Laid Out

by Sidney Halston

  Violet stopped and looked. “Damn, that’s right. I lost track of the date. Well, now you’ve given me the two best Valentine’s Days of my life. Twelve years ago, you gave me my first kiss ever—”

  “And now I’ll be here to give you your last.”

  Epilogue

  TWO MONTHS LATER…

  “What are you doing with that laptop? Everyone will be here in a few minutes,” Violet asked Cain, who sat on an upside-down paint bucket with his laptop on a big piece of plywood.

  “I’m deleting that stupid online dating profile,” he told her.

  Violet rested her chin on his head and chuckled. “Not one of your smartest moments.”

  He grunted and continued to type for another moment before closing the computer and pushing it back. “Done!” he said as he swiveled around and grabbed Violet’s waist and pulled her onto his lap. “Nice dress.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Easy access.”

  She shooed him away and stood. “No time for that.” She laughed as he swooped down on her and picked her up. “Cain!” she giggled as he carried her over his shoulder.

  “There’s always time for a little—”

  The knock at the front door interrupted them. “Damn it!”

  “Told you.”

  Cain set her on her feet, and Violet ran her hands down her dress and fussed with her hair. “I can’t believe they couldn’t wait a few more days. We don’t even have chairs yet.”

  “Doesn’t matter.” He laced his fingers with Violet’s and pulled her toward the front door.

  The gang all poured inside in a big jumbled mess of noise and laughter: Tony and Francesca, Chrissy and Jack, and Slade and Jessica, trailed by Jamie Lynn, Travis, and Enzo.

  Travis spoke first. “Can I be perfectly honest, darlin’?”

  “Of course,” Violet said.

  “This place is a fuckin’ disaster,” Travis said as he leaned on the banister by the stairs. As he said it the banister wobbled and he lost his balance. “Shit!”

  The group roared.

  “You’re just jealous,” JL said as she playfully slapped the back of her brother’s head. She looked around the two-story colonial-style house that was about thirty minutes away from Tarpon Springs. To Cain and Violet she said, “It needs some work, but I can see why you fell in love with it.”

  A week after Cain had returned, they’d flown to Texas together, packed up his parents’ old house, and sold it. She’d also immediately moved into Cain’s apartment. Then a week ago, Cain had surprised her in the middle of the day by picking her up at work with a picnic lunch and driving her to this old run-down house.

  It was a hideous shade of beige, the inside needed to be gutted, and it needed a new roof, new wiring, new…everything. But it was on a two-acre spread of land and had an enormous wraparound porch and an old red barn out back. She immediately loved it. Just being happily in love with Cain was enough; she hadn’t needed the house. But he insisted, and with the proceeds of the sale of his parents’ home and a big chunk of his savings, which surprised the hell out of Violet, he’d bought it for her. With a lot of TLC and time, they’d eventually build the perfect home here.

  “So, it looks like you got your happily ever after.” JL came up behind Violet and put an arm around her shoulders.

  “It’s weird, isn’t it? I honestly never thought I could be happy again, and now I don’t remember ever being happier.”

  “You deserve it, honey.” JL hugged Violet. “More than anyone I know, you deserve it.”

  “You do too, Jamie Lynn.” They strolled outside and rested their forearms on the veranda railing. “You know, you could have love too if you just gave a guy the time of day. Maybe Enzo?”

  “Enzo?” JL shook her head. “Nope. Never gonna happen.”

  “Why not?”

  “Have you seen the man? When he’s not in the Academy he’s always in a suit and on his cell phone running the universe. I’m pretty sure he’s loaded.”

  “And?”

  “And? Come on, Vi.” JL pushed off the railing and paced up and down. “He rarely goes to the Pier because he thinks he’s too good for the shitty bar. I have tattoos and my hair is blue—or at least it is today.” She shook her head as if trying to make sense of it. “I mean, really, Vi. Could you imagine him meeting Rita? I don’t know who’d be more surprised.”

  “Your mother’s not that bad.”

  “Rita’s not that bad only when she’s not that high.”

