Slow Grind (Men of Mornington Book 1) (19 page)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Well, I think it’s pretty clear by now that you’re aware Eva Spencer is a combination of Ashley Suzanne and Missy Johnson. We both typically have really long acknowledgement sections, so we’re going to try something a little different this go ‘round.

We’d like to thank each and every author, reader, blogger, and friend who shared this story and helped get the word out about Eva Spencer. It wasn’t an easy decision to want to go with a pen name, but it’s one we’re very proud of. It’s scary, coming into this industry with no people to help support you, but we were surprised how many people were quick to jump in and help, even before they knew Eva’s true identity.

Thank you to our beta readers who helped us make sure Drew, Aubrey, Jacey, Max, Nash, Cam, Sam and Nate were represented as we intended. It’s a hard job being a writer. We see things so clearly in our head, but we don’t always catch the small details. So, thank you, ladies, for helping bring The Men of Mornington to life!

Thank you to James Newman, our phenomenal cover model for offering your services. Thank you for being a Man of Mornington on this cover. You’re phenomenal.

Thank you to the photographer, Shaun Lymas, for taking the most perfect picture! You’re truly a doll, and we can’t wait for you to hold this baby on your bookshelf.

Thank you to Tiffany Fox with Beyond DEF for editing this project. You’ve touched every one of my books (Ashley) and I couldn’t be more proud to have you on this adventure with us. You’re a gem and more people need to know how fantastic you are.

Thank you to Nicole with Indie Sage for designing our cover and teasers. I can only hope people who judge books by their covers take notice of all the detail and dedication you put into this baby. You’re a fantastic person and amazingly talented!

And finally … The Men of Mornington … thank you for being a story we couldn’t help but write. Sure, there’re sexy Aussie strippers, but it’s so much more than that … these fictional characters remind us that friendship knows no bounds. Friendship can last forever and when you find those special people, hold on to them, because without them, you’ll be lost. Max is lucky to have such great men in his life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Eva Spencer, a combination of Ashley Suzanne and Missy Johnson. Independently, we have over 30 novels, and have decided to write our co-written works under one pen name to make it easier for all of you to follow!!! We love new readers and can't wait to chat with you!

Ashley lives in Michigan with her husband and children.  By day, she practices real estate and by night, she’s still practicing real estate while writing her next romance novel. 

Missy lives in Australia with her husband and daughter.  If she’s not birthing puppies, she’s probably chasing after her toddler and wanting to write until the wee hours of the morning.

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EXCEPT
FROM
SLOW MOTION BY EVA SPENCER

Release Date:  August 25, 2016

Chapter One
Aubrey

“Nate, what are you even doing here?” I run my hands through my hair, my heart racing as I glare at Nate. “What did you say to him?”

“That I’m your boyfriend,” Nate says. His eyes darken. “Hold up, I’m the one who should be asking questions here. What’s going on, Aubs? Who is that guy?”

“I can’t do this right now,” I mutter, because if I do, I’m going to snap.

Is he for real? He’s either stupid or my breaking up with him went right over his head. I keep thinking that maybe he’s messing with me, but the look in his eyes tells me I’m not that lucky. Jealousy is not a good colour on Nate.  Not a good colour at all.  I’m not sure if I’m more pissed that he flew all the way here for absolutely no reason or at Drew for not giving me the chance to explain—especially after the huge deal he made out of me not listening to him with the whole Darla thing. Then I remember how I felt, seeing that. The last thing I wanted was to hear him out.  I wanted to run.  Shit, I ran.  His only saving grace was the lift didn’t show up in time and the stairs were brutal.  Had it not been for those damn stairs, I would have left and never looked back. 

I have to go after him like he came after me.  It’s what you do when something is miscommunicated. I spy a set of keys laid out on the coffee table next to Nate’s jacket. Without thinking or worrying about when Nate got a license to drive in Australia, I scoop them up and dash out the door, running for the rental car conveniently parked out front. My vision is clouded with the unshed tears I refuse to let fall and my stomach rolls with nerves, but I push all that aside, determined to find Drew and make him listen to me.  To make this right and set the story straight.  It’s not Drew’s fault, or my own, Nate can’t take a hint.

“Aubrey, what are you doing?” Nate yells after me as I turn the key in the ignition and shift into gear.

I take a quick second to think, trying to remember how to drive, let alone doing it on the opposite side of the road, before he even reaches me. I press down on the accelerator, trying my best to avoid running over Nate who is banging on the driver’s window. I put my foot down on the accelerator and wince as he stumbles backwards. Nate dives out of my way, cursing as I run over the edge of his shoe. He glares at me, his dark eyes blazing.
Jesus. It’s not like I did it on purpose.

