THROUGH A MAGNOLIA FILTER print copies are now available!

Posted at Aug 10, 2016 12:39 am

Today the print copies of THROUGH A MAGNOLIA FILTER released through retailers. (Harlequin already had the print books for sale.)

So to celebrate — let’s have another TUESDAY TEASER!

Dolley crossed her arms. “You don’t think I can cut it as a photographer?”

“No.” Liam hurried to her, catching her elbows. “I mean, yes, you can. Of course you can.”

She backed away from him.

He held up his hands like she was a hot stove. He was losing her. “I mean, you’re already a photographer.”

She raised her eyebrows.

“I put your picture in the articles because they’re good,” he said.

She pointed a finger at him. “And your name came first. I wasn’t even mentioned in the article.”

“How many times do I have to apologize? I tried to help you.”

She held up her hands, shaking her head. “When you think of me working, what comes to mind?”

“Land mines,” he said under his breath. He was going to step on one and have it explode in his face.

“What?”

“I…I don’t try and put you in a…pocket. I see you first as a…Fitzgerald, a successful businesswoman. A woman who’s part of an incredible family.”

She closed her eyes. “Don’t.”

He closed the gap that was growing between them. “I also see you as a budding photographer, absorbing everything I can teach you.”

“Budding. Student.” Her words choked out.

“And talented.” He reached for her again.

Pain-filled green eyes looked up at him. “No one sees that but you.”

“Because everything you touch is gold. And, yes, you’re an amazing website designer.” His words poured out. “But that’s because of the creative way you view the world. You see the world through the lens of an artist.”

She sank back into the chair. “Like I said, no one sees that but you.”

“But they will.”

“Not if I move to New York and design websites.”

“Then don’t.” His hands formed into fists.

“But…”

“Tell Barb you’ll take the job but only if you can stay here.” With him. “You can head up there when necessary.”

“But…”

He wasn’t going to let her line up her arguments.

“Stay here. With me.” He knelt at her feet. “I’ve fallen in love with your family, with Savannah.” He clutched her knees. “I think I’m falling in love with you.”

Her mouth dropped open. “You…you’re what?” she squeaked.

He huffed out a breath. “I…I think I’m falling in love with you. Stay here with me and your incredible family.”

Her eyes were big green marbles. She gripped the chair arms as if her body would blow away in the storm. “I…I…”

His heart pounded in his chest. “I know you feel something.”

“But…” She pushed deep into her chair. Trying to get away from him?

He rocked back to his feet. “I thought you might feel the same. Was I fooling myself?” His voice growled a little.

“Liam. I…” She wouldn’t look him in the eye.

She was pushing him away. He shook his head.

He’d misread her. Made tactical errors. Let his need for what she had, what he could be a part of rush him into a confession he wasn’t even sure was true. Did he love Dolley?

“I don’t know what I feel.” She wrapped her arms around her stomach and curled into a ball. “I don’t know what I want. I don’t know what’s good for me.”

“We can work together.”

“I’d always be in your shadow.”

“But how can you leave your family, your friends?” What else could he use to convince her that she shouldn’t move to New York? “Don’t throw us away. I can’t lose another family.”

“Family?” Her eyes flared open. “This is about my family, not me.”

“What?” Panic churned in his chest.

“I’m just a…a way for you to become part of the Fitzgeralds.” Her breath shook. “You don’t want me. You want…them.”

“Dolley.” He pounded on his forehead with his fist. “We’re good together. I can teach you more. We’ll figure it out. But not if you move.”

“I’d be your apprentice. Always overlooked. You’d use me to get what you’ve always wanted…a family.” Injured green eyes looked up into his. “That’s not what I want. I…I deserve more. When would I get to travel? When would I get my dreams? I want my own career. Not just to be an extension of yours.”

“I thought we were a team. I care about you!”

“Not enough,” she whispered.

Pain ripped through him. He wasn’t enough for her. She wanted travel and recognition. She wanted to rip up the roots anchoring her to Savannah and leave.

If she left, where did that leave him?

She didn’t care about him. She cared about what he could do for her career. He didn’t matter.

“You only wanted me for what I could do for you.” Shaking his head, he moved to the door, his feet and heart heavy. “I’m never enough.”

 

Be the First to Comment