A Heart's Forgiveness Read online

  A Chance Novel

  A HEART’S FORGIVENESS

  By Joanne Schwehm

  Copyright © 2015 Joanne Schwehm

  All Rights Reserved

  ISBN-10: 0990552659

  ISBN-13: 978-0-9905526-5-9

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, including photocopying, recording, or by information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The use of artist, song titles, famous people, locations, and products throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way been seen as advertisement. Trademark names are used in an editorial fashion, with no intention of infringement of the respective owner’s trademark.

  Credits:

  Cover Art: Sommer Stein, Perfect Pear Creative Covers

  Editor: Cassie Cox

  Proofreader: Devon Burke

  Interior Designer: Integrity Formatting

  To my “Rockin’ Readers” who asked for Brett & Julie’s story to be told.

  This one’s for you.

  Thank you for your support and for loving this couple! xoxo

  dedication

  Part One

  chapter 1

  chapter 2

  chapter 3

  chapter 4

  chapter 5

  chapter 6

  chapter 7

  chapter 8

  chapter 9

  Part Two

  chapter 10

  chapter 11

  chapter 12

  chapter 13

  chapter 14

  chapter 15

  chapter 16

  chapter 17

  chapter 18

  chapter 19

  chapter 20

  chapter 21

  chapter 22

  chapter 23

  epilogue

  acknowledgements

  coming soon

  stay in touch

  other books by Joanne Schwehm

  about the author

  I did my best to live a carefree life—it worked for me. My existence consisted of work, shoe shopping, and some play, but mostly work. I was employed at a prestigious marketing firm, and I loved it. Well, at least most of the time. However, last night, work had included ass-kissers and aloof people who were more concerned with what others had than bettering themselves. The thought of the business dinner I’d attended made me shiver. At times, the men at those functions acted like vultures on fresh meat. It hadn’t been a “hook-up” function, but it sure felt that way. Okay, I’d confess that I may have gone home with someone a time or two in the past, but I hadn’t done that to impress anyone—it was to scratch an itch, if you will. Boyfriends led to broken promises and heartbreak, so I was fine on my own.

  Tonight was different. Our company was hosting a speed dating event at the White Orchid, a trendy nightclub. It was a different soiree, and as soon as it ended, I was going to plant myself at the bar and enjoy a drink… or five. Who knew, maybe I’d even dance a bit. But first things first, I needed to manage the event.

  Aubrey, my closest friend, was in attendance to find a muse for her romance novel she aspired to write. When my eyes landed on her, I couldn’t believe she was sitting with the club owner. Alex was a great guy, but he was a well-known player. I didn’t want to see Aubrey’s heart get broken. She was there to find a muse for her romance novel, not for a quick hook-up. That was Alex’s M.O.

  Once the event was over, I rushed to Aubrey and gently tugged at her arm. "What're you doing?"

  Her gaze drifted from my eyes to my hand on her arm.

  "Follow me," I said, ushering her to the ladies’ room. As soon as I knew it was safe to talk, I spun around to face her. "Aubrey, you need to be careful with Alex. He has a bad reputation."

  Her eyes had a faint glint of nervousness, and before I could continue, the bathroom door swung open, and the “mean girls” pranced in, giggling. Those women were known to go after men with money or clout. We ran in the same circles because of their fathers’ businesses, so I’d had the misfortune of knowing one of them, Leah Pierce, for years. She was as bad as they came, and her friends’ reputations were almost as horrible as hers.

  Leah gave Aubrey the once-over with her big brown eyes and sneered. “So you’re Alex’s playmate of the night?” She leaned in and whispered something in Aubrey’s ear, making Aubrey cringe and leaving her speechless. That apparently gave Leah the satisfaction she was looking for.

  Aubrey may not have been able to say anything, but I could. “Why, Leah, is it the lighting in here, or are you turning green?”

  “Go to hell, Julie. You know that I can have any man, anytime, anywhere.” She crossed her arms in front of her fake double D’s.

