by Kara Liane
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1: Cream in My Coffee
Chapter 2: Doctor’s Orders
Chapter 3: The Urge to Surge
Chapter 4: According to You
Chapter 5: Bedside Manner
Chapter 6: Dinner for Two
Chapter 7: Busted Zipper
Chapter 8: Change Your Underwear, Change Your Life
Chapter 9: Cond-oh!
Chapter 10: Between the Sheets Awaits Heaven and Hell
Chapter 11: Let Me Be Your Wings
Chapter 12: If at First You Don’t Succeed
Chapter 13: Moment of Truth
Chapter 14: Get the Lake Out of Here
Chapter 15: Mom Always Said Don’t Play Ball in the House
Chapter 16: Witches and Stitches
Chapter 17: Candy Graham
Chapter 18: Cocked, Locked and Loaded
Chapter 19: Home Sweat Home
Chapter 20: Three of a Kind
Chapter 21: Rated PG for Parental Guidance
Chapter 22: An Affair for the Books
Chapter 23: There’s a Pill for That
Chapter 24: Roses are Black and Blue
Chapter 25: Fetal or Fatal Attempt
Chapter 26: The Hand that Robs the Cradle
Chapter 27: If the Halo Fits, Wear It
Epilogue
Teaser: A Force of Nature (A Tryst of Fate Series Novel—Book 2)
Playing Heart to Get
(A Tryst of Fate Series Novel—Book 1)
by Kara Liane
Stay connected with Kara Liane by visiting her web site:
www.karaliane.com
Copyright
Text Copyright © 2017 Kara Liane
All Rights Reserved.
This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. This is a work of fiction. Any names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination, or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, or locales is entirely coincidental. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products that may be referenced in this work of fiction.
Cover design by Francessca’s PR & Designs, and cover images by DepositPhotos.com.
Clipart chapter images by Pixabay.com.
Author logo designed by the author through Canva.com.
Disclaimer: This book is intended for an adult audience. This work of fiction contains strong language and explicit sexual scenes, with mature content, that may not be appropriate for anyone under the age of eighteen. Potential triggers for readers may be present, including a discussion about sexual assault.
Dedication
My mom, Trish, never told me “you can’t do this.” I never heard those words growing up, and I know they’ll never be spoken from her lips for as long as she and I walk the earth. I grew up with a, “I know you can!” So, my mom gave me the push to start, and my amazing husband, Matthew, gave me the push to finish; for that, I’m eternally grateful to these two very important people in my life.
My sister was my very first cheerleader about this whole book idea. Thanks Kris for the support! My other cheerleader came in the form of a distant cousin, Sue, who constantly encourages me. So, I dedicate this book to my parents, sister, in-laws, husband, family, friends, coworkers, and my two adorable sons. Thanks for keeping me sane during times of panic and frustration, and in turn you helped me realize a dream from childhood. I am officially a writer. Eek! I love you all. Happy reading!
Synopsis
The doctor will see you now….
Playing Heart to Get is a steamy contemporary romance novel that is the first book in A Tryst of Fate Series, but can also be read as a standalone. This story will take your heart away, as first-time novelist Kara Liane ventures from the bedroom to the O.R. (and back again) with enigmatic cardiologist, Dr. Alexi Graham, an uncommitted bachelor in search of “the elusive one.”
However, a chance meeting at the hospital with the young college-student senior, Caylan Peters, soon changes his perspective.
From the start, Alexi is enamored with her beauty, soul and innocence. What he doesn’t quite realize is that Caylan’s past won’t be laid to rest until she is able to overcome her inner demons; though equally taken with the charismatic doctor, it is not easy for her to navigate the path between a good man and an evil one.
Still, there is strength in numbers and, together, they desperately try to hang on to what matters most—each other. The passionate encounters beg for more details into their checkered lives, as hearts will skip beats with each steamy page.
Will love be enough to rescue Caylan from the depths of her fears and apprehensions? Alexi will provide the wings, but it is she who must learn to soar.
Can he be the savior of her dreams, and she the angel of his?
Table of Contents
Copyright
Dedication
Synopsis
Prologue
Chapter 1: Cream in My Coffee
Chapter 2: Doctor’s Orders
Chapter 3: The Urge to Surge
Chapter 4: According to You
Chapter 5: Bedside Manner
Chapter 6: Dinner for Two
Chapter 7: Busted Zipper
Chapter 8: Change Your Underwear, Change Your Life
Chapter 9: Cond-oh!
