by Lucia Franco
Lisa Maurer. You are a rare gem. Words could not express how much I appreciate the time and effort you put into Balance. The way you pushed me to dig deep and bring this story to life was exactly what I needed and I could never, ever thank you enough. You went above and beyond and tackled this beast with me, and fourteen hundred comments later, you helped bring Balance to fruition. Balance came out just how I envisioned. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought asking you to beta, a virtual stranger at the time, would turn into an incredible friendship full of laughter and lifelong memories. Thank you for everything and more importantly, thanks for being my beta lifer.
Lori Scaman. If you hadn’t messaged me that one day, I don’t know if I would be writing my acknowledgements right now. I wanted Balance to be more about the sport, more than a romance story, and more about what goes on behind the scenes, but realizing how much it had changed since I was a gymnast was overwhelming. I’d reached my breaking point, but your encouraging words, knowledge of the gymnastics world, and unwavering support made all the difference. You’re like my fairy-gymnastics-godmother. You heard my cries and reached out, offering your assistance any way you could. Thank you so much for all your help, the countless rereads to make sure every gym term was correct, and putting up with the mountain of questions I asked you.
Nadine Winningham. I’m running out of ways to tell you how incredibly amazing you are as an editor. You’re a woman of many talents and never cease to amaze me. Thank you are two words that just aren’t enough for you, but I will continue to say them because I am so grateful to have you, not only as my editor, but as my very best friend. Thank you so much for the time you spent polishing up Balance and bringing out its true shine.
Alyssa West. One of these days you’re going to learn how to use Track Changes for feedback instead of voice messages. You’ve been by my side since the beginning, not only with Balance, but with all my books. You’ve rooted for me and supported me. You’ve listened to me vent and cry and have always been there when I needed you, and Lord knows I needed you while writing Balance. Thank you for your honest and humorous critiquing, and the endless hours of brainstorming you did with me.
Author Micalea Smeltzer. Your inspiring words about writing and not holding back helped push me to write Balance. You gave me hope, the courage to write this story how I wanted, and not how I was supposed to. I never forgot them, and I never will. You’re still my goal.
Author R.E. Hunter. I asked you many questions regarding the law and you were always so quick to research them. Thank you so much for your help and for being patient with me.
Authors Leddy Harper, Stephie Walls, and Gabbie Duran. I’m sorry my drafts were such a hot mess! Really, I’m so sorry, but thank you for not giving up on me and taking the time to critique Balance. I know it was a tough job and a daunting challenge, but you guys saddled up and took hold of the reins.
Author K.A. Linde. I still think about that late night, many years ago, when we were looking for forbidden books to read and the idea for Balance came to me. You were the first to know about the series and probably one of the most excited. Thank you so much for your help and feedback. By the way, I’m still waiting for you to write that dance book. No one could pull that off better than you.
Author Elizabeth Grace, my morning writing buddy. I’m so glad we found each other! But can we get on a better schedule once school starts up, please? We need each other!
Jessica Carnes and Jill Mac, thank you for your early feedback. I know it was a disaster at the time, but thank you.
Emily Smith-Kidman. Thank you for working so diligently on promoting Balance...and putting up with all my questions. Your selflessness does not go unnoticed, nor does all the hard work you put in for the book world. Thank you so, so much!
Cover Models Haley Scaman, Ethan Jose, and Madison Mooring of Madison Mooring Photography. Thank you for taking the time out of your schedules to do a photo shoot. I know it was a busy time of the year for you all, but thank you so much for making it work. I appreciate it more than words could ever express. My goal for all my gymnastics covers was for them to be authentic and match, and now they will, thanks to you guys. Madison, thank you for all the extra photos you gave me. So generous of you!
To my amazing cover designer, Letitia Hasser. You amaze me. I know I threw a mess of designs at you for the Off Balance covers. I almost want to say I’m sorry, but I won’t because it’s like you sifted through the haze and saw what I was going for. Seeing how you nailed all three covers on the first try was jaw dropping. They’re everything I thought they would be and more, and I have you to thank for that. Your talent knows no bounds.
E.M. Tippetts. Thank you for doing an incredible job formatting once again, and for all the questions I ask. Your excellent customer service and patience is what keeps me coming back.
To Lucia’s Luscious Ladies and all the avid readers and bloggers who’ve supported me from the beginning, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for being patient with the production of this book. I know it was a long time coming and I apologize for that, but hopefully the story made up for it. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys asking and pleading for it. So, thank you! <3
And last but not least, Marisa. Like Madonna, Cher, and Wynonna, no last name is needed. You work tirelessly behind the scenes and prefer to remain in the shadows. Thank you for all you do. You are amazing and I am so grateful for your support. Everyone should have a Marisa in their life.
A competitive athlete for over ten years, Lucia Franco currently resides in sunny South Florida with her husband and two boys. Paranormal romance was her first love, but she has a soft spot in her heart for small-town and reunion romance stories.
