Sinful Pleasures

By Belle Roark

When worlds collide in this fast paced novel, two couples learn about the trials and errors of trying to be a star and have it all. As Brittany struggles to pursue her dreams while running from her past she learns that everything is not as it seems. As her world unravels, her dark secrets take shape bringing to light you can always take sinful pleasures in life. Book 1 in In The Tomorrow Series.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Belle Roark
• Release date: Jun 2, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452333489

Belle Roark

I grew up like most teenage girls living on fairytales. I married a wonderful man (the second time) and have 4 boys. They keep me busy and very happy that I don't have girls. I reside as fate would have it in a quiet TN town with nothing around but beautiful scenery a huge change from where I grew up. I still miss the convienence of the city but I love the country.

Book preview

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Sinful Pleasures

Book One of the In the Tomorrow Series

Belle Roark

Published by Belle Roark at Smashwords

Copyright 2010 Belle Roark

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Chapter 1-

Brittany shook her head in disbelief. This was not happening to her. Chalk it up for the worst day of my life, she thought bitterly. She had just dropped her son, Tristian, off at school and was on her way to pay the bills downtown. This idiot ran the light and totaled her car.

MY BABY! YOU IDIOT! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU! DID YOU GET YOUR LICENSE FROM THE CRACKER JACK BOX? She was ranting and raving, as she crawled out of the window of her car. The local police officers pulled up on scene. Johnny Hill grabbed her and was holding her back. She pulled away and searched for her cigarettes. She found them by the brake pedal. Her blood was still boiling and no amount of cigarettes would be able to calm her. Hell she didn’t think any alcohol would do either.

Easy there, Brett. You've got that poor kid scared to death! He scolded. Are you okay?

She looked at him with fire in her eyes. That damn kid just wrecked my baby. Thirty thousand dollar car. I sunk money into her. She's totaled. I've had that car fresh off the line. Damn it and she's gone! My daddy gave her to me. Do you know what she ran in the quarter mile? She’s definately not stock.

Bobby, keep that kid over there. Johnny ordered. I think that’s the Griggs’ boy. He added. She scowled at him. Brett, you got a cut on your forehead. You should let the paramedics take a look.

I’m fine. She said, miserably. She looked at her car. It had rolled. 1990 Ford mustang convertible, the limited seven up edition with deep emerald jewel green exterior and white leather interior. She was the rarest of the rare. Although there were 4103 with 261 being exported, hers were especially rare with specifications made by her dad. Her name was stitched into the dash, in gold. She hung her head down and cried. It was the only thing he ever gave her that meant anything. She had taken such good care of it the past seven years and now it was being loaded onto the flatbed to go to the junkyard. She shook her head.

No! Take it to my address. I can't part with her. She cried out to Luke, the tow truck driver. He looked at her and shrugged.

It's gonna cost a pretty penny to repair her. Cheaper to buy a new car. He commented.

I don't care. It'll take time but I have to keep her.

Are you sure you’re ok, Brittany? The car rolled. Johnny asked, concerned.

Good thing I got that roll bar installed, huh? She brushed a strand of hair out of her face. I'm fine. She wiped the tears away. She walked over to the sidewalk and grabbed her purse and sunglasses that were thrown clear. She looked at the broken arm on her Liz Claiborne sunglasses and cursed. Her Gucci purse was destroyed. The strap had been torn off and the leather was badly damaged. Her cell phone rang. Now what? She muttered.

Brittany, hey how's it going? Her best friend, Gretchen asked.

Swell, I just had my car totaled by some kid in a SUV. She stated.

Are you ok? What about Tristian? Her voice laced with concern.

I'm fine and Tristian's at school.

Well, thank God. Gretchen commented. Brittany rolled her eyes. So I guess picking Tara up from school is out of the question?

Tara was Gretchen's fifteen-year-old daughter, who had adopted Christian and her as second parents. She was always offering to baby-sit but just wanted to come out and hang out with Christian mostly. They had karaoked a lot in the garage that he converted into a mini studio.

No of course not. You forgot we moved to Mayberry. I'm sure I can see if Susie will loan me her car.

I'm really sorry to put you in this predicament.

Nah, I'm fine and I'll get her. Don't worry. She hung up.

She spotted Susie pushing through the crowd. She smiled. This small town of possibly 500 was like Mayberry. Nothing can happen without everyone knowing and knowing who's involved. She rolled her eyes. What the hell was I thinking?