Chapter 10: Between the Sheets Awaits Heaven and Hell
Chapter 11: Let Me Be Your Wings
Chapter 12: If at First You Don’t Succeed
Chapter 13: Moment of Truth
Chapter 14: Get the Lake Out of Here
Chapter 15: Mom Always Said Don’t Play Ball in the House
Chapter 16: Witches and Stitches
Chapter 17: Candy Graham
Chapter 18: Cocked, Locked and Loaded
Chapter 19: Home Sweat Home
Chapter 20: Three of a Kind
Chapter 21: Rated PG for Parental Guidance
Chapter 22: An Affair for the Books
Chapter 23: There’s a Pill for That
Chapter 24: Roses are Black and Blue
Chapter 25: Fetal or Fatal Attempt
Chapter 26: The Hand that Robs the Cradle
Chapter 27: If the Halo Fits, Wear It
Epilogue
Teaser: A Force of Nature (A Tryst of Fate Series Novel—Book 2)
Acknowledgements
About the Author
Prologue
Caylan
April 8, 2015
I woke in an absolute panic. It had been three months since the incident. I still couldn’t even utter the words to myself, not even in my mind, or articulate what happened. How had it all come crashing down on me one night? I coughed and choked back a sob that was clawing its way up my throat. I had done enough crying and screaming lately to last a lifetime.
I felt around in the dark at my bedside table for my lamp. I switched it on and blinked furiously to adjust my eyes. I looked around my childhood room that was safely tucked in at my parents’ house, and once again, I wished I had the courage to return to the dorms at school. God, why was I so weak? I couldn’t stand these feelings any longer, and knew I needed an outlet of some sort.
I finally came to the monumental decision that I would take my parents up on the offer and move with them states away to be closer to some of Dad’s family; that was not the reason why we were leaving, but that is what we would tell everyone. I was not going to heal here. There was nothing left for me here.
> My therapist mentioned about writing down my thoughts. I decided it would be a cathartic experience to put the pen to the paper. So I got up and went to my small, white computer desk nestled in the corner. I decided to pour my heart out and once I started, the words just flowed. It was time to write it down and then let it go….
Caylan’s Cry
In a dream I was wrapped in heat,
In a stream of hearts and sweets,
But the mirage slipped by, it faded back,
I’m all alone here with your wrath,
Can anyone hear me now, can anyone hear me out?
Cause you cut me open and I’m bleeding red,
And you bruised and beat me by what you said,
And I can’t escape you I can’t break free,
This is my silent plea,
Dare I shout it out, can anyone hear me out?
I survive each day I wake,
I press on even though you take,
I am all caught up in your web of lies,
But I have seen with my own eyes,
Can anyone hear me now, can anyone hear me out?
Cause you cut me open and my scars run deep,
And your poison fills me, and then it seeps,
And I try to slice right through the pain,
What will come, what will remain?
Can I shout it out, can anyone hear me out?
This day is mine I will fear no more,
I am walking right out that door,
I won’t look back, I won’t turn around,
I have the peace that I have found,
I bet you hear me now, I bet you hear me out.
Cause you cut me open and I’m bleeding red,
And you bruised and beat me by what you said,
But I can escape you these demons rest,
You’re the mess, I must confess,
I must shout it out, you must hear me out!
Chapter 1: Cream in My Coffee
Alexi
May 5, 2016
I rubbed my temples as I sat at my desk at the University Hospital of South Philadelphia. It had already been such a long day it seemed, and it was only 8 a.m. Being a thirty-two-year-old doctor was never a dream of mine. It was my parents’ dream. All the same I became one, and a damn good one at that. In fact, I was the Chief Cardiovascular Surgeon at one of the top ranking heart hospitals in the country. I knew I was a lucky bastard considering my prestigious position was one that took fucking forever to attain. I was in the right place at the right time. I was young enough, intelligent enough, and hardworking enough to land the title. I could brag about all my accomplishments, but it’s not my style. My work, BMW, condo and rock-hard body speak for themselves.
I always thought it was ironic that I fixed hearts when I didn’t have a heart myself. Some may think I relied on my good looks, charm, money, and intelligence to get a woman in bed, but I didn’t need to. Women flocked to me anyway. I could have any woman I wanted, and I did, often. I attended dozens of hospital functions a year and always had a new piece of arm candy wherever I went. There was no substance to these women, though. There was no depth to them. I don’t think I objectify women by any means, but they just don’t hold the appeal for me to want to be anything more than fuck-buddies. There was no challenge in it for me. There was nothing keeping me to them.
I was constantly bombarded with questions from my parents wanting to know why I didn’t ever settle down, get married, have kids, the works? Truth is, I didn’t know why either. A part of me liked being a bachelor, and another part felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle. Through all those women, I never found what I craved. I wanted lust, passion, and romance. I wanted to sweep a girl—ahem correction woman—off her feet and claim her as mine. But, I guess she doesn’t exist.
I was so frustrated even though my latest long-standing hook-up, Britney, had satisfied me repeatedly the night before. She was a sexy up-and-coming supermodel in New York City. But it was just sex with her. Empty, but hot sex at least. I would think the leggy blonde would satiate my hunger enough not to think about the depths of my feelings. However, there was something inside me fighting to get out that I didn’t even understand, nor did I particularly want to keep dwelling on that notion at the moment. I was due in surgery in thirty minutes, and I still needed time to get a coffee and begin the tedious task of scrubbing up. I also had to get in the mindset of going to save yet another life. I put my hands on my mahogany desk as if willing the surface to give me answers to the universe.
