by Anna Brooks
“What?”
“You might have outdone me with the whole song thing.”
I roll my eyes and shake my head. “No way. You wrote yours. I just did a search on pregnancy songs. And yours sounded better.”
“That’s because I didn’t sing it.” He laughs.
“Your voice is better than mine.”
He stays silent and looks at the ceiling. I slap his arm and give him a little shove. “You’re supposed to argue and say that my voice is like listening to angels.”
“But we said we’d never lie to each other.”
“You’re such an ass!” I cross my arms and tap my foot, feigning annoyance. “There’s a difference between lying and fibbing. The least you could do is pretend I didn’t burn your eardrums.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Well, you certainly didn’t compliment me.”
“Why the hell are we fighting when you just told me you’re pregnant?”
“We’re not fighting. You were mean.”
“I’m sorry, princess.” He frames my face and kisses my cheek. “Your voice is actually really good. I thought that when you started but then got distracted.”
I smirk at him and give him a chaste kiss back. “Dude. You’re gonna be a dad!”
“And you.” He lifts me up and sets me on the piano. “Are going to be the best mom in the world.”
I love that he has confidence in me, but I’m scared shitless I’m going to do something wrong. “I hope so. It’s different when it’s your own baby. I mean, I’ve watched Caroline, but I always hand her back to her parents and don’t have to deal with any of the two a.m. feedings or explosive diarrhea diapers.” I make a gagging sound and Liam’s body trembles. “Yeah, just wait. Char’s told me so many horror stories. We’ll get puke down our shirt. Pee on us when we’re changing diapers. She told me sometimes when they’re really little, they’ll poop in the tub.”
I actually start to panic a little now. I was so worried about how Liam would take the news that I hadn’t started to think about all this stuff yet. After the last pregnancy, grief and confusion overcame the excitement.
“We’ll get through it, Meara. We can get through anything as long as we have each other.”
“I hope so.”
“I know so.”
“Umm, there’s something else.” I bite my lip and he tilts his head. “Yeah, so, I kind of got you a dog.”
“What?”
“I found a dog on a rescue site who’d just had a litter of puppies. They need to wait until they can be weaned, but I paid for one of them and was going to surprise you with it. But now I’m pregnant and I don’t know—”
“Holy shit! We’re gonna have a dog, too?”
“Yes?” I ask because a dog is a big step. A baby is a lifelong climb. But doing them both together … that’s like insane.
“Hell yeah, yes!” His smile is electric, and he lifts me up and lays a resounding smack on my cheek. “Let’s get out of here so you can show me how cute you really think I am. Then I can show you how beautiful and amazing you are.”
This is our time now. We’ve been apart, we’ve had loss, we’ve dealt with tragedy, and somehow our relationship survived … we survived. He’s proven a million times over what kind of man he really is. I couldn’t ask for a better partner to go through life with. Sure, there will be hurdles as we grow. We’ll fight and make up. We’ll experience things we never thought we would, but if we can make it through what we’ve already been through, I truly believe we can make it through anything.
He waits for me to lock the front door and when I put my keys in my pocket, he turns me and puts his hands on my waist. “I love you, Meara. Just when I think life couldn’t get any better, you find a way to surprise me and give me more than I ever imagined. No matter what happens, regardless of the obstacles we’re going to face, I promise you … you’re going to live your fairytale. You’re going to have your happily ever after.”
As I stretch up on my toes to touch my lips to his, I know with every fiber of my being, with every ounce of my soul, that this moment is the one I’ve been waiting for … the one that fixes everything and gives me the happy ending I’ve dreamed of my entire life.
Acknowledgments
As always, I must thank my family for all of their support. I couldn’t do it without you guys!
I’ve been so incredibly lucky and have continued to work with the most amazing women. My cover designer, Kari, my editor, Jenny, my proofreader, Bree, my promo queen, Erin, and my formatter, Stacey. Thank you all for once again being so freaking amazing.
Beta readers! Ahh, you guys are life savers. Thank you Polly, Nancy, Kelly, Crystal, Marianne, Megan, Kate, Nicole, and Nikki! I appreciate your honesty and am so grateful to you.
Of course, I need to give props to my girls Megan, Marianne, and Kelly for being there for me … especially during this book which was by far the hardest yet. Your support means the world to me and if it weren’t for you guys pushing me I’m not sure Liam and Meara’s story would ever be told. #TheAwesome
Crystal, I am so glad to have you on my team and appreciate everything you do more than words can say.
I have a countless number of other people to thank. From friends who answered medical questions (Kishan and Katherine) to the woman who makes my teasers so beautiful (Cat) to the blogs who have taken the time out of their busy lives to support me. Amy from One Book Boyfriend at a Time, Summer’s Book Blog, The One-Click Addict Support Group, Sassy Mum Book Blog, Amazeballs Book Addicts, Anything But Vanilla Book Blog and the countless number of women who have helped me along the way. It’s impossible to list everyone but know that I appreciate any and all help I’ve gotten. I wouldn’t be where I am without the hard work and dedication of this wonderful community.
