Ariana Henshaw wishes her relationship with Gavin wasn’t built on lies and deception. What will happen if he finds out the real truth about her? Will their fall out be worse than she expects?From the beginning, Gavin knew Ariana’s secrets. But will she figure out all of his?--------1: Ariana.Nothing in this world makes me smile more than when I see my daughter's beautiful face. It doesn't matter what mood I’m in; the moment I see her, a sense of peace fills me. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but she’s the one thing I’ve done right in this world.I make my way across the quaint coffee shop to where she’s sitting in the corner. She clicks away on her laptop looking adorable, and I wonder if she’s nervous to start a brand-new high school next week. It’s her senior year, and I’m sure she’s finding out everything she can about Craven Cove High.I thought she should spend her last year of high school actually in school since over the years we’ve shifted between homeschooling an
The time before school starts is always my favorite time of year. Apollo is going to be a senior next week, and then he’s headed to college. This summer felt different because I knew change was coming. This was my last summer with him at home, and I’ve spent as much time as possible soaking it up.This morning we got out on the water and took the boat for a ride. I need to go into the office today, but I wanted to get coffee with Apollo before that. He told me he has plans to hang out with Jackson this afternoon, so we’re just stopping in for a quick drink before we have to go our separate ways. I made him promise to have dinner tonight with me at least three times this week, and he agreed without much of a fight. He’s such a good kid. He’s my entire world.There are a lot of wrong turns I made, especially being a single dad his entire life, but seeing him thrive and become an incredible person has been my life's joy. When I was younger, some of the guys at the country club used to tr
It’s always been easy for me to get a read on people, but it never really takes much. To my surprise, Gavin Jenkins isn’t proving to be so easy. I had an idea of who he was in my mind with the small amount of information I’d gathered on him. Turns out I was wrong with that as well, and I’m finding myself a bit off balance.“Is there something in particular you’re looking for at the market?” he asks, putting his hand on the small of my back. The simple touch cascades through my body, and I’m not prepared for how good it feels.“Not really. I’m a terrible cook, but I could pick up some fruit,” I admit. Celeste can cook, but I don’t have the patience for it. Everything I make is either burnt or not cooked all the way. We all have our talents in life, and cooking isn't mine.“I’d be happy to cook for you anytime.” He shoots me a charming smile as he moves in closer to my side. Anyone seeing us right now would think we’re a couple. Which is nothing like the Gavin Jenkins I’ve read about.I
“So you can tell me my fortune?” I ask as we exit the restaurant.“Maybe,” she hedges, but I see the smile she tries to hide.“I’ve never met anyone who uses tarot cards before.” Reaching down, I take her hand as we walk down Main Street toward her car.It’s late, and we were at the restaurant long enough for the stars to come out. I’d gotten a text from Apollo at dinner telling me he was eating with Jaxson and would be home late. Then Ariana got one from her daughter Celeste saying she’d grabbed food on the way home and was watching a movie.When her hand is in mine, it feels like we’ve done this for a long time. It’s natural and easy with Ariana, and I’ve never felt so pulled into a woman before.With Apollo’s mother it was a drunken one-night stand, and I didn’t even know her before that night. When Heather told me she was pregnant, I was shocked to say the least but was ready to step up and be the father my son deserved. I’d even made a room at my family estate for her to live wit
“What am I doing?” I mumble to myself, putting my phone back down on the kitchen counter. I told myself I was going to wait to text Gavin. It’s already been a handful of days since I saw him, and I can’t stop thinking about the man.I run my fingers across my lips, thinking about that kiss. It was something else. I don’t think I’ve been kissed that way in all my life, but it’s not exactly like I’ve gotten a ton over the years. Men don’t play me anymore—I play them.Long ago, I wiped away my desire to have a partner in life. What’s the point really? All they bring you is pain and heartache. I can take care of myself; I’ve been doing it all my life. Gavin made me question that, and it scares the hell out of me.I almost believed what he told me about not being with anyone in almost two decades. It wasn't that far-fetched to me. I could relate to it, but I’m not a man. Everyone knows men only care about one thing, so there’s no way a man like him hasn't been with anyone in that long. Eve
Hosting parties at the estate is always a lot of work, but good for the community. Unfortunately because I’m hosting, I’m pulled in a lot of different directions all night. Thankfully this year I’ve managed to keep myself out of the bachelor auction, but Apollo has been entered instead. I’ll need to remind him of that before he has to go on stage.Out of the corner of my eye, I see him waiting on Celeste, and my heart aches.After I left Ariana’s house, I saw him in the car with a young woman. It surprised me, because although I’ve expected Apollo to date, he never has. So seeing him with someone was a bit of a shock. Even more so when I slowed down and watched his car turn into the driveway of the little blue house I just left. I parked at the end of the road out of sight and waited just to be sure. When I saw Ariana come out and speak to the young woman in the car, then the two of them go inside, my suspicions were confirmed.I didn’t know how to react to this discovery, and it felt
My legs tremble as Gavin keeps me at his side and introduces me to one person after another. I’m not sure if I should be annoyed or not. On one hand he’s parading me around like a show pony, but at the same time he only wants everyone to know I belong to him. The worst part is that I want to belong to him.I’d worn the dress to get at him, and maybe he was right about me getting off on making him lose his mind. Everyone always says how cool and collected Gavin is, yet somehow, I shatter that control. It makes me feel powerful.Most men just want to get in my pants or for me to be some dirty secret. It helps wash away the guilt of conning money out of them. With Gavin, I don’t have that luxury. Everything I’ve seen of him so far is good. I keep telling myself he’s a job, but it’s a lie. I’m falling for him, and I’m pretty sure my daughter is falling for his son.“Can I leave you alone for a few moments? I need to go get my son,” Gavin whispers into my ear.“What is that supposed to mea
From the end of the road, I wait for Apollo to pick up Celeste for school. It’s early, but I wanted to wait until Ariana was alone to talk to her in person. I texted her over the weekend, and she never responded, not that I could blame her.Once I see them turn in the opposite direction, I pull out of my spot and drive to Ariana’s house. After I park in her driveway, I go to the door and knock softly. I didn’t even bother dressing for work today. I’m in a T-shirt and gray sweatpants. As soon as I woke up, I was ready to see her.There’s a sound inside, and I hear her come closer. “Did you forget something, sweetheart?” When she finally opens the door and looks at me, she starts to close the door in my face.“Wait.” I put my hand on it to stop her. “Let me talk.”“I don’t want to hear what you have to say.”She steps out, and I see she must have woken up not long ago. Her blond hair is piled high on her head, and she’s in a pale blue tank top and sleep shorts. She’s not wearing any mak