by Ava Wood
“I tried to warn you.” He massaged warmth into her hands before kissing the tips of her fingers. “Good news is, we’re really close. I just missed our turn by a couple exits.” He climbed on and fired the motorcycle to life. When Talia wrapped her arms around him, he skimmed his over hers, replenishing some of the warmth she lost before he got them on their way. When her extremities didn’t feel quite so numb, Landon kicked the motorcycle into gear and took them in the right direction to the stadium.
Driving past Globe Life Park, they could see the parking lot for the stadium was nearly full. Talia knew it was probably her fault they were so late, but she’d never be sorry for their morning interludes together. She’d look forward to those encounters with him for the rest of her life. They parked in a spot closer than most thanks to the motorcycle, fortunate that it could fit in tight spaces. “I can’t believe you paid fifty bucks for parking.”
“I can’t have you traipsing all over Dallas in your delicate state.” He tugged her hand, pulling her closer to the stadium.
“You didn’t seem too worried about my delicate state in the shower this morning.”
“Petal, I know my own strength and I would never put you or this precious baby at risk. I promise you that.” His hand rubbed over her belly as she self-consciously looked around the lot to make sure no one had caught on to their private moment. They were waiting for the perfect moment to tell their loved ones of the precious life they’d created.
Advancing with the crowd, Landon placed his protective arms around her as they finally made their way inside the busy stadium. The noise of the crowd filled their ears as they grew closer to the concessions and Talia felt her stomach rumbling as the smell of stadium food filled her nose.
“Why don’t you go on in while I get us some drinks?”
“I can wait.”
“I’ll be right there. You go on ahead and get off of your feet.” He gently pushed her toward their section as he added, “Please, Petal? Dawson will be waiting.”
Talia rolled her eyes and said, “Fine.” With a quick kiss, she left him behind and journeyed to their seats. When she hit the top of the stairs, every eye seemed to be on her and she self-consciously wiped at her face then took a step toward the stairs. As her hand reached for the railing, two red tulips were held out to her. She looked up at the stranger staring back at her, unsure what was going on.
Before she could say a word, two white carnations were extended from the opposite direction. As she descended the stairs, at each step more flowers were held out to her: red chrysanthemums, dark red carnations, red roses, daisies. She was shocked, but she realized each flower had some connotation of love. Nearing her row, she saw her father appear from behind Dawson and Mya and tears began to form in her eyes. “Daddy?” The tears began to spill over as she turned her attention to Mya. “What’s going on?”
Mya pointed over Talia’s shoulder, triggering her to turn, finding Landon down on one knee behind her. Her breath caught in her throat as he held out a blue rose to her that she added to the jumbled bouquet. When Landon reached for her hand, Mya took hold of the flowers, freeing Talia’s hands to join with his. She thanked Mya while trying desperately to suppress her tears, comprehending what came next.
“I know what it’s like to live without you,” he began. “It’s the most miserable I’ve ever felt.” His hands were trembling in hers as he paused briefly before continuing. “From the first moment I saw your face, I knew I was a goner. I’m certain my life will never be complete without you beside me.” He stopped to take a steadying breath. “No one else has ever held my heart the way you do. I’d give anything for the opportunity to spend the rest of my life completely devoted to you.” He clumsily removed a velvet box from his pocket and asked, “Will you marry me?”
Talia couldn’t believe how quiet the stadium was as she watched him open the box. There, nestled inside, sat a full carat round diamond in a fourteen-carat white-gold channel setting. It was stunning and perfect. Fascinated by the ring, she overlooked giving him an answer.
“Talia?” He was hanging onto her hand, staring nervously into her eyes.
She smiled and cried, “Yes. Of course.”
When he placed the ring on her finger the entire stadium erupted. As he stood, she saw his lips move, but she couldn’t make out his words over the noise of the crowd.
“What?”
He pointed at the big screen over the field and Talia saw their reflection on the screen. Her cheeks flushed as she giggled and ducked into Landon’s embrace. Looking back to the seats, there next to her father were Sara and Landon’s father, Abel, as well as Landon’s sister, Celia. Stunned, she asked, “Have you been planning this for three months?”
“Longer.” He kissed her again and, for only her to hear, stated, “But it was definitely worth the wait.”
Thank you for reading Lies in Love. If you enjoyed this book, please leave a review!
Acknowledgements
There are so many amazing people to thank. My awesome Betas Laura, Roni, Carrie, Kim and Margaret; Jordan for all of your advice, guidance and amazing expertise; Kristina for sending me down the right path to make Lies in Love shine; to my family for putting up with my incessant hours dedicated to this work and to my mom for helping me find the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m so grateful for all of the people who have been placed in my life.
Lies in Love Playlist
Wrecking Ball – Miley Cyrus
Fighter – Christina Aguilera
Over – Blake Shelton
For the First Time – Jonas Brothers
Up All Night – Alex Clare
Lucky Man – The Verve
Sweater Weather – The Neighbourhood
Get To You – Matt Wertz
Right Here – Betty Who
When You Got a Good Thing – Lady Antebellum
Story of My Life – OneDirection
Heart by Heart – Demi Lovato
All of Me – John Legend
Not a Bad Thing – Justin Timberlake
Only You Can Love Me This Way – Keith Urban
As Night Falls – Blackchords
Cold As Stone – Lady Antebellum
Someday – Rob Thomas
Look After You – The Fray
About the Author
Ava Wood was raised in the Texas Hill Country. Growing up an only child, Ava spent much of her time writing poetry and creating alternate worlds. Her novels today are a mixture of romance and suspense.
When Ava isn't writing, she's spending time with her amazing husband and two daughters or watching basketball; sometimes she does both simultaneously.
To find out more about Ava and her books, follow her on twitter @btfl7 or like her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorawood to stay up to date with her current events and upcoming releases.