Someone to Love

Someone to Love

The Forever Love Series: Book 2

by Riley Rhea

Copyright

Copyright 2014, Riley Rhea.

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to author and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance of characters to actual persons, living or dead is purely coincidental. The Author holds exclusive rights to this work. Unauthorized duplication is prohibited.

Cover Designed by Melissa Gill @ MGBookCovers

Photographer Mandy Hollis @MHPhotography

Cover Models: Justin Hadden & Rainey Wilson

Dedication:

T
here is simply
no way to only dedicate this book to one person.

This is for all of my family, friends, and fans who stood by me when I needed you the most. I can’t thank y’all enough for the undying love, support, and patience you’ve all shown me over the past few months.

From the bottom of my heart I love each and every one of you and I hope each of you have found that special someone to spend eternity with. If you haven’t, just wait they’re coming.

Always remember that no matter who you are or what you’ve been through we all deserve someone to love.

“Once in a while,

right in the middle of

an ordinary life,

love gives us a fairy tale.”

~Author Unknown~

Prologue

Spencer

2 years ago…

W
ith today being
Tessa’s twenty-second birthday, I thought of the best surprise I could, but it’s not a cheap one. We’ve dated since she was seventeen and it’s about time to take our relationship to the next level. Especially with her graduation around the corner, I’m ready to start our lives together.

So, over the last six months, I’ve busted my ass, picking up every minute of overtime I could get my hands on. Engagement rings aren’t cheap and I need enough for that and a down payment on a house.

Her party started at nine and here it is, almost midnight. I’m hoping she’s not trashed, but at least my brother is there to keep an eye on her.

Vance is not only my best friend, he’s also my twin. We are identical in every way, except the fact that he went to a university and I chose community college.

Once Tessa graduated high school, I assumed she’d go to Western, which is pretty close to home. Instead she chose to attend The University of Tennessee. It’s not that far away, but it’s not a drive I want to make daily. The last three and a half years have been harder than I expected, but we beat the odds and stayed together. She comes home at least one weekend a month and the other times, I try to make it out to her.

Pulling up to her house, the blaring music from the celebration inside is reverberating inside my vehicle before I even open my door. Getting out of my truck, I notice some people standing in the side yard. I make my way toward them to see if Tessa or Vance is among them in the crowd. Looking at faces and nodding at the people I know.

Where the hell are they?
I don’t see my future fiancé or my brother outside. Once I make my way inside the house, I finally see a familiar face, Missy Cooper, Tessa’s roommate.

“Hey, Missy. Have you seen Tessa?” I ask, and the look she gives me makes my heart beat faster. Whatever she’s about to say, I know I’m not going to like.

“Uh, I saw her going into her bedroom to check on you about an hour ago.” Missy answers looking completely perplexed.

Does she not know I have a twin?

“Thanks Missy, I’ll go find her.” I tell her as I turn to go down the hall to Tessa’s room.

When I get to her door, I don’t knock. Why should I? She’s my girlfriend and he’s my brother. I trust them both and if he’s sick, I’m glad she’s taking care of him.

Opening the door, I see that maybe I should’ve knocked after all. My heart drops to the floor and bile rises in my throat. I swallow it down as anger takes a hold of me.

“WHAT THE FUCK!” Anger and pain consume me. It feels like my heart is ripped from my chest and stomped to oblivion. I can’t fucking believe it. He’s my damn brother for crying out loud!

After a few seconds, Tessa turns to look at me and jumps up, face full of surprise. However, my brother, Vance doesn’t even bother to give me a glance.

Heart racing I turn to go and go now before I do something I will forever regret. He’s my brother. We shared a womb. I can’t physically hurt him, although he just emotionally destroyed me. Why would he fuck my girlfriend? The girl he knew that I planned to ask to marry me on Valentines’ Day? Better yet, how could the girl I have spent the last four years with do this to me? With my brother?

Slamming her door, I storm out of the house. When I reach my truck I hear Tessa scream my name before I hurry and jump in. I’m so fucking pissed off right now. I know I shouldn’t be driving in my emotional state, but I have to get out of here. Slamming my truck into gear, my tires kick up rocks as I peel out of the driveway, I can hear them as they ping against my truck as I speed away.

My phone rings, but I don’t bother to even look at it. I know it’s who it is. I don’t have anything to say to her after what she did. Vance better hope he doesn’t come home while I’m still there. Either way, I won’t be staying long. I’ve got to get away from him, her, this town, and the memories…

Everything.

I pull into my parent’s driveway and gravel flies when I slam on my brakes. Wasting no time, I throw open the front door and head straight to my room.

Grabbing a duffel bag from my closet, I start throwing clothes in before going into the bathroom and gathering up all the toiletries I will need. When I walk back down the hallway, my parents’ bedroom door opens.

“Spencer, what are you doing?” My mom asks as she looks at my arms full of supplies.

“I’m packing, Mom.” I snap.

“Are you going to stay with Tessa?”

I clench my jaw and take a deep breath before answering. Just hearing her name makes me want to punch something.

“Tessa and I are over. I’m leaving town, Mom, and I don’t know when, or if I’ll be back.”