  “Okay, fine. Forget your mom. I think you’re underestimating the man. I think he really likes you.”

  “And I think he really just wants sex. Sex isn’t worth it. Too many issues between us. I’d rather get sex elsewhere.” JL waggled her eyebrows.

  “Whatcha talking about?” Chrissy came out, followed by everyone else.

  “Nothing much,” Violet said.

  “So, we going to the sponge docks, or what?” Francesca asked.

  “What exactly is that? A bunch of sponges? Doesn’t sound like a good time,” Tony said.

  “Tarpon Springs is famous for its sponge farming, and the docks are filled with shops selling beautiful natural sponges. It’s fun. There’s a festival and delicious Greek food,” Jessica said.

  “Yeah, let’s head out,” Tony said as he took Francesca’s hand.

  “You coming?” Enzo asked JL.

  “Nah. I have something I have to do.”

  “What are you doing?” Enzo said, preventing her from stepping down off the porch.

  “None of your business.”

  “Are you going on a date?”

  “None of your business,” JL repeated. She crossed her arms. “And anyway, aren’t you married or something? You really shouldn’t be flirting with me if you’re married.”

  “The woman’s a bitch and we’ll be divorced as soon as she signs the paper. It’s a matter of days. I haven’t seen her in almost a year.”

  “Look, I’m flattered, but really, you and I…it’s never going to happen, so you may as well stop.”

  Enzo advanced toward JL, forcing her to back up toward the wall of the house. He placed both hands flat against the siding, caging her in. “You have some stupid hang-up about something, but I can’t seem to figure it out. I didn’t leave Brazil to go from one crazy-ass woman who loves to play mind games to deal with this here in the States. I want to go out with you.” He leaned closer, and the ever-confident JL actually looked like she was cowering. “Jamie Lynn, will you go out with me, please?”

  “Never.” She placed both hands on his chest and pushed him out of the way.

  “That really is a shame, because…” He leaned closer. “You’re going to feel like a fool when you’re begging me to kiss you some more.”

  “Some more? We’ve never even—”

  Enzo wrapped his hand around her neck roughly and pulled her close, stroking her cheek with his thumb as the other hand fisted her shirt by her hip. Her body melted against his.

  When he pulled away, JL looked completely frazzled as he adjusted his glasses. “Now, we have,” Enzo said. “And next time you’ll beg.” He winked cockily and left on his expensive convertible.

  Just then, Cain and Violet, who had been discreetly watching from inside the house, came out. Cain gave JL a look and chuckled before turning to lock the door.

  “Holy crap! That was crazy hot,” Violet said as she rushed over to JL, whose lips were swollen.

  “Oh, God,” JL whispered.

  “You’re totally going to beg next time, aren’t you?”

  “I think I’m screwed.” JL stood up straighter, then headed to her car. “See you later. Got a thing to go to. Come by after the festival to pick up Bird.”

  “Do I have to?” Violet whined.

  “Yep. Can’t wait until you see the cute little things I taught him to say.”

  —

  That evening, Cain sat on a blanket on the floor of the wraparound porch, Violet between his outstretched legs, h
er head leaned back on his shoulder.

  “How did I get so lucky?” she mused.

  “I ask myself the same question every day. I thought I’d wind up alone, pining after you for the rest of my life.”

  Violet looked up toward the stars. “Maybe someone up there is looking out for us?”

  “Maybe a lot of someones are looking out for us, sunshine.”

  “I like that thought.” She smiled lazily and then turned her head to him. “I love our new house, Cain. I can’t wait to make it into a home.”

  “You’re in it, so it’s already my home, Vi. Wherever you are, that’s my home.”

  She turned around and straddled him. “I love you, Cain.”

  “I love you better, sunshine.” He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her softly. “So, have you ever made love under the stars?”

  She smiled coyly. “No. Maybe it’s time for another lesson….”

  Acknowledgments

  Let me start by saying that Laid Out was a true labor of love. I love this book; it was an emotional book to write. I hope you all enjoyed it too!

