Sparks & Cabin Fever Read online

  SPARKS

  &

  CABIN FEVER

  by

  Susan K. Droney

  TORRID BOOKS

  www.torridbooks.com

  Published by

  TORRID BOOKS

  www.torridbooks.com

  An Imprint of Whiskey Creek Press LLC

  Copyright © 2015 by Susan K. Droney

  Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 (five) years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

  Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  ISBN: 978-1-63355-657-7

  Credits

  Cover Artist: Vinessa Riley

  Editor: Sara Kent

  Printed in the United States of America

  WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT

  HIDDEN DESIRES

  “The twists and turns of the plot had this reviewer going. Why didn’t I think of this one? A lot of the happenings in this story are planted so precisely and quietly that you never see it coming until it hits you in the face. Thumbs up to Ms. Droney on this aspect!

  “Overall, a definite good read. There is something for everyone. Thrills, chills, romance, and relationships in all its diversity.”

  Zee

  Enchanting Reviews

  4 enchantments

  CABIN FEVER

  “Ms. Droney really packs a punch with this short, sizzling read. Kayla’s a woman who knows her own heart and desires and she wants Lucas. The dialogue between them is easy and realistic and you’ll definitely be able to understand why they’re attracted to each other.”

  Trang Black

  Just Erotic Romance Reviews

  4 Stars

  Heat Level: H

  “In Cabin Fever, Ms. Droney has penned a short erotic tale that promises to warm you up. The sex is detailed and hot, and the premise interesting.”

  Reviewed by: Char

  4 Stars

  Excellent

  “Cabin Fever is a fun and carnal story of what happens when the power goes out and animal lust comes to the fore. Kayla and Lucas share some strong chemistry and really light up the pages when they interact together.”

  Sarah W.

  Fallen Angels Reviews

  HEARTS ON FIRE

  “This is an interesting love story, with complications that reach down to the emotional levels. The flow is smooth, the characters well described, and well expressed family units of love and caring, with spicy sex.”

  Reviewed by: Polly

  MayReviews.com

  4 Stars

  Excellent

  “Hearts on Fire, is a heart-warming and charming tale of four women who have loved, lost and found themselves in a place to love again. The romance between the couples is hot, steamy and incredibly heartfelt. I thought this was a fabulous story that showed the different aspects of relationships, in various stages of development and portrayed them in such a true to life manner that you couldn’t help but love them all. Ms. Droney has a style of writing that’s smooth, compelling, classy, and leaves the reader feeling satisfied.”

  Tammy

  Fallen Angel Reviews

  4 Angels

  “Hearts on Fire is a richly detailed book. All the secondary characters get their moments of glory as well. There are multiple relationships and secondary storylines running throughout this book. All the storylines are skillfully intertwined, with plenty of emotion running through them all. Romantic and filled with emotion. Hearts on Fire is an ideal book for a cold autumn night, tucked up next to the fire.”

  Michelle Naumann

  Just Erotic Romance Reviews

  “Hearts on Fire is a passionate, well written novella. The conversations between two of the main characters, Brianna and Chandler, are thought provoking and inspiring. The close ties depicted by Brianna's family shows how most adversities can be dealt with providing they hold maturity, love and understanding within. All in all, Hearts on Fire, is a gorgeous tale that will warm you from head to toe and, most possibly, will drive you to distraction.”

  Carrie White

  One Reviewer

  “Susan K. Droney is a fabulous writer with a lot of talent for bringing out her characters and painting their emotions with words. Her writing flows smoothly; the plot twists and turns without losing focus on what is really at stake for Brianna and her friends, as well as her aunt. This reviewer highly recommends this contemporary story. It has all the elements of great romance: sexual heat, love, as well as drama. Although classed as erotic, Hearts On Fire is sex with not only plot, but class. The sexual scenes are well plotted and while they are HOT, they are also dramatic and thought provoking.”

  Angie

  Love Romances

  “Accepting the faults of your close friends is easy – the hard part is coming to terms with your own. Hearts on Fire provides a very true to life picture of the interaction of many women. The situations that they find themselves in can happen. Mingled through these difficult life lessons is quite a charming romance. When the women finally learn to accept their lives as they are, not as they believe them to be, some very positive changes occur. Be prepared for some spicy sex scenes. Quite an enjoyable and insightful afternoon read.”

  Naomi

  Fallen Angel Reviews

  TORRID TEASERS VOLUME 53: CHRISTMAS DREAMS & THE FIX-IT MAN

  “Torrid Teasers 53: Christmas Dreams & The Fix-It Man consists of two short stories about unique couples who find love in the last place they expected. Susan K. Droney presents each story so that readers care about the characters and can easily empathize with their situations.

  “I genuinely enjoyed the good natured friendship by all the characters in this tale. Morgan and Davis's friendship is apparent right from the start and they seem to genuinely enjoy just being together. Because they've been such good friends for so long they’ve missed the connection and never made the leap from friends to lovers. Christmas Dreams is a fun tale with emotional angst and plenty of Christmas spirit to give hope to hopeless romantics everywhere.

