“Miller,” says Claire with a trembling voice. “When I look at you, nothing else exists in the entire world. It’s just the two of us. You’re my best friend, my partner, and my lover. Our connection is rare, if not unique. We had no idea how deep it went until we found each other again and realized that the love between us is rare and ours. I can’t wait to start our life together. I’m ready for whatever happens from this day forward, because with you by my side, I know everything will be alright. You’re not my strength but you make me stronger. I trust you and with you, I’ll always take a leap of faith. I love you.”

“I know,” I mouth.

“Arrogant,” she mumbles and kisses me on the cheek.

“Claire, after our first kiss, you transformed me. I changed the way I breathe, laugh, think, and act. From that moment forward, you became all I wanted. All I needed. You’re my everything. My dreams, my future, and the love of my life. I can’t wait to write a new story, a story of love, hope, and family. I promise to love you tenderly, hard, or just hold you when you need it. I’m ready to start this journey where we support each other, take care of each other, and build a future that’s only ours. Thank you for being here and trusting me. I love you forever.”

“By the power vested in me by the state of Colorado, I pronounce you husband and wife; you may kiss the bride.”

I kiss her softly, it’s just a chaste kiss in front of our family. It’s still special, our first kiss as husband and wife.

Dear Reader

Dear reader,

I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. Something Like Hate is a full-length novel based on Miller and Claire’s short story, "The Accidental Hookup," which was previously released in Spring Fling: A Romance Anthology.

When I first wrote it, I connected so much with these two characters that I had to see where their story would take us and I’m so glad I took the journey. This book is one of my favorites.

When you finish reading, and if you loved it as much as I do, please leave a review.

Thank you for picking up Something Like Hate. It means the world to me.

Love,

Claudia xoxo

Excerpts

I hope you enjoyed reading Something Like Hate, keep reading for an extended excerpt of Someday, Somehow and Finding My Reason. Part of the Mile-High Billionaires

Finding My Reason

May 24th, 2003