From Lies to Promises (24 page)

I am wife to the best husband of the freaking universe and mother to 3 majorly awesome kids! Reading, Xbox, cooking and WINE just barely scrape the surface of things I love. Everyone who knows me will say I am a nerd... and I would agree. Want to know a secret? I am a super hero. True story!
I have an obsession with anything people consider odd and I think learning is the bee’s knees. I have an Associate’s degree in Business Management and was an accountant for 7 years. I know, boooring! But I like having a problem and seeing a solution.
Maybe, just maybe, this is why I enjoy writing so much!
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  The biggest thanks for this book goes to my husband. You pushed me when I was ready to quit, you made me keep going because you had faith in me. Supporting me on this journey, only to come home to the house still in disarray and my head buried in the computer was not easy for you, but you did it without complaining. You are my strength and I love you.

  To my son, you are
my biggest help, and the best big brother your sisters could ask for. You are the reason that I got this book done in the time that I did. The fact that you were excited that your mother was going to write a book, made my heart sore. I did this to prove to you that you can follow your dreams no matter what.

  My twin daughters, you may be only five, but fairy tale endings that I always have playing in my head are because of you. Your imaginations are beautiful, and one day (FAR away) I hope a prince comes to sweep you off your feet.

  To the ladies who make up the triangle. You are freaking amazeballs and I love you! You have had to put up with my constant talk about this book for months and months. You have gave your inputs and helped with my editing. The truth is my life would be dull if not for you two. My own personal Skeigh and Lexi.

  My beta readers. Sabrina, Stephanie, Eric, Eliza, Kirby, Jess, Julie. Thank you so much for all your input and advice. It means the world that you all took your time
to read From Lies to Promises and helped me make it all it could be. I owe you tons of chocolate and wine!

 
To all of my friends and family that have supported me on my road to fulfill my dreams, thank you! Whether or not you gave me just a nudge, your support means the world to me in following one of my crazy dreams!

 
Billy Willis Photography shot the amazing cover photo and all cover art. I couldn’t be any happier with the turnout of it. The fantastic Stephanie Kirk was my gorgeous model for the cover and I can’t express how thankful I am that she did this for me!

By Eliza Brown

Sloan

"I hate seeing her like this. There's just no color in her life you know? Just her pant suits and her frigin numbers."

"Pant suits can be hot."

"Ha, not the ones Stella wears. Trust me Bray she needs something to liven her up. I'm sick of seeing her looking so, I don't know, dreary?"

"Maybe she likes dreary? Is she happy?"

"She thinks she is. I know better though. I need to do something to shake her up a little, show her there's so much more to life than sitting in her apartment with that weird little dog of hers. I just don't know what? I've tried getting her to hit the town with me, even a bar but nope, says she can't do it. Sometimes I think she just doesn't want to get anything on her ridiculously expensive sensible heels. What God loving woman spends that kind of money on sensible heels? Really?"

I let out a huff as my frustration built. I really had to do something about Stella. I had to bring my sister back.

"Why not set her up?"

"Pfft, as if any of the guys I know would be good enough for my baby sister."

"Hey now! I take offense to that."

True, if I were to set Stella up with anyone, Bray would probably be at the top of my list of candidates. He's attractive, ha who am I kidding? Bray is HOT. He's successful, motivated and an all-round good guy.

I leaned back from the piece on his left bicep I was working on, coming together nicely. I sized him up, it had been a while since I fully checked him out. Friends don't ogle friends, unless they're scoping them out for their sister.

Bray raised his eye brow at me as if to say, 'What the Fuck'.

"Dude, chill. I was just assessing the goods. You might be right about setting Stella up. In fact I think you're the right guy for the job."

"Wait, what? That's not where I was going with this Sloan."

"No no, you planted the seed my friend. It's as good as done. You said you can't manage the books on your own anymore. Here's the perfect solution."

"What, start sleeping with your sister so she'll do my books for me? That's a little sleazy don't ya think?"

"Geez, not what I meant. Stella is an accountant. Some crap about numbers making sense, always adding up, yada yada, yada. Anyway, Il get you an appointment, she can go through your books, you can invite her for coffee, next thing ya know I'll be wearing a hideously ordinary maid of honor dress at your wedding."

From the look on Bray's face he wasn't as down with my plan as id hoped. His eyes were popping out of his head and a sweat had broken out across his forehead.

"Jumping the freaking gun there a little aren't ya Sloan! I haven't even met the chic, and you're already planning our wedding. You're frigin crazy! I'm not the marrying kind. You know that."

I knew it wasn't anything personal but this is my baby sister we're talking about. I tend to get a little defensive where she's concerned, perhaps even a little irrational. I pushed my seat away from Bray and got to my feet, hands fisted on my hips.

"You saying my sister isn't good enough for you asshole! Well I got news for you, you'd be lucky if Stella spared you a glance, and if she wants to marry you, you'll God damn do it! You hear me!"

"I knew it, bat shit crazy! You're off your rocker if you think I'm going to go out with your sister now."

"What? Why not? She's an angel."

"Jesus Sloan, you just told me I have to marry the chic if she takes a fancy to me, and let's be honest here,"

Oh here it comes, he was gesturing up and down his body, I knew where this was going.

"Who wouldn't want all this?"

He had that smug look on his face, like he's the shit and everybody knows it, including himself.

"Way to be modest Bray."

I started walking away, slipped my phone from my pocket and flicked Stella a text.

'Need a favor baby sister, boss man needs an accountant. You got time?'

