Series: Honey Cove #2
Publication date: January 12th, 2021
Synopsis:
It was almost impossible to heal when everyone was out to get you.
Shelby Rowe was stuck between two worlds--the one she wanted and the one everyone else wanted for her. As the daughter of a prominent family in Honey Cove, Shelby's life was out of her control. Her friends, interests, and even her love life was controlled by others.
When a new girl moves to town, Shelby's life was turned upside down as she gets a glimpse of what life could be like--no obligations, no pressure. As the Christmas break begins, Shelby is left stuck between what is expected and what she feels is right. Split in half, Shelby has to make decisions to correct her life and heal her spirit.
Will she allow others to control who she is? Or will she finally go out on her own?
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Excerpt
Lucy chuckled. "I had no idea we were this similar. I'll admit I thought that's exactly who you were until..."
"Until what?"
Luke averted his gaze and stared into his coffee. Had he felt the shift too? "The ball when we actually talked, the real you and me."
"I thought it was just me who felt the shift."
"No, I did too. I wouldn't have invited someone like that to get coffee."
"No? You hounded me pretty hard to pull off our ball operation."
"I had to. My parents expect certain things from me too, and to have an offer come from the Rowes, you don't take no for an answer. They couldn't go, but what better way for that to be overlooked than for the son to attend the ball. My hands were tied just as much as yours."
I rolled my eyes. "See, that's just it. Why does my family have all this power? So what, my father's company has hundreds of employees and gives money to charities and supports the community? What makes him or us so damn special to act like we are royalty?"
Luke shrugged. "That's just the way it's always been."
"Well, I don't like it. If someone has that much power, they should be using it to help others. To be genuinely altruistic. This half-and-half nonsense is sickening, and I'm tired of it."
Luke grinned, flashing his perfect dimple. "Then change it."
I peered into my hot chocolate and contemplated his proposal. He hadn't been the first to say that. Riley, Randy, and several people at this point had told me the same thing. What if I did change how others saw the Rowes? What if I changed how things were done? How would people take it, and would they even listen to me?
"Hey, don't do that," Luke said.
I peered up to gaze into his perfectly hazel eyes. "Do what?"
"Doubt your power."
I smiled. "Who says I have any power?"
"You and I both know you do. You've shown me glimpses of it this whole time. You just need to decide what you want to do and who you want to be. Otherwise, why kill yourself about your image?"
"True."
I had to admit he had a point, and I enjoyed our banter. Never in a million years did I think I could have a genuine conversation with Luke Warrington. Maybe his image was just as flawed as mine was.
Roger dropped Luke's burger and fries on the table. "Would you like anything else, ma'am?"
"I'll take another hot chocolate if you don't mind."
"Sure thing."
Luke stared at his food, mouthwatering like a dog in a treat store.
"You excited?"
Luke met my gaze. "Was I drooling?"
I laughed. "Just a little."
"It's just so good. You must try it."
I shook my head. "I'm okay. Thanks though."
"You sure?" he asked as he wiggled his eyebrows.
"Positive."
He took a huge bite of his burger, and when he pulled away, his chin was slathered in barbeque sauce.
I couldn't contain the giggles. "You have a little something..."
Luke smirked and dabbed his face with his napkin. "Better?"
I nodded. I could never eat a burger like that. The mess alone would deter me--but his fries, now those looked delicious.
While Luke was midbite, I snatched a fry from his plate and plopped it in my mouth.
He gasped, and his eyes bulged. "Did you just take a fry?"
I quickly chewed and muttered, "Maybe."
He chuckled. "You did!"
I swallowed the last bit. "It was good though."
"That's okay. I'll share some, but don't eat 'em all. I would be too sad to not have my burger and fries."
I raised my hand and crossed my heart. "I promise."
Our gazes locked, and I could have sworn my stomach felt fluttery. Maybe I was hungrier than I thought? Because there was no way the flutters had anything to do with Luke.
Marie McGrath lives in a small rural town in Maryland. She hopes to inspire others with her stories. Her favorite genres to read are YA Romance and Contemporary Fiction. She loves the color turquoise, tigers, and listening to music.