  “The Fix-It Man What a fun tale! Madison’s friends Gwen and Lucy really liven things up with their ongoing discussions about Lucy’s sex life and their butting into Madison’s lack of one. I loved how the friends interact amongst each other but especially enjoy how they support each other.”

  Chrissy Dionne

  Romance Junkies

  Other Books by Author Available at Whiskey Creek Press:

  www.whiskeycreekpress.com

  Hearts on Fire

  Hidden Desires

  Torrid Teasers Volume 53

  Weekend Swap

  Sparks

  by

  Susan K. Droney

  “Next!” Stefani called. She watched the tall, handsome, muscular, dark haired man make his way to her counter. His walk was more of a swagger and he did it well. Her eyes moved behind him to the line of customers waiting their turn. She noticed the women's eyes were glued to his backside with every step he took. She made a mental note to look when he left the counter.

  He was a stranger in town. Garden Grove was a small close-knit community with less than three thousand peo
ple. And since Stefani worked at the post office, she became familiar with any new inhabitants who came in to set up mail delivery.

  He smiled broadly. “I need a post office box.”

  Stefani became lost in his dazzling, penetrating, dark eyes. He had wide shoulders with muscular biceps bulging from the brown pullover he wore. The sleeves were pushed up exposing long strong arms. He wore a pair of black jeans that looked tailor made for him. The brown cowboy boots adorning his feet looked expensive.

  “Ma'am?”

  Stefani's face reddened as she realized she'd been staring at him. She quickly composed herself as she pulled a form from a drawer under the counter and handed it to him. “If you'll fill this out over there,” she pointed to a long counter in the back of the small post office,” then bring it back to me.” She smiled hoping the curve of her lips didn't make her look like a drooling idiot.

  She watched him swagger over to the counter she'd pointed out and knew why the women in line had ogled his ass. It was nice. She couldn't take her eyes off him…well, his ass. He propped an elbow on the counter, grabbed the pen hooked to a chain, and began printing the required information.

  “Stefani, do you need help with something?”

  Stefani realized she was ignoring the line of patrons. She pried her eyes away from the stranger and turned her head toward her co-worker, Kathie Tollinger, who worked at the counter next to Stefani's. “No. Thank you.” She quickly composed herself and motioned for the next in line.

  Stefani smiled pleasantly as she waited on the next two customers. Her eyes, every few seconds, glanced sideways at the gorgeous man filling out the form. All sorts of questions ran through her mind. Why had he come to Garden Grove? Most people had never even heard of the small town. In fact, it didn't even show up on a map. She'd never once thought about moving away from Garden Grove. She loved it here.

  Unfortunately, many had left after the closure of Ware Factory, which had employed the majority of the populace of Garden Grove. Job prospects were dismal and Stefani thanked her lucky stars for her job at the post office. Without it, she, too, may have been forced to leave the town she adored.

  Garden Grove might not have the allure of big cities, but Stefani couldn't imagine living anywhere else, even with the loss of the once thriving businesses. She loved the wide-open spaces where she could wander through the parks and woods with grass under her feet. She loved her close-knit community even though everyone knew everyone else's business. Still, if anyone had a catastrophe befall them, the whole town would turn out to help in any way they could. There was no place on earth she'd rather be.

  This good-looking stranger would certainly have tongues wagging. By tonight, the whole town would be buzzing about why this gorgeous specimen had come to Garden Grove. The single women would be scurrying around trying to find out if he was married, where he was staying, and then devise ways to run into him. Stefani smiled smugly. She'd learn his address just as soon as he brought those trim hips back to her counter and handed her the completed form. Of course, that information was strictly confidential, but she'd at least have the inside scoop on his address. She again glanced dreamily in his direction. No man had ever stirred such an emotion in her.

  “Stefani…Stefani!”

  Stefani blinked and then quickly collected herself. She realized she'd been ignoring another customer. She had to keep herself in check. Enough with letting this man seize her emotions. She offered the elderly woman a feeble smile. “I'm sorry, Mrs. Norton. I don't know where my mind is today.”

  “Well, it certainly isn't on your work,” Mrs. Norton retorted. “I need a stamp.” She lightly patted the side of her perfectly coiffed silver hair. “I'm in a bit of a hurry. I have several errands to run this afternoon before my lessons.”

  Stefani pulled open a drawer. “Here you go.” She handed the stamp to the woman and watched her as she examined it and then attached the stamp to the envelope. “Will there be anything else?”

  “Let me think.” The woman's eyes narrowed as she pulled on her chin.

  Stefani impatiently tapped her foot as she waited for Mrs. Norton to decide. So much for being in a hurry, she thought. She'd known Mrs. Norton her entire life. The elderly woman had taught music classes at the local elementary school. Since retiring several years ago, she now spent most of her time giving piano lessons.