I knew I wouldn't have to wait long for a response, Stella was glued to her phone like it was a life line. Plus she was super-efficient, she'd know off the top of her head what appointments were free without having to check with that airhead receptionist of hers.

'1.45 tomorrow. Name? Not a baby!'

A grin spread across my face, she hates it when I call her that. But older is older, even if it is only by 4 minutes.

'Brayden Brooks, 4mins is 4mins baby sister. Xx'

"It's done Bray; I'll text you the address. 1:45 Tomorrow."

I heard him groan as I started clearing my work station. The shop was empty apart from us. We'd hung back so I could get started on his latest piece. It would probably take another session or two before it was done. Mean ass phoenix rising from the ashes. It'll be beautiful when I'm done.

"Sloan. Really? I'm not a relationship kinda guy, you know that. I don't want to screw our friendship over this shit. She'll want me, I'll humor her for your benefit but then I'll get bored and move on, you'll get pissed and quit. You're the best I've got; I can't afford to lose you."

I ignored him, he'd be good for Stella, just the right amount of color to brighten up her life. I finished cleaning up my station.

"Are you listening to me Sloan? Sloan! Damn it! You're a stubborn little thing, you know that? I'll do it, but if things go south, you can't walk. Deal?"

"Deal boss man. Now, beers at Freddie's?"

"Need you ask?"

We closed up the shop and started the short walk up to our local haunt; Freddie's was my kinda place. Plenty of beer, hot dudes with hot tats and they had a live band in on Friday and Saturday nights.

Stella

Agh my neck is killing me. Time to call it a day I think. Bianca left an hour ago. Ugh I should have left when she did. I hate walking out to my car alone. I know I'm in a safe enough neighborhood but still. A woman walking around at night, alone is just asking for trouble. I only meant to stay an extra fifteen minutes but as usual I got carried away in the bliss of numbers.

I shut down my computer and put my laptop in my satchel. Slipping my feet back into my shoes I felt around in my bag for my gun, I had never used it, but I felt better knowing I had it. Then I grabbed the can of pepper spray I kept in there and my keys. Armed with one in each hand I headed for the lift down to the lobby.

"Goodnight, Tyler."

"Goodnight, Ms. Morgan."

Tyler had been the doorman since I leased my office 2 years ago. He was a nice older gentleman, with greying hair around the edges. I knew if I asked he'd walk me to my car, but I also knew he would probably get in trouble for leaving his post.

Time to pull up those big girl panties Stella. Walk straight to your car, get in, and go
. Simple enough right? Sad thing was I had to give myself the same little pep talk every time I stayed late, which was happening more and more lately. I need to get a life!

I slipped into my little Prius without any crazies trying to attack me. All the same, I flipped the lock switch straight away. You can't be too careful.

Pulling into my apartment complex I could feel my tense muscles relaxing; home.

Once inside, I called out to Fergus who was probable sleeping on the fresh towels on the rack in the bathroom. But sure enough he came running when he heard my voice. I had grown up with big dogs, but I
couldn't exactly keep a Great Dane in my tiny apartment. So it was just me and Fergus my long haired dachshund for now, until I found the courage to move to a bigger place. He was a good little dog. He kept me company, never once wizzed inside and had the decency to look ashamed when he let one rip.

I latched his lead and we set out to the grassy area downstairs for him to do his business.

Half an hour later when Fergus was done and we had returned upstairs I prepared dinner, seared marinated chicken breast with a fresh salad and crisp glass of wine. This is my idea of a good night.

Brayden

Why am I doing this shit? Oh yea, cause Sloan will go ape on my ass if I don't show up to this appointment. Frigin Sloan. I suppose if I'm honest with myself I am a little curious to see what Sloan's baby sister looks like. Sloan is smoken hot. I can only imagine what her sister must be like. Going off what little Sloan's told me I'm picturing the librarian type.

The elevator dinged and I felt nervous all of a sudden. I never got nervous. Maybe it was the thought of losing the best artist I had if this thing with her sister didn't work out? I rolled my shoulders a few time, loosening the tension that had built up.

I strolled into the office number Sloan had given me. It was 1.30. Ha, I'm early for a change. I gave the
receptionist my name and took a seat on the lounge across from her desk. After a minute of silence I glanced up wondering if she was going to tell this Stella chic that I was here. But she was just staring at me.

I knew that look, she wanted me. Well get in line baby. I gave her my signature smirk.

"Hey sugar, you wana let the boss lady know I'm here?"

My words pulled her out of her daze and she dashed through the adjoining office door.

Stella

Bianca came bursting through my door like a bat out of hell. She was flushed and fanning herself with her hand. I started to reach for the gun I had stashed on the underside of my desk.

"Oh my GOD Stella! The most gorgeous man I have ever, and I mean EVER laid eyes on just walked in. He's sex on a stick!"

My hand froze just before I reached the gun. I was confused. I knew all my clients, and none of them fit that description. Bianca had been working for me since I opened my doors for business she knew everyone too. Oh wait, I made space for Sloan's boss today.

"Brayden Brooks?"

"Yea, that's the name he gave me, I think? I kinda zoned out for a minute there just taking it all in you know?"

"Umm, no, I don't know. I haven't met him before. Sloan texted me yesterday asking me to fit him in. He's her boss. You can send him in. I'm just finishing up."

"Just give me a second. I need to prepare myself."

Wow, Bianca had always leaned towards the dramatic but this was peculiar even for her. I raised my eyebrow at her, letting her know her time was up. She got the hint and returned to her desk.