Deja Wilson was given a second chance. Sheâll always be grateful to Sophie for her kindness. Now, theyâre best friends. The McCords, including Emmett, only like her for Sophieâs sake. It doesnât stop her from wishing things were different, that she could have a good man like Emmett. When her brother is released from prison and arrested again the same day, she knows Emmett will never want a woman like her. Especially when he learns the truth about why her brother was sent to prison. It doesnât matter anyway. She doesnât deserve him.
Emmett McCord has wanted Deja since the moment he met her, despite how she came into their lives. It didnât take long for him, and the family, to forgive her and see just what kind of woman she is. Strong. Determined. Remorseful. Faithful to a fault. He wants to declare his feelings, but he knows sheâll resist him. He canât risk losing her friendship. When her brother walks back into her life, causing her pain, heâs done keeping his feelings to himself. He wants her, and sheâll just have to get used to it.
âI donât date. I just screw âem and leave âem,â Deja said with a nasty smirk.
Moving closer, his lips brushed her ear as he whispered, âYouâre lying.â He rubbed his thumbs across her hands some more as she trembled in his arms. âTalk to me, Deja. Really talk. Just tell me what happened today.â
He kissed her neck below her ear and pulled away. Her eyes would tell him everything he needed to know. And they did. The desire reflected in the depths of her eyes, as did the awe. He had the distinct feeling she never felt true passion before. Heâd be more than happy to show herâafter she told him what happened.
Just as swiftly, the desire disappeared. âDonât, Emmett. Just donât.â Her features turned hard as she stared him down with the evil eye he knew so well.
Deflection. Thatâs what that look was. He had learned the ins and outs of her so well. The last nine months had given him plenty of time to learn her quirks. She was truly a soft-hearted person inside. Her hard persona was an act. So much anguish she held inside.
âDonât what, Deja? Donât try to be a friend? Donât hold you like you matter to me? Donât let you see how much I care about you? Donât make you talk? I donât listen very well sometimes. Get used to it.â
âExcuse me?â One brow rose as she pursed her lips.
He leaned closer, brushing his lips against hers. She trembled at the touch. He didnât mind giving her little tastes of how good it could be if they were together. Sheâd give in eventually. Sheâd talk and then he would show her how much he cared about her.
âI said get used to it.â His lips made one more light sweep across her delectable mouth. âI can see youâre hurting. Something bad happened todayâbesides the car accidentâand I want to help. Iâll show you real desire as soon as you talk to me. Iâve wanted you for a long time. Itâs nice to know you want me, too. So, get used to it. Get used to me. Iâm not going anywhere.â
âI donât want you. I just want sex,â she scoffed, as if she were trying to make it sound believable. He knew better.
âYouâre so cute when you try to lie.â
âIâm not lying.â
âDid I ever tell you that you have such gorgeous eyes? They sparkle like the deep blue ocean.â He smiled. âWhen you lie, they flash a shade of purple. Itâs the strangest thing Iâve ever seen. Itâs so damn beautiful.â
âLet me go, Emmett.â
He didnât release his hold. If anything, he held her hands tighter. âDid I ever tell you that I love how you say my name? The nickname you gave me just doesnât have the same ring to it.â
âStop it.â
âDid I ever tell you that you look so adorable when youâre trying to look hard and tough? But you know what? Youâre a softie. So sweet and delicate.â
âKnock it off.â
âDid I ever tell youââ
âShut up, Emmett!â
âDid I ever tell youââ
She let out a mangled cry that cut his words right off. Burying her head into his chest, her tears soaked right through him. They were fast and rough. So much pain it broke his heart.
He let go of her hands and wrapped her as tightly as he possibly could. âYou donât have to do things alone anymore, Deja.â
(Copyright Š Amanda Siegrist 2017)
Deja Wilson was given a second chance. Sheâll always be grateful to Sophie for her kindness. Now, theyâre best friends. The McCords, including Emmett, only like her for Sophieâs sake. It doesnât stop her from wishing things were different, that she could have a good man like Emmett. When her brother is released from prison and arrested again the same day, she knows Emmett will never want a woman like her. Especially when he learns the truth about why her brother was sent to prison. It doesnât matter anyway. She doesnât deserve him.
I love anything that has to do with romance. As long as thereâs a happy ending, Iâm a happy camper. I love baseball (Go Twins!) and creating awesome crafts. I graduated with a Bachelorâs Degree in Criminal Justice, working in that field for several years before I became a stay-at-home mom. When Iâm not hanging out with my wonderful family, Iâm writing a sweet contemporary romance or a romantic suspense that keeps you guessing until the end. I have a few more amazing stories in the works. If you would like to connect with me or see important news, head to my website at http://www.amandasiegrist.com. Or you can also check out my Facebook Page or follow me on Twitter (@amanda_siegrist).
