Romance Backstage

Romance Backstage
Kim Shaw

Nothing's going to stand in the way of Raven Walker's Broadway dreams. That includes the gorgeous stranger she just ran into–literally–backstage at a theater. But sexy power producer Dru Davis is suddenly making Raven crave a life beyond the footlights.A player who has perfected his no-strings approach to love, Dru's getting tired of being a solo act. And he can't stop fantasizing about the woman who ended up wearing his iced latte all over her leotard. Dru is tempted to give up his freewheeling bachelor life…and let his blossoming romance with Raven take center stage.Raven and Dru's love may lift them high above the spotlight… where they could take their final bow, together.

“Come here,” he said, pulling her closer to him.

“I enjoyed spending time with you tonight,” he said. This time he stared deeply into Raven’s eyes. “Did you enjoy me, as well?”

“Yes. Everything was perfect,” Raven answered softly.

“May I kiss you?” Dru asked.

“Yes.”

With his eyes open, Dru moved slowly, dipping his head toward Raven’s. When his lips met hers, he closed his eyes, succumbing to the colorful sensation of their first kiss. The flutter of a million butterflies rattled his rib cage as he drank her in. Their lips locked and tongues danced for endless minutes as they explored one another like harbingers discovering new territory.

When they parted, Raven kept her eyes closed for a moment until the woozy feelings that threatened to overcome her subsided. When she opened them, her gaze met his, and she was lost in a smoldering heat that made the balmy summer evening pale in comparison.

“I’ll call you,” Dru said.

Raven nodded her head, words having momentarily escaped her. She watched Dru walk down the steps and to his black Infiniti sedan. From the curb, he turned and gave her that dazzling smile she’d already begun to cherish.

KIM SHAW

is a high-school English teacher in New Jersey, where she resides with her husband and two children. In May 2009 she earned a master’s degree in fine arts (MFA) in creative writing at Rutgers Newark graduate school—an example of her lifelong dedication to learning.

Romance Backstage

Kim Shaw

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Romance Backstage is the story of a dancer who finds

love unexpectedly while pursuing her passion. I dedicate

this tale to my daughter, who is poetry in motion on stage.

Stay on your toes, Niyala—you make the world a more

beautiful place.

Dear Reader,

The passion of a true performer is immeasurable, built on countless hours of sacrifice and dedication. In writing this story it was important to me to show a great deal of respect and encouragement from Dru for Raven’s passion. In addition, Raven’s struggle with her identity might easily have been a turnoff for an ambitious young man; yet Dru not only supports Raven’s pursuit of the truth, he fights fiercely to protect her from any harm the repercussions of this knowledge may cause. Dru Davis is an amazing man, made more so because he doesn’t even know it.

Raven and Dru are a dynamic couple who work hard, love hard and, most importantly, try hard to be their best selves. I was invigorated by their tale and hope you are, too!

Sincerely,

Kim Shaw

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23