by J. L. Berg
How I’d ever thought I could walk away, I wasn’t sure.
Because standing here now, just millimeters from him, was torture enough.
“Hi,” he said, his bright blue irises staring back at me.
I opened my mouth to respond but couldn’t. My voice became hoarse as tears welled up in my eyes. “I’m so sorry,” I finally managed to say before leaping into his arms.
His large arms wrapped tightly around me as his face buried into my neck, his lips placing tiny kisses along my skin. “What do you have to be sorry for?” he asked.
“I should have let you explain. I should have stayed.”
His head moved back and forth, shaking. “No,” he said. “I should have told you earlier. From the moment I decided to stay, I should have been honest.”
“Why weren’t you?” I asked as my gaze found his.
He took a moment to close the door behind us, and we walked to the sofa. Still in his arms, I simply stayed there, straddling his legs as he sat.
“I was terrified,” he answered honestly, looking up at me. “I’d found this amazing woman and a future I’d never imagined. It all hinged on this secret. If I told you—”
“Everything would change,” I said, finishing his thought.
He nodded.
“It’s why I kept telling myself that you were better off not knowing about my alter ego. I was scared you’d look at me differently once you knew, that things would change.” His fingers dug into my damp hair. “Nothing will ever how I feel about you, Kate. Nothing. You could be the richest woman on the planet or the poorest and I’ll still be here, right at your side.”
Our lips met finally after what felt like an eternity apart.
I knew now more than ever, as his mouth moved with mine, that this man was a part of me.
Now and forever.
For better or worse.
I’d gladly have him by my side for all of it.
“Where’s the bed in this monstrosity of a suite?” he asked. “It’s been too long since I’ve felt this body against mine.”
I simply pointed to the door behind us, and before I knew it, we were moving.
We crashed onto the bed, laughing between kisses. I removed his shirt, and he tugged on the sash of my robe. Soon, we were naked and happy.
“I love you,” he murmured as he took me over and over again.
“I love you, too,” I nearly moaned, my body on the verge of release.
Yes, this was what I’d wanted.
All I’d wanted.
Him, me.
Us.
Forever.
Sometime later, much later, I ordered another round of room service, and we happily ate pancakes and bacon in bed, watching the sun set on the city below.
“I can’t believe you got on a plane.”
I smiled. “Me either.”
“I wish I could have been there with you,” he said, grabbing another piece of bacon.
I watched with amusement as he shoved the entire thing in his mouth and washed it down with a mimosa.
“You will be,” I said. “On the next one.”
His interest piqued. “The next one, huh?”
I nodded. “Well, I am a big hotshot author. I imagine I’ll have to fly all over the place.”
His eyes widened. “Does this mean…”
My smile turned into a wide grin. “I quit my job.”
“Holy shit, Kate!” he exclaimed. “When were you going to tell me this?”
I laughed at his enthusiasm. “I’m telling you now! Besides, it’s not like we haven’t been busy since you arrived.”
“True,” he agreed. “So, what did they say? Did you tell them why?”
I shook my head. “I didn’t want to tell them everything right away. I mean, that is a lot to explain over the phone. But I did say that I’d been pursuing another career for a long time, and it felt like the time to finally dive in headfirst.”
“I’m sure they’re going to miss you.”
A wave of sadness swept over me. “I’m going to miss them. That was my home for so long. But it’s time I move on and step back out into the world again. Fortunately, my boss agreed. She was happy to see me go. Well, as happy as she could be, I guess. I’m sure I’ve left them in a bind.”
“They’ll figure it out, just like you will.”
I nodded. “I hope you’re right.”
“I went to see my father today.”
My hand found his. “You did?”
“Yeah. He’s in bad shape, Kate. Pneumonia. I’m not sure if he’s going to make it through this.”
“I’m so sorry,” I replied. “But I’m so happy you finally went.”
He nodded. “You hopped on a plane, and I made a long overdue visit to see my father. We’re kicking ass today.”
I gave a halfhearted laugh. “What was it like?”
He took a moment, obviously gathering his thoughts. “Harder than I’d thought. His dementia has claimed everything. It’s not just his mind that’s gone, but he’s also almost unrecognizable. Hearing him talk to me as if I were still a child? I didn’t know whether to be grateful that he couldn’t remember the loss of Mom or sad because he’d never see our children.”
My heart fluttered at the very sound of him speaking of our future.
“He’ll be there,” I said. “Somehow, someway…he’ll be there.”
“I hope you’re right because, right now, my family isn’t doing so well.”
“Have you found him?” I asked, knowing he was speaking about Liam.
“Yes, and no,” he answered. “He was at my apartment when I arrived, in bad shape. He said he was trying to flee the country but ended up staying after hearing about Dad.”
“Fleeing the country? Holy shit, what did he do?”
He shook his head. “He won’t say. But, whatever it is, it can’t be good. He rode over to the nursing home with me, but by the time I was done seeing Dad, he was gone.”
