Enjoying the Show (Wicked Warrens Book 1) Read online

  “Is to never again agree to breakfast at my mother’s without my express permission.”

  “Gage.” She laughed, then moaned when his lips found her breast.

  “That’s Mr. Tool to you. And only to you.”

  Thanks for reading Gage and Hailey’s story! The Wicked Warrens really began my love affair with contemporary romance. I love the brothers’ interactions. Family is the cornerstone of these men.

  To find out how Derrick gets what’s coming to him—namely, Sydney—read the next page for an excerpt of Closing the Deal.

  Note: the Wicked Warrens is also the series that kickstarted my bestselling The McCauley Brothers series. I just love hunky brothers!

  I love to hear from fans. You can contact me through my website. By joining my newsletter, you can get access to cover reveals, contests, and sneak peeks, as well as free books! You can also follow me on Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub, and Twitter.

  And if you liked this book, please consider leaving a review.

  More contemporary romance from Marie:

  The McCauley Brothers

  The Troublemaker Next Door

  How to Handle a Heartbreaker

  Ruining Mr. Perfect

  What to Do with a Bad Boy

  The Donnigans

  A Sure Thing

  Just the Thing

  The Only Thing

  The Works

  Bodywork

  Working Out

  Wetwork

  And more!

  An Excerpt from Closing the Deal, the second in the Wicked Warrens series

  Derrick could make her melt with that voice. So husky and deep. To Sydney’s shock, they’d had meaningful discussions about everything from her favorite color to their families. Thoughts about how Hailey and Gage really seemed to click. How Derrick’s mother could annoy and amuse him at the same time, and how much they all missed his father. What it felt like to grow up as a twin, to be so close to someone else yet so different from him at the same time.

  Sydney had shared what it was like to grow up an only child, daughter of a single mom. How hard she’d worked to be taken seriously in her current vocation. And she’d told him something she’d never told anyone, even Hailey. She’d once found her mother in bed with her college boyfriend—the most embarrassing moment in her entire life, and a defining moment with her mother. She’d confessed it to Mr. Sexy because she’d stupidly started falling for him over the phone.

  “Whatever. I’m done with him.” So she kept telling herself. If she held onto the rage, she could forget how much it had hurt that he’d been less than she’d hoped.

  “Sydney, I believe him when he said he had nothing to do with Brittney being there.”

  “Maybe not, but he never stood up for me after all the ugly things she said.”

  “You didn’t give him a chance. Besides, since when have you ever needed a man to stand up for you?”

  “Touché.” Sydney granted her that one. “But he should have.”

  “I agree with you. But in his defense, he said he was too focused on not ruining the night with you. He didn’t even realize what she’d been saying, and boy, did I yell at him for that.”

  Sydney paused. “You yelled at him for me?” Hailey hated conflict.

  “Of course I did. If you hadn’t been ducking my calls, you’d know that. You’d also know I’ve been waiting forever for you to come back to the office today. Thankfully, Lena told me where you were this afternoon.” Hailey crossed the space to grab Sydney in a big hug. “I’m your best friend, Sydney. I’ll never do you wrong, I swear. Can’t you just give him one more chance? For me?”

  “It’s that important to you?” No wonder Gage did anything Hailey wanted. One look into her best friend’s warm brown eyes and Sydney wanted to melt into a pile of whatever you want.

  “It is. Gage is the love of my life. You’re my best friend. And Derrick is always going to be there. He’s Gage’s brother, Syd. I can’t ignore him forever.”

  “But you ignored him for me. You yelled at him for me.”

  “Yes.”

  Sydney considered the idea. “How about if I go out with him once, just to make peace? Then maybe he’ll leave me alone and I can get back to my life. We could have coffee or something and call it quits. We’ll be friendly for you and Gage. End of story.”

  “Good enough.” Hailey beamed and dragged Sydney from the house. She didn’t even let go when Sydney struggled to relock the key in the small lockbox affixed to the door.

  “Wait. Where are you taking me? Who’s in that truck?”

  “I promise I’ll drive your car back to your place after I deliver your folder to Lena. She said she’d handle the paperwork on your sale. Now enjoy your Friday evening and tell me everything about it tomorrow.” Hailey reached the passenger side door and yanked it open. Then after wrestling Sydney’s car keys and the folder from her, she pushed her into the cab...where Derrick sat waiting.

  Realizing she looked ridiculous trying to escape, Sydney composed herself. She straightened her skirt and took a deep breath, then let it out slowly, not even jumping when Hailey slammed the door shut.

  “Hey, Sydney.”

  Hailey Jennison, you witch, you owe me for this.

  Closing the Deal

  About the Author

  Caffeine addict, boy referee, and romance aficionado, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Marie Harte has over 100 books published with more constantly on the way. She’s a confessed bibliophile and devotee of action movies. Whether hiking in Central Oregon, biking around town, or hanging at the local tea shop, she’s constantly plotting to give everyone a happily ever after. Visit http://marieharte.com and fall in love.