Someday My Prints Will Come

Inc.

"Mr. Emissary, just for the purposes of discussion, if ever we became lovers—that is to say, if I were yours and you were mine, and I held your heart—would you honestly want me to seek variety, as you call it, with other men?"

He hadn’t considered that. It was a trick question, and he thought the best course was to answer it with silence.

That’s what I thought. I’ve heard it told that fidelity can be quite a turn-on. In my opinion, it is a virtue. You should keep that in mind.

She had cleared away the plates, and they were sitting on a very roomy and comfortable couch in front of a roaring fire, looking out the window at the waves crashing, drinking wine that tasted like the nectar of the gods out of crystal goblets, and munching on delicate slices of those almond cookies Eva was always baking.

What do you put in these things? he asked. He thought it was very definitely some kind of a love potion, because he was feeling more amorous by the moment.

Calm down. I told you before, they’re just cookies. She paused, drew a breath, and continued. I’ve been thinking, and after some consideration, I’ve decided to let you instruct me in the ways of seduction.

He choked on his wine and had to put the goblet down. He was speechless. The things that came out of her mouth were a constant surprise.

I’m beginning to like the sound of this, he said eagerly, moving closer to her. It’s not every day a man gets to initiate a goddess. I imagine there would be a lot of pent-up demand, over the centuries.

I’m talking about love, Mr. Emissary, not sex.

Praise for Marilyn Baron…

Baron offers a bit of everything…. There’s humor, infidelity, murder, mayhem, and a neatly drawn conclusion.

~RT Book Reviews (4.5 Stars)

UNDER THE MOON GATE: A surefire blockbuster... a treasure trove of mystery and intrigue. It sparkles with romance…. I couldn’t recommend it more.

~Andrew Kirby

Historical romance at its best.

~TripFiction

I was fascinated by the intertwining of the characters in the stories from the 1700s to present day and I especially enjoyed the segment that took place during WWII. Great writing. Marilyn did a great job of bringing Bermuda during the WWII era to life in this book.

~PJ Ausdenmore, The Romance Dish

An enjoyable read from start to finish…family, friends, enemies, intrigue and suspense…sadness, laughter, romance and ultimately love.

~Romance Junkies (4 Blue Ribbons)

SIXTH SENSE: "A great mix of romance, spine-tingling suspense, and real hope for two jaded individuals for a happily-ever-after ending. I’m looking forward to reading Book Two in the Psychic Crystal Mystery Series."

~Tami Brothers

An intriguing, albeit reluctant, psychic detective in this paranormal romantic suspense story…a strong and captivating heroine.

~Pauline Michael, Night Owl Romance (3 Stars)

Someday My Prints Will Come

by

Marilyn Baron

The Lobster Cove Series

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Someday My Prints Will Come

COPYRIGHT © 2015 by Marilyn Baron

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc., except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: info@thewildrosepress.com

Cover Art by Debbie Taylor

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Fantasy Rose Edition, 2015

Digital ISBN 978-1-62830-883-9

The Lobster Cove Series

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

To my husband, Steve, my perfect match

Marilyn Baron’s Writing Awards to Date

Finalist, Georgia Romance Writers Published

Maggie Award for Excellence, 2014,

Novel With Strong Romantic Elements

(SIGNIFICANT OTHERS).

~*~

Finalist, Georgia Romance Writers Unpublished

Maggie Award for Excellence, 2005,

Single Title (STONES,

originally titled THE COLONOSCOPY CLUB).

~*~

Winner, Georgia Romance Writers Unpublished

Maggie Award for Excellence, 2012,

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance (SIXTH SENSE).

~*~

First Place, Suspense Romance category,

2010 Ignite the Flame Contest,

(Central Ohio Fiction Writers chapter

of Romance Writers of America)

Chapter One

Mother, I think I’m old enough to handle this one, Eva protested.

Age has nothing to do with it, sweetheart. The count is very powerful. And he has very powerful connections in this world…and others. Esmerelda lowered her voice. "He’s evil. And I don’t want you near him or his son. I think you should let me handle it."

But you always say the power of love is stronger than the power of evil.

Don’t try to throw my words back at me, child. This particular case is different. The count has a long-standing grudge against this family.

Then why did he come to us to try to find a match for his son?

Because we’re the best. You come from a long line of respected matchmakers. We have no equal in our field. Therefore, grudge or no grudge, he comes to us…grudgingly.

Eva threw her head back and laughed, then grew serious.

You’ve taught me everything you know, Mother. I’ve performed hundreds of matches, good matches, and now you’re saying I’m not up to the task? At one point you’re going to have to stop protecting me and start believing in me.

Her mother looked at her and smiled. I do believe in you. You are wise beyond your years, Daughter.

Well, then let me deal with the count. He doesn’t frighten me.

He should, the mother said simply, but knowing her headstrong daughter, she knew enough to realize she was fighting a losing battle. Well, then I insist on being there, in the background, of course. You won’t see me, but I’ll be there in case you need me.

Agreed, said Eva. He’ll be here soon. I want to make sure everything is ready.

The women bustled about in the kitchen making preparations, tasting the soup, slicing the brisket, and pulling the mandel bread from the oven. Delicious aromas wafted around the room, smells Eva remembered as a child. Lessons she had learned at her mother’s knee.

The way to a man’s heart is through…

Loud rumblings, heavy enough to shake the ground and the underworld beneath it, interrupted Eva’s thoughts. She flew to the window. Her eyes widened as a large black chariot and four demonic-looking stallions pulled up in a cloud of dust. She swallowed her fear, smoothed her hair, and tried not to jump out of her skin at the sound of the series of insistent raps on the door.

Please, come in, she said, trying to sound more confident than she felt.

The count was tall, imposing, and darkly handsome in his black cape as he brushed her aside. His arm wound protectively around his son, who remained hidden from view beneath his father’s flowing garment.

Where is your mother? his voice boomed. Eva retreated a step and then stood her ground.

I am handling the match, she said, sticking out her chin defiantly.

You? Is this some kind of a joke? Tell your mother I insist she stop playing games and show herself.

I assure you, this is no game. Before we get started, I have some soup on and some brisket warming in the oven and…

We’re not here for food or idle chitchat, child. As I explained to your mother, he said, looking around the room, willing her to materialize, I’m here about my son.

Well, then, let’s get on with it, she said impatiently.

He sized her up and took her measure slowly, boldly. Then he lifted her chin with his fingertips.

You’re just a child, he murmured approvingly, adding, not a bad-looking one, at that. High spirited, too. You look just like your mother. This could prove interesting after all. There was a loud rustling noise in the broom closet. He turned toward the sound.

Just the dog, Eva said quickly, wishing her mother wasn’t always so obvious.