Among the Echoes

by Aly Martinez

  Our life was amazing, but despite claiming we only wanted one child, we both knew our family wasn’t complete. Just under a year ago, Riley Renee Andrews finished off our family. She is the biggest daddy’s girl in the world, and from day one, she’s had Slate wrapped around her finger. She got his dark hair, but her hazel eyes are all her own.

  Slate spends his days at the gym, and he actually has some pretty talented kids. He’s done great things for the boxing community in Indianapolis. Above and beyond all of that though, I think he is finally happy. Slate loves boxing, and now he can actually enjoy it from behind the scenes and out of the limelight.

  As I drive through the gates in front of our house, a sudden calm washes over me. Adam is running around like the madman he is. I watch as he giggles while stomping through the dirt. My eyes drift to the front porch, where Slate is swinging with Riley held tight against his chest.

  "How is she?" I ask Slate as Adam careens into my legs. "Hey, buddy. Did you have a good day with Dad?"

  He doesn’t bother to answer me before taking off again.

  "About the same." He stands to give me a kiss, but his face is worried.

  "She’ll be okay. I promise. It’s just her teeth. Remember when Adam did the same thing?"

  "I’m just glad you’re home." He smiles warmly as he kisses my forehead.

  "What do you want to eat for dinner tonight?"

  "You," he says with a smirk.

  "Jesus, Slate. You know, one of these days, they are going to understand you."

  "It will be a sad day, beautiful. I know you love it when I talk dirty to you." He winks, and damn if he isn’t right.

  "I’m serious. You need to start watching your mouth," I lie. I’ll actually rue the day when Slate stops talking dirty to me.

  "Liar," he breathes into my ear, sending chills down my spine.

  He hands me Riley, who is almost asleep, and jogs out to chase Adam in circles.

  As I look around at our little bubble of the world, I can’t help but remember how this all started. Our relationship was established on secrets and lies, but in the end, it flourished through truths. Slate told me years ago that we all have scars, and our relationship is no different. It could have very easily been ruined from the start, but he fought for me—even when I couldn’t fight for myself.

  "Hey, babe." I answer my phone to hear Erica sobbing on the other end. "What’s wrong?" I immediately freeze in the middle of the busy Chicago sidewalk.

  "It’s a boy!" She laughs across the line. "We're going to name him Adam."

  My whole body instantly relaxes and a smile spreads across my face. "Congratulations!" I say, laughing right along with her.

  Suddenly, a tall blonde, fumbling through her purse and cussing, catches my eye. She’s gorgeous, but her level of anxiety is what really makes me take notice.

  "Are you coming up for the baby shower? Some of the nurses at work are putting together a little something for us in a few months."

  "Isn’t that for chicks?" I respond, never tearing my eyes off the blonde, who pulls out her cell phone, just to become more agitated.

  "No. Slate will be there. You two can hang out while we gasp over baby clothes."

  The woman I’m all but gawking at walks away, only to quickly turn back around and head in my direction.

  "Erica, can I call you back?"

  "Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. You can get off the phone, but you’re coming to the shower."

  "Okay. Send me the info. I’ll be there," I reply just to appease her. "Bye, babe." I hang up and head toward the flustered woman. The closer I get, the sexier she becomes, and suddenly, I’m approaching her for a totally different reason.

  "Excuse me, miss. Do you need some help?" I ask when I get close.

  "God, yes! I’m late for an interview and I have no idea where the hell I am. The cab driver dropped me off here, but I think this is the wrong place. Oh, and my phone died, because really—that’s the kind of day I'm having. You don’t happen to know where State Street is, do you?" she rushes out then blows her hair out of her eyes with a huff.

  "Yeah. That’s, like, two streets back. You’re not far. Come on. I’ll walk you there."

  "Oh, thank you so much." She sighs with relief.

  I extend a hand toward her. "Hi. My name’s Leo James."

  "Nice to meet you. I’m Sarah Erickson."

  Coming Fall 2014

  Broken Course

  Leo James and Sarah Erickson

  Can two broken souls mend each other, or will their pasts be more than any love can overcome?

  Get to know Sarah Erickson in

  Changing Course and Stolen Course

  Available now!

  This book would be nothing without my betas. I can't stress to you enough how much these women keep me going. They listen to me whine when I can't figure out a character. They aren't afraid to tell me when something sucks. And most of all, they squeal with me on Facebook when I write something that works.

  To Ashley, Bianca, Bianca, Tracey, Lakrysa, Adriana, Courtney, and Autumn, you ladies are the best betas in the world. I would be lost without you.

  Then there are the bloggers. Seriously, you ladies are amazing!! I'm going to attempt to list a few, but let me be CLEAR, these are not the only bloggers I owe thanks too. So to every single one of you who has taken a chance on one of my books—THANK YOU!

  Aestas Book Blog, Give Me Books, The Rock Stars of Romance, Red Cheeks Reads, K&T Book Reviews, Maryse's Book Blog, White Zin Bookends, Mixed Emotions Book Blog, Short and Sassy Book Blurbs, I Love My Ereader, The Book Hookup, Flutters and Flails, Biblio Belles Book Blog, Lovely Books, Nose Stuck In A Book, and Elizabeth Thiele (not a blogger, but lord that woman can pimp an author!)

  To Autumn and Ashley: What can I say that hasn't already been said? I love you ladies. You listen to me ramble about my books and characters as if they were real. You deserve an award or a Caribbean vacation. I'll work on the latter.

  To Danielle: Echo! Echo! Echo! I'm sorry. This book is not about a man standing in a cave. You will just have to get over it. I don't think I have the abilities to write a whole book about that.

  To Jessica VW: Note to self. If you don't want me to spoil my books for you, you may want to refrain from drinking wine with me. Sorry about that. HAHA!

  To The Vegetarians: You ladies are AMAZING! Thank you so much for reading and loving all of my books. I appreciate everything you do to spread the word. But most of all, thank you for the hot Nick Bateman pictures. That is how you know a good friend. The minute Nicky posts a new picture on Facebook, y'all are the first to share it. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

  And lastly,

  To my Husband: You are the inspiration for every one of my heroes—even the really tall ones. I love you! MmmMmm!

  Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, Aly Martinez is a stay-at-home mom to four crazy kids under the age of five, including a set of twins. Currently living in Chicago, she passes what little free time she has reading anything and everything she can get her hands on, preferably with a glass of wine at her side.

  After some encouragement from her friends, Aly decided to add “Author” to her ever-growing list of job titles. So grab a glass of Chardonnay, or a bottle if you’re hanging out with Aly, and join her aboard the crazy train she calls life.

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAlyMartinez

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