Spotlight: Small Town, Big Secrets by Elsie Davis
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Publication Date: June 8, 2020
Genres: Adult, Entangled: Bliss, Contemporary, Romance, Fake Relationship, Marriage of Convenience
To save her son, shy but determined waitress Becky McAllister would do just about anything. But she never expected “anything” to include the brother of the man who broke her heart.
Steve Parker needs a wife, now, if he has any hopes of winning his local DA election and becoming the advocate for the underserved he’s always dreamed of being. The sweet waitress seems like just the person—if he can get her to agree.
One year of marriage—no strings, no personal attachments. Becky gets the insurance funds she needs for her son’s surgery while Steve’s poll ratings soar. Neither planned on a commitment in their future, so they should have no problem making it through the year without getting emotionally involved, right?
Except Becky’s holding on to a secret from her past—one that would change everything.
Excerpt
Becky reached into her purse and pulled out the baggie with her peanut butter and jelly sandwich she’d fixed for herself this morning. No such thing as a leisurely lunch today. She pulled out the first half, the sticky red jelly coming out the sides and getting all over her fingers. She licked the outer edges to catch the strawberry goo before it dripped onto her clothes.
She reached for the napkin tucked in the front pocket of her purse and yanked it out, but in doing so, the papers from the doctor’s office she’d shoved there earlier came out with the napkin and fell to the ground. Sandwich in one hand, she juggled her purse and stooped down to grab the papers. Her day couldn’t get any worse.
She stood and rounded the corner, colliding with the hulking chest of a man, her sandwich firmly smushed between them. The man’s arms came around her, preventing her from falling.
Apparently, her day could get worse.
“I’m so sorry.” Becky stepped back, getting her first good look at the guy she’d broadsided.
“Are you okay?” Mr. Business Executive asked, letting his hands drop when he realized she wasn’t in danger of falling flat on her face.
Of course, it had to be a guy who looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine. Dark, wavy hair cut in a roguish style and brushed off to the side. His olive complexion had nothing to do with sun. Chocolate brown eyes, a cleanly shaven face, and a strong jaw completed the picture. Swoon worthy.
But there was nothing swoon worthy about the peanut butter and jelly now plastered across his suit coat, shirt, and tie. This was a day she clearly should have stayed in bed. And judging by the man’s frown as he gazed down at the mess she’d made of his clothes, he would agree.
“I’m fine. I’m so sorry. Here, let me help.” Using her napkin, she began to wipe at his shirt. Each stroke only smeared the gooey mixture worse, turning his blue shirt an ugly brownish-red color, making him smell like he’d plastered peanut butter on as aftershave this morning.
The man reached up to grasp her hand, stopping her from doing any more damage than she’d already done. “I’m not sure that’s helping,” he said with a laugh. His smile reached his eyes, the corners crinkling. Way better than a frown.
Becky was mesmerized for just a moment, lost in the kindness of his expression. Most people would’ve been furious with her, but not this guy. “I feel awful.”
“Where were you in such a hurry to go? Or do you just make a habit of meeting people in unorthodox ways?” The warm sound of his laugh was pleasing, his joke at a time like this catching her off guard.
“My job,” she said. “And this isn’t good. I can’t be late—or any later than I already am. I’ve really got to run. Is there anything I can do to make this up to you?”
“I’ll get it handled. Don’t worry. I’d hate for you to be late for work.” The man removed his suitcoat.
“Are you sure? I could go get some water and more napkins…” She’d been late far too often trying to manage Byron’s care and doctor’s visits, but she didn’t feel right leaving him like this.
“I’m sure.”
Becky exhaled, her breath coming out as one big whoosh. “Thank you for being so understanding.” She turned to leave, but then she paused, half twisting back around. “And no, I don’t make a habit of bumping into people, for the record.”
“I’m glad to hear it. I won’t have to keep an eye out for you while I’m in town.”
His laughter continued to ring in her ears as she hurried down the sidewalk, stopping only to toss the rest of her sandwich in the trashcan on the corner.
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About the Author
Elsie Davis discovered the world of Happily-Ever-After romance at the age of twelve when she began avidly reading Barbara Cartland, the Queen of Romance, and has been hooked ever since. After building her dream log home on top of a small mountain, she turned her attention to do what she loves most, writing. An award-winning author and active member of RWA, she writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense. She writes from her heart, hoping to share a little love in a big world. She will never forget the moment of exhilaration when she first got the email offering her a contract for publication. A moment that has repeated itself, and one that keeps her energized and moving forward.
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