I love falling in love.
Only Iβm the worst at it.
My friends call me a serial first dater and I canβt blame them.
All I want is a happy ever after, yet all I find are happy ever nevers.
This is my last chance. After this set up with my friendβs tattoo artist, Iβm done.
No more dating. No more chances.
If I donβt fall in love with Leo Johnson, Iβll give up on dating.
Even if it shatters my dreams in the process.
Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, itβs an introduction to an authorβs world. And for fans, itβs a bonus book in the authorβs series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.
New York Times bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan returns to the Montgomery Ink world with a blind date romance between two unlikely strangers. HAPPILY EVER NEVER is out tomorrow, but you can read a sneak peek below now!
βBad date?β Nick asked as he looked over Lakeβs head and winked at me.
I rolled my eyes. βOf course. The last good date I had was with this one,β I said, pointing at Leif.
Leif choked on his water, sputtering. βSeriously? That canβt be right.β
Lake burst out laughing, as did the few others in the room. Thatβs when I noticed I wasnβt alone with my friends. No, the place was full of customers, their friends, and a few other artists I had never met before.
βOh. I didnβt realize you were all here. Iβm sorry. Iβm going to go hide under a rock nowβas soon as I find one.β
βDonβt hide on our account,β a man with dark hair, light eyes, and a wicked grin said as he stepped forward. He held out his hand. βIβm Leo. And you are the woman of my dreams.β
I burst out laughing. I couldnβt help it.
He rolled his eyes as the others laughed outright with me. βWell, then. I guess that put me in my place. Seriously, though, Iβm Leo. Itβs good to meet you. Itβs May, right? Youβre Leif and Brookeβs nanny. I mean, Lukeβs nannyβnot that Leif doesnβt need one.β
I didnβt hear any derision in his tone, only interest. That was different. Most people werenβt sure why I was still a nanny with all my college degrees and experience. But I really did love my job. Other people with their misconceptions and preconceived notions would have to get over themselves.
βI am May, their nanny. Youβre the jokester of the place, right?β
Another man behind Leo cracked up. βSure. If thatβs what he wants to call himself. Iβm Tristan. This is Taryn,β Tristan said as he gestured toward a gorgeous woman with bright red hair. βWe all work for these head honchos over here.β He pointed toward Nick, Lake, and Leif.
I knew the three of them had come together to purchase the building and start Montgomery Ink Legacy. There was a fourth owner, someone else who had bought in that had a small share. Once he was old enough, he would buy into the business more. He was on the board and part of the ownership and legacy. Or at least he had been. My heart hurt for Sebastian Montgomery and the hardships he was going through. For the unending pain and hope all twisted into one future. I didnβt know Sebastian well, but I hoped he knew he wasnβt alone. If a mere stranger hurt for him and was willing to help him like I was, I really hoped he had someone close to lean on.
βSo, you here for a tattoo?β Leif asked.
I shook my head, my lips twitching. βNot now. I just didnβt want to go home alone and have a chocolate drumstick.β
βDonβt knock chocolate drumsticks. Theyβre amazing.β Leo returned to his seat and gestured to the notepad in front of him. His client bent over it, and the two went back to work.
βTrue, but it was a crappy night.β
βAre you okay?β Leif asked, his gaze narrowing.
Leo looked at me again, his expression fierce. The rest of the men in the group followed suit. Lake was the only one who appeared worried instead of angry, and I hated that because it had nothing to do with me. Nick noticed and rubbed the back of her neck, and Lake softened into him, practically melting.
Those two were so good for each other, and I was happy theyβd finally seen each other rather than continually running.
βIβm fine. It just wasnβt a great night. One day, I will have a date that doesnβt end up boring, rude, or with someone telling me I shouldnβt have dessert.β
Every single person stared at me, their eyes wide.
βWhere is he, and what does he look like?β Leo asked. I shook my head, though I was grateful it seemed he cared.
βI took care of it. Well, I didnβt dump my glass on him but only because I was out of water.β
βAnd throwing the glass itself probably wouldnβt have been a great idea,β Leif murmured.
I shrugged. βProbably.β
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