Love's Illusion

by Priya Grey

  Many in the crowd nod. Matt begins pacing the room, glancing at the floor, and talking into his microphone.

  “It’s an emptiness that can’t be filled by money, or cars, or houses, or bonuses, or promotions,” he continues. “Why? Because that empty feeling is really loneliness. Loneliness of the human spirit. Our spirit is looking for a connection, searching for something real it can hold onto. Some people find that “realness” in religion, others in work, and yet others find it in someone.”

  “Excuse me. Can I say something?”

  Matt stops speaking. He’s stunned when he sees Selena hold up her hand.

  “Of course,” he responds.

  Slowly, Selena stands up. She looks nervously around the room.

  “Before you continue,” she says softly, staring at the floor. “I just want to say I’m sorry.”

  “Speak up! We can’t hear you!” shouts a man in the back row.

  Selena rolls her eyes. “I want to say I’m sorry!” she shouts. Then she walks out of her row and steps into the aisle. She makes her way toward Matt.

  “Sorry for what!?” shouts the same man in the back.

  Selena remains locked on Matt’s comforting gaze as she approaches him. “For not realizing how lucky I was – when you crashed into me with your car.”

  “Really?” Matt asks softly, when she’s finally by his side.

  Selena nods. “The day you broke my arm, turned out to be one of the best days of my life.” Selena takes a deep breath as she prepares to dive into the great mystery of love. “What do you say, Matt? Want to give us another try?”

  “You know I do,” Matt says breathlessly. He leans in and kisses her.

  The people in the room clap. But then the man in the back row shouts, “I thought this was supposed to be a self-help seminar, not some stupid, cheesy romantic bullshit! I got some real problems I need to work through. Come on people!”

  Matt and Selena stop kissing, and they both chuckle.

  “Maybe we should continue this when I’m done here,” Matt says with a smirk.

  “Good idea!” shouts the man in the back.

  Blushing, Selena nods and returns to her seat, next to the old woman.

  “Good for you,” the old lady whispers. “He’s quite the catch. It would be darn shame if you let him slip away.”

  As Selena watches Matt continue his seminar, she realizes the woman is right.

  Chapter 51

  Nash still isn’t back from his trip to Portland. And Juliette’s endless vows of optimism have done little to ease my nerves. When Nash returns, are we going to act like the night we spent together didn’t happen? Or are we going to see if there’s really something between us? I still find it hard to believe: Someone who looks like Nash would want to be with someone like me. My mind is spinning, and I feel a nervous tension running through my body.

  In order to cope with this anxiety, the old me would usually sit on the couch and devour a pint of ice cream, while watching some awful reality TV. Or I would go online and play video games to forget about my “real” life. But I guess a lot has changed since I’ve moved to LA.

  In order to get out of my own head, I decide to go for a run. As I throw on my sneakers, I look at the poster of Prince.

  “What do you think, Prince? Am I going to get my happily ever after?”

  I stare at the poster, awaiting a response.

  I roll my eyes when all I’m confronted with is silence. “Great, now of all moments, you decide to be quiet and just act like a poster on the wall. Figures.”

  Sighing, I leave my room. As I walk past Juliette’s door, I overhear her talking and giggling.

  “I miss you so much too, Mr. Starbuck.”

  It appears Selena’s uncle Jesse really likes being called Mr. Starbuck. Whatever makes you happy, I guess. And Juliette and Selena’s uncle seem happy.

  When I step out of the house, I place my phone into my arm band and plug in my earbuds. I select my Prince playlist and start my run. I do a loop around the neighborhood, admiring the swanky, secluded homes. Then I tackle the hill – the one I first walked up when I arrived in LA.

  Only a few months ago, I could barely walk up this hill without stopping to catch my breath. But now, I’m jogging up it. My quads and calves are burning. But I don’t feel like I’m going to die. Thankfully, the next song on my playlist is Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” – which is the perfect pick me up. I increase my pace as I tackle the rest of the hill. When I make it to the top, I see the city of Los Angeles below me. The ocean in the distance beckons.

  I really hope I don’t have to return to Minneapolis. I’ve enjoyed my adventure here in LA and want it to continue. As the music blasts through my headphones, I start jogging again and make my way home. When I get to the front gate, I use my fob key to activate it. As the gate slides open, I’m surprised to see Nash. He’s sitting on the steps leading to the front door.

  Great… Of course, I’m a sweaty mess at a moment like this. I slip out my earbuds as I approach him. My heart pounds in my chest. Is it because of my jog or the sight of him? As I get closer, and see Nash’s gorgeous face, I realize how desperately I want this dream to come true. I really want to be with him.

  Nash gets up as I approach.

  “Hey,” I say.

  “Going for a run. I’m impressed,” he says with a grin.

  “You’ve turned me into a fitness freak,” I reply.

  We stare at each other. I’m not sure what to do next. Should I say something? Shouldn’t he say something, first? He was the one who left on a trip without telling me – and just left a note.

  I’m unable to stand the silence. “How was Portland?” I ask.

  Nash looks down at the ground. “Good,” he mutters. “The chef said I can work there while I learn the ropes.”

