Hey Rosebuds.

I’m putting the finishing touches on Chasing Summer and wanted to give you a teaser in the meantime… enjoy!

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SOLEIL

“Girl, this school year whooped my ass,” Danielle said while looking over the menu. “I’m so close to going back to teaching elementary students.”

“I get it. The eighth graders are always a handful. But remember before they come to you, they’re my babies.”

“Babies my ass,” Danielle grumbled. “Having to deal with them on top of all the administrative changes made work insufferable this year. Hopefully, next year will be better.”

“I think it will be. Everyone has adjusted to Dr. Pryce and his team of administrators.” 

The school year had been a tough one for everyone. The principal of the last fifteen years retired unexpectedly, and most of the administrative staff left along with her. There was little time for the staff to build a rapport with the new principal before the school year started. This past year was all trial and error as the school district ushered in a first-year principal. Danielle and I were two of the few teachers who worked well with our new boss. It wasn’t that long ago that we were the new kids on the block, and if it weren't for Danielle at my side, I wouldn’t have lasted past year one. 

“Enough about work. What are our summer plans?” Danielle switched gears. 

My eyes lit up. “Well, I was on Pinterest last night and I came across a summer bucket list. I think it’ll be a fun thing to do.” 

Danielle sipped her mimosa. “That sounds cute. What were you thinking of doing?”

Our conversation was interrupted momentarily when the waitress arrived with our appetizer. After putting in our orders, I picked up where they left off. Danielle leaned across the table to see the list I’d started in my notes app.

“Some of the things included hiking, visiting wineries, going to a baseball game, being a tourist in our city…” I stopped when Danielle sighed. “What?”

“Where’s the excitement?”

“None of this sounds exciting?” My eyebrows met. I thought everything listed was far more exciting than the other plans I had for the summer, renovating my grandmother’s home.

“No. It all sounds safe and a little ordinary. When I think of a summer bucket list, I’m thinking thrills, one-off situations that become memorable experiences. Not going to see the Braves and visiting wineries. We can do that any time.”

I rolled my eyes. “Okay. What’s something you think I should have on my summer bucket list?”

Danielle narrowed her eyes and pouted her lips. After a moment, she said, “A one night stand, kissing in the rain, finally getting your first tattoo, showing off your DJ skills at a random party. I don’t know. Just do something out of the ordinary this summer.”

“Umm… I’ve never been to a baseball game, nor have I been a tourist in the city so…”

Danielle laughed. “Whatever. You can make a list of safe choices and I’ll add a few challenging ones.”

I spent the next few minutes typing out a checklist on my phone. I didn’t care what Danielle said about my boring activities. I’d already researched trails and reviewed the Braves schedule. With a smile, I passed my phone to her, feeling confident with the bucket list I created. Danielle nodded slowly while skimming the list. 

“This is cute. I’m going to make a few tweaks.” She tapped away, adding new tasks for me to complete. “When’s the last time you went on a date?” Danielle’s attention remained on the screen. There was a beat of silence, prompting her to look up.

I glanced out the window, seemingly in deep thought. Biting down on my bottom lip, I considered telling Danielle about Guy’s text. The more she learned about Guy outside of our friendship, the more she grew to dislike him.

“My last date was on Valentine’s Day,” I mused with a wry smile. Shortly after Guy left town, he suggested we slow down.

“Riiiiight,” Danielle droned. “I think you should date this summer.”

“Aside from Guy, my line is dry right now.”

“Don’t worry. We’re gonna be outside, so I'm sure you’ll meet someone. So, three dates…”

“Three? You’re reaching.”

Danielle shot me a look. “Have you seen yourself? It’s not a reach at all. Plus you need to remind Guy that you are that girl. It’s his loss honestly.”

I fought back a smile while fluffing my hair. My Bantu knots came out perfectly today.

“Give me back my phone,” I feigned annoyance while reaching. Danielle finished typing out the last task before returning my phone. “You really want me to get a tattoo, go on three dates, and kiss in the rain by September?”

“It’s possible. If you’re lucky, you can knock out all three in a day.”

I laughed. “You’re crazy.”

Ali Everett is on a mission to uphold his family’s legacy while creating his own lane within the family business. When presented with an opportunity to prove himself, he accepts the challenge prepared for whatever obstacles came along the way. When things seem that can’t get any better, he mets the alluring Soleil Baptiste. She single-handedly ignites the fire he longed for in his life.

After ending a year-long situationship, Soleil Baptiste is on a journey of self-discovery. She hopes the summertime is filled with the excitement she lacks in life. Ali Everett enters her world and turns it upside down, forcing her question whether or not he is too good to be true.

As they grow closer, they discover how deeply their pasts are connected, prompting them to confront their ghosts sooner than they anticipated. A dose of serendipity, a summer bucket list, and an inexplicable attraction combine to create a whirlwind romance for Ali Everett and Soleil Baptiste. Are Ali and Soleil capable of enduring the heat of their complicated pasts or will their time together be merely a summer fling?