'd like the wedding party to join them on the floor then
the rest of you can come out and dance. Justin? Diane? If you please?"
The newlyweds floated to the center of the floor and
began gliding when the music started. They had danced for a few minutes when
the DJ asked the rest of the wedding party to join them on the floor.
"I guess that means us." Corey turned to Riona,
saying hopefully, "I'll understand if you say no. I haven't danced in
nearly ten years. I could do some major damage on your feet."
"No, that's fine. Let's not spoil the day for our
friends. Shall we?" Riona nodded to the dance floor.
Corey rose from his chair and moved to help her. He
offered his arm and, with Corey limping, they walked on to the dance floor. Tom
Manning had taken Justin's daughter as his partner and was twirling her around
the floor. Corey turned to Riona and froze. He stood eye to eye with the
elegant beauty. Oh, Lord! I've forgotten how to do this!
Riona moved into him and, placing one hand on his
shoulder, the other in his hand, began to move him around the floor.
"I can't believe I've forgotten how this is
done," Corey moaned.
"Don't worry. It's like a bike. You crawl on, kick
start the engine, and it will all come back to you," she smiled at him for
the first time.
He caught his breath at the difference the smile made on
her features. She is so gorgeous. I'd never stand a chance with her. Those dark
eyes and luscious lips are so—so captivating. If I don't stop staring at her,
I'll do something stupid like kiss her.
She turned her head and he noticed the dangling silver
earring touching against her shoulders. "Your earrings are very
beautiful—unicorns with an emerald?"
"You have a good eye for jewelry. Yes, I had the
necklace," she touched her hand to her neck, "and Diane made me a
gift of the earrings as thanks for helping her with the wedding."
"They're really beautiful," he said. The
emerald Harley with unicorn tank, unicorn earrings with emerald eyes; I really
hope I'm wrong.
"Thank you. By the way, is there a reason for the
limp?" she asked.
"My feet are killing me. My best friend decided to
marry on the hottest day of the year and force me to wear these wretched shoes,
which don't breathe; hence, my feet are swelling. I don't have any problem when
I wear my cowboy boots. Right now, I can't feel my feet. Please tell me I
haven't stepped on your toes," he said.
"Nah, you haven't gotten me yet. Listen, I hope you
don't mind but I've an early morning appointment and I need to get some beauty
sleep. Can we continue this another time?" she asked; the low sexy tones
of her voice barely audible over the music.
"Oh, sure. I've a long day tomorrow and should
probably think about my own beauty sleep. Shall we?" Corey motioned for
her to lead them back to their chairs.
"Finally. I can change to some comfortable
clothes," she smiled and moved toward the exit door.
Man, I'm an idiot. I should have asked if she wanted to
have coffee sometime. Boy, did I blow my chances. Corey grabbed the coffee
container on the table and poured himself a cup. I should go home and get some
rest, but I can sleep anytime. It's so great to see Justin and Diane happy.
They deserve this.
He watched his friend dance with his wife. The couple
stared dreamily at each other, oblivious to the crowd around them. The music
stopped and a comfortable silence settled on the room. Corey watched a tall
figure stride cross the empty dance floor. Clad in black leather from boots to
headscarf, the figure leaned over and grabbed the microphone from the DJ.
Corey's stomach lurched.
"I need someone to give me a ride to the police
station. My Harley's been stolen," the figure removed the glasses and
scarf.
Corey groaned when he saw the flash of red hair. I wish
my instincts hadn't been right this time.
It was Riona Byrne.
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