Tears fill my mom’s eyes. She loves Tessa, she has since the day she met her four years ago. When she finds out what happened tonight, she’s going to be devastated.

“Why, what happened?” She asks as she wraps her arms around herself, tears trailing down her cheeks.

There’s hurt and confusion all over my mom’s face. She has no idea what happened tonight and I can’t tell her. It’s too fresh on my mind, and my heart feels like it’s stopped beating inside my chest.

“Ask Vance.”

Tears fill my own eyes. Not only did I lose the girl I love tonight, I also lost my best friend and brother. My mom strolls away and her muted voice can be heard as she wakes my dad. I have to go before they try to talk me into staying. When I get back into my room I throw everything in my bag and zip it up. Throwing it over my shoulder, I grab my work boots and tennis shoes and start back toward the hall.

When I get to the front door, my dad’s voice stops me. “Son, I’m not sure what happened tonight, but whatever it is we can work it out.”

“This can’t be worked out, Dad. I love you and Mom. I’ll call you when I get wherever I’m going.” Not waiting for their reply, I open the door and storm to my truck.

I’m not sure where I’m going. I just know “here” isn’t where I belong anymore.

Chapter One

Spencer

Present day…

T
onight, I will
be meeting Tucker’s girlfriend’s best friend, Lexi Allen.

He hasn’t told me a lot about her except she’s a spunky redhead with really bad timing. I know all about bad timing.

I’m riding with him to Louisville so I can help move Brenna into his house down the road. Overnight bag ready, I wait for Tucker and Brenna to arrive.

For the past couple of weeks, I’ve listened to Tucker talk nonstop about Brenna and how things were going between them. I knew who she was before that, since he would talk about her at random times to fill the silence while we were working. I’m happy that he finally has the girl he’s always wanted, the girl he wants to spend the rest of his life with.

I thought I had that once too. Boy, was I wrong.

Two years ago, after my life turned upside down, I came here to get away from my hometown. I hadn’t been in town more than half an hour when I met Tucker Wade. Guess it was my lucky day. I found a job, a new town, and a home all in one day. I’ve been working for him ever since and I don’t regret it one bit. I couldn’t ask for a better friend than Tucker. He doesn’t ask a lot of questions so I don’t have to supply a lot of answers.

Now he wants me to meet this Lexi girl. What is it about people in love? They always think because they’re in love that you should be too. I’m not opposed to finding someone to love, but I’m leery. After what happened with my ex, I’m worried about putting my heart out there again. And to completely trust someone, I just don’t know that I will ever be able to do that again.

My phone vibrates across the table. Looking at the screen I see it’s Tucker announcing he’s on his way. I’m nervous as hell to meet this chick. It’s not like I think I’m about to meet my future wife tonight, so I don’t know why I’m so worried over it. Or why I even care.

Fifteen minutes later, a horn blows outside, and it’s time to get this show on the road
. I can do this.
I can meet her, and if all else fails, I may gain another friend.

We make conversation on the way there; Brenna tells me a little about Lexi and shows me a picture.
Damn she’s pretty
. Just looking at her picture sets my pulse racing which makes me a little more nervous. Brenna also tells me that Lexi is her neighbor and they’re both graduating from U of L the following Saturday. Lexi is going to teach Art. Still nothing really helpful or informative about her, guess if I want to know more, I’ll have to ask her myself.

Almost two hours later, we pull into a parking lot and park in front of some apartments. When I stand back up from grabbing my bag, I see her. She is fucking gorgeous. I should hit Tucker upside his head.
Spunky redhead my ass
. Redhead yes, not orange red; it’s a deep dark red. And as for spunky, I have no idea because she hasn’t said anything yet. She’s standing there staring at me just like I am her.

Before I can take in her whole body, she’s following Brenna through the door. When Tucker and I step inside, they’re not in the room. Tucker makes himself at home on the couch, so I follow.

“Well, what do you think?” Tucker asks in a quiet voice.

“Don’t know. I didn’t get that good of a look.” I reply. The smirk on his face shows that he knows I’m lying. Yeah, well, he’s seen her; he knows what she looks like.

A door opens, and before I know it, she’s sitting beside me on the couch. She smells wonderful. I don’t think it’s perfume that I’m smelling. It’s more like the combination of lotion and just her. While Tucker introduces us, I take in her face. Her eyes are almond shaped and an unusual color, almost gold with a dark brown circling the whole iris and specks of green throughout. Her face is beautifully shaped like someone purposely molded all of her features. I don’t travel beyond her chin, that wouldn’t be very gentlemen-like and my mama raised me better. With Lexi though, I can already tell that my morals may very well be tested.

* * *

Lexi

For the past two weeks I’ve watched Brenna falling in love with Tucker. They are so sweet together. I swear I will need fillings for the cavities I get from just watching the two of them. I’m so happy for them, though. The night Brenna got drunk and told me all about him, my heart broke. If anyone deserves a second chance, it’s them.

Last night, when I was coming through Brenna’s door, I heard them talking about introducing me to someone and it peaked my interest. If he’s Tucker’s friend surely he’s a good guy. Remembering Tucker’s little stunt in describing him has me laughing all over again. To see this big man bring out his diva side was priceless.

