Authors: L.P. Dover
Tags: #Literature & Fiction, #Women's Fiction, #Contemporary Women, #Romance, #New Adult & College, #Romantic Suspense, #Contemporary Fiction, #Mystery; Thriller & Suspense, #Sagas, #Mystery & Suspense, #Suspense, #Sports, #Gloves Off Series
Tyler's Undoing (39 page)
Present time (One Month Later)
“SO WHEN ARE you coming back to California?” Gabriella asked.
When I get the balls to face Ryley again
.
But in all honesty, I didn’t know. For the past month, I’d been in Aspen with my family, trying to get away from anything and everything that reminded me of Ryley and Colin. Working in my family’s hotel helped. I loved talking to the tourists and getting them all settled in. It was a good distraction.
I’d been afraid Gabriella would’ve told Ryley by now about my breakup with Colin. So far, she’d kept my secret. Colin, however, refused to give up on me and made sure to keep in touch by calling almost every single day. He’d even visited Aspen twice already. He was my friend before we became lovers, but once you cross that line, it’s almost impossible to go back.
“I don’t know yet,” I admitted. “I’m tempted to stay here for a little while longer. I miss being with my family.” It wasn’t exactly a lie, but it wasn’t the full truth either.
There was something I hadn’t told her, or anyone for that matter. I thought maybe running away to Aspen would make my problems disappear, but I was starting to think it was just going to make them worse. For the past hour, I’d done nothing but trace and stare at the phone number on the paper in front of me. I was just too afraid to call it.
Gabriella’s laugh echoed in the phone, catching my attention. “Well, all I can say is, you won’t believe the shit that’s happened here the past couple of days, especially when I was in Vegas for the fights.”
Perking up, I held the phone closer to my ear. There weren’t any people in the lobby so I had a few minutes to spare. “Oh yeah, like what?”
Anything with Ryley?
Gabriella sighed. “Well, Tyler’s super serious over a girl now. And, get this . . . It turns out, she’s Kyle Andrews’ sister. Who would’ve thought that, right?”
I gasped. Everyone hated Kyle Andrews. “Oh my God, that’s insane. Have you met her? Are you okay with that?”
She snorted. “Yes, I’m okay with it. It was for the best anyway. I miss talking to him though. Anyway, I met Kacey the other day. She’s actually really nice—although, a little quieter than me.”
“Everyone is quieter than you, Gabriella,” I laughed.
“Oh, whatever. Well, now that Tyler won the title, and Kyle’s paralyzed in the hospital, all is right in the world.”
“I’d say so,” I agreed. Nothing like that ever happened at the hotel; it was quiet and drama free. Only in Gabriella’s life was it interesting. “It sounds like you had a lot going on. How are you and Bradley doing? Still just friends?”
“For the time being, we’re more like friends with benefits. We’ve been spending a lot of time together. Colin asks about you all the time though. I actually feel bad for the guy. We did come to the conclusion that something’s wrong with you. He’s noticed a difference and so have I. I think it’s time you tell me what’s wrong. And I don’t want to hear anymore bullshit excuses. I know how to kick your ass, so don’t make me come all the way to Aspen to force it out of you.”
Sighing, I held up the post-it note and closed my eyes. If I didn’t tell her something, I could definitely see her flying out here to live up to her promise. “I’ll tell you as soon as I find out, Gabby. I promise.”
“Are you okay?”
“I don’t know, but when I do know what’s going on, you’ll be the first to know. Unfortunately, it might take a couple of days.”
“Well, just as long as you get it figured out. I want my best friend back. It’s not the same here without you.”
I smiled, but the ache in my chest made the burn behind my eyes build. “I miss you too,” I whispered, trying not to choke on my tears.
“Make sure to call if you need me . . . or if you just want to talk. I’m about to head out to the gym and get some training in, but after that, you know I’m free.”
I nodded like an idiot, knowing very well she couldn’t see me. “I will. Have fun with your training. I’ll talk to you soon.”
We said our goodbyes and I hung up the phone. Still, there was no one in the lobby, so I took a deep breath and picked the phone back up, dialing the number on the piece of paper in front of me. I’d tried calling it before numerous times and always hung up after the first ring.
“Good afternoon, Dr. McCord’s office, this is Lisa, how may I direct your call?”
“Um . . . hi . . . Lisa, I’m a patient there. Or at least, I used to be before I moved to California. I’d like to make an appointment. My name is Ashleigh Warren.”
“Of course, dear, just give me a second.” She typed away on the keyboard and then came back on the line. “Date of birth, please.”
I told her my birth date, which happened to be just a couple of weeks ago. Even though I was only twenty-three, it felt like I had aged beyond my years over the past month. Things that used to be important, just
weren’t
anymore—not when I had responsibilities looming over my head.
More clacking on the computer keys. “Yes, I see you here. Is this for a yearly check-up?”
Hands shaking, I closed my eyes and cleared my throat. “Not exactly.”
“Okay. And why do you need to be seen? Is this an emergency?”
Halfheartedly, I chuckled and lowered my head to the desk, my laugh turning to tears. “In my life, Lisa, yes I’d say it’s an emergency.” I took a deep breath and blew it out slowly. “I think I’m pregnant.”
Acknowledgments
MY EXTREME GRATITUDE goes out to every single one of you: my family, friends, readers, bloggers, and future readers. You all have made my dreams come true and for that I will always be thankful. I hope you enjoy my yummy MMA fighters because I sure as hell enjoyed writing them. What’s not to like about strong and sexy alpha fighters? There will be more to come so make sure you don’t miss out.
About the Author
NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today Bestselling author, L.P. Dover, is a southern belle residing in North Carolina along with her husband and two beautiful girls. Before she even began her literary journey she worked in Periodontics enjoying the wonderment of dental surgeries.
Not only does she love to write, but she loves to play tennis, go on mountain hikes, white water rafting, and you can't forget the passion for singing. Her two number one fans expect a concert each and every night before bedtime and those songs usually consist of Christmas carols.
Aside from being a wife and mother, L.P. Dover has written over nine novels including her Forever Fae series, the Second Chances series, and her standalone novel, Love, Lies, and Deception. Her favorite genre to read is romantic suspense and she also loves writing it. However, if she had to choose a setting to live in it would have to be with her faeries in the Land of the Fae.
L.P. Dover is represented by Marisa Corvisiero of Corvisiero Literary Agency.
OTHER BOOKS BY L.P. DOVER
Forever Fae Series
Second Chances Standalones
Standalone (Romantic Suspense)
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Tabatha Vargo ~ Playing Patience
Tara West ~ Visions of the Witch
Heidi McLaughlin ~ Forever Your Girl
Melissa Andrea ~ The Edge of Darkness
Komal Kant ~ Falling for Hadie
Sarah M. Ross ~ Inhale, Exhale