“And let me guess. Jane was waiting for you?”
He smiled. “You do know her well, don’t you?”
“Better than she knows,” I replied. “So, was she as scary as I imagined?”
“Worse.” He laughed.
“Did she threaten you?”
“No,” he said. “She actually offered me a job.”
My jaw dropped. “I’m sorry, what?”
“Well, okay…there might have been a little threatening. But, in the end, she thinks I’m good for you, and vice versa.”
I rolled my eyes. “Glad to have her blessing.”
“And she believes my specific abilities and contacts in the media would make me an ideal candidate for your media-relations team.”
“Team?”
“Well, it would be me and Jane mostly. She might add a full-time publicist later on, but I’d be working with Jane for now. The idea is to make sure nothing like this—or me”—he grinned— “happens again. But I’m guessing you’re about to flip us on our asses, aren’t you?”
It was my time to grin. “Oh, you have no idea.”
To Whom It May Concern:
First of all, let me just say…I never meant for any of this to happen.
I know everyone says that when they’re about to confess all their deepest, darkest secrets, but it really is the truth.
Two years ago, when I took the last seat in a creative writing class, thinking I was the world’s biggest idiot for shelling out actual money for something as trivial as night school, I never thought anything would come from it. I never expected to be blindsided by such a brilliant, inspiring teacher or to discover the rush of creating a story from beginning to end.
But it happened. It all happened, and the rest, as they say, is history.
That brings me to you…and why I’m writing this confession.
After everything that’s happened, after all the ups and downs, the triumphs and the pain, I’ve decided it’s not worth it. The anonymity I’ve shrouded myself in isn’t
worth a damn if I can’t have the one thing I want.
So, here it is—my brutal truth.
My real name is Katelyn O’Malley, but you, the world at large, probably know me best as Laura Stone.
Yes, that Laura Stone.
I am the mastermind behind The Scandal Chronicles—the best-selling erotic thriller series that you have secretly read and loved but tell everyone you hate because you think you’re above all of that. That sex-infused series that even your mother fantasizes about.
I wrote that. Every single gasp-inducing scene and every spine-tingling orgasm that had you turning the page for more.
You must be wondering what kind of kinky sex life I lead, right?
Well, surprise…
I am a virgin.
Or, at least, I was.
“Do you really have to mention the part about being a virgin?” Killian asked as he read over my shoulder.
“Yes,” I answered bluntly. “Tell me you wouldn’t have published that?”
He sighed. “Oh, I would have, but, I’m an asshole. Or I was. Now, I’m trying to protect what’s mine.”
I smiled. “Oh, and what’s that?”
His hand skated down my blouse. “Do I need to remind you?”
I let out a laugh. “Stop distracting me.”
“If it means you’ll stop this ridiculous letter, then I’ll just continue if you don’t mind. Can you at least take out the part about Brian? It makes me want to barf.”
I spun around in the chair, meeting his gaze. “I know you don’t like the guy.”
“No, I hate the guy.”
“But he was a great inspiration to me,” I said.
He rolled his eyes. “He tried to take advantage of you.”
I nodded, having been informed about the real motives behind my jackass of a writing teacher. “Yes, I know. But then again, so did you. And I forgave you.”
“Fine.”
I grinned. This was going to be my big unveiling. No one would take it from me.
It was my decision, and I would choose how it was done.
“I don’t want to be two different people anymore, Killian. If that means coming out as Laura Stone, then so be it. I’m a big girl. I can handle the ramifications; I know that now. And, if I can’t, then I have you and Jane to lean on when I need a little boost.”
He smiled a proud sort of smile. “Yes, you do.”
“So, you’ll let me finish?”
He sighed. “Yes, I guess so. But make sure you include how incredibly sexy and handsome I am.”
I laughed. “Oh, I’ll be sure to talk about you. No worries.”
Turning my attention back to the computer screen, I stared at the words in front of me.
I am a virgin.
Or, at least, I was.
Until a brave, charming man came into my life and taught me how to live again. Sometimes, it takes two broken hearts to make a whole, and that’s what Killian Turner did for me.
What we did for each other.
So yes, I’m Laura Stone. But really, I’m no different than you…just a typical person stumbling through life. I use to believe I had to choose.
Laura or Kate?
But, I’ve come to realize, I’m both and neither at the same time. I’m me.
Just plain old Kate.
And I’m okay with that.
I’m no longer afraid to live this new life I’ve stumbled into because I now know that I’m capable.
And I’m deserving.
With love on our side, nothing is impossible.
Not even flying.
So, spread your wings, spread them wide, and soar.
You might just find what you’ve always been looking for.
I sure did.
Eighteen Months Later
“To Kate and The Scandal Chronicles!” everyone cheered, holding their glasses up high in a toast.
I watched as my exuberant fiancée, dressed hotter than I’d ever seen, face the room filled with movie executives, celebrities, and friends with dignity and poise.
