The Girl He Loves

by Carmen, Roya

  Honestly, I think she’s been looking for a mother all her life. We don’t often talk about Renee but I get the impression that they’re not very close. I don’t think her mother has ever been very involved in Ava’s life. Even less so these days, since Ava decided to show Joel her mother’s texts. This led to an immediate separation and divorce proceedings. I thought Renee would end up with Grant, but apparently he’s married — the scumbag probably doesn’t want to leave his wife.

  I secretly enjoy when Ava talks about her dad — it gives me little glimpses into his life — he sounds happy. This doesn’t surprise me. Joel is a glass half-full kind of guy — that’s what I loved about him. He’s apparently just met a beautiful redhead named Amelia at his yoga class. Ava seems to like her.

  “And he scores five points. Such an amazing feat,” Tristan calls out, mocking his father.

  “Shut up,” Brian scoffs.

  I’m up next. I couldn’t care less how I do. I’m just happy to be here with my family. We’re at the eighth hole, with ten to go. I haven’t done so well so far. Trevor is keeping score, but I have no clue how I’m doing. All I know is that it’s a beautiful day, and that life is not bad at all.

  When I finally get the ball in on my third shot, I bounce off my feet. “I got par.”

  Brian kisses me on the cheek. “You rock.”

  I reach up to him, and slap a kiss on his mouth.

  “Ugh.” Tristan smirks. “You guys are not going to start making out in the middle of mini-golf, are you?”

  We laugh. “Of course not,” Brian says. “We’re saving that for later.”

  “Ewww…” the kids all say in unison.

  Like kids do.

  The End.

  A note from the author:

  Hi! Thanks so much for reading THE GIRL HE LOVES. Hope you enjoyed Mischa’s story. If you enjoyed the book, please consider telling your friends , or writing a review and checking out my other novels.

  Next up is Book 2 in the Orchard Heights series: THE MAN NEXT DOOR. It will feature Abigail’s story, and is also a standalone read. Book 3 releases May 2020, so keep an eye out for it.

  The Man Next Door Blurb

  The past follows you wherever you go.

  Abigail Cooper thinks of her life in halves: Before Gavin and After Gavin.

  The first eighteen years of her life was spent in small town Michigan, raised by a single alcoholic father and two older brothers who never gave her the time of day. All she had were her best friends, Izzie and Gavin, a reclusive broken man, ten years her senior. Her father forbade her to see him, but of course she didn’t listen. She adored him, and he adored her. Even when their small community was rocked by a heinous crime and Gavin was the main suspect, Abigail still loved him.

  Following tragedy, Abigail escaped. As far away as she could.

  The next eighteen years were spent in Chicago, trying to forget all about her past. Following a failed marriage, and now working as a social worker, she finds herself still thinking about her past, about Gavin and Izzie, about her other life. She’s not truly living anymore, just going through the motions.

  Luckily, a new neighbor brings her back to life. Noah Parker is beautiful, smart and intoxicating, and there’s something about him she can’t quite put her finger on. He’s the first man since Gavin she’s truly let herself fall for. She thinks he may be the one, until…

  Until the day she discovers his secret.

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  Cheers!

  Acknowledgements

  I would like to thank my amazing husband and kiddoes. Huge thanks to my gifted daughter, Camille, who has kindly let me use her beautiful poem, THE STORM, in this story.

  I would also like to thank all my amazing readers. Thank you so much for reading all my gushy stories. Many thanks to all those who have shared my books, whether it be by telling a friend, writing a review, or sharing on social media. Thank you to all the wonderful bloggers who have supported The Ground Rules Trilogy, The Riverstone Series and the One Week series. You have no idea how much that means. Reviews are crucial and word of mouth is key. Without all of you, I wouldn’t be here.

  Again, thank you to my wonderful Beta readers, Chancy, Geneva, Melissa, Veronika, and Louise. You gals are all amazing, and good friends. I can’t thank you all enough. I’m very lucky to have you all.

  And finally, thank you to all my book friends!

  About the Author

  Roya Carmen is a book junkie, self-professed chocoholic and hopeless romantic. A graduate of Ryerson University, she worked in Graphic Communications before becoming a stay-at-home mom. She has always loved writing, finding her passion for romance in 2008. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, playing billiards, and painting. And of course, there is nothing she enjoys more than sitting down at her laptop and making up stories – and if those stories should include beautiful men, a little romance, and a few steamy scenes, all the better!

  Roya lives north of Toronto with her husband and three children.

  Also by Roya Carmen

  To check out all my books, please check my Amazon profile at: https://amzn.to/2MTAY5l

  The Ground Rules Trilogy - Bestselling erotic romance trilogy.

  The Riverstone Series – A series of steamy standalone reads.

  One Week Series - A series of steamy standalone reads.

  Back to You - A sweet summer romance.

  Only You - A steamy summer novella.

