The Substitute (42 page)
He kissed her again, making her wish she had time to strip off both their clothes.
“Do me a favor,” he murmured against her lips.
“Anything,” she sighed.
“If some man sits by you on the plane and offers to stand in as my proxy, refuse.”
She gave him an ornery grin. “I don’t recall having any say in the matter the first time.” She laughed. “But I couldn’t imagine my life any other way.”
“Nether can I, Meggie.” He placed a soft kiss on her lips, filling her with love and contentment. “Neither can I.”
*****
The Player
(The Wedding Pact #2)
Blair’s wedding
June 2, 2015
The Substitute
was supposed to be a short contemporary romance. I came up with the concept nearly a year and a half before I started writing
The Substitute
. The series idea evolved over the course of that year, finally settling on its current form. I knew it would be funny—a good blend with my Rose Gardner Mystery series. And I’d been looking forward to writing it for months.
Only I hadn’t expected it to be so hard.
This book would have never been completed if it weren’t for my developmental and line editor, Angela Polidoro. She’s more than my editor. She’s my cheerleader, supporter, sometimes psychologist, and I’m happy to add: my friend. The first version I sent to her was not only god-awful but unfinished. I was beyond embarrassed to send it to her, but if I had to send my mess to anyone, she would always be my first choice. She acknowledged what I already knew—it was a hot mess. But her unwavering belief that I could make a decent book out of the rubble was the inspiration I needed to get started, then keep going. She gets my stories. She gets my characters and voice. She gets
me
. I’m so incredibly blessed and grateful that David Pomerico from 47North assigned her to me back in the spring of 2013. I’ve used her for every project since.
I’d also like to thank Shannon Page, who is not only an amazing copy editor, but accommodates my wacky schedule.
To my poor, sweet (mostly) children, who have forgotten that Mommy actually knows how to cook. Thank you for letting Mommy live her dream. And I dare say that they finally understand what I’m doing when I’m at my desk in my office, and they are scattered around me doing homework. I’ll try not to sacrifice too much of
our
time.
And to my readers: Thank you. I can never say it enough. There are almost two million books out there and you read mine. I’m honored and humbled, and for those of you who are my loyal readers, I hope I never let you down.
About the Author
New York Times
and
USA Today
bestselling author Denise Grover Swank was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and lived in the area until she was nineteen. Then she became a nomadic gypsy, living in five cities, four states and ten houses over the course of ten years before she moved back to her roots. She speaks English and a smattering of Spanish and Chinese which she learned through an intensive Nick Jr. immersion period. Her hobbies include witty Facebook comments (in her own mind) and dancing in her kitchen with her children. (Quite badly if you believe her offspring.) Hidden talents include the gift of justification and the ability to drink massive amounts of caffeine and still fall asleep within two minutes. Her lack of the sense of smell allows her to perform many unspeakable tasks. She has six children and hasn’t lost her sanity. Or so she leads you to believe.
You can find out more about Denise and her other books at
www.denisegroverswank.com
or you can email her at
[email protected]
Don’t miss out on Denise’s newest releases! Join her mailing list:
http://denisegroverswank.com/mailing-list/
Rose Gardner Mysteries
(Humorous Southern mysteries)
TWENTY-EIGHT AND A HALF WISHES
TWENTY-NINE AND A HALF REASONS
FALLING TO PIECES
(novella)
THIRTY-TWO AND A HALF COMPLICATIONS
THIRTY-THREE AND A HALF SHENANIGANS
Chosen Series
(Paranormal thriller/Urban fantasy)
On the Otherside Series
(Young adult science fiction/romance)
The Curse Keepers
(Adult urban fantasy)
New Adult Contemporary Romance
The Wedding Pact Series