Thank God you're ok! Susie praised. Brittany wrinkled her nose. She didn't feel like praising anyone her car was totaled. She shook her head.

As if anything else can go wrong today. She sighed. My phone has been cut off. The power's next if I don't get it paid. I just can’t get used to this suburban life. I still have to get Tristian and Christian is working today at that new place and… She broke down and sat on the sidewalk. My sunglass's broken!

Susie clucked her tongue. Easy girl. You can borrow my car. Susie reminded Brittany of Martina McBride. Short and petite, Susie was a wonderful friend and neighbor.

After traveling from Virginia and moving from house to house because of financing problems, she and Christian finally had a home of their own. It was a nice little house on a dead end street in town. They knew it was theirs before they saw inside it. A home of their own on their own. In this small town, they learned what it meant to have friends and a home. Although they have been there just under a year, it felt as if they were born and raised there.

She smiled, gratefully at Susie and gave her a hug. You're the best.

Hell, what are friends for? Susie commented.

To survive, that's for sure. Brittany replied.

She went and paid the bills and then picked up Tara. Tara was feeling bad. Brittany took her home and laid her down in the spare bedroom, also known as Tristian's playroom. She fell asleep immediately. Brittany walked outside and lit a cigarette. As she puffed away, she enjoyed the scenery and reminisced.

Brittany? Brittany Sheffield? Christian inquired, as he walked over to her. She sat perched on a bar stool at the end corner of the counter.

She looked up and smiled, drunkenly, Hey, Christian. How's it going?

Good. And you? He asked, watching her light up a cigarette and drink the rest of her drink.

Great. Celebrating. She stated, motioning the waitress for another one.

Really? What?" He asked, as he took a swig of his beer and lit a cigarette.

My birthday, of course. Hell everyone forgets.

Your friends forgot? He sympathized.

She nodded her head. He looked her over. Brittany Sheffield had long auburn hair and green eyes. She was tall and confident. She was wearing simple black jeans and a white sweater. She wore black leather boots. She was elegant in her own style. She frowned.

Yeah, they forgot. My best friend was too busy with my fiancé to remember. She drank her new drink down. He watched in awe, as she didn't even come up for air until it was finished.

I remember you giving them a run for their money in high school with the funnel. He joked.

She smiled. Yeah. That's me party girl. She sighed and shook her head.

So come hang out with me and my friends. We'll help you celebrate. He offered.

She looked him over. Christian Cross was definitely in the sexiest man alive category. She had always admired him. Although they ran in the same circles in high school, they were never single at the same time. Now here he was in black jeans and a dark blue shirt. The blue brought out his eyes. God, she could just lose herself in his eyes and drown. His long black hair feathered back out of his face. She took a breath. She wasn't ready for anything. She sure as hell wasn't the type to take him home and bed. She shook her head.

No, I'm just not in the mood. She declined.

Come on. I remember you used to play a mean game of pool? He persuaded. Unless you're chicken? He smiled and she melted.

Alright. She got off the stool and the room rotated. Wow, when did Outlaws get a moving floor? He chuckled and took her arm. He introduced her to his friends, Greg and Tim. She ordered some crown royal shots. They watched as she amazed them by taking them straight with no chasers.

The phone rang, bringing her back to reality. Hello?

Hi, honey. Guess it works?

Yeah, I guess so.

How's everything going?

Great. My car was wrecked today. No Tristian is at school and ok. Tara's sick. I paid the bills. I have Susie's car. I still have to call insurance so it's a good thing it's back on.

I'm sorry. Are you ok?

Yeah. The car rolled and I managed to walk away from it.

Thank God.

Why? What about my car? I'm so tired of people saying that. My car was totaled.

Christian sighed. You know it's a blessing you are still here for me and Tristian.

She rolled her eyes and pouted. It's not fair.

Did you bring her home?

Damn straight. I had Luke bring it on the flatbed.

I'll see how bad she is when I get home.

A hundred grand. She replied, sarcastically.

What? That's absurd, Brett! He exclaimed. I'll never have that kind of money.

One day you will, Christian and I want her fixed. I won't give her up.

He sighed. There's no guarantee.

No there aren't but we take that leap of faith and see what happens, right?

Yeah, but, baby I gotta go. I love you. He hung up.