  Read below for more detailed info.

  The Riverstone Series

  A beautiful inherited estate. Three unforgettable love stories.

  Loving Amber

  (A standalone novel. Book 1 of The Riverstone Series.)

  Torn by tragedy. Reunited by love.

  A steamy forbidden romance. Two years following her husband’s tragic death, a widow struggles with feelings for the man she holds responsible.

  “Loving Amber is a second chance at love story with a twist of the forbidden. This book had so many feels. My heart broke over and over again.” - Sultry Sirens Book Blog

  Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the first book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.

  Loving Ruby

  (A standalone novel. Book 2 of The Riverstone Series.)

  A sinful boss secretary romance.

  I’ve heard all the rumours: He killed his wife. He’s on house arrest. He’s a vampire. Yet still, when I get a job offer from the reclusive Mr. Hyde, I jump at the chance. Yes, I know I’m crazy.

  I’m cautious at first, but then I discover a beautiful, quirky man. I also see a tortured soul who lives in darkness. I know I should run, yet I can’t tear myself away. I want to discover all his secrets. I desperately want to help him. And when he draws me deeper into his strange little world, I want to stay.

  Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the second book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.

  Loving Jade

  (A standalone novel. Book 3 of The Riverstone Series.)

  A story about courage and new beginnings.

  In an attempt to escape her abusive husband, a woman seeks refuge at a horse estate and falls in love with her equine therapist.

  Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is the last book of the Riverstone Estate Series and can be enjoyed as a STANDALONE read.

  The Ground Rules Trilogy

  Two beautiful couples. Five simple rules. One hot mess.

  Gabe and Mirella Keates are happily married – high school sweethearts, in fact. But by chance, one fateful night, they meet the rich and enigmatic Weston Han
son and his beautiful wife Bridget.

  Mirella is instantly drawn to the sexy, mysterious, peculiar man and soon becomes obsessed with him. And when the dynamic couple makes them an unthinkable proposal, Mirella and Gabe accept, driven by lust and desire, despite knowing the risks.

  The ground rules are clear, but as Mirella discovers the kind and gentle man hidden under Weston’s cold, rigid exterior, she soon falls hard for him. And as Weston’s walls begin to crumble, he starts to break his own rules as well.

  As Mirella falls deeper, she is torn between her feelings for Weston and her love for her husband. And as the volatile and passionate Gabe becomes increasingly jealous, Mirella realizes her entire world is tearing at the seams.

  Author's note: contains sexual scenes and some coarse language. This is a trilogy but the first book can be enjoyed as a standalone read. The Ground Rules (Book 1), The Ground Rules Rewritten (Book 2), The Ground Rules Undone (Book 3)

  Read the excerpt of Chapter One following this section.

  The One Week Series - A series of steamy standalone reads.

  One Week

  A troubled marriage. A one week hall pass. A married woman falls for a beautiful stranger she meets online, and is given permission by her husband to spend a week with him.

  One Week Hating You (Book 2)

  One Week in Paris (Book 3)

  Stuck with You: A ONE WEEK novella.

  The Ground Rules - Excerpt - Chapter One

  Preface

  FEW WORDS were spoken. Yet I knew. I can’t really explain it…physical attraction is a powerful thing, an all-consuming thing. I didn’t want it, and I certainly wasn’t looking for it, but there it was, nevertheless.

  I should have run in the opposite direction. But I didn’t. No…I yielded to it.

  It’s amazing how life can change so easily—veer off the path. A single moment, a decision you make, however insignificant, can change the course of your destiny.

  For me, it all started with a pink dress.

  Chapter One

  GOODNESS…MY TOES are a disgrace. I haven’t looked at my feet in a while, and as I stare down at the faded, chipped blue polish on way-too-long toenails, I realize I might be letting myself go.

  I really need a pedicure.

  I can’t remember the last time I gave myself a pedi. Chloe’s toes are perfect little shiny red buds—I just did her nails yesterday.

  When did my daughter’s toenails become more important than mine? Probably about eight years ago or so. I first painted her toenails when she was just a baby—just wanted to see what it would look like.

  I suppose that’s what happens when you become a mom. One day you have a life. You look hot. Other men (men who are not your husband) want to do wicked things to you.

  And then…you’re painting your baby’s tiny toenails.

  I sigh as Chloe wraps one of my colorful scarves around her neck, her dark brown curls caught under the silk. We’re playing dress-up.

  She twirls in front of the wall mirror. “Do I look grown-up, Mommy?” Her gorgeous eyes gaze at me intently. “Well, do I?”

  “Yes, sweetie. You look very sophisticated.” Classier than me, I muse—ghastly toes, shabby sweats, and all. Every time I look at her, I see her father. She looks so much like him—the crazy dark curls, the gorgeous, sleepy hazel eyes and the slightly off-kilter, devilish smile.

