Sandstone Legacy

Professional Reviews

5 Pixies: "Sandstone Legacy is such an easy read that I couldn’t put it down. It's a sweet, light romance, with just enough mystery to keep you guessing - my favorite kind of book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sandstone Legacy with its well-rounded characters and intriguing plot. I would definitely recommend Rachel McNeely's Sandstone Legacy to my friends and I'll be looking for more books from her to read." -- Becky, Dark Angel Reviews

5 Books: "The story has quite a few unexpected twists. Each new discovery leads the pair to a new trail and I was eager to see where it would lead. I became caught up in the mystery and enjoyed watching it unfold. And I loved the unexpected ending to the tale. Sandstone Legacy is a highly enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend. Intrigue, romance, and a touch of paranormal all come together to form a great read." -- Lilac, Long and Short Reviews

"An exciting paranormal tale, Sandstone Legacy will keep readers guessing why and by whom the house is being haunted...Readers will want to read and discover for themselves the secrets of the Sandstone Legacy, a ghostly and fascinating love story." -- Marilyn Heyman, Romance Reviews Today

Excerpt

She'd have known Jake Andrews anywhere. He was etched into her memory. Tom and Sara stepped off the dance floor to greet him and Tom motioned toward their table and then danced away with Sara. Jake headed in her direction.

Oh, yes, he was good looking at fifteen, when she'd had many a fantasy about the bad boy senior. Even after all these years, he still sent shivers of excitement down her spine, especially when he directed those sexy blue eyes at her.

Everything about him seemed bigger. Not heavy, but taller, with broader shoulders and a more confident air about him. He stepped to the table and a smile spread across his sensual lips. She felt warmth flush her cheeks.

"Sorry, I don't mean to stare. You look familiar," she said, to cover the truth that he was all too familiar.

"Jake, have you met Sara's friend, Katie Weber?" Tom asked, as he and Sara came off the dance floor. "Have a seat."

"Hello, Katie." Jake reached across, and his large hand covered hers. She started to pull away, but he held her fingers securely in his grasp. Now not only her face felt warm, but her whole body zinged with awareness. When he released her hand and sat, she almost sighed with relief, except his chair was right beside hers.

Katie listened to the conversation flowing around her. She didn't really listen to the words, but enjoyed the husky tone of Jake's voice. A panicky feeling came over her when Tom and Sara went back to the dance floor.

In a room full of people, their table seemed isolated from the rest. They were alone and he stared intently in her direction.

"Do I have a wart on my nose?" she quipped.

"No." He reached out and pretended to brush something off of the tip of her nose. He jerked his hand back to his side, and she moved further back in her chair and took a large swallow of her drink.

"I do remember you from high school."

His words flowed over her like warm honey. "Please don't remind me," she said. "High school is such an embarrassing time. I was so awkward."

"Not really. If you mean the time you almost fell because of a dropped pencil, it was hardly your fault."

No, but my drooling over you was pathetic.

"Let's dance." He put out his hand.

She slowly rose. He pulled her into his arms and swung her into the crowd of dancers. His grip was firm and warm, and he embraced her tightly against his hard chest.

His spicy male fragrance floated around her, and she resisted the urge to cuddle even closer. This was not like her at all, especially the past year. She'd avoided men like the plague. But then this was her old dream come true.

"You're very quiet." His voice interrupted her thoughts. "Is it me or you just don't talk much?"

She had to chuckle. "My friends and family would laugh at that remark. They'd say that they can't shut me up."

"Then it is me."

"You're a man."

"I am." He tipped his head, curiosity in his expression. "So?"

"Not my favorite gender right now."

"I see. Bad break up?"

She nodded and waited for him to say more, but he swung her around a couple of other dancers and held her tighter.

Jake danced well, and Katie was sorry when the music stopped. They joined Sara and Tom at the table.

Sara leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Want to go to the ladies room?"

Katie nodded, and they excused themselves. She followed Sara to the alcove where the ladies restrooms were located.

"What do you think?" Sara asked, as soon as they got inside. "He's still as good looking as he was in high school, and if I remember correctly you had a big crush on him then."

"That was a long time ago."

"True, but I can feel the vibes dinging off you," Sara said with emphasis.

Katie frowned. "Am I really so obvious?"

Sara held up her hands in protest. "Only to me because I know you so well. Anyway you and Eric broke up almost a year ago, even if you did just come back home. It's time to get out and meet new people. Give Jake a chance."

"Yes, Mother."

