Publication date: November 5th 2024

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance

The spark between Ava and Alex, her brother’s best friend, was always undeniable. So, Ava spent her life wondering why Alex had never claimed her lips.

Torn between loyalty and desire, Alex always kept Ava at a distance, leaving her to stand on the sidelines, watching him go through women faster than a beating heart.

No longer able to ignore the pull toward Alex, Ava drops everything in her life—including her boyfriend—to finally try to make things work between them. But surrendering to their deepest desires could ruin everything, including the fragile fabric of a shared family history.

Excerpt

“Ava, this is my family, too, and I’m not leaving until I know they are both all right.”

My eyes glossed over then, not only from the promise that left me speechless but at thinking about the prospect of losing either one of them.

“Oh, God, Ava. I didn’t mean… They’re both going to be fine. I know they will.” His arm slid around my shoulders as we left the building and walked onto the dimly lit pathway that wound around the hospital.

Alex kept me distracted by asking me questions about the show I was in, how long I would keep dancing, and about my new boyfriend, Mark. Surprisingly, he didn’t give me his usual third degree about a guy I was dating, but instead of being relieved, I felt disappointment wash over me.

We checked our phones constantly as we walked, and eventually, found a bench to sit on. I didn’t hesitate to lean against his strong shoulder and accept the comfort he offered. At some point, I must have dozed off because both of our phones pinging startled me. Glancing at the time, I saw I’d been out for almost two hours while Alex held me.

We both read the group message from Sammy, alerting us Cass was not only awake but out of the woods. Little Dax’s vitals were strong, and there was a picture attached. A sob of release shot from me. “Thank you, God,” I whispered as Alex pulled me into a hug. For some reason, I was crying harder than when I got there.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Alex whispered against my hair, one hand behind my head, the other pressed into my lower back.

So many emotions combined with the fact that being this close to Alex was both overwhelming and comforting. I allowed myself a few more minutes before I reined myself in. When we pulled apart enough that I could look him in the eye, I said, “I’m sorry. I’m such an idiot. This is wonderful news.”

“Stop it. You’ve had a long night, Ava. You’re entitled.”

I gave him a heartfelt, “Thank you” and then before I could stop myself, “I don’t know what I would have done without you—”

“Don’t… Please, don’t make me out to be something I’m not.” Guilt laced his tone.

“How can you say that? I don’t know why you do that to yourself, Alex. You’re an amazing man…”

He pinned me with his dark gaze, drawing me in. We stayed that way, our breathing heavy, for several long beats. His thumb brushed the wetness from my cheek before both hands took hold of my face. “God, Ava, why…”

His words barely registered. I couldn’t make sense of them with how intensely he stared at me. My heart felt like it was going to explode. “What…?”

He still had ahold of my face, and he pulled me closer, leaned down until his lips were a breath away. “I’ve tried so hard, Ava. Dammit, I’ve tried…”

When his lips brushed against mine, I gasped and pulled back, my gaze narrowing on him. “Are you fucking serious right now?” All the times I dreamed of kissing this man, and he does this now…when I’d just entered a serious relationship, and I was still reeling from Cass’s accident. I rose from the bench, steeling myself so I wouldn’t start crying again. “I have to go…”

Alex didn’t try to stop me, didn’t say a word. Thankfully, mine and Cass’s family members filled the waiting room, and even when we visited Cass, Sammy, at least, was in the room. I stayed until the sun rose, and with a heavy heart at not being able to hold my new nephew yet, I arranged for my flight back.

I was in line at the security check when I heard my name being called. I turned to find Alex speed-walking toward me. “Is everyone okay?” I said in a rush before he even reached me.

“Fine. Everyone is fine.” He paused a moment to catch his breath, as if he’d run all the way from the parking lot. Then he surveyed our surroundings. I was in line between a teenage girl and a couple speaking what sounded like Dutch. I wasn’t about to get out of line so whatever he came to say would have an audience.

“I fucked up?” he said, one hand in his pocket, the other roughing through his messy head of thick hair. “I know you’re pissed at me, and you have every right to—”

“Don’t tell me about my feelings, Alex. You can’t even manage your own.”

The woman must have known some English because I caught a smirk before she turned away.

“I know.” He shook his head, his face wrecked in desperation. “It can’t be shitty between us, Ava. Please, just say you forgive me so things can go back to the way they were.”

Yeah, because things were so freaking great before. What choice did I have? Alex was part of our family. He was Sammy’s best friend. We all had history you don’t just forget about and move on. I pulled my lips under my teeth and stared at him. Dammit, I couldn’t lose this man no matter what was or wasn’t between us. So, I said the only thing I could. “Okay.”

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About the Author

Bestselling author Lia Fairchild writes romance and women's fiction. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters who become their own heroes.

Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two.