I’d also like to thank the kick ass chicks in Anna’s Allies. You guys rock.
I usually have one song in each book that speaks to me extra loud, but for this story, there were two. “Moving On” by Asking Alexandria and “Gravity” by Papa Roach featuring Maria Brink. If you get the chance to listen to these perfect pieces of music, you’ll understand why they meant so much to me while writing this book.
One night can transform everything.
Pierce Kelly has a good life. He’s the owner of a successful business and also has a wonderful family. But there’s a piece to his puzzle that has yet to fall into place.
Disheartened, he takes a trip to Vegas, hoping it will help him clear his mind. When the legendary bright lights of the city do nothing but frustrate him further, he goes off on his own and unknowingly finds what he didn’t even know he was missing.
Ruby Russo’s life is a nightmare. She’s the only daughter of one of the most influential men in Las Vegas. It comes with a price… constantly being forced to be a pawn in her father’s game. Just when she thinks she’s about to be free of his wrath, Ruby finds that her personal hell is far from over; in fact, it’s just begun. She escapes for the evening to the only place she’s ever found solace but learns that she’s not alone.
Neither believes in love at first sight, but Pierce and Ruby bond on a level unimaginable the moment their eyes connect. Their optimism is quickly shattered when Ruby is forced to leave Pierce without an explanation. He returns home alone, where he continues living with a void that only she can fill.
When they finally find each other after years of loneliness, they discover that their lives are entwined deeper than just love.
Tell Me When
Copyright © 2016 Anna Brooks
Published by Anna Brooks
Cover design by Cover to Cover Designs
Editing by Editing4Indies
Formatting by Champagne Formats
Proofreading by Vivid Words Editing
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book, or portions thereof, in any form without written permission except for the use of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
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br /> This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
The author acknowledges the trademark status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owner.
Dedication
To my sister.
Because even though age and thousands of miles separate us,
you still get me and I can always count on you to be there for me.
And I forgive you for pouring hot sauce down my throat when I was sleeping all those years ago.
Chapter 1
Three years earlier.
Pierce
“I’M OUT, YOU GUYS.” I toss back one last shot and throw some money on the table.
“Dude. It’s only …” Nik sets his glass down and glances at his watch. “Two-thirty. Don’t be a pussy.”
He’s trying to get me riled up, but he won’t change my mind. “Sorry, man. Have fun.” Ignoring the ribbing from the guys, I head out of the bar in search of my room, or at least some peace and quiet. I step on the elevator and a drunk couple follows in after me. As the guy crowds his girl into the corner, I turn my back to them and pretend not to hear them sucking face. Not only is it nasty, but he’s also totally treating her like shit. I’d never do that to a girl of mine—make out with her in an elevator where a complete stranger is there to see. Thankfully, they get off on the fifth floor, and I only have two more to go until mine. When I get to my room, I take off my button-down shirt and untuck the white t-shirt I’m wearing underneath.
My mouth is dry and gross, so I brush my teeth and then splash some water on my face, hoping to refresh myself. This trip was supposed to be an epic vacation. The guys and I wanted to just have a weekend to party and then go home. They’re having fun, at least. My brother’s best friend, Nik, and my friend Zack have noticed I’ve been in a funk. I ignore the question when they ask what’s wrong because I don’t even know. Nothing has really happened … and maybe that’s what’s bothering me. I’m just bored. Sick of dating. Tired of starting and ending every day alone. I just want to settle down and move forward with my life.
Last week, I went out on a third date with a woman named Carly. I actually thought things were going well, but when I walked her to her door and she dropped to her knees, trying to unzip my jeans in the middle of her front porch, I lost it. It took much more willpower than I anticipated to walk away without saying something I’d regret. There wasn’t enough between us at that point, and I wasn’t about to have her mouth wrapped around my cock without knowing she wasn’t with someone else. I’m not a saint, and I’m definitely not a virgin, but when I put a part of my body inside someone else, there’s gotta be more than superficial conversation involved. Needless to say, Carly and I are no longer.
My experience with her goes a lot like what I’ve had in the past. I want to date someone, get to know them. Talk. Laugh. Kiss. Touch. I need to know that the person I’m giving myself to is willing to give herself to me in every way possible. Not just a quick fuck. The last chick I did that with won’t leave me alone no matter how many times I politely tell her it won’t be happening again.
I see my friend Travis so happily married to my cousin, Charlotte, and it makes me want it so bad. I’m sick of having to put on this front like I’m happy being alone, and just because I’m a guy, I’m supposed to want to sleep with random women. Been there, done that. I’m over it.
Our ridiculously expensive hotel room door squeaks when I open it, and the stale smoke smell lingers bad enough that we left the fan on in the bathroom. The stingy dark purple curtain covers the sliding glass door, so I shove it aside and open the door. Chilly Vegas air hits my face, and I rub my hands together to warm them. The city lights hide the stars, and I crane my neck to look higher, but a ladder catches my eye instead.
