Taking Chances: Chapter Thirty-Six

Some things can’t be denied.

Don’t hold back.

Take a chance.

When Jules’ best friend introduced her to the gorgeous new owner of the produce stand, something happened. His kind smile let her feel emotions she’d bottled up inside for two years.

Olly has managed to avoid relationships for way too long. When he met Jules, he didn’t even think about the possibilities. His mom did, though.

Lola and Ryan are the very definition of yin and yang, but a moment of kismet is about to change all their plans.

They’re ready to explore beyond the instant attraction.

Taking Chances is a small-town romance serial. New chapters are added weekly.

Just like your favorite TV series, characters will come and go.

The best part about the serial is that you decide what happens next.

At the end of every chapter, you’ll find an author’s note with a question. Your answer will help me write the next chapter.

*Note: This serial will always be free.

Lola

“Whew.” I let out a heavy sigh and plopped down on the couch. It was nice to be home finally. “What are you doing?” I called out to Ryan, who was doing who knows what in the kitchen.

I loved spending time with my family, but after three hours of chaos, I needed to leave.

And by chaos, what I really meant was that there were too many people in the kitchen.

“Sorry.” Ryan smiled as he walked toward the couch. “All the leftovers have been put away.”

I reached out my hands. “Except the tortillas, right?”

“Shit.” He laced his fingers with mine. “I had a feeling I would mess up something.” His lip lifted slightly on the right side.

“You did not.” I pulled him down onto the couch and wrapped my body around him. “They’re still sitting on the counter, aren’t they?”

“Maybe.” He winked and leaned in to kiss me.

Ryan was not the same person I met several weeks ago. He used to be shy, quiet, unsure of what to say. Now, he was the complete opposite, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

“So,” I moved my nose back and forth over his, “did you have fun tonight?”

“That depends,” he laughed.

“Depends.” I gasped. “On what?”

“Do you think your mom and dad liked me?” He let his head fall back against the couch cushion.

“Like. Um…” I turned my head to the side and pretended to look like I was thinking about that question.

“Wait.” He quickly sat up, and my body fell to the side. “Is it that bad?”

“What bad?” I scowled.

“Oh.” He moved my leg off of him and stood to start pacing. “It’s that bad, eh?”

I sat up and shifted to the edge of the couch. “Ryan.” I tried to reach for his hand, but he was moving back and forth too fast. “Hey.” Finally, I hopped up and grabbed hold of his hand and turned him to face me. “I’m kidding.”

“You’re kidding.”

“I am.”

He sighed and glanced over at me. “Really?”

I sat back down and patted the cushion beside me. “Sit. Please.”

He sat down and rested his elbows on his thighs. “I want them to like me,” he whispered and rubbed his hands up and down his face.

“Why is it so important that they like you?” I moved my legs under me to make myself a little taller and to be eye level with him.

“They’re special to you.” He dropped his hands onto his thighs

“Yeah, but so are you.” I kissed his cheek.

He glanced over at me. “And I know you spend a lot of time with them.”

“That’s true.” I placed my hand over his and laced our fingers together. “I also spend a lot of time with you.”

“What are you saying?” He seemed genuinely confused.

“I don’t care if they don’t like you. I’m not seeking their approval.” I squeezed his hand. “This,” I pointed between us, “will continue with or without their approval.”

“Oh, it will, huh?” He turned to face me. “Good.” He inched closer and pushed my back against the arm of the couch.

“But,” I sat up and placed my hands on his shoulders, “my mom loved you.” Then, I pushed him back. He laughed, and I pushed again, forcing him to lie down on the couch.

“Good.” He stared up at me.

I straddled his body and rested my hands on his chest. “I meant what I said.” I traced my fingers down the side of his face. “I don’t need their approval. I know what I want.”

“And tell me what you want, Lola?” Ryan whispered.

“You.” I leaned in closer and kissed the tip of his nose. “Is that okay?”

He surprised the hell out of me when he tightened his grip on my waist, sat up, and scooped me into his arms. “Huh, is that okay?” He said the words while walking down the hallway toward my bedroom. Before he stepped into the space, he lifted his head to look right into my eyes, “I want you, too, Lola. So much.”

AUTHOR NOTE: I agree with Lola, it wouldn’t matter if her parents liked him or not. What’s important is whether they are happy together. Obviously, they are, LOL! Should Ryan make Lola breakfast in bed, or will they go to the kitchen and cook something together?

Curious about the books I’ve written? You’ll find a couple of closed-door romance books, but I mostly write steamy small-town romance, steamy romantic comedy, and steamy romantic suspense. Start reading here.