  “Oh, I know all about your reputation.” I looked at Aubrey, who appeared extremely uncomfortable and in need of a cocktail, so we left the clique to their own devices—gossip and lip gloss.

  The bass-heavy music boomed through the opulent club as we headed toward the bar. I couldn’t help but notice a tall blond bartender talking to Alex. He had the body of a runner: lean, toned, and tight. With each move he made, his muscles flexed and made every woman around him swoon. Then my eyes caught those of the other bartender. My breath hitched, and my heartbeat fluttered. He was one of the most attractive men I’d ever seen, and he had an indescribable aura. He was pouring shots for a couple of ladies sitting on the stools, vying for his attention. They all looked willing and eager to accept anything he’d give them, including himself. Not that I blamed them. I wasn’t sure I’d have turned him down, but I wasn’t about to flaunt myself to find out either.

  His light brown wavy hair looked soft, and I pictured running my hand through it. How silky it would feel gliding through my fingers. Quick flashes of me doing that while his lips were on mine played in my head. Maybe I was dreaming, and he was something I’d conjured up as compensation for all of the trolls I’d dealt with lately.

  Alex turned toward us. “Aubrey and Julie, I’d like you to meet my friend, Brett, and, Aubrey, you already met Tyler.”

  Nope, not a dream. Brett shook my hand, and everything else around me faded away. Even Tyler’s blond locks and model smile no longer fazed me. The bass of the music disappeared and was replaced by my pulse thundering in my ears. The warmth of his skin on mine made a chill run down my spine. All I could do was stare at him as I felt heat rise in my cheeks.

  “Can I get you a drink?” Brett’s voice was deep and sultry, which brought me out of my daze.

  I glanced at Aubrey, who looked at me with wonder dancing in her eyes. I wasn’t the shy quiet type, but around Brett, I was rendered speechless.

  “Yes, I’d love a martini, please,” I managed.

  “Ahh, my specialty.” He winked and made my drink. He placed the masterfully poured beverage on a burgundy cocktail napkin. “Here you are. A Chambers martini.”

  I raised my brow at the name of the drink he set in front of me.

  “Chambers is my last name. And yours is?”

  “Michaels.” I cleared my throat.

  “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Julie Michaels.” His white-tooth smile beamed. “I hope you enjoy your martini.”

  Pride and confidence flashed in his eyes. Anyone could tell he loved his job and being a bartender meant more to him than slinging drinks.

  I reached in my purse to pay for my cocktail.

  “Your money isn’t good here tonight.” Brett’s sexy voice stopped my movement. “Drinks are on me.”

  My l
ips curled into a smile. “Thank you.”

  “Believe me, it’s my pleasure.”

  Pleasure. His voice was seductively deep and rang with promise. A promise that he could bring me more pleasure than the liquid in a triangular glass. When I looked at him, there was no doubt since my body tightened in anticipation.

  Before I knew it, I was alone with him. Well, not alone since we were in a crowded club, but Tyler went back to making drinks. Alex and Aubrey must have slipped away at some point because when I spotted them, they were in an embrace and swaying to the music on the dance floor.

  I turned to Brett, who was regarding me with delight in his eyes.

  “So, you look familiar. Do you come here often?” he asked.

  His voice did heady things to me. My brows rose, making him close his eyes as a chuckle vibrated from his lips, giving him the most adorable laugh lines.

  “Okay, that wasn’t a line.” He wiped down the bar in front of me, although it looked spotless. Maybe that was a nervous habit. “I meant—”

  I cut him off to help him out. “I was here last month to discuss tonight’s event with Alex.” Our eyes met, and a silent exchange passed between us. “But I don’t remember seeing you.”

  Alex and Aubrey approached the bar. I glanced at them only to find her staring at Alex as if she’d met the man of her dreams. Maybe she had. Maybe I had too, and I’d never wanted to find anyone who made my heart flutter. But something about Brett was different from other men, and I needed to know what that was.

