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Broken Love
Copyright © 2016 Kelly Elliott
All rights reserved.
Published by K. Elliott Enterprises INC
Visit my website http://www.kellyelliottauthor.com
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Cover photo and design by http://photographybyshannoncain.com
Editing by Nichole Strauss with http://www.perfectlypublishable.com
Interior design and formatting by JT Formatting
ISBN-13: 978-1-943633-12-8
Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products, bands, and/or restaurants referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.
License Notes
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 your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Title Page
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Chapter Thirty
Chapter Thirty-One
Chapter Thirty-Two
Chapter Thirty-Three
Chapter Thirty-Four
Epilogue
About the Author
Other Books by Author
NOTHING ABOUT MY relationship with Johnny was normal. We met and fell in love immediately. He asked me to marry him on our two-month anniversary, and I said yes. My mother cried, and my father lectured me for three hours straight. He kept repeating, “This isn’t normal, Ava.”
What was normal anyway?
According to my father, knowing someone at least six months before agreeing to marry him or her was normal. I, of course, disagreed and let my whirlwind relationship with Johnny totally blind me of what I couldn’t see before my very eyes.
As I stood in front of four different cakes, I couldn’t help but glance around the bakery. Johnny and I were having a small wedding, held at his parents’ country club in Austin. His mother had insisted we not elope, which was exactly what we had both wanted to do.
Turning my attention to Johnny, I watched as he talked to the young redhead who had been helping us.
“So, have you narrowed it down?” she asked, as she smiled brightly at Johnny and barely acknowledged I was there.
With a shrug of his shoulders, Johnny turned to me and said, “Ava, could I possibly talk to you outside for a moment?”
I gave Johnny a slight smile as I nodded my head. “Of course.”
Johnny placed his hand on my lower back and guided me out of the bakery. I frowned as I thought how his hand on my lower back should cause my stomach to dip. At least that is how it was for the girls in the romance books I read. The touch of his hand on my body should ignite my body in flames.
Ha! I’d never experienced those feelings before in my entire life. There was a reason it was called fiction.
As we stepped out of the bakery, I flashed him a smile as I decided maybe what we needed was some afternoon delight. Placing my hand on his chest, I licked my lips and purred, “I know something else I’d rather be tasting.”
Johnny looked away as he stared down the street with an empty look in his eyes. “Ava, I need to talk to you.”
My smile faded as I instantly gnawed on my lower lip. His voice was serious and I had a terrible feeling he was about to say something that was going to prove my father right.
“Okay, right now or after we pick out a cake?”
Johnny looked into my eyes and shook his head. “I need to be honest with you, Ava.”
My heart sank as I held my breath involuntarily before finding the air to speak again. “Honesty is always nice.”
As he closed his eyes, I fought to hold back the tears I knew were about to fall.
“There’s someone else. I didn’t mean for it to happen, but it did. She’s amazing and she makes me feel alive.”
Anger quickly raced through my body as I took a step back. “Is that so? Kind of like how I made you feel alive? Or does she make you feel alive in some other kind of way?”
Shaking his head, Johnny let out a sigh. “I’ve known Lisa almost my whole life. We ran into each other about a month ago and well, things just sparked between us.”
I placed my hand over my stomach and let out a moan. “Oh. My. God. You’ve been cheating on me?”
“No! Well, I mean it wasn’t like I did it on purpose. We fell in love, Ava, and I can’t deny how I feel about her. I’ve only slept with her twice.”
My mouth dropped open as I stared at him with a blank expression. “Are you kidding me right now? Are you really that big of a dick that you would actually tell me you’ve only slept with her twice? Is that somehow supposed to make me feel better, you dickhead?”
Johnny glanced around as he took me by the arm and started walking toward his Audi. I hated that car. I hated him. I hated that my father had been right.
“I would have thought you’d be happy that I told you this before we got married.”
Holy freaking hell.
What did I ever see in this jerk?
Letting out a chuckle, I nodded. “No, you’re right. Better you told me before I went off and married you and God forbid had a child with you.”
“Ava, you have to admit this was all rushed. We got caught up in the whole romance side of things and lost focus on reality.”
“Reality? You think I’ve lost focus on reality? You know what’s real, Johnny?”
He lifted his hand and gently placed it on the side of my face. His thumb moved ever so slow as his eyes softened. “The pain you’re feeling right now, Ava. I know this hurts, but baby, you’re going to find someone else.”
He did not. No. He. Did. Not.
“You got one part of that right. Pain. But it’s not the pain I’m feeling, it’s the pain you’re about to feel, you asshole.”
