Bump: Between the Ropes, #5

By Loretta Kendall

Plus-size beauty, Harley Stone finds herself hopelessly attracted to her famous IWX wrestling superstar client. The only problem, she refuses to go on dates with coworkers. Even though her mega crush has always shown interest, she is fully aware of his bad-boy ways. Suspecting he's just a flirtatious tease with an ego complex, Harley knows not to dip her toes into the dangerous waters that is Brodie Ford.

Getting her to like him is the easy part. Making her break her no-dating rule hasn't been so easy. Losing hope in winning her over, his chances are looking up when given a journal, exposing her secret desires. On the top of the list is Brodie Ford. When learning of her private crush, he is given the opportunity to visit a Halloween promotional getaway to Sizzle Island and some advice from celebrity hypnotists. With just a suggestion, Brodie has Harley literally on her knees when a few innocent spoken words get her hot and bothered. Learning the truth, she may just get the last laugh.

 

Between the Ropes: Novella

• Language: English
• Publisher: Loretta Kendall
• Release date: Aug 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215986783

Loretta Kendall

Loretta started her life with a dream and a story in her mind. For as long as she can remember, she was a storyteller, sharing tall tales with her friends from an overactive imagination. Twenty-two years as an image consultant in the entertainment industry, she revisited her love of books and writing. She is also the Editor-in-chief of Lux Local Magazine, a makeup artist, photographer, and graphic designer. She has been writing since 2017 and has a passion for creating happily-ever-after romance stories with the perfect mix of steamy and slow-burn moments. A hopeless romantic, she lives her own happy ever of twenty-four years of wedded bliss.

Book preview

Forward

In this ultra-spicy rom-com romance plus size beauty, Harley Stone finds herself hopelessly attracted to her famous IWX wrestling superstar client. The only problem, she refuses to go on a date with coworkers. Even though her mega crush has always shown interest, she is too aware of his bad boy ways. Suspecting he’s just a flirtatious tease with an ego complex, Harley knows not to dip her toes into the dangerous waters that is Brodie Ford. 

Getting her to like him is the easy part. Making her break her no dating rule hasn’t been so easy. Losing hope in winning her over, his chances are looking up when given a journal, exposing her secret desires. On the top of the kinking list; him. When learning of her private crush, Brodie is given the opportunity to visit a Halloween promotional getaway to Sizzle Island and some advice from celebrity hypnotists. With just a suggestion, Brodie has Harley literally on her knees when a few innocent spoken words get her hot and bothered. Learning the truth, she may just get the last laugh.

Chapter 1

Walking into IWX (International Wrestling Xtreme) Harley smiled at the new owner. Her cousin, Gage Stone. A new generation of the acclaimed wrestling promotion was bringing in new talent, and a whole new look to the brand. Since Gage took his place as CEO, the show had hit its highest ratings in decades.

Looking up to her famous cousin, Harley had put in the work behind the scenes for over a year, being an intern, personal assistant, and now manager of the infamous Brodie Ford. Part tall, sexy Scotsman, part pain in the proverbial ass, Brodie was a gorgeous thorn in Harley’s side.

Morning boss man. Have you seen my idiot client roaming around here anywhere? Please don’t tell me he’s making out with a fangirl in a locker room someplace. We have work to do today. I have an interview set up for him at a local news station and a promotional photoshoot in his new ring gear before the show tonight.

Good, we need to fill those seats, and he’s one of our biggest draws right now. A local interview will fill the rest of those seats. I’m hoping for a sold-out show tonight to break our record. Don’t worry, Harley. He’s down at the ring with Slade going over some new moves. Waving her closer, he leaned down to tilt his ear to her with a cheesy smirk. So, little cousin, has he convinced you to date him yet?

Rolling her eyes as she pushed her purse up on her shoulder to adjust, she chomped on her gum like a madwoman. He’s just being a smartass, Gage. He doesn’t mean it. I can’t believe you set me up to be his manager. He’s so damn arrogant and I can't get him to get his shit together. Sure, he’s hot. But does he have to be such a jackass about it all the time?

Stepping beside her husband, the legendary wrestler Isis, laughed as she snuggled into his side. Trust me, it’s what IWX men are known for. Being headstrong egomaniacs, Isis said, standing on her tiptoes to kiss her husband. Mmm. You’re the best kisser.

No, you are, love. Those sexy lips are going to be busy tonight if you keep this up.

You know it, Isis said with a loving smile.

Ew, Harley groaned. Don’t you two ever stop with the PDA?

Kissing his wife with a squeeze to her backside, Gage said, Never. My wife is beautiful. Can you blame me for not being able to keep my hands off her?

Considering you two breed like rabbits, I’d say keep it in your pants. Anyway, I wanted to say thanks for trusting me to do this job.

Harley, you’re doing great as his manager. I’m proud of you, Isis noted. 

Working here has been a dream come true. Well, except for dealing with Brodie ‘the fake Romeo’ Ford. How can it be possible for someone to be so stuck on himself?

Sorry, Harley, Gage said with a shrug. You’re stuck with him. He’s all yours, doll face. Crack that whip and put him in his place. Show him who’s boss.

Oh, trust me, he knows his place. Right under my stilettos. Squinting her eyes, she ticked, You did this on purpose, didn’t you? You and Isis are playing matchmaker again. I don't need a man. And it sure as hell not going to be Brodie the jerk-off.

Isis almost burst out laughing at Harley’s name-of-the-day for the egotistical wrestler. Every day it was a new, mean or vulgar nickname to get under his skin. She knew secretly Harley liked him, and the taunting was just her way of flirting. Truth was, they had become great friends, even though she