  She’s precious, standing in my over-sized black pumps and red cocktail dress, a hodge-podge of necklaces draped around her neck.

  Her little sister stands on a vanity chair, arms stretched as she reaches for one of my dresses. “How ’bout this one?”

  I give Claire the pick of the crop. I never wear them anymore. And I do have a lot of dresses—when a pretty one catches my eye, impulse overtakes me. I never ask myself, “When am I ever going to wear this?” If I did, I probably wouldn’t have this overstuffed closet.

  I’ve taken over the closet, in fact—Gabe’s clothing is stuffed in an armoire, but I don’t think he minds. He’s a simple guy—he wears mostly jeans, T-shirts, and plaid button shirts. He doesn’t need a closet.

  Well, that’s what I tell myself anyway…

  I study the dress Claire has picked out—it’s one of my favorites, probably the favorite. It’s a fifties-era dress I spent a small fortune on at one of those posh vintage stores—pink chiffon over taffeta, a corset-like bodice with lacy straps, and a flowing skirt that falls just above the knee.

  The pink dress brushes the carpet, hanging off Claire’s tiny six-year-old frame. She looks so sweet in it. I can’t help but stare. I’ve only worn it twice—once at the theatre, the other time at a wedding. Gabe’s oldest brother tied the knot on a beautiful July day, which somehow managed to turn into a torrential downpour. We all got drenched. Gabe and I sprinted to our hotel room, undressed in a fury, and made love. Gabe’s wet shirt was plastered on his body, the tribal tattoo covering half his torso peeking through the soaked fabric. It’s one of my favorite (very hot) memories.

  I looked really nice in that dress.

  “You look like a princess,” Chloe tells her little sister. Claire, seemingly pleased with this observation, flashes her adorable toothless smile.

  The dress seems so small. Would I still fit into it? No way. I’m almost thirty-five years old, and I’ve had two kids. But… I just need to know.

  “Claire,” I venture softly. “Can you take the dress off?”

  She shrugs, tiny brows furrowed. “But you said I could wear any of your dresses.” She’s not taking it off. “It’s my favorite,” she says with pursed lips. Even when she’s being difficult, she still manages to be adorable.

  “Well, it’s my favorite too actually,” I tell her, stroking the chiffon between my fingers. “But it does look very nice on you.”

  She ponders me for a second, and I can almost see her little mind working. She stares at me with those big brown eyes of hers—she’s so sweet. “Do you want to wear it?” she asks softly.

  “You think I should. You think I could fit into it?”

  “For sure,” she says with conviction. Well…she’s definitely more optimistic than I am because I’m pretty sure I won’t fit into that dress.

  She wiggles out of it, and I quickly get out of my shabby sweats. I’m down to my undies and undo the side zipper.

  “The moment of truth, girls…”

  As I carefully slip the dress over my shoulders, I’m surprised. It falls to my knees and seems to still fit. But whether I can zip it up or not is the question. I make it three-quarters of the way there, and the dress fits more snugly than I remember…but it fits!

  I kneel down as Chloe assists me in zipping it to the top. “It looks really nice on you,” she tells me as we study my reflection in the mirror.

  It does.

  I’m happy I still fit into my favorite dress. But on the other hand, I’m a little depressed. I’ll probably never get to wear it again. Let’s face it—my life is not exactly full of charity balls and glamorous events. Gabe and I don’t get out much—our idea of a date night is a hearty meal at the local family restaurant and a movie, or perhaps the occasional dinner with friends.

  “Why do you look so sad,” Claire asks, a dash of concern in her sweet voice.

  Because Mommy has no life.

  I smile to reassure her. “I’m not sad, Claire. It’s just…I’m probably never going to wear this dress ever again.”

  She looks at me like I have three heads. “You’re wearing it right now, silly.”

  I laugh at her. She has a way of making me giggle, and right now, my life is wonderfully perfect—I have her and Chloe, and Gabe.

  “You’re right, Claire,” I pipe up. “I am wearing it. We should do something special. We’re all dressed up.”

  “How ’bout a tea party in my room?”

  I smile. “Sounds wonderful.”

  “So tell me, Mirella,” Claire starts. “How have you been?” she asks, her sweet voice laced with pomp and circum
stance.

  Her expression makes me laugh. “Why, I am just divine, Claire. Thank you for asking.”

  I sit at the tiny yellow table in my vintage pink chiffon dress, nibbling on animal crackers and drinking iced tea. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to wear the dress somewhere—perhaps Gabe and I could go see a show—it could be a lot of fun. I should speak to him about it.

  And there it is…that “defining moment” wrapped up cleverly into an “ordinary moment.”

  What if we hadn’t been in that closet playing dress-up? What if Claire hadn’t picked out that dress? What if it hadn’t fit? What if…

  Copyright © 2015 Roya Carmen. All rights reserved.