When Lucia is not hard at work on her next novel, you can find her relaxing with her toes in the sand at a nearby beach.
Find out more about Lucia at authorluciafranco.com. Make sure to join her newsletter to receive exclusive updates and more!
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Turn the page for a preview of When Stars Collide by Micalea Smeltzer
CHAPTER ONE
Thea
Holy mother of all hangovers.
I’d succumbed to the lure of Vegas and gotten completely wasted. Granted, that’s what everyone did in Las Vegas but I like to think I usually have more sense than the social norm.
I rub my eyes and blink them open. The hotel room comes into formation around me. The walls are a warm golden color and the flat screen on the wall plays some home improvement show. I can see the bathroom from the bed, the tiled walls and large soaking tub.
I roll over onto my side, hoping I can sleep off the hangover, and reel back.
“Oh my God,” I cry, flailing in bed.
My legs kick the sleeping guy beside me.
Not just any sleeping guy.
Oh no.
Xander Kincaid, my brother’s best friend, lays in the bed beside me.
His dark hair tumbles over his forehead and his cheeks are covered with several days worth of scruff. His chest is bare and…holy shit. He’s naked.
I look down.
Oh God, I’m naked too.
“What’s wrong?” He asks, reaching his left hand out to pull me closer to him. That’s when I see it.
“Is that a wedding band?” I scream shrilly.
His eyes narrow. “You don’t fucking remember?”
I shake my head and look at my own hand. A thin silver band rests on my finger. “What did we do?”
He sits up in bed and I try to ignore how adorably rumpled he looks with his hair sticking up.
Everything begins flooding back to me in quick bursts.
Drinks.
Kissing.
Laughter.
Confessions of love and desire.
A wedding chapel.
Vows.
Rings.
A contract.
>
“We’re married,” I whisper. “Holy shit.” It’s all I’ve ever wanted—to be with Xander, but not like this. Never like this. “My brother is going to kill us.”
Xander’s face contorts with…is that irritation?
“Why does it matter what your brother thinks?”
I scoff. “Because he’s my brother and your best friend.”
Xander clenches his jaw and looks away.
I tumble from the bed and scour the floor for my clothes. I can feel his eyes on me but I don’t dare look at him for fear of turning into a tomato. I find my dress and slip it over my head. Fuck a bra, I just need some clothes on.
I hold my hands out in front of me in a gesture of I have this under control when I definitely don’t have this under control.
“I’m sure we can just go back to the chapel and undo this. I mean, this is Vegas. If you can get married in a drive-thru you can get divorced too, right?”
“Divorced?” He looks appalled that I’d suggest such a thing.
I laugh, but there’s no humor in the tone. “We can’t stay married.”
He shakes his head roughly and bunches the sheets in his hands. I nearly groan. His hands…his hands had felt like the best kind of sin when he touched me last night.
“Why not?” He asks, and I know him well enough to see that he’s straining to stay calm.
“Because it would be wrong.” Doesn’t he know that. “My brother—”
“Dammit, Thea,” he snaps and anger pulses in his dark gaze. “Leave your brother out of it. I’m talking about you and me.” He flicks a finger between the two of us and his wedding band reflects the light pouring in from the open window. I can’t believe this is happening. This is the kind of thing you read about celebrities doing, not normal people like Xander and me, but shit happens. His voice softens and he looks at me tenderly. My stomach flips. It’s the same one he’s given me for years, the one that makes me yearn and ache for more, and now that I have it I’m trying to throw it away. “There’s always been something between us. Don’t deny it.”
I swallow thickly, my pulse racing. “I know,” I sigh heavily. “But it’s not like you asked me on a date to see where things might go—we got married. Marriage is a big deal.”
“Don’t you think I know that?” He stands and I avert my gaze to the ceiling, even though I want nothing more than to check out his perfectly toned body from years of playing football. I can remember running my hands over his abs and grabbing his ass, crying out— “Thea?”
Suddenly he’s right in front of me and I can see every amber fleck in his brown eyes.
He takes my face between his hands and I know I shouldn’t let him touch me—my brain turns to mush any time he does—but I’m frozen to the ground. His intense gaze alone is enough to hold me captive.
“Why are you fighting this?” His breath is a tender caress against my face. He touches his lips tenderly to mine and my traitorous body curves into his. His chest is still bare and his skin is warm beneath my fingers. It’s soft like silk and I stroke my fingers against the dents in his stomach like I’m playing an instrument. He rests his forehead against mine and I fight to keep my composure. Xander’s kisses set my world afire and bring color to everything. “Why?” He asks again.
“This is a big deal, how can you not see that?” I defend and shove him away slightly. I can’t think straight with him so close. All my brain can focus on is his slightly woodsy scent and the feel of his lips against mine.
His dark brows knit together. “I know it’s a big deal—I don’t take marriage lightly, but…” He lifts his hands in a gesture of I don’t know. “You and I…there’s always been something between us. Some spark that we’ve both fought for so fucking long and Thea?” His shoulders sag. “I’m tired of fighting. Maybe this is fate’s way of finally bringing us together.”
