by Lisa Kessler
I had such a blast writing this book! And I hope you’ll come along with me and the Sentinels of Savannah to hunt down the grail and fall in love along the way.
I’ve got to give a shout out to my amazing beta readers: Denise Fluhr, Heather Cox, and Elizabeth Neal! You three always make the stories better and encourage me to keep writing even when life gets crazy. Thanks so much!
And a big thank you to Arianne Cruz from Read for Error! Thanks for helping me polish this one fast! Your comments made me smile.
I also need to thank Marie Rice who named Skye and Colton. Thanks for all your support for my books!
And to my chaptermates in the RWA San Diego sprinting group, thanks for inspiring me by showing up at the keyboard every day. Love you guys!
To my daughter, Panda, it took until the final page of the book, but I got pirate booty in there for you!
And finally a big thanks to my husband, Ken for his constant love and support. I couldn’t do this without you!
Stay up-to-date on new releases and giveaways by subscribing to Lisa’s newsletter here: https://goo.gl/56lDla
Lisa Kessler is a Best Selling author of dark paranormal fiction. She’s a two-time San Diego Book Award winner for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror and Best Published Romance. Her books have also won the PRISM award, the Award of Excellence, the National Excellence in Romantic Fiction Award, the Award of Merit from the Holt Medallion, and an International Digital Award for Best Paranormal.
Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
When she’s not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, and has performed with San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego.
You can learn more at Lisa-Kessler.com
Other Novels by Lisa Kessler
The Muse Chronicles
LURE OF OBSESSION
LEGEND OF LOVE
BREATH OF PASSION
The Night Series
NIGHT WALKER
NIGHT THIEF
NIGHT DEMON
NIGHT ANGEL
NIGHT CHILD
The Moon Series
MOONLIGHT
HUNTER’S MOON
BLOOD MOON
HARVEST MOON
ICE MOON
BLUE MOON
WOLF MOON
NEW MOON
Stand Alone Works
BEG ME TO SLAY
FORGOTTEN TREASURES
ACROSS THE VEIL
Another Book in the Magnolias and Moonshine Series
#12
Southern Secrets
by Susan Carlisle
To learn more about Susan and the other books of the Second Chance Novel series visit http://tinadesalvo.com
Keeping secrets can shatter hearts…
Against her better judgement, Carrie Rodgers pretends she’s her twin sister while being escorted to a children’s hospital gala by Rick Marshall, an up and coming real estate developer in Atlanta. What she didn’t count on, as her sister’s substitute, is a night of passion.
Rick doesn’t tolerate liars but he’s willing to imply his and Carrie’s relationship is more than it is to close a career defining deal. Having the right woman on his arm could tip the scales in his favor, but he’s not prepared for his heart getting caught in the balance as well.
Southern Secrets
Susan Carlisle
CHAPTER ONE
Carrie Rodgers headed on unsteady heels across the floor of her Atlanta apartment to answer the door. As an elementary school teacher, she spent most of her days in flat shoes. Even scarier than her evening footwear was the fact she was replacing her twin sister on a date without the man knowing. She wasn’t sure which she might regret more, letting Cathie talk her into the date or the heels.
With a flutter of her heart and her hands trembling, Carrie reached for the door knob. This date was a bad idea on several levels, yet she’d agreed to help Cathie out of a jam. She wouldn’t let her down. Never had and wouldn’t start now. That’s what sisters did. Or at least that was what her mother had told her over and over when Cathie had been so sick. Besides, it was too late to back out.
Taking a deep breath, Carrie let it out slowly. She didn’t know this guy. Hadn’t even laid eyes on him and was expected to act as if they were acquainted. The chime sounded again. Apparently, Rick Marshall was an impatient man. The big question was how perceptive was he? Would he realize she wasn’t Cathie?
For most of their lives, Carrie had been the level-headed, studious sister who stayed in the background while Cathie had been the fashion plate, flighty, look-at-me one.
