Friend and Lover

About the Author

Angela Benson is the bestselling author of fourteen novels, two novellas and a non-fiction writing book.  Her most recent print work is Delilah’s Daughters (Avon, 2014).  Her next print book, The Summer of Me, will be released by Avon in 2015.  While you’re waiting for Angela’s new title, be sure to check out her backlist recently released in eBook format.  Join Angela on the web at http://www.facebook.com/AngelaBensonBooks or http://www.AngelaBenson.com.

Author Booklist

Sweet Passion Contemporary Romance Series

Friend and Lover

http://www.angelabenson.com/friendandlover.html

". . . a sham engagement between two longtime attorney friends leads to the real thing just in time for New Year’s Eve in Angela D. Benson’s funny and engaging ‘Friend and Lover’." —Library Journal

The Nicest Guy in America

http://www.angelabenson.com/thenicestguyinamerica.html

Angela Benson, a veteran romance writer, has earned her stars and bars with this sensational, subtle and sensual battle of the sexes. —Romantic Times Magazine Top Pick!  4.5/5 stars

The Way Home

http://www.angelabenson.com/thewayhome.html

. . . with THE WAY HOME, [Angela Benson] emerges as a writer of great depth, sensitivity, and unparalleled talent. —Romantic Times Magazine Top Pick!  4.5/5 stars

Bands of Gold (coming August 2014)

http://www.angelabenson.com/bandsofgold.html

Christina’s ambition has taken her to the top of her profession, but new employee Jackson makes her wonder if she’s sacrificed too much for her success.

For All Time (coming September 2014)

http://www.angelabenson.com/foralltime.html

FOR ALL TIME will touch every woman's heart with its pathos and passion as Ms. Benson takes a heartrending look at the stark realities of marriage after the honeymoon is over. – 4 stars –Romantic Times Magazine

Between the Lines (coming October 2014)

http://www.angelabenson.com/betweenthelines.html

BETWEEN THE LINES is author Angela Benson's latest romantic confection, with the heady flavor of an Amaretto Liqueur and the rich sensuality of smooth, sweet cream! – 4 stars –Romantic Times Magazine

Genesis House Inspirational Romance & Family Drama Series

Awakening Mercy, Book 1, Genesis House Series

http://www.angelabenson.com/awakeningmercy.html

"Ms. Benson paints a fine picture of the trials of a couple who must rely on their faith to make a go of a relationship in this 4-1/2 star read.  She is just as compelling a writer in Christian romance as she is in contemporary." —Affaire de Coeur Magazine

Abiding Hope, Book 2, Genesis House Series

http://www.angelabenson.com/abidinghope.html

Christy Award nominee, Benson, continues the momentum she established in Awakening Mercy as she explores the lives of Shay and Marvin Taylor, the founders of Genesis House. . . Benson is a leading author of African American romances and Christian fiction, and her insight into God’s impact on our lives make her work a requirement for growing collections. —The Library Journal

The Amen Sisters, Book 3, Genesis House Series

http://www.angelabenson.com/theamensisters.html

Christy Award nominee, Benson, continues the momentum she established in Awakening Mercy as she explores the lives of Shay and Marvin Taylor, the founders of Genesis House. . . Benson is a leading author of African American romances and Christian fiction, and her insight into God’s impact on our lives make her work a requirement for growing collections. —The Library Journal

Enduring Love, Book 4 (coming November 2014)

http://www.angelabenson.com/enduringlove.html

When she left, she took his heart with her.  Now he wants to get it—and her—back.

Single Title Inspirational Family Drama

The Summer of Me (coming January 2015)

http://www.angelabenson.com/summerofme.html

The nationally bestselling author of Delilah’s Daughters and The Amen Sisters returns with a moving story about a single mother who discovers the woman she can be in one unforgettable summer.