“Fate?” I repeat in a whisper. “I didn’t know you believed in such a thing.”
He shrugs and lifts his hand to reach for me but lets it drop like he’s scared I’ll reject his touch. “I have to believe there’s some bigger reason for this,” he admits and looks down at the ring on his finger and then on mine. “Don’t you think?”
I look away. I can’t stand seeing the hope and yearning in his eyes. It’s killing me because I want him. I want this. I want an us. I’ve known Xander since I was in diapers. We grew up together and even though he’s my brother’s best friend, he’s always been my friend too. He stars in almost every memory of my childhood and as we’ve gotten older he’s always been there too. I’ve dated here and there and always compared the guy to him—which meant my relationships never lasted long because no one was ever as good as Xander.
Before I can reply there’s a knock on the door and then the nob rattles. “Thea, get up. We have to get breakfast and leave. I can’t get Xander up. He probably found some hooker and is passed out in his bed. I’m going down to the lobby to see if they’ll give me a key to his room. You better be ready in thirty minutes,” my brother, Cade, says through the closed door.
My eyes, widened with horror, dart to Xander who stands there with an amused smile. I glare at him and mouth, “Hooker? Really?”
He knocks on the door again and says, “Are you up?”
“Yeah,” I call back with a shaky voice. “I’m up.”
Xander bites his lip to hold in his chuckle. I’m glad someone finds this amusing.
“Good,” he says through the door. “Thirty minutes.”
I hold my breath and listen to the sounds of his feet against the floor heading away. I sag in relief and Xander busts out laughing. My arm snaps out and I smack my hand against his stomach, which only makes him roar with more laughter.
“You better grab your clothes and get back to your room before my brother discovers you’re not in there.”
He shrugs. “Let him.”
I throw my hands up. “How can you be so blasé about this? I know my brother has threatened you numerous times about coming anywhere near me.”
He picks his shirt up off the floor and tugs it on. “I’m not going to let your brother keep me from what I want and I want you,” he says huskily, his eyes lingering on my lips.
The way he stares at me makes me feel like a small frightened animal backed into a corner by the big bad wolf.
“We have to ditch him on the way to the airport,” I say suddenly. “We have to find the church we got married in and see if they can undo this.” I wave my hands through the air like I can bibbidi-bobbidi-boo this away.
Where’s my fairy godmother when I need her?
Xander’s jaw clenches and he looks away. I know I’ve made him mad because I’m not willing to accept this is our fate. I’m not going to lie, I’ve dreamed of marrying Xander on more than one occasion. It was all I hoped for as a little girl when he was the dark-haired boy across the street who shared his animal crackers with me and carried me home when I fell off my bike. But I never imagined it would be like this—that I would barely even remember it.
“Whatever you want,” he mumbles, not meeting my gaze.
I stand frozen and watch as he grabs his phone and slips his jeans on over his boxer-briefs. He pauses at the door and I expect him to look back and say something, anything, but he leaves. I can’t say I blame him.
***
I take a quick shower, washing the scent of Xander’s body from mine in case Cade can sniff it out like a bloodhound. I feel sick to my stomach that Xander walked out of my room with things still unresolved between us but I can’t see why he doesn’t see the issue. I’m nineteen. I only have one year at college under my belt and beyond that I have no clue what I want to do with my life. A marriage makes things even more complicated.
I dress comfortably in a pair of black leggings and a loose gray tank top. I twist my long hair back into a sloppy ponytail and swipe some gloss on my lips. I pack my bags hastily and I’m almost done when Cade reappears at my door, knocking loudly.
“I swear
to God, Thea, if you’ve fallen back asleep—”
I groan and run to open the door. “I’m awake and ready. I’ll meet you in the lobby in five minutes.” I purposely position my body so that he can’t see in the room. It’s still a mess with evidence left behind that I don’t need him to see.
“Fine,” he groans. “I’ll be downstairs getting breakfast.”
I watch him retreat and then close the door.
Before I can make it back to my suitcase there’s another knock on the door.
“Cade, I’m going to punch you in the face,” I seethe and swing the door open, ready to maim my big brother. “Oh, thank God. It’s you.” I step aside and let Xander back in the room.
“Do you need help with your bag?” He asks.
“I’m almost done packing.”
I hate the awkward tension hanging in the air between us. It’s never awkward with us, not like this at least, and I hate it. When things get bad I’m used to running to Xander and having him wrap his arms around me and tell me it’s going to be okay, but not this time.
“I’ll wait.” He gives me a slight smile and I know he feels the tension too.
I finish packing and Xander paces around the room, looking to make sure he hasn’t left anything behind in here. There are a few condoms scattered on the floor—let’s just say we were making up for a heck of a lot of lost time last night—and he picks them up to throw them away.
“Shit,” he curses and I look up from the blouse I was packing away.