I lifted my knee and hit him right in the balls. I hadn’t seen a guy go down on one knee since I accidentally hit Walker in the balls with a golf club.
Johnny doubled over
as he cried out in pain.
“Have a happy life with Lisa.”
Turning on my heels, I walked away quickly. Not sure whether I should cry or scream, I pulled out my phone and dialed the one person I knew would understand.
My mother.
“Hey, baby girl. How did the cake tasting go? Did you pick out a cake?”
Pressing my lips together, I tried to figure out how to deliver the blow. “No. But I did kick Johnny in the balls out on the sidewalk in front of the bakery.”
Silence.
“You remember that time I hit Walker with the golf club?”
“Yes,” my mother said slowly.
“Picture that. He went down on one knee pretty damn fast.”
“What happened?”
Rolling my eyes, I wiped the tears away. “He met someone else. Someone who made him feel alive. He had sex with her, Mom. The bastard cheated on me. I hate him.”
“Oh, sweetheart. I’m so sorry this has happened to you. Baby, why don’t you head on home and spend a few days with us. I know your father would love to have you home.”
Laughing, I shook my head and said, “Oh, I’m sure he would. The second he sees me he’s going to say I told you so.”
“He would not, Ava Moore. Your father loves you and cares about you.”
Closing my eyes tightly, I whispered, “I know.”
Before I had a chance to open my eyes, I slammed into someone. My eyes flew open as my phone flew out of my hand and I let out a curse word.
“Shit!”
I had been stopped dead in my tracks. Dropping down, I reached for my phone and for the papers I’d just caused this man to drop. As I lifted my eyes, I sucked in a breath of air.
Beautiful hazel eyes stared into my blue. “I-I’m so sorry,” I said as I handed him a few pieces of paper.
The smile that spread across his face caused the earth to shake. Okay, not really, but it felt like it. I almost fell back onto my ass as I tried to contain the crazy feeling that zipped through my body when his hand brushed lightly across mine.
“I wasn’t looking where I was going,” I said, as he helped me into a standing position.
The beautiful mystery man pinned me with his stare. My eyes roamed his perfect face. He was slightly tan, but I couldn’t tell if that was from the sun or his genes. His dark hair had that perfect messy look to it as he ran his hand through it and laughed.
“You don’t say? It’s not every day I run into a beautiful lady. I believe my day has officially been made.”
His voice sounded like an angel.
Okay, so I don’t really know what an angel would sound like, but if I could imagine it, I’d say this guy had it down. It was soft, yet masculine. Sexy, yet compassionate.
“I’m glad,” I whispered.
He lifted his eyebrows and tilted his head as his eyes landed on my lips. “Glad you ran into me?”
My cell phone began ringing in my hand as I lifted it up to see it was my mother. Shit! I’d forgotten she was on the line. Giving him an awkward smile, I said, “No! Well, yes. No wait, I’m glad your day has been made … by me running into you.”
Oh dear God, Ava. Stop talking. Lifting my phone, I grinned and said, “It’s my mom.”
“May I at least get your name?”
My teeth sunk down into my lip as I let out a soft chuckle. “Ava.”
Mystery man’s eyes lit up as he gave me a slight nod, followed by the sexiest wink I’d ever seen. He lifted his hand to my chin and forced my eyes to his. If I hadn’t been acutely aware of every single action he made, I’d have missed his thumb move lightly over my bottom lip.
“The pleasure was most defiantly mine, Ava.”
The stupid goofy grin on my face was evident as he chuckled, dropped his hand, and began walking off as I stood there in a stupor.
My phone rang again as I hit answer and whispered, “Hello?”
“Ava, are you okay? What happened?”
I shook my head to clear my thoughts as I glanced over my shoulder at my mystery man walking away from me. Getting a grip on myself, I headed toward my car. I was so thankful I had suggested meeting Johnny at the bakery.
“Sorry, Mom. I accidentally ran into someone. Hey, I think I’m going to do what you said. I need a few days of fresh country air. Besides, I can work from anywhere.”
I could practically hear my mother jumping. “Oh good! When are you coming?”
“Today. I just need to go to my place and pack a bag.”
“Okay, sweetheart. Be careful driving, and we’ll see you in a few hours. Oh, I’ll make your favorite dinner!”
Reaching my car, I turned around again. I wasn’t sure why. Maybe I was hoping my mystery man would be standing there.
“Sounds great, Mom. I’ll let you know when I’m on my way. I love you, Mom.”
“I love you too, Ava. We’ll have you forgetting Johnny in no time.”
Slipping into the driver’s seat, I started my car and said, “Johnny who?”
RUSHING INTO MY condo, I felt my phone buzz. My mother had been coddling me ever since I went back home and spent two days with my parents in Llano.