  Brett’s hazel eyes sparkled as Alex told him to take a break and join us upstairs in the VIP area. I prayed my feet would carry me up the steps gracefully, and thankfully they did. Alex had shown me the private area the last time I was there, and it was superb. The jewel-toned plush furniture transformed the club into something more luxurious than an ordinary nightclub—it was sexy.

  Brett’s presence changed the atmosphere. My stomach fluttered with his every glance. Some were teasing, and others lingered, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away. Prickles flickered on my skin when he placed his warm palm on my thigh. He was subtle in his pursuit yet very present. I wasn’t sure if it was the drinks I’d had or the gorgeous man next to me, but the temperature around me heated.

  He leaned in and whispered, “You’re captivating.”

  His fingers played with the ends of my hair as his knuckles grazed my shoulders, and an odd sense of… I don’t know, excitement or nerves washed over me. His eyes expressed satisfaction and confidence. It was as if he knew his touch and words would make me his—that I would want him.

  “You’re pretty smooth, but you’re a bartender, so…” I quirked my lips. “You must use that line a lot.”

  He shook his head. “Never.” His breath caressed my neck. “No one has ever captivated me. Your lips, your eyes…”

  I shifted in my seat while my hands began to sweat, and my thighs clenched.

  “Everything,” he said.

  My breath faltered. I was completely taken aback by his comment, but when Brett threaded his fingers into my hair and crashed his lips onto mine, he knocked the wind right out of me. Wow! He moved fast, and I didn’t resist. If he’d been like the guys from last night, I would have punched him in the balls by now, but he tasted too good. I’d never hurt someone I was sure could bring me carnal pleasure, so I went with it.

  Our tongues tangled. He pulled me tighter, and I became lost in our own world. My hands were on his thighs, and I felt his muscles flex. His hands slid to my neck as mine moved to his defined arms. My body responded to him and the way he kissed me. To use his words, this man had captivated me—with one kiss.

  Alex cleared his throat beside us and brought me back to the now. I flushed with embarrassment. I wasn’t a shy woman, but playing tonsil hockey with a man I’d just met in front of a man I did business with was a different story. I slowly wiped my bottom lip with my thumb, gathering the moisture that had collected there. I was half tempted to suck it off of my thumb, but I refrained.

  “Julie, I’m going to head home.”

  Aubrey’s voice took me out of my dreamlike state. She stood at the end of the table with Alex, who was smiling, and he nodded. I wasn’t sure if that nod was meant for me or was a congratulatory “way to go, bro” signal for Brett. Either way, I felt the blood drain from my head.

  I wasn’t ready to leave, but I also didn’t want to assume Brett wanted me to hang around. Technically, he had to work. I started to rise out of my seat, but Aubrey stopped me and told me to stay. When I glanced at Brett, he looked relieved that she had. He stood and said good-bye to them then sat back down.

  Brett grabbed my hand and laced my fingers with his. “I’m glad you didn’t leave.”

  “Don’t you need to work?”

  He glanced over the railing toward the mahogany bar, which was crowded with thirsty customers. “I suppose I do. Care to keep me company?” His lips twisted into the sexiest grin as he brought our hands to his mouth and kissed my knuckles one at a time.

  The back of my neck was sprinkled with goosebumps. What the hell was I doing? I’d let a man I’d just met devour me in a public place in front of our friends. I was all for having a good time, but even for me, that was quick. I remembered the way the ladies at the bar had ogled him. “Sure, if you don’t think I’ll be in the way. I don’t want to cramp your style.”

  He stood and pulled me up with him until we were toe to toe and chest to chest. His index finger lifted my chin. “I don’t have a style.” He winked, and we walked downstairs to the bar.

  As the night wore on, I couldn’t help but notice all of the women flaunting themselves, primarily their breasts, at Brett and Tyler. All I thought about was how Brett’s lips had felt pressed against mine. How his tongue had firmly stroked mine and twirled in my mouth as if it was on a mission to lick every facet. I swiveled my stool, so I faced the dance floor rather than the bottles lined up on the bar. I shot a text to Aubrey, telling her I was still at the club with Brett. I figured she was dying to talk to me about Alex, so I didn’t want her to worry if she called and I didn’t hear my phone.

