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    No Twists, No Turns, Just Love
    No Twists, No Turns, Just Love
    No Twists, No Turns, Just Love
    Ebook166 pages3 hours

    No Twists, No Turns, Just Love

    By Tressie Lockwood

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    Leila lost everything the day she found out her fiancé was a no good lying cheater. She had ignored all the signs, but the truth wouldn’t stay hidden for long. Before she could come to terms with her broken heart, her life went off the tracks—literally. A train derailment left Leila with no memory of her past or herself. She’s got no one—except Night Foster.

    Night made a decision he might live to regret. The day he walked into Leila’s hospital room and realized she had lost the only people who loved her, he knew he had to change things. And so he lied. He told Leila he was her best friend and began the long walk to recovery with her.

    Night ignored his own grieving heart to help Leila. It doesn’t matter if she learns the truth about who he is and begins to hate him. He’s not worthy of a woman like her anyway. He’ll get her to a stronger place and then move on. Unfortunately, his heart—and Leila—won’t let that happen.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTressie Lockwood
    Release dateJan 20, 2018
    ISBN9781386932628
    No Twists, No Turns, Just Love

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    • 5/5
      Really sweet, excellent with wonderful characters and an interesting story.

    Book preview

    No Twists, No Turns, Just Love - Tressie Lockwood

    1

    Leila struggled with the shopping bags in her hand as she traversed the last hill. Her arm muscles ached, and her fingers had gone numb. Why the hell was she doing this again? Oh yeah, she wanted to surprise Sam with a party. Really, she should have splurged for a taxi for once, but discipline died hard. She was almost at her financial goal, and then she would buy a car. Until then, it was hump it up the hill to Sam’s place .

    The least his jerk of a cousin could do is pick me up! She grumbled a few insults under her breath.

    Night said he would meet her at Sam’s and let her in so she could set up everything. She’d waited for him to say he would swing by to get her. No such luck. Most of the time, Night teased her endlessly, but that was only when she was around him with Sam. She had never found herself alone with him. Sometimes, she wondered if he didn’t like her. Their relationship was— No. One couldn’t call it a relationship.

    Well, he’ll have to accept me because me and Sam are getting married. We’ll be family.

    She paused in her climb to roll her shoulders then continued on. A short while later, she arrived at the house Sam inherited from his parents. Not that Sam’s parents had gone on to their reward. Rather, they had retired and moved to Florida. He almost never saw them. Leila had met the couple only once. Sam wasn’t close to them. Poor Sam was left with that jerk of a cousin.

    She snorted in amusement as she drew up to Sam’s house and set the bags down to rub an arm. The door opened, startling her, and she glared up at Night.

    What kind of crazy name is Night?

    She’d asked herself that question a hundred times since meeting him three years ago. But any person he didn’t piss off with a glance or a word would know. Night Foster, six foot four, muscular, and dark as midnight in hair and countenance—and heart as far as she was concerned—struck nervousness in the gut of anyone who stumbled across his path. That is, until he smiled.

    You’re late, he said, raising an eyebrow.

    She glared at him. I had to carry all this from the bus stop two blocks away.

    He reached for the bags and brought them into the house. If you had asked, I would have picked you up.

    She followed and shut the door. Meaning you wouldn’t offer.

    He glanced over his shoulder and winked at her. Of course.

    Is it your life mission to annoy me?

    It pays so well.

    She rolled her eyes and moved farther into the living. As usual, the room was a mess. If she had hoped Night would straighten it up, knowing about the party, she was doomed to disappointment. Surveying the chaos, she considered where to start.

    Streamers? Night said behind her. Did you really need to get all this for four people?

    She whirled around to found him digging through one of the bags and stormed over to him. "Six people, and it’s your cousin’s birthday party. I would have thought you’d put aside your pettiness for one night."

    She reached to snatch the package of balloons from him, but his other hand shot out to grasp her wrist. As soon as she inhaled, he released her like she’d burned him and stepped back. Night’s size and strength didn’t intimidate her after she’d gotten to know him, but his reflexes and the way he moved with such easy grace took her off guard.

    He tossed the balloons on the couch and stuck both hands into his pockets. I’m happy to celebrate Sam’s birthday, just thought it was overkill.

    Whatever.

    She whirled away and began straightening up. Sam complained he wasn’t a planner and parties were too much to deal with, but she loved them. Any excuse would do, and she went all out with the preparations. Her birthdays were always filled with festivities, even if she had to do it herself. Sam was less appreciative on his special day, but she didn’t let it get him off from her planning something to surprise him. Like a small child, she counted down to birthdays and holidays for the fun she would create.

    Just get him here on time, please. Six thirty. Everyone is going to be here. Oh, and make sure you have a present for him. She pointed to a spot near the fireplace. I’m setting up a spot in that corner for him to open them.

    When Night didn’t answer, she turned and found him staring. The expression on his face wasn’t readable, but when he noticed she caught him, he turned away. Sure.

    He headed toward the door, and she frowned. Where are you going?

    You said you took the day off. I didn’t. Good-bye.

    But the door….

    Look the bottom lock.

    Well, thanks for—

    The door slammed, and she grumbled. God, he was infuriating. At least he’d taken time from work to let her in. She had to be grateful for small favors. And honestly, even if she didn’t like him all that much, it was obvious that Night and Sam weren’t just cousins. They were best friends.

    Forget him, Leila, and get your butt moving.