Delilah’s Daughters

http://www.angelabenson.com/delilahsdaughters.html

...instead of Samson’s secret, it’s Delilah’s that threatens to destroy the spiritual foundation she and her late husband, Rocky, build for their three daughters...Delilah’s Daughters is a captivating story from the beginning to the breathtaking end. 4.5 stars (out of 5 ) — Romantic Times Magazine

Sins of the Father

http://www.angelabenson.com/sinsofthefather.html

Sins of the Father is a powerful story of revenge, betrayal, and forgiveness. Benson uses three-dimensional characters to prove that regret, shame and hatred can give way to acceptance, forgiveness and love. The storyline will surprise you while the outcome will increase your faith in God. If you love reading about real life issues, this is a book that will keep you glued to the pages. –Real Page Turners

Up Pops the Devil

http://www.angelabenson.com/uppopsthedevil.html

Angela Benson writes a commanding and enthralling story on the power of salvation and how temptation works to unravel it. . .Benson’s writing is fluid and demonstrates her ability to incorporate biblical principle in everyday living. – RAWSISTAZ Reviews

Showers of Blessings, a novella in A Million Blessings

http://www.angelabenson.com/amillionblessings.html

Assistant pastor Ronnie has a shameful secret: he's a compulsive gambler. And just when it seems he's run out of luck, he finds salvation in a miraculous win. But nothing can keep Ronnie from recklessly betting his family's future. His only way out is through renewed faith–and a desperate act of redemption.

Nonfiction

Telling Your Tale: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook

Telling Your Tale Workbook: The Beginner’s Guide to Writing Fiction for Print and eBook

http://www.angelabenson.com/tellingyourtale.html

[Benson’s] writing advice is constructive and sincere; writers would be well-advised to follow her advice and practice their craft by completing the exercises in the book. —WritersWrite.com on Telling The Tale (first edition)

Dedication

This story is dedicated to my husband George, my personal friend and lover.

Dear Reader,

Thanks so much for downloading Friend and Lover, a novella in my Sweet Passion contemporary romance series. In Friend and Lover, Reed Lewis thinks his best friend, Paige Thomas, is engaged to the wrong man, so he devises a holiday ruse to make her see things his way.

Friend and Lover is a special story to me for several reasons.  Firstly, the primary characters are named after people in my family.  It was a special treat for me to use the names of my deceased maternal grandparents, Grady and Willie Pearl.  Secondly, the story allowed me to showcase my humorous side. It’s tough to be funny in fiction, but I had a good time with it in Friend and Lover. Finally, Friend and Lover provides the emotional and uplifting read that readers of Angela Benson books have come to expect.  So take a load off and spend a few hours with best friends, Reed Lewis and Paige Thomas.  I hope you enjoy their journey.

Please keep in touch.  You can reach me at http://www.angelabenson.com/contact.html.  I love hearing from readers!

Angela

One

Just a minute, Paige Thomas yelled to whoever was ringing her apartment doorbell at nine A.M. the day after Christmas. She’d just gotten in herself, having taken the six A.M. flight from Boston to Atlanta. She’d planned on spending the day being upset with Dexter Fine, her fiancé, for canceling their plans to spend the holidays together. As usual, he’d used work as an excuse. This time, he’d had to visit a client in Los Angeles.

Of course, her father had taken Dexter’s side and chastised her for not being supportive of her hard-working fiancé. She was getting angry again just thinking about it. She closed her suitcase and shoved it in her already crowded bedroom closet and ran to open the door.

Just a minute, she said again, in an annoyed tone that she hoped the intruder recognized. She jerked the door open and saw an elderly woman standing in her doorway. The chastisement on her lips fell away. The woman had to be eighty, if she was a day. She couldn’t have been more than five-four, a hundred pounds. She looked rather feeble standing there with her gray hair pulled back in a bun, wire-rimmed glasses, support hose, and orthopedic shoes. The woman was so much the stereotypical senior citizen that Paige was immediately sorry and embarrassed for her rudeness. I’m sorry, ma’am, she said. May I help you?

The older woman opened her mouth to speak, but she was interrupted by a booming male voice coming from down the hallway. Big Momma, I thought I told you to wait for me at the elevator. Before Paige saw him, she knew it was her friend, Reed Lewis. She’d recognize his deep, rich, Barry White-like voice anywhere. When she saw him, she wondered why he was carrying three suitcases, one under his arm, and one in each hand. The one under his arm had caused his black bomber jacket and sweater to rise, giving a glimpse of his flat, brown stomach.

Reed, what are you doing—?

Reed quickly dropped the suitcases by her door and pulled her into his arms. Go along with me until I can explain, he whispered in her ear. I missed you, sweetheart, he said, loudly enough for the woman Paige now guessed was his grandmother to hear. I hope your father and mother were well.

He pulled back from her and she saw the plea in his eyes. What was going on? she wondered.

He looked at his grandmother. Didn’t I tell you she was something, Big Momma?

His grandmother slapped him on the arm. "You have no manners, sonny. You didn’t even introduce me. The girl looks like she’s scared to