Free The Book of Spells (Marriage to a Billionaire #3.5) by Jennifer Probst Page B

while heating heavy cream, cinnamon, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in small saucepan on medium-low heat. Bring mixture to a simmer and take off heat. Add chocolate and vanilla extract to pan and immediately mix well with a whisk until all chocolate has melted. Let mixture cool to room temperature for approximately 1½ hours.
    Take a teaspoon or melon ball to scoop a small amount of chocolate out of pan and roll in hands, forming a small ball sized truffle. Place each individual truffle on cookie sheet lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper to set. Then roll balls in cocoa powder or sprinkle with a few pieces of sea salt. Once you roll all the truffles keep refrigerated until ½ hour before serving.
    Makes between 40 - 50 truffles depending on size
     
     
     

SECOND CHANCES
    A short story with Alexa and Nick from The Marriage Bargain
     
    Nick Ryan lay down next to the fire and stroked the back flank of Old Yeller. He found the sweet spot and smiled when the dog’s leg quivered, and began beating the floor in the familiar rhythm of sudden ecstasy. After a few moments, he lost the momentum and slumped back into sleeping mode, his chest lifting with shallow pants.
    He was sick.
    Nick felt the wrongness in his bones. Yes, he was older. Since Alexa had taken him from the shelter, his age was a rough estimate, and the dog could be anywhere from ten to fifteen at this point. They’d assigned him an age and an October birthday so Nick estimated an approximate age of twelve years old. Optimistically. Old Yeller never had boundless energy, probably from his rough past and the air of dignity he wore like a royal cloak. Simba tortured him with love, rough play, and tumbled affection, but Old Yeller preferred the quiet moments in life like Nick. A good meal. A hot fire. Beautiful music. Simple fulfillment.
    He never wanted to open himself up to loving an animal this much. Alexa had broken through his walls and strolled right into his heart, burying herself so deep she was pretty much a part of his anatomy. His beautiful daughters were a natural extension of their shared union and love, and he’d surrender everything for their happiness.
    But this old, strange hound dog had always haunted his soul. Once he let him in, the idea of losing him shook his foundation. He sensed a sickness other than arthritis in Old Yeller’s tired bones, especially this past week. Nick needed to step up and get him to the vet.
    It was time.
    Warm hands slid around his waist, and the body that had carried two of his children pressed against him. “He’s still not better, is he?”
    Nick sighed and rubbed the dog’s half torn ears. “No. I’m going to take the morning off and take him to the vet.”
    “I can do it. I know you have a big board meeting tomorrow.”
    Nick allowed himself to lean back into her quiet strength. “Yeah, and you know how much I despise them. I’ll love having an excuse to back out.”
    Alexa laughed. She covered his hand and they both stroked the dog that had brought them together. “Ok. Maria has Musical Munchkins class, Lily has dance, and I only have to go into Bookcrazy for a few hours. Why don’t we have lunch afterwards?”
    “Done. We haven’t played hooky in a while.”
    “We haven’t played anything in a while.”
    Nick grinned and twisted around. In one smooth motion, he flipped her over so her back pressed into the thick carpet and he loomed over her. The familiar surge of heat gripped him and he hardened instantly. His wife’s gasp was full of pleasure and excitement. His veins pumped with heat and the desire to claim. “You’re right. Maybe it’s time we correct that.”
    Blue eyes widened, but he took note of her hardened nipples and the way her thighs opened to welcome him. “What if the kids wake up?”
    “They’ve been asleep for a while. I doubt they’ll come downstairs if they need something. We’ll hear them checking our bedroom first.”
    “I don’t know, Nick, I