“Thank you so much,” she said. “It’s hard to believe that, over two years ago, I was just dreaming up these characters that have now come to life in the most amazing way. I never thought anyone would read my books, let alone make a film series out of them. You have no idea how much this night means to me. Truly, thank you.”
I cheered with everyone else. Standing along the sidelines, Jane and I watched Kate make her way toward us. She shook hands and gave hugs, being the gracious and genuine person I knew her to be.
I couldn’t have been prouder.
Since her letter had gone viral and the world found out who the real Laura Stone was, Kate had handled the onslaught of fame with nothing but grace. Her old coworkers had been shocked to find out their shy little loan officer was the seductive writer of their dreams and even more shocked when she endowed a fortune to the college, hoping to give less fortunate students the chance of a lifetime that she had been given so many years before.
Kate had turned out to be quite the savvy businesswoman once she embraced her new life, and I’d found my job of being her media liaison constantly evolving. It was no easy task, but one I thoroughly enjoyed.
And I thought the world was starting to forgive me.
Even the women.
Somehow, in all the madness of the last year, I’d convinced her to marry me. A handful of months ago, I’d gotten down on one knee after the ring had been burning a hole in my pocket for a solid week and asked her to marry me right there, in the middle of our apartment.
Not my most romantic moment. But I was planning on making up for it tonight.
“This is insanity,” she said, her face filled with excitement, as she latched on to me.
“And this is just the US premiere,” I said. “We still have five more countries to go.”
She shook her head. “I can’t believe we’re going to travel the world together!”
“About that,” I said, pulling her aside, “how do you feel about eloping?”
Her wide eyes met mine. “Are you serious?”
“Dead serious,” I said.
She jumped up and down, wrapping her arms around my neck. “Yes! Oh my gosh, yes! Where? When? Can Jane come? And Amy?”
I laughed. “Yes, of course! And anywhere you want, babe, as long as it ends with I do and a lengthy wedding night.”
“Rome? Can we get married in Rome?”
“Perfect!” I agreed. “I’ll make all the arrangements.”
“I love you. I love you so much.”
“Not as much as I love you.”
And it was true.
No one could love this woman as much as I did.
She’d been there for me through the death of my father. She’d held me over the months after my brother went missing.
She was my family.
And I planned on making myself worthy of her for the rest of my life.
Grabbing my phone from my pocket, I began dialing the number to the exclusive travel agency Jane had set us up with, hoping they could help with our impromptu wedding.
Instead, I found a text message from an unknown number waiting for me.
Tell Kate congrats for me, big brother.
Thinking of you.
And then there was a picture and a secure link.
“What’s that?” Kate asked, looking over my shoulder.
“It’s from Liam.”
We both stared at the photo of my brother with large black shades, lounging on a beach somewhere in the world.
He was alive.
He was safe.
“What is the link?” she asked.
“I don’t know.” I clicked on it, and it redirected me to a bank site. There, in an account in our name, was twenty-five thousand dollars.
“That son of a bitch,” I said, smiling, placing a happy kiss on Kate’s forehead.
“He didn’t have to do that,” she said.
“No, he did,” I replied. �
��It’s what I would have done. You have to wipe the slate clean when you’re starting over. Otherwise, you’re nothing but a fraud.”
“Wise words, Mr. Turner. Or is it Mr. Townes?” She smirked.
“Ha-ha, you’re a funny girl,” I said, kissing her lips.
“No, I’m a lucky girl. The luckiest,” she said, looking out at the crowd of people.
“So am I, Miss O’Malley,” I said firmly. “So am I.”
Stay tuned…there may be more trouble in store for bad boy Liam Turner.
Hacked
Coming Fall 2017
Lies In The Dark – Tove Lo
Love The Way You Lie – Eminem, Rihanna
A Beautiful Lie – Thirty Seconds To Mars
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Haley Reinhart
Chemical – Kerli
The Writer – Ellie Goulding
Something Just Like This – The Chainsmokers, Coldplay
Issues – Julia Michaels
Million Reasons – Lady Gaga
Other Books by J.L. Berg
The Ready Series
When You’re Ready
Ready to Wed
Never Been Ready
Ready for You
Ready or Not
The Walls Duet
Within These Walls
Beyond These Walls
Lost & Found
Forgetting August
Remembering Everly
Behind Closed Doors
The Tattered Gloves
Fraud is a special milestone novel for me. It’s my twelfth novel. Twelve. It’s still a number that is hard for me to believe. When I sat down to write When You’re Ready, I had no idea if I’d have enough words to finish one novel, let alone twelve. But, thankfully the stories keep coming and I’m grateful you, the readers still trust in me to write them.
As always, this process is not accomplished alone. There are so many individuals that play a key part in completing each and every novel I write. First and foremost, my family. My husband, Chris, and our girls are always amazing at cheering me on and reminding me why I do what I do.