Here's the deal... I learned a long time ago that sometimes you have to use what you've got to make things happen. What I happen to have is a pretty smile, long legs and the ability to make men believe anything I say. Before you get on your high horse and start judging me, can you honestly say you've never batted your lashes at some guy for a free drink at the bar? That's what I thought.
Keep that in mind as I tell you my story of how I took it one step further. My story of lies, deceit, manipulation and love. Yeah, love. Believe me, it fits. Especially, when you factor in Nick and Tucker – one had my heart and the other one wanted it all for himself. Which one? Well, I can't tell you that. It would defeat the purpose of the story. If I'm going to fill you in about me, Lila Garrison, and my life as a con artist you're going to need to know all the facts, including the ones about the two guys who made me want to give up the life of fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, fast cars and easy money. Because sometimes, one person can give you something that's more valuable than all of that.
If you're still interested, stick around. Just remember, I'm pretty good at convincing people to do what I want, so if by the end of this whole thing you feel worked over, don't say I didn't warn you.
EXCERPT:
Two
days. That's how much time had passed
since I'd heard from Tucker. Nick's
promise of being together almost made me forget about not hearing from him. When Tucker showed up at the coffee shop I
worked at, I was surprised by the instant flutter I felt in my stomach when I
saw him. I chalked it up to the
nervousness that now accompanied any thoughts of completing this job. The way he walked into a room was enough to
make any girl excited to see him. I
stood behind the counter and painted on a smile as he approached.
“Hi,” he grinned as he
rested his hands on the counter and leaned over to kiss me on the cheek.
“Hi,” I whispered,
taken a back by his direct PDA. “I
thought maybe you forgot about me,” I remarked as he pulled back.
“I couldn't if I tried.”
“Cheesy,” I chuckled.
“Made you smile,
didn't it?”
“I guess. You are pretty good at that.” It was so easy to flirt with him. Something about the cool blue of his eyes
kind of made me want to. I was one step
away from being completely lost in them when Nick suddenly popped in my
mind. Focus on the job, Lila. Not the eyes. “Can I get you a coffee?”
“Actually, I'll take a
latte, because that's how much I've been thinking about you. A latte,”
he laughed.
“You're really trying
to win an award today, aren't you?” I
said, writing his name on a paper cup with a black marker while trying not to
laugh at his over-the-top routine.
“Okay, I'll stop.” His
smile faded and his eyes locked on mine with a sense of purpose. “We're going out tonight. I'll pick you up at six.”
“I don't remember you
asking me out.”
“Are we really going
to keep playing this game?”
I
tilted my head and gave him my best I have no idea what you're talking about
face. “What game?”
He
snickered. “The game where you act like you don't really want to go out with
me, but on the inside you are dying to.”
I
was dying to go with him, but not for the reasons he was hoping. I tossed the idea of toying with him a little
more around. “So you think you've got me
all figured out, huh?”
“I think I do.” He
smiled confidently.
“Well, then I guess I
don't really have a choice but to give in.”
“It would make this
whole thing a lot easier if you did.”
I
decided that I might as well jump right in.
The sooner I convinced Tucker to give me the world, the sooner Nick and
I could be together, but not before one last remark to drive Tucker to his
knees. Guys like Tucker hated to be
called out, but I took a chance that my feisty side would do something for him. “Well then, Mr. Arrogant, what exactly did
you have in mind?”
“I prefer Mr.
Confident,” he playfully corrected me, taking the latte from my hand. “But if it's arrogance you want, you got it,
babe.” He grabbed my hand and pulled me
over the counter toward him until his nose grazed mine. “We're going out tonight because, whether you
want to admit it or not, you know I'm the best thing that's ever gonna happen
to you.” He pressed his lips against the
same spot on my cheek as earlier, only this time, it was more than just an
innocent little peck. This time he lit
spark – a spark I was not anticipating.
To add fuel to the fire, he whispered, “Wear something sexy,” as he was
backing away.
About the author:
When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand.
Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination! Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!
When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand.Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination! Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!
sounds like a good read
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