Her Dream Date Boss Read online

  “Can we wear them for the party?” Lottie asked her mom.

  Everyone turned to Sarah. Mae had noticed that Sarah was very loving and down-to-earth, but she also was always dressed impeccably and kept her house spotless. She wouldn’t want her family wearing goofy T-shirts, some of which would make no sense to an outsider, for a fancy dinner party.

  “It’s all right,” Mae started. “We can wear them another day.”

  “Of course we’re wearing them for the party,” Sarah said, smiling kindly at Mae. “Let’s go get changed; the guests will be here soon.”

  Slade directed Mae out one of the rear patio doors. There was a large outdoor tent set up outside with a buffet all ready. Mae could see heating elements under some of the food and other food containers on ice. “Wow. Your mom is ready for a party.”

  He tugged her close. “I’m only ready for you.” His voice dropped huskily. “I love you, Mae. Thank you for agreeing to marry me.”

  Mae laughed and cupped his jaw with one hand, her T-shirt balled in her other fist. “I love you, Slade. Thank you for asking.”

  The kiss they shared pushed everything else from her mind.

  When they heard laughter and throats clearing, they broke apart. Mae looked sheepishly around at a crowd of people she didn’t know. “Wow, the guests must’ve come early,” she murmured.

  “Everybody’s actually late,” Jex said from behind them.

  Mae laughed. “You try kissing him and you’d lose track of time too.”

  Jex pulled a face. “I’ll take your word for it.” He winked and strode off to greet some people.

  “Slade,” several of the group called out.

  He waved but stayed close to Mae.

  Mae held up her shirt. “Shall I go change?”

  Slade took it from her and tugged it over her head. Mae shrugged into the sleeves and laughed as the baggier T-shirt covered the top of her dress, but with a pink T-shirt and a red polka-dot dress, she looked ridiculous. She was meeting all of Slade’s close friends and family. Kit would be appalled.

  “I can’t wear it like this,” she protested.

  Slade kissed her softly and said, “You look perfect. I love you.” Then he took her hand and turned to start greeting people.

  Mae caught Sarah’s eye and pointed to her outfit. Sarah smiled and gave her a thumbs-up, looking classy and yet approachable in her t-shirt paired with a fitted blue skirt. Mae’s last fear disappeared. Slade’s family not only accepted her; they embraced her, quirky T-shirts and all.

  Slade squeezed her waist and grinned proudly at her as he introduced her to someone—she thought she heard “Senator” somewhere in the title. She realized she should be intimidated, but the distinguished-looking man had a large smile for her, and she shook his hand with her own smile in place. Slade was by her side. She could handle anything with his arm around her.

  I hope you loved Mae and Slade’s story. I had so much fun writing it. My husband told me I giggled as I wrote. I patterned sweet Lottie after my darling niece, Lexi Lynn, who brings so much light and love to our family.

  Kit’s story is also delightful and nonstop fun. Her Prince Charming Boss will be out soon, followed by Slade’s brother Preston’s story in the next Georgia Patriots Romance.

  Thank you so much for reading and all of the unreal support. I love my fans!

  Hugs,

  Cami

  About the Author

  Cami is a part-time author, part-time exercise consultant, part-time housekeeper, full-time wife, and overtime mother of four adorable boys. Sleep and relaxation are fond memories. She’s never been happier.

  Join Cami’s VIP list to find out about special deals, giveaways and new releases and receive a free copy of Rescued by Love: Park City Firefighter Romance by clicking here.

  Read on for a short excerpt of Cami’s latest Texas Titans Romance and the start of the Quinn Family Romance, The Devoted Groom: Quinn Family Romance.

  Happy reading!

  [email protected]

  www.camichecketts.com

  Excerpt - The Devoted Groom

  Bree reached the ten-foot wooden door and squared her shoulders. Raising a hand to knock, she jumped when the door swung open. “Balls of pelican poop!” She put a hand to her chest. “Sorry, you scared me!”

  Ryder Quinn stood on the threshold, holding a towheaded little boy in one arm and smiling at her as if she were a circus performer.

  Bree took a step back. He was bigger than she’d envisioned. At least six four, and every line of his body was defined. She prayed he was as kind as everyone claimed, otherwise the sheer strength of him was a huge warning flag to her.

  She took a deep breath and forced a smile, fluffing her hair before sticking her hand out. “Bree Stevens.” That sounded professional, right? Not like she was barely out of college and not sure how to present herself?

