Misconduct(115)

Nope.

The truth was, you’re happier when you’re needed and stronger when you’re loved.

I could survive without Tyler, but why would I want to? Ever?

Nothing could replace him or erase him.

Except…

I opened my mouth, narrowing my eyes. “I forgot to ask.” I looked at him with amused curiosity. “Which political party do you belong to?”

He broke out in a laugh, his chest shaking as he looked down at me.

“How is it that you don’t know that?” he exclaimed. “You researched me online.”

I shrugged. “I went to your website and social media, nosing around, but that was it.”

Although we’d had discussions about his platform, and I’d accompanied him here and there, I realized it was the one thing that never came up.

He shook his head and stared at the camera.

“So?” I hinted.

“So what?”

I instantly hooded my eyes, unamused. “Which political party are you a member of, Tyler?”

“Does it matter?” he played.

“It might,” I shot back.

But he just turned and wrapped me in his arms, bending me backward with the force of his kiss. I squealed under his lips and then let my eyes roll back, my head feeling dizzy, as his tongue entered my mouth.

“Ew.” I heard Christian’s complaint from across the room.

And then Jay. “All right,” he chastised. “I’m getting the child out of here.”

Tyler didn’t break the kiss as he shot out his hand, waving goodbye to them, while I tried not to giggle.

He definitely knew how to shut me up.





ACKNOWLEDGMENTS





First, to all of the teachers in the world – the days are endless, the workload only increases, and you’re not paid nearly what you’re worth. But you’re the greatest of all artists. Some paint with brushes, while others play guitars, carve wood, or perform onstage. But you work with living minds and diverse spirits and create dreams that cultivate futures. Thank you for everything you do!

Next, to the readers – this was the first book and the first characters I dived into after finishing the Fall Away series. So many of you have been there, sharing your excitement and showing your support, and I am continually grateful for your continued trust. I know my adventures aren’t always easy, but I love them, and I’m glad so many others do, too.

To my family – my husband and daughter put up with my crazy schedule, my candy wrappers, and my spacing off every time I think of a conversation, plot twist, or scene that just jumped into my head at the dinner table. You both really do put up with a lot, so thank you for loving me anyway.

To Kerry Donovan and the rest of the team at New American Library – you’ve all been a joy to work with, and you’ve helped make one of my dreams come true. Every time I see my book in a book store, I know I didn’t do that alone, and it makes me feel on top of the world. Thank you for helping me be the best I can be and for believing in me.

To Jane Dystel, my agent at Dystel and Goderich Literary Management – there is absolutely no way I could ever give you up, so you’re stuck with me. I mean, I would literally wrap my body around your leg and chain myself to your hip. I hope you like the way I smell, because I’m with you to stay.

To the House of Pendragon – you’re my happy place. Well, you and Pinterest. Thanks for being the support system I need and always being positive.

To Vibeke Courtney, who is always in my acknowledgments – thank you for teaching me how to write and laying it down straight.

To Lisa Pantano Kane – you challenge me with the hard questions.

To Ing Cruz at As the Pages Turn Book Blog – you support out of the goodness of your heart, and I can’t repay you enough. Thank you for the release blitzes and blog tours.

To all of the bloggers – plain and simple, oh, my goodness! You spend your free time reading, reviewing, and promoting, and you do it for free. You are the life’s blood of the book world, and who knows what we would do without you. Thank you for your tireless efforts. You do it out of passion, which makes it all the more incredible.

To Abbi Glines, Jay Crownover, Tabatha Vargo, Tijan, N. Michaels, Eden Butler, Natasha Preston, Kirsty Moseley, and Penelope Ward for their encouragement and support over the years. It’s validating to be recognized by your peers, and authors supporting authors cultivates mutual respect. Positivity is contagious, so thank you for spreading the love.

To every author and aspiring author – thank you for the stories you’ve shared, many of which have made me a happy reader in search of a wonderful escape and a better writer, trying to live up to your standard. Write and create, and don’t ever stop. Your voice is important, and as long as it comes from your heart, it is right and good.





READERS GUIDE





QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION


1.


There is a twelve-year age difference between the protagonists of Misconduct. Do you believe the age gap made a difference as far as life experiences and maturity? How much of an age gap would be too much for you?





2.


Easton fantasizes about standing in the middle of a burning room in chapter 1, but then she blows out the candle as she leaves the masquerade ball. Is there a significance in this action?