Much of that started when Cathie developed childhood asthma. After she was hospitalized a couple of times, their parents’ worries focused on Cathie. From then on Carrie heard, “be careful with Cathie, don’t let her run too much, watch out for her.” Carrie became more self-sufficient and dependable, always the person who took care of her sister. As they grew older Cathie continued turning to Carrie to fix things.
She didn’t mind. She loved Cathie. And Cathie loved the attention. She was so fond of it she made the most of the spotlight even into adulthood.
They might have been different in personalities but they were similar in looks. More than once Carrie had gotten Cathie out of a scrap by pretending she was her. Now Carrie had been pulled into doing it again.
“Cath, I’m not doing it!” Carrie had told her hours earlier. “High school is long gone. We’ve out grown the changing places game.”
Her sister put on her puppy-dog pleading look, dropped a shoulder and said in a whinny tone, “Aw, come on Care Bear, just this once. Rock finally asked me to go away with him for a weekend. I’ve been hoping for this forever.”
“You do know the right thing to do is to tell Rock you can’t go or as least be up front with the other guy.” Carrie couldn’t believe her twin’s rudeness.
“I can’t break the date. Rick is my boss’s biggest client. It’s too late for that.”
At least she was showing some concern for the guy. Yet, this idea was so Cathie. She liked getting her way with no concern for how it might affect others’ lives. “Why did you even agree to go in the first place?”
Cathie shrugged. “What’s not fun about dressing up and going to a party?”
“Cathie, what if this guy really likes you?” Carrie couldn’t believe how callous Cathie was about someone’s feelings.
“He’s an alright guy, but he’s not Rock. You don’t want to stand in the way of true love, do you?”
Carrie didn’t even try to stop the roll of her eyes. Like she understood love. After what had happened between her and Brian, Carrie wasn’t sure she’d ever really known anything about it. In any case, she and Cathie had different ideas about love. At least Cathie had a love life. Carrie didn’t. Her sister went out regularly but rarely with the same man twice. Carrie was more careful. She was holding out for Mr. Right. For a time, she had believed Brian was him. Too bad he hadn’t thought the same.
“Come on, Care. This gala at the Georgia Governor’s Mansion is to raise money for the children’s hospital. It’s right up your alley.”
It was. Cathie knew all the right buttons to push. Being employed in a private disabilities school, Carrie was easily persuaded where children were concerned. Still she balked. “I don’t have any money to donate. So what difference would it make if I went or not?”
“If this guy doesn’t have a date, he might not attend. He has big bucks so the hospital could miss out on his contribution, you wouldn’t want that, would you?” Cathie gave her the ‘look’. The one that always made Carrie agree to what Cathie wanted.
This argument was getting more twisted by the minute. Carrie stood.
“Come on, Carrie.” Cathie put her arms out in a pleading manner. “Help me out just this one time. I’ll never ask again.” She’d taken Carrie’s hands, looking earnestly in
to her eyes. “Please. For once in your life take a risk. Live a little, all while helping out your sister.” Her smile was like a used car salesman’s closing a deal.
Carrie couldn’t resist Cathie. Helping her out was too ingrained in her. Maybe Carrie had been too careful in life. After all, Brian had broken up with her because he said she wasn’t bold enough, too set in her ways. This was a chance to have an adventure, to prove to herself that Brian was wrong. She could let go. It would only be for a couple of hours. What could go wrong? She’d go, have a good time and never see the man again. Cathie would get what she wanted: her weekend with Rock and Carrie would have an adventure. “Okay, but I want your word that you’ll never ask me to do this again.”
Cathie hugged her tight. “Great. Now let’s get you dressed to kill.”
Each time Carrie had taken Cathie’s place she’d put away her simple classic style to take on the more flamboyant appearance of her sister. Tonight, was no exception. She wore eye makeup, which Carrie rarely did, including false eyelashes that had her working to lift her eyelids. Her hair, normally worn in a simple ponytail or down, was pulled back into an up do where it was teased in front, gathered, and pulled to the side so that a long curl fell over her shoulder.
