Queen
of My Heart
Life Won't Wait, Book #1
By Nikki Lynn Barrett
Cover designer: Robert Barrett
Genre: Contemporary romantic
When the next King
of country music offers to take you under his wing, what's a girl to do?
Pinch herself, of
course. Repeatedly. Then take the offer!
Quinn Winters is
tired of being the actress known for most killed off characters. After
discovering her love of music when her last role portrayed a country singer on
a daytime soap opera, she's making a much needed change in life. Quinn is
unprepared for the demands and expectations needed to succeed in Music City.
One pleading call from her sister puts her in an all too familiar, but unwanted
position.
Five years ago,
Tucker McGinnis auditioned for a reality singing show, never expecting to win.
His sudden fame and popularity comes as a major surprise. After a multi
platinum debut, his second album is suffering the dreaded sophomore jinx. His
musical muse becomes elusive when guilt plagues him over an accident which
affects his family. He is blown away by Quinn when he overhears her audition at
his record label, singing his most personal song.
An attraction
builds, and a connection through music is formed. But when life gets in the
way, Tucker makes another offer - A temporary marriage which will benefit both
of them, until things become too real.
Two souls destined
for the stage, two hearts blending together to create beautiful music as
individuals, but even better as country music's next power couple- if they can
shed the images of who they used to be.
“No. I can't let
that happen. She's my niece. I want to take her. Tell me what I have to do to
become her guardian,” Quinn pleaded. “Winnie said she'd sign over custody if
need be, so what do I do?”
“Quinn, how can you
do that? Aren't you in Nashville trying to get a record deal? That's not the
life Piper needs. She needs stability.” The woman's tone was sympathetic. Her
gaze landed on Tucker. Something flickered in her eyes. Probably recognition.
“I'll sell the
property Grams left me. It'll give me the money to take care of Piper and
hopefully get something going for Winnie when she gets clean.” Desperation
laced her voice. Tucker could tell by the stricken tone that she didn't want to
go that route.
He had no idea what
made him do it, especially since Quinn never agreed, but Tucker spoke without
thinking on it too much. “She has stability. She's kinda living with me
already. She's also started a job with me for the past few months, and we've
become close. I- I know it's a short time, but I've been thinking about asking
her to marry me. Is that stable enough?”
When Quinn gasped,
Tucker stepped closer and closed his fingers over her cold, clammy ones.
Forgive me, darlin'. I couldn't help myself. Again he'd made a ballsy, unlike
him move. “I'm sorry to ruin the surprise, but you know I'll do whatever I can
for you, and especially Piper.” His voice wavered. No taking the words back
now. “I don't want to you give up that property. We've talked about this,
darlin'” Did he pull off the act?
What. The. Fuck.
Possessed him to do that?
“I knew you looked
familiar. Tucker McGinnis.” The woman's jaw dropped.
“Yes, ma'am. I
heard Quinn's voice one day, and I couldn't stay away. We kept our relationship
quiet for personal reasons, of course. Whatever we need to do in order to get
Piper in Quinn's custody, please let us know. We'll make it all official right
away if we have to. Quinn and Piper will be well cared for. The two of them
won't have a thing to worry about.”
Dig a hole, why
don'tcha?
The case worker
attempted to keep her composure. Tucker noted the relief in her eyes. “I'll go
get Piper so you can see her. We'll need to get official documentation and
permission from your sister. If she'll sign over guardianship to you, we'll
have this taken care of within a few days. If she refuses...” She started to
walk away. “Oh, and Quinn? Congratulations. I'm so happy you're happy. Good for
you.”
“You and me.
Outside. Now,” Quinn muttered through clenched teeth. He followed her to the
front porch. “What the hell were you thinking? Do you know how much worse you
made this? Seriously, Tucker!”
I'm an avid lover
of books. I've been writing as far back as I can remember, completing my first "book" by fifth grade in
one of those one subject spiral notebooks. I have a passion for music,
photography, jewelry and all things creative. I live in Arizona with my husband
and son, but dream of being somewhere much colder and stormier. For now, I'll
have to live that life through my characters and stick it out with the summer
heat.
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