I rolled my eyes and let out a sigh as I swiped across my phone and breathed out. “Hey, Mom. I’m fine. I’m still alive, and no I haven’t cried once. It’s been almost three weeks. I’m so beyond over it.”
“Ha ha. You can’t be mad at me for wanting to make sure my baby girl is doing okay.”
With a loud thud, the bags that were in my hand landed on the floor. “I’m more than fine, Mom. I’m going out tonight with friends and we’re going to have a good time.”
“Don’t drink and drive.”
“Mom, I live in a condo in downtown Austin. I walk everywhere.”
I could hear her frustrated sigh so I decided to play nice. “But, I promise I won’t drink too much.”
“Good. Remember, your father has that thing tomorrow about the ranch and he really wants you, Walker, and Liza to be there.”
“I’ll be there. I swear!”
“Have fun tonight, sweetheart, and be careful and remember … don’t drink too much.”
I couldn’t help but smile. I knew my parents loved me and just worried. It had to be hard letting their little girl move to Austin and start a new life.
“Mom, I hardly drink anyway. I’ll call you tomorrow before I leave to head home. Love you! Bye!”
“Bye, sweetie.”
I pushed out a fast breath of air as I glanced around my room. My eyes caught the teal cocktail dress hanging up on my closet door. “Hello, beautiful,” I said as I grabbed the dress from the satin hanger and headed to my bathroom. I’d had my eyes on this dress since it first came into Mon Amour, the boutique I worked at as a manager. I also worked for Maurice Parker, one of the top wedding dress designers in the country. I’d met him while in Paris and he hired me practically on the spot. Designing was my number one desire and what I wanted to do.
Slipping the dress on, I pulled my hair up and wrapped it around a few times, making a somewhat elegant, yet kind of sloppy, bun on the top of my head.
Maroon 5’s song “Animals” blared over my phone. I headed back into my room and picked my phone up.
“Hey, Jay.”
“Back at ya, babe! Are you ready to get your party on? It’s not every day we celebrate the fact that I’m giving my va-jay-jay to one man.”
With a soft chuckle, I slipped on my heels and leaned in toward the mirror to check my makeup one more time. “Yes, I’m ready. Are you here?”
“Fixin’ to pull up, so hurry your ass up. My last night of freedom is upon us.”
Grabbing my clutch, I headed out of my condo, locking it behind me. “You aren’t even getting married for another two weeks, Jay.”
“Doesn’t matter. Tonight is the last night all my girls will be able to get together before I’m taken off the market.”
“Um … you’re already off the market.”
Jay sighed. “
Details, Ava. Why are you always stuck on the details?”
“Oh shit, I’m going to lose you. Getting in the elevator.”
“Ava!”
I hit End on my phone and chuckled.
Looking over to my left, I noticed the guy who lived on the floor above me. He glanced at me and smiled. “You look beautiful this evening. Hot date?”
I let out a nervous laugh as I shook my head. “Nah. I’m not dating anyone right now.”
His smile grew bigger.
“Girls’ night. One of my best friends is getting married in a couple of weeks.”
“Ah, let the trouble begin.”
Deciding I wanted to be naughty, I looked over my shoulder as I stepped out of the elevator and said, “Here’s hoping.”
By the time I made it outside, Jay was pulled up and waiting for me. “Night, Harry!” I shouted at the doorman as I attempted to run over to Jay’s convertible in five-inch heels.
Slipping into her car, I grabbed a scarf and wrapped it around my head. Jay drove with the top down every single day. Even if it rained, she put it down.
“Holy kittens on a cracker, you look hot!”
I laughed as I turned my head to face her. Her jet black hair was pulled up in a ponytail and she had on her signature red lipstick. “You know that doesn’t make sense.”
“What doesn’t?”
“Holy kittens on a cracker. It makes zero sense.”
Jay shrugged her shoulders and said, “I don’t care. I like it, therefore I use it.”
Rolling my eyes, I sighed and said, “Whatever. I need to seriously flirt with at least one man tonight. A little light petting might be fun too.”
Jay laughed as she hit the gas and took off on the green light. “That’s my Ava! It’s so freaking great to have you back!”
WAS THE ROOM spinning or was I spinning? I couldn’t tell as I tried to focus on walking from our table, across the dance floor and to the bathroom.
I’ve got this. I’m a strong, independent woman. I can make my way to the bathroom.
“Hey, Ava!”
Ugh. I’d know that voice from anywhere. Plastering on a fake smile, I turned and looked at Dee Monroe. My old college roommate. “Dee!” I said as I threw myself into her body.