Ellis Summers - Hunting For Blue

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Other Books By Ellis:

A Smuggler's Last Song Grant series Book 1

Quinn & Barrett Grant series Book 2

Granted Grant series Book 3

Rescuing Freedom

Complicated Strangers

Romance Books

Surf & Tour

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This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, places, events, and incidences are either products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously.

Copyright 2022 by Ellis Summers

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

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Contents

Homecoming

I angled my motorcycle into the last curve of the off-ramp toward the airport, my knee hovering inches from the ground. Fumes from the hot asphalt joined the jet fuel, lingering in the sweltering air, burning my throat. Under my leathers, I'd be a sweaty mess when greeting my brother, Cal, and my heart's desire, Nash. He might be one hot Brit and tempting as hell, but sadly, Nash was also unavailable.

After finding a parking spot near the front entrance of Sacramento International Airport, I took off the helmet and shook my hair free. I removed my jacket and stowed my gear. While attaching the cable lock, I glanced at the planes taking off and promised myself I'd start doing some traveling. At twenty-seven, it was about time I left Sacramento and explored the world.

Hustling to the baggage area, I scanned the crowd of arriving passengers and found a perfect spot to wait beside the carousel.

High heels clicked from behind, then a hand rested on my shoulder. I turned to find Belinda, Nash's latest girlfriend, towering a foot over me. A brick hit the happy balloon inside my heart.

"Hi, Simone." Her smile didnt reach her eyes.

"Bell, how've you been?" I matched her less-than-enthusiastic greeting with a quick hug. You look great, as always.

"Thanks." She glanced at my jeans and T-shirt. "You look... nice."

I'd given up competing with Nash's string of international models years ago. Why waste money on expensive clothes and jewelry? Those things would never transform me into runway gorgeous.

"I'm driving Nash home and hogging him for myself," she snarled in my ear, like a bulldog claiming her territory. "Do you mind if I keep you apart? You two are so close it bothers me sometimes."

"Bell, for the tenth time. He's my boss and like a brother." If my brother were a hot Englishman whom I'd loved since I was eight years old.

"Uh-huh." Her glare told me she wasn't buying any of it. She removed a mirror from her purse, then checked her makeup and long blond hair. "Whatever. Anyway, I dont want to eat dinner at your parents' tonight. He better take me out."

I patted the sleeve of her too-short silk dress. Im sure hell do whatever you ask. I tried to sound reassuring.

Nash always played the perfect boyfriend with all his women at least for three months until he moved on. What was he searching for in a relationship? Maybe he could combine his therapist's degree with his software engineering brilliance and figure it out.

"I'm glad you understand." While she talked over my shoulder, my gaze returned to the escalator. "Nash only texted me a few times and called less than that."

I didn't try to wipe away my childish smirk. He hardly contacted his girlfriend in a month? I shouldn't have loved the sound of her distress, but I ate it up. He didn't crave her. Hell, how could he leave her at home if he did?

More passengers came down the escalator. I jostled nearer, unable to contain my massive smile as Nash descended.

Newly tanned and bearded, he hurried to my side. There you are, Luv. He tilted his head and grinned. "I missed your smile."

My heart ramped up as I hugged him and inhaled his cinnamon scent. I reluctantly stepped away. Welcome home.

Nash's smooth hand reached for mine, and unable to stop the temptation, I brushed his fingers before moving aside, making room for his woman.

"Nash!" Bell thrust her body into his slender, yet muscled arms. "My God. You look fantastic. Welcome home."

"Belinda. Beautiful as always." Nash gave her a brief kiss, not one I would expect from a man who missed his lover. It's nice to be back.

Bell stepped away, her eyes narrowed, clearly unhappy with the underwhelming greeting. Ill pull the car in front of the main entrance and give you time with your... family.

"We'll be right out." Nash hugged her, his fingers moving hair from her eyes. "Thanks for coming."

She stomped away as I scanned the escalator. Nerves prickled my skin. No Cal. Wheres my brother?

Chuckling, Nash scooped me into his arms. Oh, he'll be round. Brace yourself.

I pushed him away while panic coursed through me. Whats going on?

Cal finally came into view and waved on his way down. Hey, you! He weaved over and gave me a hug.

Welcome home, bro. We've got tons to discuss about "

An olive-skinned woman with hair the color of night wiggled in between us and kissed my cheek.

Shit! Who's she?

Oh, you're too adorable. You must be Simone.

Adorable? I stepped away from her jasmine-scented neck. My heart raced with all the questions swirling around me.

Cal took the womans hand. Simone, meet my wife, Leah. We got married in Spain. He stared at my blank face. "Last week."

Married? I stood mute, sizing up her graceful body, nearly matching Bell's. I guessed beauty and wealth must go together.

I couldn't believe he did this without his family. Without me. Sadness overwhelmed me, but I snapped out of it and vowed to be civil.

Leah snuggled closer to my brother. Its so nice to meet you. Cal and Nash talk about you non-stop.

Nice to meet you. Congratulations." I forced a smile. Looks like the bags are arriving. I made my way from the escalators with a sharp clip in my step.

My super-nerd brother couldn't be serious. I supposed inevitably, I'd lose my best buddy, but I hadn't planned on an impulsive act taking him from me.

Cal fell in step beside me, leaving Leah with Nash. Hey. Thanks for coming to welcome us back. We missed you. Next time you've got to come. He shot a playful punch to my arm. "You look like you shrunk a bit."

Yeah, well, losing ten pounds will do that to a girl, I teased. In your case, youve gained a hundred and twenty. Secretly. I gave him a hug. "Your popularity increases by the minute when you're rich, no?"

"You're right about that." He chuckled, brushing a hand through his buzz cut. I haven't told Mom and Dad about my spontaneous decision. Youll be kind to her, right? Leahs really a great woman.

So great you had to keep her a secret?

Ill view her like I do Nash a foreign exchange student who moves into our lives and never leaves.

"I knew you'd make her feel welcome," he said, relaxing his shoulders.

Determination settled in as I dropped my petty resentment. "Anything for my bro."

Yep. Anything. Like running a background check on his possibly money-hungry new wife.

More Secrets?

W hile waiting for the baggage, Cal snuggled with his wife. They did look kind of cute together. Maybe I should grow up and be happy my brother found someone who understood and loved his uber-brain.

Nash strolled to my side. Wheres your bloke?

Working. Who knows?

He placed an arm over my shoulder, and a teasing grin formed on his lovely lips. How do you know hes not out bonking someone else?