“Aubrey! Are you crazy? You’ve been drinking, not to mention you can’t even drive!” I hear Jacey yell as she runs out the front door and stopping where Nate fell to the ground.

How hard can it be? It’s automatic, for God’s sake. I used to drive around the farm when I was a kid on my grandfather’s tractor, this can’t be any more difficult than that. Besides, this is an emergency. I need to find Drew and force him to listen to me.

I’m on the highway, pretty impressed with how quickly I’ve gotten the hang of this when my phone rings. I feel the seat next to me for my phone and after placing it in my lap, I press answer, and activate the speaker. God, I hope it’s him, and that he’s come to his senses and wants to listen to me. If only he’d let me explain he would see that Nate is a nut who is obviously obsessed with me. I shiver. Seriously, who flies across the country to see someone they’ve broken up with? I knew he was more into our relationship than I was, but I never thought he was this crazy.

“Aubrey,” Jacey’s voice screams down the line.
Shit
.  I was hoping she’d let this whole thing go and let me fix what Nate broke. Sighing, I rub the back of my neck. My heart thumps as a police car passes me, but they don’t even give me a second look. Slowly, my breathing relaxes until I’m finally able to speak.

“Jace, I can’t talk now. I need to find Drew. Besides, I’m pretty sure talking while driving is illegal over here.”

“I’m pretty sure driving without a licence is too,” Jacey retorts. “You know Nate will get screwed by the rental company if you have an accident, right? Not to mention how much shit you will be in. Forget about raising the cash for Max because it will all have to go towards bailing you out of trouble.”

I bite my lip. Shit. I never thought about that. I pull over onto the side of the road and sigh. Slamming my fist against the wheel, I curse, my cheeks warm from the frustration racing through me. As angry as I am at Nate, the last thing I want is to get him in trouble. Or myself.
I could fuck up my whole future with one silly mistake.

“I gotta go,” I mumble.

I press end before she can say anything else. Leaning my head against the back of the seat, I stare at the window at the traffic racing past. I turn my phone off and toss it onto the seat next to me, then I start the car and drive slowly the hundred meters to car park of Albert Park Lake. Shutting off the engine, I get out, ignoring the freezing cold air as it blows softly against my bare arms.

I hoist myself onto the bonnet of the car, crossing my legs under me as I watch people go by. I have no idea what I’m doing and no idea of where to even look for Drew. What’s the point if he won’t listen to me anyway? What’s the point of any of this?

I lay back, wrapping my arms over my chest and stare up at the sky. People glance my way, obviously wondering what I’m doing, but I don’t care. Instead I focus on the gnawing feeling in my stomach that is asking me what I expected.

Did I think falling in love with Drew would change anything? It doesn’t change the person I am, or the lengths I will go to in order to avoid getting close to someone. I strung Nate along for two years, knowing I didn’t feel the same way because I couldn’t. I’m not capable of feeling anything; anything within myself other than disappointment and regret.

Closing my eyes, I listen to the sound of the leaves rustling in the tree that hovers above me. My arms are nearly numb from the cold, and the alcohol is beginning to wear off, leaving me feeling achy and sorry for myself.

I’m never drinking again.

The soft chuckling wakes me up, only I can barely move. I’m so cold, and my head throbs. I shift positions, my back thanking me as I roll onto my side, snuggling further into the thick, wool lined jacket covering me.

Wait. I didn’t have a jacket.

I sit bolt upright, my head screaming at me for the sudden movement.

Drew sits next to me. His eyes shining, he reaches over and wipes the corner of my mouth.

“There is nothing sexier than a woman who embraces her drooliness,” he comments.

“What are you doing here?” I mutter. I’m confused, and my memory of the last twenty-four hours is hazy at best. Then I remember. “All I wanted was the chance to explain.”

“I know,” he says, his voice softening. “Why do you think I’m here?  You gave me a chance when everything looked bad from your view, right?  It’s the least I could do.”

I snuggle into his side.  “I was driving to find you.”

“I know.  Shouldn’t have done that, Aubs.”

“I didn’t want us to end because Nate showed up.”

“Do you want us to end at all?” he asks, his body stiffening under me.

“No,” I whisper.  “No, I don’t.”

He raises his hand and waives someone over.  Peeking up, I notice Nash walking toward the car with Jacey.  “You come with me.  They’re going to take Nate back his stolen vehicle.”