  “That’s great,” I tell him, forcing a smile. I’m genuinely happy for Nash. But this probably means our night together was a one-time thing. Who was I kidding? Why would it have been anything more? At least I can cherish the memory of that one night with him for the rest of my life, I guess.

  As we stare at each other in silence, my phone begins to ring.

  “Do you want to get that?” Nash asks.

  “Um… sure.” I plug in one of the earbuds and glance at my phone. I don’t recognize the number. I answer the call.

  “Hello?”

  “Hi, Flo. This is Zach.”

  It takes me a moment to register the name. Zach. Zach the CEO…

  “Oh! Hi!”

  “Is now a good time to talk?” he asks.

  I look at Nash. He’s staring down at the ground, shuffling his feet.

  “Um, sure,” I say as I turn around.

  “Great,” Zach replies. “I want to discuss your game.”

  Then Zach proceeds to tell me the most amazing news. His company wants to invest in my tiny game! And Zach wants to personally oversee it’s development with me. He says I have a unique vision, and he wants to become my mentor. I can’t believe this is happening. Zach says we can go over all the details tomorrow, when I stop by the office.

  When I get off the phone, I’m in a daze. My dreams of having a career in the video game industry have materialized in the most incredible fashion. I’m going to be developing my own game, with one of the most lauded producers in the industry.

  When I turn around, Nash is staring at me, curious.

  “By the smile on your face, it looks like it was good news,” he says.

  I nod and tell him what happened. I’m shocked by how happy he is for me.

  “When the game is finished, you’re going to have to come down from Portland for the launch party,” I tell him.

  “Who said I was going to Portland?”

  “You just said you got offered a job at the restaurant,” I point out.

  “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to take it,” he replies. “When I landed in LA this morning, I went straight downtown. My dad knows somebody whose
opening a restaurant next month and is looking for staff. I interviewed and got the job. So, I’ve decided to work in their kitchen instead.”

  I’m stunned. “So that means you’re not leaving LA?”

  Nash looks at me and shakes his head. He takes a few steps toward me. “I like it here. Can’t beat the weather.” Then he adds, “And there’s this girl…”

  “Really?” I ask, my heart catching in my throat.

  “Yeah,” says Nash with a soft grin. “She’s a bit of a chatterbox. And has a dangerous obsession with Prince, but I like her.”

  He graces his hand to my sweaty cheek.

  “I like her a lot,” he adds. “And if it wasn’t for her, I may never have discovered this new path in my life.”

  Then he leans in and kisses me. I savor the touch of his lips against mine. When our lips finally part, I look at him and smile. “When I saw your note, I thought you weren’t interested.”

  “Why?” Nash asks confused.

  I shrug. “Well, it wasn’t very… I don’t know… It was very matter-of-fact. Going to Portland. See you soon,” I quote him.

  Nash sighs. “Yeah. I guess I take after my dad in that respect. We’re not the best communicators. Can you deal with that?” Nash asks with a shrug.

  “If you can deal with listening to Prince at least twice a day.”

  Nash looks at me and smiles. “I can handle that.”

  “Great,” I say with a wide grin. Then I wrap my arms around his neck and kiss him again.

  Suddenly, I pull away.

  “What’s wrong?” Nash asks.

  “I can’t believe what I wanted to happen is actually happening. But here I am, in workout clothes, and a sweaty mess. I never imagined it would be like this.”

  Nash shakes his head and kisses me again.

  “Sweaty women are my business,” he mutters.

  “Excuse me? You did not just say that!” I look at him and laugh. “That sounded really cheesy.”

  Nash thinks about it and agrees. “Yeah. That did not come out right. Let’s forget I said that.”

  “I’ll forget it… if you kiss me again,” I whisper.

  He presses his lips to mine. Then he dips his tongue into my mouth. “I have to warn you, Flo,” he moans. “I want more than just kisses. Are you up for another workout… in the bedroom?”

  I look at him and smile mischievously. “Lucky for you, Nash, I’m in the best shape of my life.”

  He smiles and kisses me again. Then we head inside, and walk toward his bedroom, his hand clasped in mine. I realize today is a day I will always remember.

  It’s the day I found love. Real love.

  Chapter 52

  The city bus chugs along the busy boulevard. The homeless woman, with dirty long hair and piercing grey eyes, sits in the last row. As she stares out the window, at the city of angels, a smile forms on her cracked lips.

  “She’s found love!” the woman cries out loud. “Real love!”

  But, as usual, no one pays attention to her.

  The woman looks around the crowded bus and sighs.

  It’s time to move on, she tells herself.

  Miraculously, the woman disappears. She vanishes into thin air – off to another job. None of the passengers even notice she’s gone. They’re all too busy staring down at their phones. They didn’t realize an angel was among them.

  Thanks so much for your purchase! If you could spare just a few minutes to leave an honest review on Amazon and/or Goodreads, we would really appreciate it. We’d love to hear what you think.

