Take Me On

We roll and soon her tank joins my shirt on the floor. I explore her curves, enjoy the taste of her skin and memorize each hitch of breathing and soft sigh that escapes from her mouth. My mind reels when her body responds to me and the fierceness of the heat created.

Time loses meaning and the only thing left is her touch and her love. Soon we are gasping and holding and whispering words that will only be said between us. Then everything stills as colors burst into the world.

I edge Haley so that she’s lying beside me. Her hair tickles my chest and I rub her spine, half awake, half reliving kissing her in a dream.

A crinkle to my right causes my eyes to shoot open and I snatch the letter held prisoner by the bed. I hand it to her and kiss her temple.

With her head resting on my arm, Haley stares at it for a moment before ripping the back seal open with her finger. The envelope falls away as she unfolds the letter. I search her face for any sign of frustration or hope. Every ounce of me tightens as I pray for a miracle.

With a short release of air from her lips, Haley refolds the letter and lets it drop to the floor. My head hits the back of the wall. Just fuck. How could they deny her?

I tighten my hold on her. “It’s okay.”

Haley runs a fingertip along my cheek and a smile forms on her lips. “Yeah, actually, it is. I won.”

*





Acknowledgments

To God: NIV John 15:12–13—My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.

For Dave: with your forever gentle patience, you always let me know that I was worth fighting for.

Thank you to...

Kevan Lyon—I am continually honored to have you in my corner.

Margo Lipschultz—you out of anyone understand how difficult this book was for me. I will never forget your support, the phone calls and the encouragement. You have no idea how grateful I am for you.

Everyone who touched my books at Harlequin TEEN, especially Natashya Wilson and Lisa Wray. Honestly, you are all truly amazing!

Eric Haycraft, Scottie Sawade and the other fantastic people at Real Fighters Gym. I can’t thank you enough for welcoming me into your gym. I also especially thank you for your patience with me, the girl who had to always think for a second about which one was her cross and which one was her jab and yet you still let me stay. The talent in your gym is world-class and astounding.

Angela Annalaro-Murphy, Kristen Simmons, Colette Ballard, Kelly Creagh, Bethany Griffin, Kurt Hampe, Bill Wolfe and the Louisville Romance Writers: if it weren’t for your continued support and love, this book never would have happened. Thank you from the deepest depths of my heart.

A huge thank you to all my readers and especially to Linda Marie Bofenkamp. It still amazes me to see my books for sale and I am forever humbled by my readers’ love and support.

As always, to my parents, my sister, my Mount Washington family and my entire in-law family—I love you.





Katie McGarry and Harlequin TEEN are thrilled to announce the next book in the PUSHING THE LIMITS series!



Echo and Noah’s story continues in BREAKING THE RULES, coming soon....





NOAH


Echo shifts, and the cold rush of air against my skin causes my eyes to flash open. The Colorado State Park Ranger for the Great Sand Dunes wasn’t kidding when he said temperatures drop overnight. I stretch the muscles in my back, then turn onto my side in order to touch Echo again. My palm melts into the curve of her waist.

She’s curled in with her back toward me and she’s tugged the blanket tight to her shoulder. Her tank top no longer provides protection against the elements. Last night was hot, in more ways than I can count, and the cover wasn’t required for any of our activities—neither for the sleeping nor the kissing. Without a doubt, this has been the best damned summer of my life...





And look for the first book in Katie’s brand-new series set in the dangerous and exhilarating world of motorcycle clubs, also coming soon!





Playlist

Theme:

“Harder to Breathe,” by Maroon 5

“Wild Ones,” by Flo Rida (feat. Sia) “Love Is a Battlefield,” by Pat Benatar West: “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” by Big & Rich “Come Over,” by Kenny Chesney “This Love,” by Maroon 5

“Bitter Sweet Symphony,” by The Verve Haley: “Fighter,” by Christina Aguilera “The House That Built Me,” by Miranda Lambert “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” by Kelly Clarkson “Roar” by Katy Perry Songs for Specific Scenes:



The night West and Haley meet: “I Knew You Were Trouble,” by Taylor Swift



West and Haley training in the gym: “Good Feeling,” by Flo Rida





When Haley sneaks West into her room: “Secrets,” by OneRepublic





The fight in the cage: “Eye of the Tiger,” by Survivor



Songs that Represent Haley and West’s future: “Price Tag,” by Jessie J (feat. B.o.B.) “Heaven,” by Warrant





    Read on for a bonus PUSHING THE LIMITS novella, CROSSING THE LINE!





           Crossing the Line

    Katie McGarry





           Contents

    Introduction

    Chapter 1

    Chapter 2

    Chapter 3