Look for updates on her and her books at http://www.liafairchild.com or follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/lia.fairchild.author/ or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/lia.fairchild.author?fref=ts

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Lies hurt.

Lies destroy.

But some lies protect…and heal. At least that’s what Gray Donovan had hoped for. She’s a compulsive liar using it as a defense mechanism to survive life and her shattered past

When she starts seeing therapist Daniel Harrison, she can no longer deny the truths that have haunted her for so many years. She must now stand and face them.

Opening up to Daniel leaves her exposed and vulnerable. When her soul is bared to him, she can’t contain the attraction or the feelings he elicits.

Daniel feels drawn to his new patient, but knows he will have to fight it in order to resurrect Gray from her demons. His will and his judgment are tested when he must overcome his own doubts and face his own secrets.

NetGalley reviewer..."Daniel. I've fallen in love with Daniel."

Beta reviews...“Fairchild spins an emotional story that is saturated in sex appeal.”

“I was flipping pages like a maniac trying to figure out what in the heck was going on and what Gray was hiding.”

Exclusive Excerpt

The ridges on the stark white ceiling blurred from my intense stare as I listened to the steady even breaths coming from the body next to me. He wasn’t a bad guy. Just an idiot. Maybe even married for all I knew. The clock read four twenty-three. That wouldn’t work for me. I waited for a nice round even number. Something that felt right. I held my phone with the message typed out: I need you. I keyed in the address, and when the clock hit four thirty, I hit Send.

At ten before five AM, I eased my body out of the bed the way a mother slips from her sleeping child, hoping not to rouse her angel. He stirred a moment and turned on his side, his arm involuntarily reaching for me.

“Sky,” he murmured with his eyes closed. His dark buzz cut hair was sprinkled with gray flecks, and a small rectangular scar bordered the hairline on the right side of his face. I hadn’t noticed that the night before, or I would have asked him. Now my curiosity had me pausing, conjuring up various scenarios for its origin. Whatever the cause would forever remain a mystery. With a gentle hold around his wrist, I lifted his hand and rested it on the comforter. His eyes flitted open and closed. Frozen, I waited to see if he’d wake. I didn’t worry about coming up with a story. It always came.

Still sitting on the edge of the bed, I reached over to an adjacent chair to snag my black silk shirt. When I pulled it over my head and then glanced down, two light blue eyes met mine.

“Hey, you,” he whispered. His soft, sweet smile almost made a dent, but I pulled my hand away.

“I’ve got to run.”

Surprise and confusion colored his face. “What time is it?”

“Around five. I’ve got early rounds.”

He seemed satisfied with my excuse and looked thoughtful. “Ah, yes, Dr. Phillips. Time to save lives.”

I gave him a nod and a tight smile just before a knock at the door sounded. I rose from the bed to pull on my skirt and slip my feet into my heels.

He sat up watching me closely like a cat that’d dart out of an open door. “Who could that be at this time?” he said.

“My ride,” I threw over my shoulder. I scooped up my purse from the dresser on the way out, catching his face in the mirror. They always had that same look the next day. Or perhaps I was the one who saw things differently.

I heard him jump out of bed and scramble for his pants as I made my way to the living room, picking up my pace. “Sky, wait.”

When I reached the door, he came in and leaned against the couch, folding his arms. “I could have driven you home.”

“It’s okay,” I said, pulling the door open.

Nathan stood in the doorway, hands stretched out to the jams on each side, his brown hair ragged from being dragged from the comfort of his bed. He shot me that look that said, you owe me and then let one hand fall and sweep to the side as if making a path for royalty.

“Wait,” a voice came from behind me. “Who’s this guy?”

Nathan took a step into the doorway. “Oh, hey, man.”

“John, this is my cousin, Nathan,” I said.

Unfortunately, Nathan had spoken at the same time I did and said, “I’m her neighbor.”

John walked over to the two of us, eyes darting between me and my partner in crime. “Well, which is it?”

Nathan and I exchanged looks, and I opened my mouth to speak.

John held up his hand. “No. Let me guess,” he said in a sarcastic tone. “He’s your cousin who lives next door.”

I half-shrugged while looking him dead in the eye. “I really should get going.” A split second later, I plastered on a smile. “I’ll call you.”

“You haven’t given me much choice,” he said to my back as I sidled past Nathan. “I don’t even have your number.”

I’d be willing to bet John wouldn’t be holding his breath.

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About Lia Fairchild

Bestselling author, Lia Fairchild, is both a traditionally published and independent author who writes women's fiction, romance, and chick lit. Fans of her books praise her endearing, real characters who come to life in stories that will touch your heart.

Fairchild is addicted to the warmth of Southern California and holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a multiple-subject teaching credential. She is a wife and mother of two teenagers.

Look for updates on her and her books at Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads

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