“Fuck that!” I said aloud.
I’m going to shove all this shit I’m thinking of out of my mind, and bury myself in Britney’s pussy tonight. That’s a sure way to forget about the world. I pushed my chair back and walked over to my private bathroom that was in my office. I looked in the mirror and took a deep, steadying breath. I’m not narcissistic by any means, but I know I’m hot. I have amazing chiseled features. Gifted with great bone structure and a prominent nose and chin, I’d say. Michelangelo himself would weep if he could replicate my mold. My brown hair, that I keep somewhat short, practically styles itself. What can I say? I was blessed with great hair; it’s even long enough to run my fingers through.
My skin always seems to keep a sun-kissed tan year-round, despite the fact that my parents are pale and whiter than notebook paper. My blue, almond-shaped eyes sparkle, and I would say, besides my well-endowed package, they are my best feature. My eyes always captivate women because as soon as I look into a woman’s eyes, she is entranced by me; her panties drop on the spot. Of course, I always pair my gorgeous eyes with my killer smile. Then once my clothes are off, a woman never has a chance of not satisfying my every whim. My build is amazing standing at six foot two. Added bonus of rock-hard abs, a muscular ass, and a huge cock, I’m an unstoppable force.
I know I’m a beast in bed, but I don’t need all that bondage, S&M, sub/dom shit to make a woman come on command. I don’t like straight up vanilla either mind you, but I know how to make her putty in my hands. Surprisingly, I like pleasing women in bed too; it’s a give and take thing, and not always about me. I think I’m a generous lover. My tongue works wonders worshiping a woman’s body, but I like to be thoroughly satisfied on my end, if you know what I mean.
I was getting hard just thinking about Britney tonguing my nuts tonight and going balls deep in her ass. I pulled out my cock just then from my scrubs, and let it spring free in all its glory. I liked looking at my massive manhood. What guy doesn’t like pleasuring himself? But I much prefer a woman to do it, and I certainly didn’t have any trouble finding a willing participant.
I stared at my reflection and said to the mirror, “It’s go time.”
I put my junk away and walked out of my office and down the hall. I was heading for one of the many breakrooms to get my ritualistic shitty coffee from a paper cup that came out of the automated machine. I walked with a confident air. Not cocky, just sure of myself in the world when it came to everything but matters of the heart.
I turned the corner and made a sharp left into the first door where the small breakroom was. I walked up to the machine a little edgy. I had to get my fix of caffeine. I must drink at least ten of these a day. I put the correct coinage in, and I could hear the machine coming to life. I love the whirring sound when it’s filling my cup…hmm filling my….
It was very faint, but there was another sound that hit my ears. Suddenly I felt like I wasn’t alone. My neck hair stood on end. This wasn’t because of fear, but more from surprise and an awareness that I couldn’t quite place. I turned around to see a young woman facing into the corner of the wall. I couldn’t be sure, but it appeared she was crying. She had her face buried in her hands, and I could tell from the way her back was curved over she was distraught. I’ll shamelessly admit that I never paid too much attention to a woman unless she was blonde, tall, wore stilettos, and a fuck-me smile. But I was intrigued by this girl, Christ I didn’t even know how old she was, but from the back of her
body and the way she was dressed, I guessed maybe in her twenties.
She was short, probably around five foot and a couple inches at best. Her figure was so petite. She had dark brown hair that came down in waves to the middle of her back. She wore a cream colored top and a denim skirt that wasn’t too short to be trashy, but short enough that it was alluring.
Damn why couldn’t it be shorter? What the hell am I saying? I don’t go for brunettes, do I?
I looked up and down her body, greedily admiring her. She appeared to have beautiful skin. Although pale in contrast to the darkness of her hair, it was glowing in the most stunning way even under these shitty fluorescent lights. She had on Converse sneakers, so I could tell she liked to dress casual. She reminded me of a college student. Immediately I could picture her in five inch heels giving her the height she needed to be at just the right pleasurable measurement. She’d look so good in some Louboutin’s while straddling me.
God why couldn’t she just turn around?
I wanted to see if she was as beautiful from the front as she was from the back. I willed her to turn around, but she wouldn’t. Did she not hear me get coffee? Was she that oblivious to my presence? Holy shit, why am I being such an asshole? The poor girl is crying. Obviously she is consumed by something upsetting and not paying attention to whomever may be in the room. I really needed go to the O.R. and begin prepping, but I just had to know who she was.
What if I never saw her again? What if I did see her again? What if it would haunt me tonight when I was lying in bed? Why do I even give a fuck about this girl? Jesus, what is with me today? Who cares! I’ll just ask her what’s wrong, and then go about my day. She’s probably not even hot, and then I can get it out of my system. I’ll have to get my ass in gear so I can go play God again this afternoon. I let out a deep, audible breath, and braced myself for the train wreck that could potentially be staring back at me.