  I chanced a glance at Brett as he handed Leah, one of the skanks from the ladies’ room, a shot of tequila. It wasn’t my first time around women like her and her friend at the bar. I knew their moves and could tell that they were on the prowl—Brett and Tyler were their prey. I couldn’t make out what Leah had said, but Brett’s eyes flicked between her and me. He shook his head while Tyler held a wedge of lime between his teeth. The ladies poured their shots back, and Leah pushed herself up on the bar to take the fruit from Tyler with her teeth. The exchange ended in a heated kiss while the other woman’s eyes shot daggers at Brett when he laid her wedge of lime on a cocktail napkin. On the inside, I laughed, but on the outside, I remained indifferent.

  She slid off her stool and headed in my direction. I let out a breath, not wanting to deal with her. She stood next to me at the bar and tugged on her dark miniskirt and pushed out her chest, which was ready to spill out of her crop top. Her dark roots showed through her fake red hair. The smell of tequila on her breath made my nose crinkle.

  “I wouldn’t get my hopes up if I were you.” She looked in Brett’s direction.

  When I did the same, I saw him staring at us. His brows lowered, and he began to walk toward us, but a thirsty patron stopped him.

  “Leah’s wants to be with Ty, and I’ve had my eye on Brett for a while now, so back off.”

  I smiled and in my sweetest voice said, “Does he know this? Because he didn’t seem too eager to get close to you when his tongue was in my mouth a few minutes ago.” I shrugged.

  She straightened her spine. “You don’t know me, but I’m Nikki Webster. When I want something, I don’t stop until I get it.” Her eyes devoured Brett’s body as she gave him a once-over then brought her attention back to me. “I want more than a one-night stand with him. That’s all you’ll be, you know. I’ve known these guys a while, and all they care
about is dipping themselves in something warm at night. Just ask Alex.” She rotated, and her lips twisted before she peered at me from the corner of her eye. “Handsome, can I give you… I mean, can I please have a blow job?”

  I glanced at Brett, who glared at her, and my guard went up. He grabbed a shot glass from the back of the bar, poured some Amaretto and Kahlua in it, topped it with a dollop of whipped cream, and placed it in front of her. She clasped her arms behind her back, wrapped her lips around the mouth of the small glass, and slowly tipped her head back while looking at Brett under hooded lids. When she came forward and set down the empty cup, she licked the excess cream off of her lips and moaned as if she’d just had an orgasm.

  Brett wasn’t fazed by her attempt at seduction. “That’ll be fifteen dollars.”

  She dropped a twenty on the bar. “Worth every penny…” Her eyes caught mine as she ran her thumb along her lower lip before licking her fingertip. “And then some.”

  She twisted and walked away, making my stomach lurch. I didn’t know why I’d let her comments and blatant come-ons toward Brett bother me. I wasn’t the long-term type—at least, I hadn’t been until he’d kissed me. Something inside me had changed. Who am I kidding? It was one kiss. I needed to get a grip.

  I hadn’t even noticed Brett standing in front of me. He must have come around from behind the bar.

  “Are you okay? You look pale.” The lines on his forehead deepened as he waited for my reply.

  I forced a smile. “I’m fine. Maybe I should go.”

  Before I could get off the stool, Brett’s hand went to my hip. “Please stay. Dance with me.”

  He cupped my cheek, and I leaned my head in his hand. Why did it feel so comfortable, so normal? I slid off the stool, and his hold on me tightened. Our fingers were interwoven as we strolled to the dance floor. The pace of the music was fast, but we kept rhythm to our own beat—a slow one.

  “I saw your face when Nikki was talking to you. Do I want to know what she said?” His voice was steady, but his eyes were hooded and worried.