I jump up, grab the last rung, and pull on it hard to test its strength. Satisfied it can handle my weight, I swing my feet around and climb up the ladder, then grab the next one. My biceps begin to burn when I reach the top and climb on the roof. I’m a little upset I didn’t have to go farther, the pain taking away from my irritation.
I shouldn’t have taken that last shot, because my legs are a little wobbly, but I steady myself and rest my hands on my hips as I look around. The city lights shine below and a ton of people and vehicles mull around, but their sound is nothing more than a muted hum. Perfect. A single lounger chair sits unoccupied, so I plop down on it and cross my ankles.
When I agreed to come on this trip, it was months ago. If I had known I’d be in a mood, I would never have agreed to come. But I’d already paid for the ticket and the hotel, so it’d be a waste of money if I didn’t put them to use. Plus, I thought maybe getting away from responsibility for a couple of nights would help, but it did the opposite. Now, I’m more agitated than when we first arrived. I’m glad that we only have one more night after tonight. As much as I wanted to get away, I just want to go home now.
“You’re not supposed to be up here.”
I sit up and look around to find the shy voice. A girl, partially hidden by shadows from the moon, slowly walks toward me.
“Sorry. I was just trying to get away from all the noise.”
“Why’d you come to Vegas if you wanted quiet?” She stops a few feet away, and I squint through the darkness to try and see her.
“It sounded good at the time, I guess.”
She takes a step closer and hesitates before coming into full view and finally leaning on the ledge of the building. I squeeze my fingers into my legs to keep from getting up and doing something I’ll regret, like pulling her into my arms and never letting her go. This girl is beautiful. I can’t see her hair because it’s tucked under a beanie, but her lips look so soft and her face is flawless. Tanned skin and innocent eyes hide under a pair of sexy glasses and a multi-colored scarf wraps around her neck. Her toned legs peek out from the blanket she has wrapped around her shoulders that hangs to the ground.
“It’s not all it’s cracked up to be, is it? The bright lights fade really fast, and even though it’s so crowded, it can be very lonely.”
“What’s your name?”
Her lips tilt up, and she looks away from me, shaking her head. “Yeah, no.”
Her no-nonsense attitude sparks a fire inside me, a challenge. Too many women are so fast to give me everything. Tell me their dirty secrets and filthy fantasies, hoping I’ll be the one to stick around and take care of them like they should be on a pedestal just for existing. Less than a minute in this girl’s presence and I can tell she’s different.
“I’m Pierce.” I stand and take a step toward her. As if a force beyond what I’m even capable of is pulling me to be closer to her, like a magnetic charge.
She raises her head when I get in front of her, but she leans back a little bit.
“I’m not going to hurt you,” I assure her.
“I’m not scared of you.” A few pieces of hair blow out from under her hat, and I bite my nails into the pads of my hand to prevent myself from tucking the strands back in.
“What are you doing up here?” I ask, hoping to talk to her longer.
“Getting away. It’s about the only place I can ever be alone.” She turns her back to me and gazes down at the city below. “It’s where I come when I want to get away from everything. When I want to remind myself how insignificant I really am.”
“Hey, don’t say that.”
She continues looking below. “It’s the truth, though. I mean think about it. If you died today, right now, aside from your family and close friends being sad, nothing would change. Life would go on, people would eventually forget you …” She shrugs as if this is a natural thought, something she thinks abo
ut often. I’ll do whatever I can to prove to her that’s not true. She matters. She doesn’t know it yet, but she matters a hell of a lot to me. It’s irrational, but it’s true.
I stand next to her and lean a hip against the three-foot wall that separates me from falling. “I don’t think that’s the case. My family would never be the same. I have a business, so the employee’s lives would be affected.”
“Temporarily. Until you were replaced.” An unconvincing smile forms on her lips and she turns to face me. “Look, I’m not a martyr or anything. I’m just being honest. You asked. This world is big, and there are so many people on it that being reminded of how small you really are is humbling. It’s just something I need every once in a while. I guess to remind myself that my problems aren’t all that bad compared to what they could be.”
“If you died today, right now, you’re telling me that you don’t think your family would be affected? That it wouldn’t leave a lifelong hole in their lives? That memories of you wouldn’t sneak up at the most inopportune times, causing sadness until the day they died?”
“No,” she answers immediately. “But then again, my family isn’t a ‘normal’ family. We don’t sit down to dinner together, and we don’t go to the movies together. I go days without seeing either of my parents, so for me, no, I don’t think it would.”
I study her, the conviction in her words, trying to figure out what she’s really saying, what more there is to it, but she begins to laugh.
“Sorry. I sound like a weirdo.” She shakes her head. “Let’s change the subject. Where are you from?”
“Oh, it’s like that, is it?”