Romancing the Clarksons
4 total works
Driving cross country in a rusted-out Suburban is not exactly Rita Clarkson's idea of a good time. But it's a chance for some much-needed family bonding with her three siblings while they fulfill their mother's last wish: for them to participate in the Polar Bear Plunge in Coney Island on New Year's Day. It's also a chance for Rita to decide on her next career move. Her life hasn't turned out quite how she planned, and she isn't sure where to go or what to do. A family road trip seems as good a time as any to figure it out.
When the Suburban's fan belt takes its last breath in Hurley, New Mexico, Rita meets Jasper Ellis, the local, charismatic honky-tonk owner and her dead-on opposite. Charming as they come, Jasper has never had to work hard for anything, but Rita captivates him like no one ever has. Her ride to New York will be repaired in four short days, and he'll utilize every one to his advantage. Because Hurley is where his brave, mysterious girl belongs. For good. She just doesn't know it yet.
Aaron Clarkson has dreamed of the White House since his very first debate team victory, and connecting with a presidential candidate while on the campaign trail in Iowa is the next rung in his ladder to the top. While his siblings are grudgingly obliging his request to put the road trip on a short hiatus in Iowa, Aaron escapes their passive aggression by grabbing a beer in the local dive bar, where his attentions are quickly captured by a violet-eyed seductress in leather pants.
Grace Pendleton is the black sheep of her family, but in the interest of creating a happy family portrait, she has been dragged along to smile for the camera while her father stumps for votes. She only ventured into the rundown pub to use the restroom, but she couldn't resist a chance at making Aaron, the overly ambitious politico, pant for something he couldn't have.
When a local cause in need of support draws both of their interest, Aaron and Grace find themselves in a battle for what's right - and in extremely close quarters, where resistance is futile. But they're pulled apart all too soon by outside forces and the vastly different futures they aspire to. They'll have to decide if their love is strong enough to draw them back together, but will the decision come too late?
Personal shopper to San Diego's elite and a celebrated pageant beauty, Peggy has been engaged four times in three years, calling off the wedding in a panic each time. And yes, she certainly did keep the rings, thank you very much. Her only request on this family road trip is to make a quick detour through Cincinnati. Just a quick stop at her alma matter to remind head football coach, Elliot Brooks, what he walked away from following one sweaty, desperate night her senior year.
Coach Elliot Brooks has exactly one weakness--Peggy Clarkson--and she graduated three years ago, leaving him in peace to focus on winning championships. But when she saunters out onto his field, hotter than any memory, Elliot knows he's been fooling himself. Peggy will never leave his system, but the roots she planted will only grow deeper if he gives in to the temptation she embodies with every swish of her hips. What does a woman like her want with an uptight divorcee whose only failure consisted of being in a relationship? And what happens when his attempts to convince her they're doomed from the outset...finally work?