King of the Reunion: Reunited, #3

By Rose Bak

Twenty-five years ago their friendship ended over a misunderstanding, but now that they've found each other again, he wants more than friendship. But can they forget their painful past?

Lainie Halverson always had a crush on her super-hot friend Mark Barone, but she knew that he didn't see her as more than a friend.  When Mark invited her to the prom after she was humiliated by another guy, she assumed it was a pity invite. Little did she know her refusal would lead to an ugly fight and the end of their friendship.

Mark Barone has just realized that he made a big mistake all those years ago. He'd always assumed that Lainie turned down his prom invitation because she was embarrassed about his short stature. Now that he knows the truth, the billionaire real estate tycoon is pulling out all the stops to get a second chance with his first love.

He might be the king of the reunion, but his real goal is to be the king of Lainie's heart.

"King of the Reunion" is part of the "Reunited Second Chance Romance" series. Each book in the series is a steamy standalone midlife romance featuring a mature couple, meddling best friends, impossible reunions, and a guaranteed happily ever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rose Bak
• Release date: Jan 18, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223856023

Rose Bak

Rose Bak has been obsessed with books since she got her first library card at age five. She is a passionate reader with an e-reader bursting with thousands of beloved books.  Rose's contemporary romance books focus on strong female characters over age 35 and the alpha males who love them. Expect a lot of steam, a little bit of snark, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

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Copyright

KING OF THE REUNION

© 2023 by Rose Bak 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No portion of this book may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage retrieval system in any form by any means without express permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact the publisher at [e-mail].

Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, organizations, or locals is entirely coincidental. Trademark names are used editorially with no infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.  All activities depicted occur between consenting characters 18 years or older who are not blood related. 

Cover Design by Paper or Pixels

About This Book

Twenty-five years ago their friendship ended over a misunderstanding, but now that they’ve found each other again, he wants more than friendship. But can they forget their painful past?

Lainie Halverson always had a crush on her super-hot friend Mark Barone, but she knew that he didn’t see her as more than a friend.  When Mark invited her to the prom after she was humiliated by another guy, she assumed it was a pity invite. Little did she know her refusal would lead to an ugly fight and the end of their friendship.

Mark Barone has just realized that he made a big mistake all those years ago. He’d always assumed that Lainie turned down his prom invitation because she was embarrassed about his short stature. Now that he knows the truth, the billionaire real estate tycoon is pulling out all the stops to get a second chance with his first love.

He might be the king of the reunion, but his real goal is to be the king of Lainie’s heart.

King of the Reunion is part of the Reunited Second Chance Romance series. Each book in the series is a steamy standalone midlife romance featuring a mature couple, meddling best friends, impossible reunions, and a guaranteed happily ever.

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This book includes a special excerpt from Summer Wedding, part of the Mountain Ridge Resort series, available now at select retailers.  

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Dedication

For everyone who wishes they could go back to high school and have a do-over.  You’re wearing rose-colored glasses, my friend.  High school was terrible for everyone. Just be glad you survived – and that you no longer have a curfew.

And for Amber, who once told me she’d already met her quota of friends but added me to her list anyway.  I’m glad.

Lainie

The pulse of nineties pop music assaulted my ears as soon as I stepped into the hotel ballroom for my high school reunion. Twenty-five years. I couldn’t believe it.  High school seemed both like yesterday and another lifetime ago.  The room was already packed with my former classmates and their significant others, clustered around the room in small groups.

Thanks for coming with me Brian. 

I wrapped my hand around my friend Brian’s arm as by unspoken agreement we made a beeline for the bar.  I was excited for my reunion, but that didn’t mean it wouldn’t be easier with a little liquid courage. 

I know it’s stupid, but I hate to come to these things alone and look like a loser.

It’s not stupid and you’re not a loser, he told me firmly.  You haven’t seen most of these people in twenty-five years.  They’re basically strangers.

Not for the first time I told myself that it was too bad that there was no spark between me and Brian.  We’d met years ago when we lived in the same apartment building and had been good friends ever since. He was a great guy—tall, handsome, dependable, a Cubs fan.  And most importantly, he was a good friend, the kind of friend who would give up his Saturday night to come with you to a reunion where he knew no one. 

You look beautiful, by the way, Brian told me.  That dress is incredible on you. I’m sure all the guys who ignored you in high school are going to be regretting that decision now.

I gave him a warm smile as I waved my hand down my body like I was a game show host revealing a prize.  Oh, this old thing?

I’d gone with a jade green dress for the reunion, one that was fitted at the waist and flared out to just above the knee.  The belted waist helped give me a great hourglass shape. The V neckline highlighted my cleavage, which was looking good tonight thank you very much, with help from a brand new high-end bra that cost a small fortune. 

I’d paired the outfit with black heels that were a little high for everyday use, but for tonight, I’d suffer sore feet.  I wanted to look good.  I’d pulled my honey-blonde hair back into a sophisticated updo, with long tendrils framing my face, and my make-up was on point.  I’d even had a mani-pedi this morning.  I hadn’t looked this good in years.

None of this was for Mark Barone.  I mean really, I hadn’t given him a thought when I was getting ready.  Besides, the Mark I knew long ago would never do anything as lame as going to a reunion.

Brian and I spent the next hour mingling as I caught up with old friends and classmates.  It was funny how different everyone was now, both in looks and personality.  Some of my best friends back then, people I thought I’d be friends with forever, I hadn’t seen since graduation and found that I didn’t mind that.  On the other hand, some classmates who I didn’t like very much back in school seemed very nice now. 

When