Akira Watanabe’s greatest issue isn’t being a lesbian, but rather having a father with the maturity of a teenager. He’s a heavy drinker and hardly works, so she supports them both with a job at a local convenience mart. It’s there she befriends police sergeant Rosey Garatino, who frequents the store and lives in the same complex as the Watanabes. Akira has the hots for a Goth girl named Jade, but unfortunately, Jade likes guys, and she also drinks and smokes. One night when Jade comes into the store, drunk, and tries to steal some beer, Akira stops her. Jade gets sick, and Akira helps her outside. Sparks fly between them, but nothing happens. Later Akira hears rumors that Jade is a lesbian. The heat that smoldered between them now sparks into a fire, especially when Jade promises to quit drinking and smoking. Akira’s surprised to learn Jade is Rosey’s daughter. Growing up can be difficult in the best of situations, but the neighborhood where Akira and Jade live is dangerous, too. As their friendship deepens into love, will they be able to protect each other and find their happy ending?

Saving Akita

“Rosey, you’re the oldest, you go first. Tell Jade what you’re thinking in two or three sentences.”


Jade rolled her eyes. Akira stole a look at Jade’s perky nipples.


Rosey didn’t hesitate. “Jade, I’m sorry about the pregnancy thing. I really am. Are you really a lesbian, and what did you mean about my not pretending I don’t know?”


Akira warned, “Nope. Rules are back to back.”


Jade went off. “I told you on my fourteenth birthday. You know.”


Jade huffed out a disapproving breath. “You were supposed to take me out to dinner, and you worked late. So we didn’t go. You asked me how I was, and I told you I’m a lesbian. You didn’t say a word, just stared.”


Rosey’s jaw quivered. “I don’t remember that. I know I worked late. I took you to dinner the next night. I worked a seventeen-hour shift. I was exhausted.”


Chapter 17