  Stefani glanced at Kathie, who was handing a receipt to a customer. No one else was currently in line. The Garden Grove Post Office only employed two clerks at the counter during the week and one on Saturdays. When it was slow, which was frequently, they took turns helping the other three employees who sorted mail in the back. Stefani hoped the handsome stranger wouldn't finish the form and go to Kathie's counter since Mrs. Norton was still standing in front of Stefani's counter. She had told him to return it to her, but if she was busy he'd most likely assume that Kathy could take care of it.

  “No, I don't need anything else today, Stefani,” Mrs. Norton finally replied. “If I think of anything, I'll just wait until Monday when I come to pick up my mail.” She offered a friendly smile.

  Stefani smiled back and then quickly rang her up. She was relieved when she looked at the line and saw that two customers had wandered in and were now standing in line. Kathie motioned to a plump middle-aged woman with an armful of packages. The packages would keep Kathie busy for a few minutes. Mrs. Wilson must be sending more care packages to her twin daughters in college, Stefani thought. Her daughters were only three hours away, but to hear Nancy Wilson tell it, they might as well be three thousand miles away.

  Stefani gave the elderly woman her change. “Have a nice day, Mrs. Norton. I'll see you on Monday, then.”

  “You have a nice day, too, Stefani,” the woman said, and then turned away from the counter.

  “Stefani!” a pretty blonde panted as she rushed up to the counter, almost knocking Mrs. Norton over. “Sorry, Mrs. Norton,” she quickly apologized.

  Mrs. Norton frowned at Harper through slanted eyes, then turned up her nose and walked toward the door.

  “Where did you come from, Harper? I didn't see you arrive,” Stefani said, startled by the sudden intrusion of her best friend Harper Lewis. “And you cut in front of Mr. Barton. Get in line and I'll talk to you after I wait on him. He looks pissed,” she whispered. “Go on, Harper, get in line.”

  “He'll get over it.” Harper turned and waved an apologetic hand at the stern faced middle-aged man. “I'm sorry, Mr. Barton. I'll only be a minute. This is an emergency.” She turned back around grinning like a Cheshire cat. “Have I got news for you!”

  Stefani lifted a skeptical eyebrow. “So, what's the emergency? I've never heard of anyone having a post office emergency.”

  “There's a new man in town! He's absolutely gorgeous!” she squealed. “Wait until you see him! I had to stop in to tell you.”

  “Some emergency.”

  Harper shrugged. “I had to say something in order to get to the head of the line. Besides, I only have a few minutes.” She grinned. “I couldn't wait to tell you about him.”

  Stefani slowly shook her head as she peered into Harper's sparkling blue eyes. “You could have texted me during my lunch break or called me tonight.” She wasn't about to tell Harper that the hunk was in the post office at this very minute. She was surprised that Harper hadn't noticed him when she'd come in. Now she hoped that Harper didn't notice him when she left. She had to get rid of her and wait on Mr. Barton before Kathie finished with Mrs. Wilson and got the hunk for her next customer.

  “He's bound to come in here today to set up mail delivery or get a post office box.”

  “Or he could just be passing through town,” Stefani suggested. “Then he would have no reason to come to the post office.”

  “I glimpsed him coming out of the hardware store earlier this morning,” Harper replied. “Jake Brenner said he was in there buying up a lot of tools. He asked Jake if this was a nice place to settle down.” Her cheeks grew rosy. �
��Just wait until you see him and you'll agree with me that you've never seen such an absolutely gorgeous man in your entire life. He could be a movie star!”

  Stefani looked over at the counter where the man in question had been filling out the form. He had left the counter and was now walking toward the line. She held her breath and let it out, relieved, when Mr. Barton walked to where Kathie had motioned him. If she got rid of Harper now, the new man in town would be her next customer. “Harper—”

  “You have to tell me where he's staying when he comes in,” Harper said cutting in. She made a pouty face. “Please? I'd do it for you, Stef. You know I would.”

  Stefani sighed heavily. Getting rid of Harper wasn't so easy. She scanned the waiting area expecting to see the man in the line. He was gone. Her eyes darted around the room trying to locate him. “That still doesn't mean he'll stop in here today.”

  “But there's a good chance he might.”

  Stefani pressed her lips together. “Do you need any stamps or is there something I can assist you with?”

  Harper lifted her eyebrows. “Come on, Stef. Once you see him, you'll know what I'm talking about,” she said dreamily.

  Stefani was startled when her eyes finally located him. He suddenly appeared behind Harper. Her legs weakened at the sight of him. He smiled at her and her heart flip-flopped. His warm friendly eyes crinkled at the edges. She was sure the sparks shooting from her heart were visible to everyone in range. Her fingers trembled. She had to stay in control, but it wasn't easy. She drew a deep silent breath, which usually calmed her, but this time it didn't help. What was wrong with her? No man had ever had such an effect on her. It was an instant physical attraction, and an emotion she was unfamiliar with.

  “Did I mention that he's the sexiest man I've ever seen?” Harper's eyes smoldered with desire as she continued gushing about him.

  Stefani cleared her throat and motioned with her eyes, hoping Harper would pick up her signal to stop talking. But Harper was so caught up in her excitement that she didn't notice. “Harper, I think—”