Carrie might admire a dress her sister had chosen but would never dare wear it. Cathie had insisted she did. It was made of aqua chiffon and dipped in a V almost as far down in the front as it did in the back. Carrie couldn’t remember feeling more exposed. At the waist, it was pleated so it flowed around her legs and skimmed the floor.
So here she stood dressed for a fancy party with her nerves strung tight as a child’s rope during a tug-of-war. Surely she could be Cinderella for a perfect stranger, for a few hours, couldn’t she?
Opening the door, Carrie had to control the urge to gasp. The sketchy facts Cathie had given her about her date flew out of her head. Before Carrie stood the most handsome man she had ever seen.
Her mouth went dry. So this was uh…Rick Marshall.
Why in the world would Cathie want to spend the weekend with that muscle bound, idiot Rock when she could enjoy an evening with this guy?
Rick’s short, black hair was cut into the latest fashion. He had high cheekbones and a closely shorn beard covering a strong jaw that gave him a devilish look. A twinkle of a dare shown in his brown eyes. A shiver ran down her spine. She might be in over her head.
Standing at least a foot taller than her five-foot-two and with broad shoulders, he filled the door frame. The tuxedo he wore fit as if tailored for him. All in all, he was an overwhelming package.
His gaze remained on her. Was he seeing more than she wanted him to? There was an air about him that made her believe she’d have to work harder than ever before to convince him she was Cathie. His full lips formed a smile that made her middle ebb and flow as if a storm was coming.
“You look wonderful, Cathie,” he said in a deep, rich voice.
It took a second for Carrie to register the name as heat rushed up her neck to her cheeks. She couldn’t recall ever receiving a compliment from such a suave man. “Thank you,” she croaked.
“Are you ready?”
“Uh, yes, just let me get my purse.” Trying to collect herself, she found the small beaded clutch laying in a nearby chair.
With a light touch to her back that sent an electric current out to her every nerve, he directed her down the hallway to the elevator. The man wasn’t only easy on the eyes but he was making her body feel delicious things. They waited in silence for the doors to open. She glanced at him and he smiled. Why couldn’t she say something? Recall anything that Cathie had told her about him. Think. Cathie would have been chatting the entire time. Carrie came up with the safest thing she could think to say. “I’m glad you asked me to go tonight.”
He gave her a curious look. “You’re welcome. I wasn’t sure it was your type of thing. Maybe a little stuffy.”
“No, it sounds like fun. Certainly a good cause.” Could she have sounded lamer? She’d better get it together or he’d know she wasn’t Cathie before they arrived at the car.
His brow rose. “You regularly donate to the hospital?”
“Not as much as I would like.” That was the truth.
That same zing of earlier reoccurred when he helped her into the car. One thing was for certain, she would be at the gala with the most exciting man in attendance. If she was going to survive the night, she’d have to learn to control her reaction to him or stay out of his reach. The latter would be the hardest since she enjoyed his touch too much already.
Minutes later, Rick pulled the car skillfully into traffic. He glanced at her. “Are you alright? You’re mighty quiet, or do you save all the conversation for the office?”
Already the differences between her and Cathie were showing. She’d have to step up her game if she wanted to keep their sister pact. Smiling she answered, “I’m just enjoying the ride and your car. Nicest one I’ve been in.”
He smiled. “That works for me. I like a woman who doesn’t feel she needs to entertain all the time.”
That certainly wasn’t Cathie. She was like a butterfly who had to flit to everyone at the party. The lie was already growing. She gave him her brightest smile and giggled. “Don’t worry I can be entertaining as well.”
Rick glanced at Cathie again. Something was a little off about her. She looked the same, beautiful, but she didn’t seem to have the outrageous personality he’d seen when he’d met her a few times at Ryan’s office. That last statement was more like what he expected. Just a little bit suggestive. Maybe he was wrong. They didn’t really know each other that well. If the date wasn’t going well after he’d spoken to Herbert, then they’d just call it an early evening.
