The clock mocks me.
As the minute hand ticks closer to eight in the evening, I wrack my brain to figure out if I got the time wrong. Maybe we picked two. Maybe he said ten. Maybe we’re meeting tomorrow.
My chest twists with a desperate anxiety as I toy with the band on my watch.
But as the fountains of Lincoln Center dance higher under the waning light, I’m sadly certain there was no error in communication.
The only error was one of judgment.
Mine.
Thinking he’d show.
Drawing a deep, frustrated breath, I peer at my watch once more, then raise my face, searching the crowds that wander past the circular aquatic display at Manhattan’s epicenter for the performing arts. This fountain is so romantic; that’s why we chose it as the place to meet again.
One week later.
Foolishly I hunt for the amber eyes and dark wavy hair, for the lean, tall frame, for that mischievous grin that melts me every time.
I listen for the sound of him amidst the melody of voices, wishing to hear his rise above the others, calling my name, apologizing in that sexy accent of his for being late.
My God, Gabriel’s accent was a recipe for making a young woman weak in the knees. That was what he had done to me. The man melted me when I first met him last month in Barcelona at the tail end of my summer of travels across Europe.
When I close my eyes and float back in time, I hear that delicious voice, just a hint of gravel in his tone, and a whole fleet of butterflies chase each other in my belly at the resurgence of that faraway romantic dream.
I open my eyes, trying to blink away the inconvenient intrusion of memory. I should go. It’s clear he’s not coming tonight.
But, just in case I mixed up the times, maybe I’ll give him one more minute. One more look.
One more scan of the crowd.
I let the clock tick past eight.
I still don’t see him.
I’ve been here for more than two hours sitting on the black marble edge of the fountain. Scouring the corners of Lincoln Center. Peering left, then right down Columbus. Circling, like an animal at a zoo—
pathetic modern-day female waiting for male to stay true to his word.
About The Only One
From the
New York Times bestselling author of
The Sexy One comes a romance about fate and second chances.
Let’s say there was this guy. And he gave you the most mind-blowing night of sex in your life. And you never saw him again.
Until ten years later.
Now, it turns out he’s the
Only One in all of Manhattan whose restaurant is available for my charity’s event.
The trouble is, he doesn’t recognize me.
***
This woman I’m working with is so damn alluring. The first time I set eyes on her, I’m captivated and I can’t get her out of my mind. Even if it’s risky to tango with someone I’m working with, she’s a risk I’m willing to take.
The trouble is, she won’t give me the time of day.
But I’m determined to change that.
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Praise for Lauren Blakely and The Only One
"An extraordinarily dreamy love story that will melt your heart!"
~ Beneath The Covers Book Blog
"This is an epic second chance romance that filled my heart with love, hope and longing."
~ 5-Stars! Two Book Pushers
"Lauren has knocked this one out of the park and down the street into the kitchen of Rocco DiSpirito. This book is smart, sexy, and full of surprises with characters you can't help but fall in love with. I want to find my very own Gabriel now. A sexy man with an accent who can cook for me. Who could ask for anything more?"
~ Smut Book Junkie Book Reviews
"Insanely romantic and so genuinely charming..."
~ Fresh Fiction Reviewer
Review
Lauren Blakely is known to bring the sexiness with each new hero, but she's outdone herself with Gabriel. Not only is he sexy as sin and has the ability to cook divine dishes, he's got a heart made of gold, incredibly loyal, kind to all, sweeter than sugar, and exceptionally lovable.
Penny and Gabriel first met years ago, circumstances caused them to part. They set a date and time to meet again, but fate doesn't allow them to reconnect as planned. Years pass and fate throws these two lost lovers together again. Will the love they once shared be reignited, or has the flame completely gone out for good?
The Only One tells a story about taking a risk on second chances because true love is worth it. This read is a super sexy, provocative temptation with delicious goodness all wrapped up in a mouthwatering package. A captivating page turner that will heat things up and leave you yearning for more.
About Lauren Blakely
Since self-publishing her debut romance novel
Caught Up In Us over three years ago, Lauren Blakely has sold more than 1.5 million books. She is known for her sexy contemporary romance style that's full of heat, heart and humor. A devout fan of cake and canines, Lauren has plotted entire novels while walking her four-legged friends. She lives in California with her family. With thirteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than seventy times. Her bestselling series include
Sinful Nights,
Seductive Nights,
No Regrets,
Caught Up in Love, and
Fighting Fire as well as standalone hit romances like
Big Rock,
Mister O,
Well Hung, and
The Sexy One which were all instant New York Times Bestsellers. In January she'll release
Full Package, a standalone romantic comedy. To receive an email when Lauren releases a new book, sign up for her
newsletter!
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