    A memory slid into her mind, of Night watching her. What did that mean? She’d seen him looking before but could never read what he was thinking. It wasn’t as if he leered like he was attracted. As far as she knew, Night had never dated a black woman or shown any interest in one. Not that it mattered. Her heart belonged to Sam, the man she would say I Do to in just a few months.

    Another party.

    Her heart fluttered, and she grinned then started working. There weren’t enough hours left in the day before everyone would arrive, but she would make it work. She always did.

    Leila sliced another piece of cake and set it on a plate. She licked buttercream frosting from the side of her hand, glad no one was in the kitchen at that moment to see. Voices from the living room rose as the men argued over some inane point.

    One of Sam’s coworkers stuck his head in the kitchen doorway. Leila, got anymore beer? I’m all out.

    She laughed. Of course. I got you covered. Take a few extra bottles in case anyone else is out. She set up a few on a tray and handed it to him.

    You’re wonderful. I told Sam if he screws up, I’ll step in.

    She smirked. For beer?

    His gaze swept her. For everything.

    She’d worn a sexy black dress for the party and thought she didn’t look half bad. At least Sam had noticed and complimented her. He never failed to, even when she did her hair in a new style or bought a new pair of earrings. That’s one of the things she loved about him.

    I’m going to bring cake out in a minute. I hope y’all are ready.

    When she was done, she stepped out of the kitchen with a tray full of sliced cake. An arm scrubbed across her forehead lessened the dampness there. The living room was a mess again with used plates, empty beer bottles, and wrapping paper everywhere. She ignored it because that’s how parties were.

    The arguers turned out to be Sam’s two coworkers and the one guy’s girlfriend. Leila hadn’t expected the extra guest, but she welcomed her. Night sat in a leather armchair in the corner sipping on a beer. Sam and Leila’s best friend Violet were nowhere in sight.

    Where are Sam and Violet? Leila asked, looking around.

    The group arguing didn’t even hear her question. Night ignored it. She walked over to the front door, and Night called out. Hey, I’ll take one of those.

    She put the entire tray in his hands and opened the front door. The driveway was dark. Sam’s street didn’t have that many streetlights, and none were near his house.

    Sam? she called.

    Something stirred in the darkness, but she couldn’t see anything. In the suburbs, it wasn’t uncommon for raccoons, squirrels, or even possum to be about at night, which made her nervous.

    Sam, are you out here?

    Baby. He came around from the back of the house. Sorry, sweetness, I was out back having a smoke.

    She sighed. I thought you were quitting?

    I’m weak. He pouted as he drew up to her, his handsome features making her heart flutter. Do you still love me?

    Idiot. She gave him a light punch on the arm.

    Although she adored Sam, she could see he wasn’t even close to being as sexy as his cousin. Where Night was six foot four, her fiancé just barely reached six foot. He liked to say he was six feet tall, but she figured it was close to five ten or eleven. Sam had a good build, but he didn’t live in the gym like Night seemed to.

    Nevertheless, the cousins were similar in coloring. Both had midnight black locks and eyes that were almost as dark being a deep brown that appeared black at times. Leila didn’t love Sam for his looks but because he was sweet and loving to her, and he had asked her to marry him.

    She allowed herself to be drawn into his arms. Where’s Violet.

    I haven’t seen her.

    Here I am.

    Leila twisted around to find her friend coming up the driveway. She stepped into the light, running a hand over her hair, which was messier than it had been earlier.

    I had to check my messages and realized I left my phone in the car.

    Leila shook her head. Girl, I’m surprised you didn’t sense you were moving too far away from it.

    Violet snorted and put a hand on her hip. What you trying to say? I’m attached to my phone.

    Um, yeah.

    She laughed. You’re right. Let’s go inside. I want cake.

    Oh, now you want cake. You could have helped me cut it. Leila pulled out of Sam’s arms and bumped shoulders with her friend.

    And get in your way? Violet teased. You’re dangerous with a knife.

    Shut up.

    They linked arms and headed inside. Worry niggled in Leila’s gut. Every time she couldn’t find Sam, when she did locate him, Violet wasn’t far off. The suspicion hurt, so she pushed it away. The last thing she wanted to be was a jealous insecure wife. She had vowed when she got married one day, she would be the best wife a man could ask for. Plus, she would have lots of babies. Doubt and fear wasn’t getting in the way no matter what.

    Back inside, Leila served the cake to everyone and didn’t sit down for a second as she made sure everyone was having fun, had what they needed, and some of the mess was cleaned up. She chatted and laughed and enjoyed the party. The entire time, Sam hardly left her side. He complimented her, smacked her butt in front of everyone, and told everyone how crazy he was about her. She did her best not to glow like an idiot but couldn’t help it.

    When Sam escorted his friends to the door, she gathered a few dishes and started stacking them in the dishwasher. A yawn broke free, and she paused to cover her mouth. Tomorrow she had to go into the office for a few hours. How she wished she could sleep in, but no rest for the weary.

    Well?

    She jumped and looked over her shoulder. Do you get a thrill out of scaring me?

    Night leaned against the doorframe and raised thick brows. Me? Of course.

    Jerk.

    What was that?

    Nothing. Did you want something?

    He shrugged.

    If you’re here to get on my nerves, make yourself useful and hand me that glass right there. She pointed. He didn’t move.

    You’re cleaning off the table anyway, right?

    "Ugh,

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