He didn’t have any real interest in fancy parties anyway, even if they were for a good cause. He much preferred to make his donations in private. He only wanted to attend this one for the chance to speak to old man Herbert—the piece of property he was hanging on to was the answer to Rick’s real estate future. When he discovered through a mutual friend that Herbert was attending the gala, Rick had started looking for a date. That’s where Cathie came in.
She worked as receptionist at his lawyer’s office. On a lark, he asked her. He needed a beautiful escort if he was going to use the social event to his advantage. Rick glanced at her. She was certainly stunning enough to get Herbert the lecher’s attention. Yet now he questioned if he’d made the right decision. Cathie appeared unsure. Her hands were clutched in her lap and her focus was out the window.
Her apartment hadn’t been what he’d anticipated either. He hadn’t seen much of it but it seemed warm and inviting. Pillows, an overstuffed couch, and books everywhere. Not meaning to think poorly of her, but he was rather surprised she read that much. Cathie struck him as a YouTube sort of person. Apparently, he had misjudged her.
He should be relieved. Unfortunately, he had bad judgement where women were concerned. Lauren had certainly hidden her true colors. He’d only found out how his ex-fiancée really felt about him by accident. He’d returned home early one day and overheard her on the phone talking to one of her girlfriends about what a bore he was where old buildings were concerned and that she had no intention of living in some redone house. That she’d see to it she had a grand home in the priciest area of the city, after all he could afford it. To make things worse, she’d said he was dull and she planned to find excitement outside their marriage. Rick hadn’t thought twice before he’d ended it. He still felt used.
Since then he’d made a point to pick women he could never become serious about. Lying was the worst, and he wouldn’t be duped again. He was no better off than his father had been believing his mother wouldn’t deceive him. It turned out she had lied for years about having an affair. Being gullible must be in the Marshall blood.
At Cathie’s first silly giggle and flip of her hair at the office, he’d known he would never take her seriously. From what he could tell about her, she was co
nfident and vivacious. Which was what he needed to get Herbert’s attention. Right now, she was less than bubbly.
“I can’t believe I’m actually going to the Governor’s Mansion,” she giggled, adjusting the skirt of her dress.
That sounded more like the woman he knew.
“So what’s your connection to the children’s hospital?” Now she sounded as if she were truly interested.
Why that made her more appealing to him, he didn’t know. “I have a friend whose son is in a wheelchair so I know what the hospital means to families.”
Cathie gave him a sympathetic look and an understanding nod. “All it takes is to know one child to grasp the importance of having such a great hospital in the city.” She appeared embarrassed by her statement and quickly said, “Will there be dancing? I love to dance.”
Once again, she was back to the woman he’d anticipated. “I understand there’ll be a band. I’ll make every effort not to step on your toes.”
She gave him a simpering smile. “I doubt that’ll be a problem.”
He stopped at a traffic light. Studying her, he was pleased to see the earlier tightness around her lips had eased. “I want to be honest with you, I’m planning to do a little business tonight. I hope you don’t mind.”
A sick feeling washed though Carrie. He was being truthful with her. Of all things for Rick to say. She couldn’t respond. Didn’t have the words. When he found out what Cathie had done, with Carrie’s help, he would be angry. Would feel he had been tricked. She had to play her part well enough that he never found out.
He took her hand. “Despite having business to see to, I plan to make sure you have a good time.”
She worked to control the trembling of her hand. “So what do you have planned?”
“As you know, I’m in real estate development. A man I’ve been trying to get a meeting with is going to be here tonight. I’m hoping to persuade him to see me. You know, the ‘social situation mellowing him’ idea.”
She turned towards him finding him even more interesting. “It must be nice to watch an empty or abandoned lot become something useful because of your vision.”
