The First of February

About The First of February

Jamison Long wasn’t looking for a hook up, much less the man of his dreams. He was looking for a new ride, nothing more. Then Harper Vance walked up and shook his hand, and Jamison was smitten. When Harper’s place of employment shuttered its doors and the owner skipped town without providing severance pay, Jamison seized the opportunity and offered Harper a place to live.

The move is not without consequences. Jamison has an ex determined to undermine his fledging relationship with Harper. The seeds of doubt are planted, leaving Harper unsure if being with Jamison is a good idea. It seems Jamison’s job is the most important thing in his life, just like the ex-boyfriend said.

Jamison fights to prove he’s the man for Harper, but issues arise that Harper can’t overlook. It will take patience and love to prove that their meeting on the first of February was the best thing to happen to both of them.

What they said about a few of KC’s books

​A Hard Habit to Break will tug at your emotions and having you rooting for a happy ending for these two. K.C. Kendricks is one author from whom I will be looking for more. Great job!! – Sensual Reads

Double Deuce - I recommend this to those that love hot men, hot sex, mystery, a good storyline and if not a HEA then it still leaves you with a warm feeling. – MM Good Book Review

Seducing Light - The story has a nice pace, a good plot, and erotic scenes that gravitate from teeth rattling intensity to slow sensual lovemaking. Seducing Light was a delightful read and I want to see more from Ms. Kendricks in the near future. – Litary Nymphs

Surrendered Victory is a great story and a terrific beginning to what could be a very loving relationship. – Joyfully Reviewed

Give Me One Night - The romance that ensues between these two great characters will keep you on an emotional rollercoaster-one you won't want to get off of even at the very end. – Fallen Angel Reviews

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Praise for the writing of KC Kendricks

KC Kendricks never disappoints!"—Fallen Angel Reviews

..beautifully moving in all the right places...KC Kendricks gives us a well-crafted tale- The Romance Studio

Good to the last word....- Sensual Reads

...Seriously entertaining and totally engaging...- Joyfully Reviewed

...solidly written contemporary romance...-Jessewave

Dedication

To Ron, always.

I miss you.

​​​​​​Books by KC Kendricks and Rayne Forrest

For current availability, please visit KC’s bookshelf at

https://kckendricks.blogspot.com/p/the-bookshelf-of-kc-kendricks-and-rayne_3.html

Ian Coulter’s Amethyst Cove Series

Double Deuce

Deuce of Diamonds

Ace, Deuce, Trey

Circle of Steel

Steel Wheels

The Sundown Saga

The Back Stairs

Beneath Dark Stars

River Walk

Moon Dances

Fly By Night

The Southern Cross Series

Netting Neptune

Taming Triton

Poseidon’s Pleasure

Between The Moon and the Deep Blue Sea

Catching Fireflies

The Men of Marionville Series

A Hard Habit to Break

Open Roads

What You Don’t Confess

Your Whisper in the Dark

A Cat Named Hercules

Leather Jackets

Station to Station

Dreams to Sell

The Right Brew

Where There’s Smoke

Bourbon and Blues

Twice Removed From Yesterday

Centerville Muscle

Bored, Stroked and Blueprinted

Memphis

July Heat

Once in October

Levi & Stacy

Shining Victory

No One But You

By the Month

Some of these stories may also be a part of other collections.

The First of February

July Heat

Hot August Comes

September Morning

Once in October

December Promise

Single Titles (not part of a series)

A Friendly Neighbor

A Perfect Hire

December Promise

Devilishly Delicious Dane (out of print)

Desert Snow

Doors of Time

Eye of the Beholder

Give Me One Night

Hey, Joe

Highway Nights

Hot August Comes

Kentucky 98 Proof

Lick Me (Must Love Dogs)

Lightning Shifts

Passion’s Victory

Please Use the Door (a ghostly romance)

Ride Your Luck

Riding Against the Wind (sequel to Ride Your Luck)

SABRE

Seducing Light

September Morning

Shine A Light

Sumner’s Garden

Surrendered Victory

Tango in the Night

The First of February

The Ghost at the B & B

The Quest

Undeniable

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Titles Written as Rayne Forrest

Science Fiction:

A Hero’s Bargain

Across Time

The Curiosity Shoppe

The Skies of Mahdis (out of print)

Science Fiction Series:

The Rea Cheveyo Chronicles: Kiana

The Rea Cheveyo Chronicles: Talyss

The Rea Cheveyo Chronicles: Reza

Futuristic Elements:

After the Sea Sprite Ball

Mischief at Midnight

Money Back Guarantee

Step Into Tomorrow

To Bed a Spy

Paranormal Elements:

Beyond the Night

A Hidden Heaven

Contemporary:

Loving Luke

One Summer

Right From the Start

Table of Contents

The First of February

About The First of February

What they said about a few of KC’s books

Dedication

Books by KC Kendricks and Rayne Forrest

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

About the Author

Dear Readers,

A bonus read from July Heat

Chapter 1

It was our wedding day. To say I was nervous was an understatement. Harper wanted a more traditional-style ceremony in a non-traditional setting, whereas I’d have preferred something more intimate. I knew a pastor who would let us say our vows in the church parlor with a small group of friends in attendance, and I thought that was close enough to the cross. Harper wouldn’t set foot in a church, but he agreed my pastor friend could officiate at the ceremony.