  Ryder’s eyes swept over her. She’d heard he was sought after by many women but he never gave anyone a second look. The speculation was he still mourned his wife. It was hard to blame the women for trying though. His blue eyes were framed with long, brown lashes. His face was sculpted and shadowed by a trimmed beard a few shades darker than his short sandy-blond hair. His lips were almost as incredible as his eyes, a slightly-bowed upper lip with a fuller lower lip. She could imagine the women fought for the sheer hope of tasting those incredible lips.

  Those lips she was staring at turned up, and he shifted the little boy higher as he offered his hand to Bree. “Welcome.” It was just one word, two syllables. How could he draw it out and make it all warm and appetizing? As if he were welcoming her to be part of his life, to privileges and blessings she’d never dreamed of.

  Snap out of it. She tried for a professional smile and put her hand in his. Wowie, wow, wow! His warm and slightly rough palm felt so manly and perfect against hers she wanted to just hold on. His gaze sharpened on her as if he felt the same connection that was racing through her. For some insane reason she felt like this man would protect her rather than objectify her. She had to remind herself that she didn’t know him and she needed to tread carefully.

  “Ryder Quinn,” he murmured.

  Bree pulled her hand back and chuckled uneasily. “I know who you are.” She put her usual sass in the syllables. She’d acquired a lot of sass and some decent fighting skills to keep her mostly safe in foster care, rough schools, and college.

  He smiled deeper, and she tilted to the side, needing something to lean on. Unfortunately, there was nothing, and her heels had her tilting even further. She would’ve fallen into the flower bed if Ryder hadn’t grabbed her with his free hand and steadied her.

  “You okay?” He arched an eyebrow, clearly thinking she was a bit unstable.

  Be professional. Be professional. Bree smoothed down her silky floral shirt and blue pencil skirt. “Yes, thank you.” She focused on the adorable boy in Ryder’s arms. “And who is this handsome little man?”

  Find The Devoted Groom here.

  Also by Cami Checketts

  Quinn Family Romance

  The Devoted Groom

  The Conflicted Warrior

  The Gentle Patriot

  The Tough Warrior

  Her Too-Perfect Boss

  Her Forbidden Bodyguard

  Hawk Brothers Romance

  The Determined Groom

  The Stealth Warrior

  Her Billionaire Boss Fake Fiance

  Risking it All

  Navy Seal Romance

  The Protective Warrior

  The Captivating Warrior

  The Stealth Warrior

  Texas Titan Romance

  The Fearless Groom

  The Trustworthy Groom

  The Beastly Groom

  The Irresistible Groom

  The Determined Groom

  The Devoted Groom

  Billionaire Beach Romance

  Caribbean Rescue

  Cozumel Escape

  Cancun Getaway

/>   Trusting the Billionaire

  How to Kiss a Billionaire

  Onboard for Love

  Shadows in the Curtain

  Billionaire Bride Pact Romance

  The Resilient One

  The Feisty One

  The Independent One

  The Protective One

  The Faithful One

  The Daring One

  Park City Firefighter Romance

  Rescued by Love

  Reluctant Rescue

  Stone Cold Sparks

  Snowed-In for Christmas

  Echo Ridge Romance

  Christmas Makeover

  Last of the Gentlemen

  My Best Man’s Wedding

  Change of Plans

  Counterfeit Date

  Snow Valley

  Full Court Devotion: Christmas in Snow Valley

  A Touch of Love: Summer in Snow Valley

  Running from the Cowboy: Spring in Snow Valley

  Light in Your Eyes: Winter in Snow Valley

  Romancing the Singer: Return to Snow Valley

  Fighting for Love: Return to Snow Valley

  Other Books by Cami

  The Loyal Patriot: Georgia Patriots Romance

  Seeking Mr. Debonair: Jane Austen Pact

  Seeking Mr. Dependable: Jane Austen Pact

  Saving Sycamore Bay

  How to Design Love

  Oh, Come On, Be Faithful

  Protect This

  Blog This

  Redeem This

  The Broken Path

  Dead Running

  Dying to Run

  Fourth of July

  Love & Loss

  Love & Lies

  Cami’s Collections

  Cami’s Military Collection

  Billionaire Beach Romance Collection

  Billionaire Bride Pact Collection

  Billionaire Romance Sampler

  Echo Ridge Romance Collection

  Texas Titans Romance Collection

  Snow Valley Collection

  Christmas Romance Collection