Hooked on You: An Annapolis Harbor Series Prequel, Lea Coll [love letters to the dead .txt] 📗

in a boating accident. He took in his nephew, meeting his fiancée when he asked her to administer his brother’s estate. They were a family now.

Taylor returned from the bathroom, resting a hand on my shoulder. “Want to dance?”

“Of course.” This night was to celebrate us—our engagement—our baby. I’d have plenty of time to get to know her friends better when we officially moved here.

Taylor led me out onto the dance floor, a happy smile on her face.

When she paused, turning to face me, I placed a hand on her lower back, pulling her closer. She curled one hand around my shoulder.

Lowering my head, I pressed my lips against her temple. “If I haven’t told you lately, you’re beautiful.”

She raised her face. “You tell me all the time but I never get tired of hearing it.”

When I screwed up when we were dating, pushing her away, I vowed never to let her forget how precious she was to me.

We turned a few times on the dance floor, getting the occasional congratulations on the engagement and the pregnancy.

When we were dancing on the edge of the crowd, I asked, “Are you happy everyone knows?”

A soft smile spread over her face. “I am. You haven’t changed your mind about moving, have you?”

“No. I’m excited to open my own bar.” Isaac was investing as my partner but allowing me to choose the location, the interior, and the menu. It would be the first time I had complete control. It was scary and exciting at the same time.

She tilted her head to the side. “Is that all?”

“We always said we’d move back. I know you don’t like to be away from Caleb. Your friends are here too. This feels right.”

She’d gone to school in Maryland with Dylan and Avery, but Hadley was the first person she’d met when she moved to New Orleans.

“This will be good for us.” Taylor’s gaze traveled around the dance floor, pausing on her parents who were enjoying a dance on a rare night out.

“I think so.”

Taylor stepped closer, resting her head on my shoulder. We were in a room of people who loved and cared for us. A feeling of rightness settled deep in my chest. She was the best choice I’d ever made. I’d follow her wherever she wanted to go. As long as we were together, that’s all that mattered.

I hoped you loved Taylor and Gabe’s story! Hadley and Cade’s story is next in Only with You. First I turned down a marriage proposal, then I moved to Annapolis to open a law firm. I thought my world couldn’t change any more…

One-Click Only with You.

Books by Lea Coll

All I Want Series

Choose Me

Be with Me

Burn for Me

Trust in Me

Stay with Me

Take a Chance on Me

Annapolis Harbor Series

Hooked on You (previously titled Easy Moves)

Only with You

Lost without You

Perfect for You

Crazy for You

Falling for You

Mountain Haven Series

Infamous Love (Releasing July 2021)

Quick Snap Novellas

Lucky Catch

Trick Play

Download two free novellas, Swept Away and Worth the Risk, when you sign up for her newsletter.

To learn more about her books, please visit her website.

Only with You Excerpt

HADLEY

I set my empty champagne glass on a table, tired of being at the Belles and Beaus Charity Ball. I turned to Layton to tell him it was time to leave, finding him on one knee. My face heated as the conversation around us quieted. A few people backed up to give us space.

“Layton, what are you doing?” I hissed.

“Hadley, we’ve only been together for a short time, but I’ve always wanted you in my life. Will you marry me?” His face was tilted up to mine, he grabbed my hand tightly, as if holding me in place, anchoring me to the moment.

I tried to draw in a breath around the tightness in my chest.

Our few dates flashed through my mind—outings with friends, charity events, and business dinners. We were rarely alone. We hadn’t even had sex. We didn’t love each other. Staring down at his face, the one filled with expectation, I wasn’t sure I even liked him.

I tugged on the hand Layton held, hoping he’d stand so we could speak privately. I needed to get him away from the crowd of spectators, but he didn’t budge. How could I tell him no in front of everyone? These people who pretended to be our friends were more interested in what we could do for them, whether it was status or money.

Layton’s eyes narrowed as if he sensed my hesitation. I sucked in a breath. He’d planned this. He wanted to put me on the spot so I couldn’t say no.

“Layton, we’ve only been dating for three months.” I smiled tightly keeping my voice low so no one could overhear.

Layton stood, tightened his grip on my right hand, lowering his mouth to my ear. “Say yes, Hadley.”

I was used to giving in to pressure from my father in situations like this. I wanted to please those I loved, but I didn’t love Layton. I couldn’t say yes to save him from the embarrassment of public rejection. I was irritated he’d put me in this situation, to begin with. I closed my eyes against the curious stares and the heavy expectation. “I didn’t put us in this situation.”

“Don’t embarrass me.” His voice was low and threatening. One thing I did know about him was that he hated not getting what he wanted. I’d seen him lash out at his employees if they didn’t do what he demanded. I never thought I’d be the recipient. If anything, he’d treated me with cold indifference. This public display was confusing.

The crowd around us began to shift. I’d been silent too long. Even if I said yes, the damage was done.

Layton cupped the back of my head, forcing me to look up at him. “Smile, sweetheart.” A muscle in his jaw clenched and his eyes held a warning—don’t make a scene.

I shook my head subtly, trying to communicate without words that we needed privacy for this conversation.

Layton turned away