Brittany stared out across the yard. The whole reason for them moving out to Tennessee was for Christian to pursue his passion of singing. Last weekend they had gone to the studio and finally recorded Christian's demo. They were going to pass it along to the major labels on Music Row. They told them not to get their hopes up but they would do their best. It was a waiting game now. She knew in her heart that that was what Christian was supposed to do. If only it was that simple for her to know where she stood in this world. She lit another cigarette and drifted back to the past.

Brittany packed up and moved out that night. She went and stayed with Tavish and planned out her next move. She moved into another apartment and slowly began to move things around Keith’s business under his nose. She started to date Christian. He moved in shortly after.

One night they were siting around and he brought out his guitar and began to sing Arms Wide Open by Creed. She listened in awe.

Do you write songs? She asked him. He shook his head.

I can write music for a song.

Let me see if I have something you can use. She opened the bottom desk drawer and pulled out a binder.

He began to play some music. She flipped through the pages before she looked up. I think I got one.

She took it out and handed it to him and he began to strum and sing the words. She smiled.

This is what we are supposed to do. She stated firmly.

It seemed like so long ago but it was just a couple years ago. She broke out of her flashback and went to go pick up Tristian. When she arrived home, she noticed their explorer in the driveway.

She walked in and put Tristian down for his nap. She walked out to the garage and found Christian singing. She stood in the doorway listening to him. She loved listening to him sing and watching him perform. He was a natural. He stopped the music.

Guess what? He asked. He was excited. She could tell.

What? You have better news than I do? She replied, sarcastically.

He grinned. She melted. How about a new car?

He held up a letter. She squealed with delight when she saw the Dream Works letterhead.

No way! Oh my gosh! How awesome. She read it. They wanted to sign him.

The perfect ending to a crappy day.

Chapter 2

Christian Cross became an overnight success story. He took country music by storm. He had a huge fan base already. It was amazing to see how fast everything took place. He had interviews and shows scheduled. Everyone wanted him on his or her show.

It had been six months of non-stop action. It still didn't seem like it would slow down any. He would want her to return to Tennessee with Tristian. He didn't like him traveling so much and not getting the education he needed.

She sat on the side of the stage watching him in concert she was elated. She couldn't believe the turnout for his concert here in Los Angeles. She couldn't believe she was there. It had been her goal to get here and now that she was here, she wasn't planning on leaving.

Christian had promised to take her to the mall to go shopping. She would then figure out a way to stay longer. At least get an apartment or condominium. It just wasn't fair that she had to go back to that boring small town, while he was living it up. She had a life before him and Tristian and she loved her life, Christian, and Tristian but something had to give for her.

Look at this place. It's so huge! Brittany commented as she looked up around the mall. She ran directly into someone and looked to apologize.

Instead, she became speechless. She was staring at Rick Lancet. The hottest male pop star out right now. He was tall with short brown hair and brown eyes. She finally found her voice. I'm so sorry. I'm being a tourist. Her accent came out thick.

He raised an eyebrow and smiled. It's ok. Where are you from?

Tennessee. She replied. Their eyes were locked and they couldn't break free.

Oh my God! Honey do you know who that is? His wife, Kymberly, squealed. Kymberly Dawson was the hottest female pop star. Kymberly was bleached blonde-haired woman with brown eyes. Brittany really couldn’t see what everyone believed to be so wonderful about her except her huge chest. Together they made the perfect Hollywood couple, Barbie and Ken of pop music.

No I don't. He was trying hard to break away. However, this girl had him completely intrigued. Who are you? He asked.

Not her. Christian, hi, it's a pleasure to meet you. Kymberly extended a manicured hand to him. Christian gently brought it to his lips.

The pleasure is mine. He replied. She smiled, coyly.

Brittany. She replied. Rick smiled.

It's a pleasure, Brittany. He kissed her hand, and for a minute, she thought she would faint.

I would love to talk to you some more. I'm a huge fan of yours. Kymberly rambled on to Christian, oblivious to everything else around her. Christian and she had been wrapped in conversation.

Rick smiled and whispered to her. She doesn't shut up.

They went out to dinner together. As they were seated, people started coming over. Brittany watched as the three of them indulged their fans in signing autographs. She sat back feeling like an outsider. She stared at the menu. She always tried to stay away from the cameras. She sighed and excused herself to the bathroom. She stared in the mirror. What are you doing here? This isn't your life. No matter how bad you want it. It isn't you. You can't be like them. She cursed at herself.

"You know for someone who looks so damn