We settled on a wedding venue at a local winery. They’d converted an old barn into a glittering space, and I had to admit the place fit Harper to the proverbial T. I was biased because Harper loved it but so be it. I loved him, and to give him what he wanted on his wedding day brought me joy.

My sister was adamant we should not see each other after the wedding rehearsal. We’d cheerfully allowed her to dictate to us and I’d spent the night in her guest room. She’d also picked out our new suits and hadn’t allowed us to see each other having them fitted.  

I don’t know why we’d even needed a rehearsal. We decided to sit on opposite sides of the front row of chairs and walk forward when the pastor motioned to us. Neither of us were unwilling to walk down the aisle like a bride because we weren’t one.

Mike, my boss and my friend, drove me to the venue, and of course, Mike being Mike, we were early. He pleaded with the kitchen staff and surprised me with a big plate full of samples of all the treats prepared for the reception.

Did you see Harper? I shoved a bite-sized pecan pie confection in my mouth.

Mike shook his head. I didn’t know I was supposed to look for him. Brother Frank would be lurking if they were here, and I didn’t see him anywhere. You know he’d be near the free food if he was here.

That was true. Harper’s big brother acted like I was just waiting to marry Harper before I carved him up with a chainsaw and ate him for dinner. I had more deliciously wicked things in mind for our wedding night. I wanted Harper to top me for the first time tonight. I’d never bottomed for anyone before, and I was all twitchy just thinking about it. Wedding nights should be memorable.

Mike glanced out the window. And here comes the snow.

Well, that’s apropos. It snowed the day I met Harper. I walked to the window and gazed out. My reflection smiled at me in the glass as I recalled that day.

I needed a new car through no fault of my own. I was an investigator for Mike’s law firm in Point Pleasant, and I’d been investigating a fellow who brought a lawsuit against a client. I shadowed him for a month before I witnessed the first crack in his case. Unfortunately, he must have spotted me, too. Three days later, someone broke the driver-side window of my car and tossed a Molotov cocktail inside.  

I was checking out the newer used cars on a lot when Harper Vance walked up to me and shook my hand. Lightning struck me right then and there. Harper was gorgeous with dark hair and brown eyes, and he had this little scar in his eyebrow that I instantly wanted to kiss. It began to snow, and he invited me to his small office for a conversation. It didn’t take me long to praise his coffee and tell him I wanted the SUV he’d suggested. He cooked dinner for me, then I cooked for him, and we’d been together ever since.

I worried it wasn’t completely all his idea to move in with me. It turned out that the dealership he worked at was going out of business and he was about to be unemployed. I sensed it wasn’t the end of the world for him. His real love was photography, and he was trying to establish a client list. Moving in with me allowed him to concentrate on that, and to take a few college classes to improve his skills without the constant worry over money. Things were taking off for him and I was proud of him for following his dream. I didn’t mind being the breadwinner to help him out, but it bothered him to have me support him.

Harper was a bit of a romantic. We’d met on the first of February and when I asked him to marry me, he’d finally settled on February first the following year as the date.

I set aside my musings and turned to Mike. Go see if he’s here and if he’s okay. I’m nervous so I guarantee you he’s freaking out.

Mike gave me the worst salute I’d ever seen and backed his way out the door. He was gone for ten minutes, long enough for me to become uneasy. The look on his face told me I had good reason to be.

He’s not here, Jamison. I checked the parking lot, too. Frank’s car isn’t here, either. Give me your phone and I’ll call him.

It wasn’t like Harper not to arrive at an agreed-upon time. I pulled my phone out of my pocket and hit his speed dial number. It went straight to voice mail.

Hey, hon. Mike just told me you’re running late. Give me a call so I know when to expect you here. Love you. Bye. I disconnected the call and stared at my phone.

Mike gave me a bro-type side hug. He’ll be here. We got here early. I knew we should have had another cup of coffee or something.

Or not. We had to get away from Mary Ellen. I love my sister, but she drives me crazy hovering over me constantly asking if I want anything. Coffee? Tea? Cookies? A sandwich? It’s...I don’t know what it is, but I couldn’t take another two hours of it. And don’t try to tell me you weren’t happy to slink away, too.

Mike laughed but I was serious. I was also seriously worried about Harper.

Had he changed his mind about getting married? Our relationship had been tested in its early days, and it had been a few tough months, but I never wavered in my love for Harper. Had his feelings for me changed over time and he was afraid to tell me?

I did what I didn’t want to do. I called Harper’s brother, Frank. Frank was supposed to pick him up and drive him to the venue, but he said Harper had called him and said he’d drive himself. Frank said Harper sounded fine on the phone with him, but Harper, in a holdover from their childhood, never allowed Frank to know if something was bothering him.

I checked the time. I had two hours until the ceremony. I held my hand out. Mike, give me your keys. I have to go to the house and make sure he’s okay.

Mike backed away. Oh, no. I’ll go get him. You cool your jets and stay put. Put your tux on, for heaven’s sake. Do something. I’ll be back with him before you know it.

I wanted to believe him, but I knew Harper wasn’t at the house. He’d gone, but where? And why?

The why was easy. He wasn’t sure getting married was the right thing to do. He was scared it would change us, and not for the better. I understood. I, too, had doubts but I could see how we were better together.

In the last few months, I’d needed to spend a lot of extra hours on the job working on a high-profile case. Had Harper looked at the evenings I spent away from him as deliberate avoidance? They weren’t.