I sent Brenna a text a little while ago and found out they were on their way. As the clock ticks, my nerves start to overwhelm me. Normally, I’m not the type of girl to get anxious over meeting a guy. I don’t go out like I used to, but I still date and go to the bars from time to time. A girl has needs after all. I have no idea how Brenna has gone the last four years without filling hers; I’d go nuts if I went that long.

I told her that if Spencer was hot, he could sleep on my couch. That was just me being me. Now, as it gets closer and closer to their arrival, my nerves are taking over. Brenna said he was hot, so it’s likely he’s getting the couch. My real concern is… what if he wants more than the couch? It’s not like I’m a virgin, but I don’t do one night stands.

Oh hell, why am I worrying about it? He may not even be interested.

As I hear car doors slam, I throw open my door to see Tucker and Brenna getting out of her Xterra. I can’t see Spencer yet. When he does finally stand up with his bag, I gasp.
Holy hotness batman!
I’m trying hard to keep my mouth closed and not gape, but that is damn hard to do. I can’t see all his features just yet, but I can tell that he is tall, dark, and handsome. I can’t wait to get a closer look.

As soon as Brenna opens the door, she pulls me in her bedroom. “Holy hell. He’s hot,” I whisper.

“I know. I thought Tucker would choke me for staring at him.”

“Do I look okay?” I ask, looking down at my green tank top and holey jeans. I didn’t want to dress up too much, so I wore what I normally do. If I had knew he was going to be this hot, I would have dressed in something that showed off my attributes a little more.

Looking back up at my friend, Brenna’s brow is almost touching her hairline. I guess I threw her off with that one.

“You look gorgeous as always, Lexi.”

“Thanks, B” I reply, taking a calming breath to ease my nerves. “Okay, come on.”

When we get into the living room, Spencer and Tucker are both reclined on the couch. Since Brenna only has one couch, I sit beside Spencer while Tucker pulls Brenna into his lap and then makes introductions. I can’t stop gawking at Spencer. If I don’t stop staring, he’s going to think I’m a nut job.

He has a face I would love to sketch. Spencer has amazing cheekbones, a perfectly shaped nose, and a square jaw line that’s an artist’s dream. The stubble covering his face makes him incredibly sexy and I want to run my hands over it to feel the scratchy dark five o’clock shadow against my skin. His lips are plush and not too thin; totally kissable.
I would love to nibble on that lip
. I didn’t even realize I was biting my bottom lip until those dark eyes of his zero in on my mouth. I swear his eyes could pierce my soul.

Before I can check out the rest of him, there is a knock on the door and I jump up to answer it. If I’m completely flustered, hot and needy from just the look in his eyes, I can only imagine what his touch would do.

Spencer’s hands brush against mine as I take the pizza boxes from the delivery guy. He smiles as he gently slides his hand off mine to take the boxes out of my arms. My whole body tingles with that simple touch. As we are stare at each other, it makes me wonder if he felt it too. Tucker and Brenna’s laughter breaks the spell and I’m left with my head spinning.

Good thing I already paid for the pizza with Brenna’s debit card over the phone, or else the delivery guy would still be waiting as I figure out my sudden desire. After closing the front door, we sit back on the couch and settle in to watch a movie while we eat. Tucker put in one of my favorites,
Billy Madison
. I love Adam Sandler and the movie helps me relax enough to be myself in front of Spencer. When it gets to the gum song, I can’t keep quiet. I have to sing it and, of course, Brenna joins in. It’s one of my favorite parts. Both guys are laughing the whole time. Between us and the movie, I’m not sure which is funnier.

It’s getting late by the time the movie is over and I would really like to get to know Spencer better. “I think Brenna is ready for bed.” I whisper to Spencer as quietly as possible so Brenna and Tucker can’t hear me.

“I think you’re right,” Spencer answers back just as quietly.

“I’m not going to bed yet, so you can join me over at my place.”
Shit Lexi, that really sounded like a pick up line.
“You know, just to hang out, maybe watch another movie.”

When the corner of his mouth turns up in a small smile, it kicks my heart rate up a few more notches.
Wonder what a full smile would do?
Probably make me lose all my senses and melt the panties right off of me.

“Sounds good. I’m not really ready to go to sleep yet either.”

Well, that settles it. He’s sleeping on my couch tonight.
I tell Brenna that we’re going to my place to watch movies and to give them some privacy. Her and Tucker both grin and I know they’re not buying it.
Whatever
. Rolling my eyes, I turn back around and walk to the door with Spencer following me. I had a sneaking suspicion his eyes were on my ass the whole five steps out the door and to my apartment.

I ask Spencer if he wants a drink and then tell him to make himself at home, before going to the refrigerator and getting us both a coke. When I walk back in to the living room, he’s inspecting one of my sketches. When I step up beside him, I realize just how tall he is. I barely reach his shoulder. His cologne is amazing and oh boy is my body starting to react. This man may very well be a temptation that I can’t pass up.

What’s that rule I have again about no sex on first dates?