It’s hard for me to even fathom that this is the THIRD book I’ve written. What an amazing ride. I’ve been blessed beyond my wildest dreams during this process, and I wouldn’t even be here without the help of every single reader that decided to take a chance on my books.
First-Thank you to my family. My husband for dealing with the mess the house becomes when I jump head first into my book world. My kids who deal with mommy talking to herself constantly and not freaking out when I walk you to the bus wearing my sweats and having my hair all over the place.
To the bloggers, reviewers, and every reader that’s picked up my books—THANK YOU. When I started ‘Axel’ I had no expectations, just dreams, and y’all have made them come true.
To my betas, Amber, Angela, Becky, Elle, Danielle, and Debi. I love y’all. It’s true. You ladies are hands down the best team ever. You keep me going, tell me when I’m shit, and tell me when I rocked it. With love, of course! I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to write a book without you ladies!
Katie Mac—Don’t hate me for not letting you edit these, but come on . . . you need some surprises! You’ve opened your arms and welcomed me and my words. I love you hard and your support and love keeps me going when I feel like throwing in the towel. You’re the rock behind me and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.
Brenda-My formatting queen, blog tour master and friend . . . we’ve been through some crazy turns together and sitting back now we can laugh at all the crazy that we’ve been through together. Thank you for everything, and I mean everything, you have done for me.
Meli-Where do I even start with you, girlfriend? It was by chance that we met and you best believe I’m thankful for that day we first messaged each other. Not only do you bend over backwards to make sure I’m happy with everything that you create for me, but you doing it with so much love and care! Even if I pass out too early and leave you in an emotional book mess . . . I still love you! LOL! I can’t wait for future books and the beauty you create.
Toski-Girlfriend, you rock! Thank you so much for taking a few comments and getting me exactly what I wanted! Everyone should have a Toski in their life.
My three musketeers. Angela, Katie and Kelly. I don’t know how you girls put up with my crazy. My round the clock messages, talks about zombies, and half naked men pictures. Well, okay, I know how you deal with the men pictures. You girls help keep me calm when I start freaking out and have no issues telling me when I’m acting stupid. True friends that I am so thankful for each day.
To Chelcie-I love you . . . hardcare, Babe! Thank you for EVERYTHING. You are an incredible friend that I thank God for daily.
To every other single person that I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with. The authors that have opened their arms and welcomed me into this world and still love me when I freak out like a fan-crazed idiot.
When it comes down to it . . . this is for the readers and I LOVE YOU ALL.
UNCAGED PLAYLIST
I And Love And You—The Avett Brothers Lucky—Jason Mraz
You & I—One Direction How Long Will I Love You—Ellie Goulding All of Me—John Legend Collide—Howie Day
Mine Would Be You—Blake Shelton Faithfully—Journey
I’ll Make Love To You—Boyz II Men Wherever You Will Go—Charlene Soraia Gravity—Sara Bareilles Look at Me—Carrie Underwood Small Bump—Ed Sheeran God Gave Me You—Blake Shelton Make You Feel My Love—Adele
To the girls that make up the Indie Romance Author Chicks. For keeping me motivated, helping me push through the dreaded writers block, and making me laugh when I really just wanted to throw my computer against the wall.
And . . . for Tumblr Inspirations.
CHAPTER ONE
Greg
Early Spring
I’ve been sitting in my truck, staring through out the windshield without seeing a thing. My skin feels tight, my blood too hot, and my heart is beating too fast. The smile on my face though? It feels like it will never leave. Never—not once—did I ever think this would be reachable. When I pictured my future, it was always with the acceptance that I would just be cool Uncle Greg, and maybe if I were lucky, I would find someone compatible enough to spend my life with. I didn’t expect love. I had given up that hope years ago.
Then I met Melissa, and everything I could have settled for went flying out the window. Poof—in an instant, I met my future. I crave her. The feelings she gave me and the love I knew would come from her was all that mattered.