  It’s hard to wrap my head around that the fact that Laid Out is my sixth novel. The last three years have been a whirlwind of new experiences and life changes. I owe most of it to my husband. Without his support none of this would ever be possible. Never once has he belittled my dreams or made the sacrifices we’ve made seem like sacrifices. He is my constant cheerleader and supporter. When the characters are giving me a hard time he talks me through it, or when I can’t figure out a way to get over a plot hurdle he gives me suggestions or, most importantly, when the MMA moves make absolutely no sense, he fixes them. So, I dedicate this book and every single book I ever write to my husband. I thank you and love you for being you. Of course, to my kids who are never allowed to read any of my books, I love you three for being understanding when Mommy is at Starbucks writing. And, of course to my mom and dad who help out when we need help—which can be often when I’m on a deadline.

  I also want to thank the person who made most of this possible by believing in Against the Cage, Sarah Younger, my agent. She is not just an agent, but a friend, an editor, a business consultant, a sounding board, and a Game of Thrones Connoisseur. So glad you’re my agent, Sarah! And, of course, I have to thank my lovely editor, Junessa Viloria. Thank you for always being understanding, for helping to make my stories and my writing better, and for not making me do outlines and synopses! I love working with you and you’ve made this complicated industry simple and as stress-free as possible.

  Lastly, to all the people I’ve met in the last few years. My ladies at #ladieswritenight: Rachel, Tif, Annie, and especially Violet (one of my awesome beta-readers) who give me the motivation to make words everyday. I consider you four friends and I’m so happy at how much we’ve all accomplished. Also to my Betas—Heather and Leisha. You girls rock! You take the time and read my books at the early (awful) stages and give me the best most constructive criticism; I can’t thank you enough. I’ll have to send you more Jack Daniels (the drink not the man). Thank you for loving Laid Out as much as I do. This is truly my favorite of the six books I’ve written and a lot of it is due to your help. Jessica Bromberg, from Rock Star PR, I’ve loved working with you—you totally get me! I couldn’t have found a better publicist.

  Also to the group of talented authors who have been so supportive: Toni Aleo (whom I admire and have loved reading for years) and all the girls from COPA! I love you ladies and am honored—truly honored—to be part of your group!!!

  Lastly, to all the readers and bloggers out there. Authors can’t sell books without loyal readers and bloggers and I have so many of you—so, thank you! I wish I could list all the bloggers who’ve rocked my world but I would feel terrible leaving anyone out. I do, however, want to name one in particular. Anasattic.com. I love you, lady! Thank you!

  BY SIDNEY HALSTON

  Against the Cage

  Full Contact

  Below the Belt

  Laid Out

  PHOTO: © GABRIEL ESCUDERO

  SIDNEY HALSTON lives her life by one simple rule: “Just do it.” And that’s exactly what she did. At the age of thirty, having never written anything other than a legal brief, she picked up a pen for the first time to pursue her dream of becoming an author. That first stroke sealed the deal, and she fell in love with writing. Halston lives in south Florida with her husband and children.

  sidneyhalston.com

  Facebook.com/SidneyHalston

  @SidneyHalston

  The Editor’s Corner

  It’s time to go back to school and feed your reader with these fabulous Loveswept romances….

  In Laura Marie Altom’s scorching new novel, The Escort, a broken heart pushes a rugged loner to the breaking point—until a not-so-innocent affair changes everything. New York Times bestselling author Kathy Clark keeps the heat on with Deep Night, as two adrenaline junkies find themselves fighting unexpected passion—and unspeakable terror. New York Times bestselling author Missy Johnson’s Code of Honor asks a burning question: What happens when love is undeniable—and taboo? And USA Today bestselling author Lauren Layne’s Blurred Lines delivers a sexy take on the timeless question: Can a guy and a girl really be “just friends”?