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  Healing Melody Excerpt

  Did you like Love’s Illusion? Would you like to learn more about Kade Turner, the owner of Kade’s Cage. Read about his backstory and what lead him to buy the gym. Through his struggles, we learn an important lesson in love and courage. Enjoy this excerpt from Ozlo & Priya Grey’s best-selling contemporary romance, Healing Melody. Here’s what readers have been saying:

  “A real page turner, it’s heartbreaking, soul mending and steamy.” Peggy, Reading Keeps Me Sane Book Blog

  “Every now and then a book comes along that makes you sit up and take notice. This was that book for me. Read it and judge for yourself.” Patricia, Amazon Reviewer

  “This story just grabbed my heart and wouldn’t let go…I laughed, I cried and I got angry. This story hit all the right notes!” Diane, Nerdy, Dirty & Flirty

  Keep reading and discover why…

  I wake up frantically. My cellphone is ringing. My face is wet. Fuck, was I crying in my sleep? I wipe my eyes and reach for the nightstand. I glance at the time stamp on my phone: 2:00 a.m.. Then I notice the number. It’s a call from the website. If I don’t pick up, Shane will know. He monitors everything on the site. I sigh and answer.

  “Hello. This is Kade.”

  Silence.

  “Hello?” I repeat. “Anybody there?”

  I’m annoyed. If you’re going to call me at 2 a.m., you better have something to say.

  Then, she finally speaks.

  “Hi…I…uh…I’m sorry, did I wake you?”

  I rub my eyes. I decide to be honest.

  “Yeah. It’s all right though. I was having a nightmare.”

  “Oh,” she says. There’s a long pause. Then she finally speaks. “I’m sorry… I don’t… I think I’ve made a mistake.”

  Like I said, Shane has someone monitoring the site. And he hasn’t been too pleased with the number of customers I’ve booked this month. I owe him a ton of money. And with my lackluster sales rate, it’s going to take me two lifetimes to pay him back. I have to keep this girl talking and hopefully have it lead to an actual meeting.

  “How can you be so sure?” I blurt. “We haven’t even talked yet.”

  Another long silence. I can hear her breathing.

  “I’ve never done this before?” she admits.

  “Called somebody at two a.m.?” I say, trying to be light hearted. It doesn’t come naturally to me, but Shane says I need to get better at it so clients feel at ease.

  “You know what I mean,” she replies. “I’ve never used a website for this sort of thing.”

  I sit up in bed. I have to keep her on the phone.

  “I really think I’ve made a mistake,” she repeats.

  “The only mistake you’ll be making is hanging up,” I quickly say. My words disgust me. I take a deep breath and decide to speak honestly. I’ve never been good at faking it… ever. “Listen. I know this might be something out of the ordinary for you. But you’ve called for a reason. You need something. There’s something missing from your life. Am I right?”

  Another long pause.

  “I miss being with a man,” she admits. She takes a breath and continues. “I’m lonely. I’ve been lonely for a long time.”

  “Most people are,” I tell her. I know I am.

  “I guess that’s good for your business,” she replies, a little sarcastically.

  “What do you miss about being with a man?” I ask.

  “What do you mean? Like specifics?”

  “Yeah,” I reply. “It will help me get a better sense of whether I can help you.”

  She takes a moment.

  “Let me see… everything,” she says with a sigh. “I miss everything about a man: his hands running over my skin, his breath against my neck, the muscles in his arms, his smell, his masculine energy, and definitely his cock.”

  As she talks, I realize how amazing her voice sounds. It’s rich, sensual, layered. It sneaks into you, warms you. As she describes what she likes, I find myself getting surprisingly turned on. It’s her voice: it’s captivating. I wonder what this woman looks like.

  “Why’d you choose me?” I ask, when she finishes.

  She takes another long pause. “Something in your eyes. They lured me in.”

  “I’ve never had anyone mention my eyes before,” I confess. �
��Usually they notice the tattoos. What about my eyes?” I ask, trying to keep the conversation flowing. After all, this lady is getting billed every thirty seconds.

  Another long pause. Then she finally speaks, her voice low, like a whisper. “They’re haunted.”

  Her words linger in the air.

  “Haunted?” I repeat.

  “Yeah,” she replies.

  Suddenly, I’m knocked out of the moment. This doesn’t feel like my standard website call. There’s something more going on here. The emotion in this woman’s voice, the fact she says my eyes are haunted… This isn’t just a hire-a-fuck call.

  “My eyes are haunted. That’s what you like about them, huh?”

  I wait for her response. She finally admits, “When I saw them, I just felt like you might be able to relate to me.”

  Now it’s my turn to be quiet. I don’t know how to respond. Who’s this stranger that’s just called me in the middle of the night? First, she says I’m haunted. Then, she thinks she can relate to me. How would she know?

  “I hope I haven’t offended you,” she says when I don’t say anything.

  “No,” I tell her. “You just caught me off guard. I guess haunted is an accurate description of me these days.”

  I hear her sigh. “Me too,” she admits quietly. Then her tone changes, her voice grows stronger. “I think I’m building up the courage to go through with this,” she says. “Can we meet?”

  I’m still thrown off by our exchange and take a moment to respond. “Yeah, of course. Tonight?”

  “Yes. Is that a problem?”

  “Not at all,” I say. “I promise; you won’t be disappointed.” I hate saying that line but Shane insists.