A Pocket of Pebbles

This is a collection of 8 romantic short stories, all
mentioning gemstones. They were written for the Romance
Writers of Australia's annual short story contest between
2008 and 2014. Each story is a tiny pebble-less than 3000
words.
There are no connections between the stories, except
for a touch of romance.
You may find birds and vampires, cops and crashes,
married couples and young love. Some are serious, some
amusing, some crazy madness.
I hope you may find a story that suits you.
Watery Liaisons: Life-long friends, Eloise and
Daniel, have recently become lovers with accidental
consequences. Will this ruin their connection?
An Old-Fashioned Courtship: A colourful love
story with a difference.
From Disaster Comes Love: Samantha sits on the
train next to the man who's held her attention for weeks.
When the train crashes, will they lose each other?
'Twas the Night before Conference:
Unpublished paranormal romance writer, Juliette, sees a
gorgeous man when others see thin air. Eris is an emotional
vampire. Is she his human mate, or victim?
Last Hope Safari: Married couple, Matilda and
Jake, want a child but years of failing has fractured them.
Jake hopes for natural healing, but is it too late?
Diamond Shield: Policewoman, Kendra, goes
undercover at a speed dating night. After the operation is
successful, she meets Mitch; not the gorgeous, witty date
but part of the job. Will they mix business and pleasure?
Farewell Sapphire: Two years ago, Darren
promised to come back for Sapphire. Today's her eighteenth
birthday, dare she hope he keeps the promise?
Moonstone Madness: Kat wins a race horse at the
picnic races, but she'd prefer to win the heart of the horse
trainer, Josh. Can she be that lucky?