  Sidney Halston’s scorching new MMA romance Laid Out, proves there are no holds barred when it comes to seduction. In A Fashionable Indulgence, the first novel of an explosive new series from K. J. Charles, a young gentleman and his elegant mentor fight for love in a world of wealth, power, and manipulation. Then meet Megan Crane’s Deacons of Bourbon Street, bad-boy bikers who are hell on wheels—and heaven between the sheets in Make You Burn. New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank returns with Nightwalker, a pulse-pounding installment in the Nightwalker series. And perfect for Highlander fans, My Highland Bride is where Southern sass meets Highland heat in Maeve Greyson’s scintillating new Highland Hearts romance.

  New in Flirt is Just a Little Kiss, the next novel of Renita Pizzitola’s Crush series. Felicity knows that “Summer Boys” are only good for one thing. But what if hooking up with the right guy could lead to a fresh start?

  There you have it—until next month, when September is the month to fall in love all over again, with Loveswept.

  Happy Romance!

  Gina Wachtel

  Associate Publisher

  Read on for a sneak peek of the next book in the Worth the Fight series:

  Fighting Dirty

  by Sidney Halston

  Available from Loveswept

  Chapter 1

  Enzo sat on a stool at the Pier, the local bar where everyone in the small town of Tarpon Springs hung out. Not an hour ago, he’d signed his divorce papers and overnighted them to Brazil where his ex-wife, Marianna, still lived with his now ex–best friend. And all he could think was that he was finally free.

  He almost wanted to stand up and do a little happy dance.

  Almost.

  Instead, he stared across the bar at the object of his insane attraction for the last year. Jamie Lynn Calhoun, or, JL, as everyone but him called her. She was five-foot-nothing and today her short pixielike hair was purple and pink, and her nails on one hand were red, and black on the other. The liner around her blue eyes was heavy and her red lipstick contrasted quite severely against her pale skin. Her overall style made her seem a decade younger than her actual age of thirty. She had on the required shorts and T-shirt that all employees of the bar wore, but she’d added black combat boots that went past her ankles and weren’t even completely laced. She had an intricate tattoo along one entire arm that resembled a lace pattern, while the other arm was bare. He wondered where her other tattoos were hiding. His eyes roamed up her body as her legs moved in his direction.

  She leaned her forearms against the bar, giving Enzo a peek at her small perky breasts. “Were you starin’ at my ass, sugar?”

  What he liked most about her was that southern drawl she had from being born
and raised in Texas. It seemed out of character with her punk-rocker image; it made her seem…softer.

  “I may have been.” He lifted his beer at her and winked.

  She reached forward and straightened his glasses. “You seem different today. Happy?”

  “Happy isn’t quite the word I’d use. More like ecstatic.”

  She leaned closer, her familiar flowery scent flooding his senses. “What could’ve possibly been so exciting at a bank that would make you ecstatic?” She loved to tease him about his job, which for some reason she thought was at a bank. Probably because he was always wearing suits—unlike most of the laid-back people he’d met in town.

  “You do know I don’t work at a bank, right?”

  She tilted her head to the side, genuinely surprised. “Really?”

  He laughed. “Yes, really. I help run my family’s business. We acquire properties and businesses and—”

  She held out her hand and cut him off. “Yeah, banking seems to sum that up nicely.” Then, she leaned over the bar and gave him a once-over. “Oh, damn, are you wearing flip-flops? Are those cargo shorts? On a Thursday at one in the afternoon? Where’s the rest of your business suit? Oh my God.” She put her hand over her mouth in an over-the-top gesture. “Did you finally have that stick up your ass surgically removed, pretty boy?” She slid back down to her side of the counter but reached her palm to his head. “Are you sick or something? Fever?”

  “Ha. Ha. No, I took the day off.” He said, looking down at his clothes. He was wearing his favorite designer polo shirt and linen shorts. It wasn’t like he was wearing a ratty shirt with holes on it or anything. “I signed my divorce papers today. I’m finally free of that evil witch.” He pumped his fists into the air. “Come. Have a drink with me? I’m sure you can cut out early.”

  “Just because this doesn’t seem like a lucrative career choice compared to the small empire you’re running, I have responsibilities. I can’t just ‘cut out early.’ ” She said with an indignant glare.