"OK, I'll get off your case," Sara said with a laugh.

The men stood on their return.

Tom had ordered chips, salsa and another round of drinks. He, Sara and Jake reminisced about high school. The band started to play again, and Tom and Sara returned to the dance floor.

"You didn't eat much." Jake motioned to the chips. He stared at her for a second before adding. "I'm hungry, and I understand the old root beer drive-in still has the best shakes and burgers. How about going for a ride?"

"A ride?" she asked.

"To get a burger and afterwards we'll go for a drive to get some fresh air."

"I hardly know you." She fibbed, as her heart pounded in her chest.

"Not true. We went to the same high school and have some of the same friends," he said.

 "I have to let Sara know where I'm going."

"I'll wait here."

She glanced around and saw where they danced. "I'll be right back."

* * * *

Jake watched her talk to Sara, who looked in his direction. Sara said something to Katie, and she also glanced his way.

He'd caught his breath when he'd first walked up to the table. Katie  had raised her head, and those hazel eyes, flecked with gold, met his. Her soft voice had sent a warm ache through his body.

What was the matter with him? She wasn't his type. He'd known that in high school and even though he'd been attracted to her, he'd steered clear. Her family would have never approved of him dating her. His reputation always preceded him.

* * * *

Jake followed Katie up the stairs, tension sparking between them. Desire streaked through her. The air felt heavy like it does before a summer storm.

He touched her arm, and they stood between the rooms. His body heat enveloped her and a yearning shot through Katie. She wanted this man, but in many ways he was still an enigma. Briefly, he let you see past his armor and then he retreated behind the public mask he wore.

Katie's hand reached out and touched the rough stubble on his cheek. She ran her hand lightly across his lips. He caught hold of her hand and kissed her palm, then stared at her with those crystal blue eyes.

Her breath caught and she stepped into the warmth of him. His arms encircled her, her head rested just beneath his chin. For several moments they didn't move.

She enjoyed breathing in his special scent and letting all his body heat soak into her. It felt like coming home and that scared her. She took a step back.

His fingers lightly touched the curls around her face, slid across her cheek and caressed the side of her neck. He leaned toward her and caught her lips in a hard possessive kiss.

"You're beautiful, and I want to stay with you tonight."

The words went straight to her heart. Dare she take a chance? This man might very well hurt her, much worse than Eric did. But, she wanted his warmth and closeness and to be part of him. A ripple of excitement ran through her.

"Then stay," she whispered.

* * * *

Jake swung her into his arms and pushed her door open. Moonlight lit the room. He leaned against the door to make sure it closed before walking across the room. A chuckle escaped.

"We'll be close in that little bed," he murmured. It didn't stop him from lying down with her and pulling her tight against his body. He studied her face, and his hand roamed from her forehead, brushing across the tips of her long lashes, her turned up nose and ran across her lips. Cupping her face in both his hands, he kissed her. His tongue swept inside the warmth of her mouth. Her soft breasts and all of her body cuddled against him.

Brief kisses followed and his breath caught when her soft, warm hands touched his skin as she started to unbutton his shirt. For one second his rational brain tried to warn him, danger, danger, but it was too late. He didn't remember ever wanting anything this much.

Silencing his thoughts, he followed her lead. He pushed his jeans off after taking a condom out of his pocket. At least that took care of some danger. But, for tonight, for at least one time in his life, he wasn't the little boy looking in the candy store. He was inside, and it felt better then he ever imagined.

"Now it's my turn," he said. Quickly he unbuttoned her shirt and unfastened her bra. Her soft breast with pink nipples held him mesmerized. Bending his head, he brushed his lips across one tip and then the other. His tongue circled each and then he took one breast into his mouth.

Katie's body rose against him, and he heard her moan. After giving attention to the other breast, he reached for the waistband of her jeans and unfastened them. She helped him push them off and then her lace panties.

His lips feathered kisses across her abdomen, and he breathed in the scent of her as he went lower. Brushing his fingers through her soft hair, he sought her tender inner core. Her legs opened wider to give him access, as her fingers ran across his shoulders and into his hair.

His tongue flickered across her lower lips, and her soft gasp hardened him even more. The ache to be inside her was building. Forcing himself to take his time, he kissed her, tasted her, and then scattered kisses along the inside of her thighs.

She moaned and twisted, creating a raging fire inside him. Finally, when he wasn't able to hold off any longer, he slid up her body, held her hands above her head and moved between her legs. He plunged into her with one strong lunge.

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