“Which team is that?” I ask with a gesture of my head. I barely get the question out before more cheers erupt and a huge guy with floppy blond hair stands up so quickly his chair falls backwards. He raises his hands in victory, teammates holding their drinks up to give him their salud.
My sister just shakes her head with a smirk. “That would be the Slingers hockey team. Kade said they start preseason in a couple weeks. I guess tonight is one last hurrah before hitting the ice hard for the next few months.”
“Kade? Is he here tonight?” I pray my cheeks aren’t turning pink just from saying his name. Too many people are in my business now as it is. I don’t want to tip them off that I may have developed a small crush on him.
It’s not even a realistic crush. More like a fantasy of who he might be. If I’ve learned anything in the last couple of years, it’s that fantasy and reality are never the same. Not ever. While I can indulge in a little unrequited interest from afar, I’m not dumb enough to pretend the Kade in my head is the true Kade. I’ll never make that mistake with any man again.
Matter of Time is coming July 2021.
Preorder here!
Acknowledgments
I’ve just got a few people to thank:
Sometimes a book is just a breath of fresh air to write. This one was like that. Kiersten and Paul’s story, while filled with its own issues, was just what I needed so many months into pandemic living. For that, I’m so grateful to them. They may be fictional characters, but Kiersten and Paul became more like family to me and I’m looking forward to meeting with them again.
That doesn’t mean they didn’t require some work, which leads to the next people I’m grateful for.
Huge shout out to Brenda Rothert for talking through ideas with me. The story has so much more depth because of her. And let’s not forget how much she advises me on tricks of the trade. You are such a treasure to me!
Andrea Johnston, Hazel James and Marisol Scott for the great feedback on this book. I couldn’t have done it without you. From the good to the bad and the ugly, I know it ended up all the better because of those giant slashy red pens.
I accidentally forgot to send McKinnze Lopez the first draft, which turned out to be a good thing. Knowing how far this book had come and getting your feedback to make it that much better was so important to me. Still aiming for 5 stars, baby!
Let’s not forget Murphy Rae who created this cover a million years ago and then had to go back and do more with it once it was ready for paperback! Much, much appreciated.
Janice Owen and I have only worked together a handful of times but wow, are you thorough! I’m sorry about the em dashes. If you could tell me where to find them on my computer that would be great, thanks.
My deepest apologies to Alyssa Garcia for having to work with me still. You can’t get rid of me now!!! (I’m the reason she drinks. Kthanksbye)
Oh and thanks Mom for being a last set of eyes. Even when you’re wrong, you’re usually right. Go figure.
Carter’s Cheerleaders, Nerdy Little Book Herd – you make my world go round!
Thank you God for giving me the words so easily on this one. You promised rest for the weary and you delivered in a big way.
Other books by M.E. Carter
Hart Series
Change of Heart
Hart to Heart
Matters of the Hart
Matters to Me
Matters to You
Matter of Time
Texas Mutiny Series
Juked
Groupie
Goalie
Megged
Deflected
#MyNewLife Series
Getting a Grip
Balance Check
Pride & Joie
Amazing Grayson
Charitable Endeavors
(Collaborations with Andrea Johnston)
Switch Stance
Ear Candy
Model Behavior
Better than the Book
Smartypants Romance
Weight Expectations
Cutie and the Beast
Weights of Wrath
Collaborations with Sara Ney
Friend Trip
Kissmas Eve
New Years Steve