Sweet Reprieve: Stick Shift Lips Rockstar Romance, #3

By Maria Bernard

Sweet Reprieve - A Stick Shift Lips RockStar Romance, Book Three

Heartbroken and betrayed by her cheating fiancé, Nina hops in her car and drives away from everything and everyone familiar, hoping to lose herself in the cold anonymity of big city Chicago. Having no prospects for a job and with very little money, her situation soon turns desperate. When fate intercedes and her childhood friend, now married to a local rockstar, calls and offers her a job as a nanny to adorable twin baby girls, Nina jumps at the chance.

Little does she realize, that she's also about to take the biggest chance of her life on their guarded, introspective uncle, Chris Arrow, gifted lead guitar player for the Stick Shift Lips.

Nina isn't at all his type but Chris finds himself inexplicably drawn to the dark haired nanny with the sad eyes that mirror his own. They have nothing in common but disillusionment and broken hearts. Will that be enough to allow them to set aside their pride and grant each other a sweet reprieve from heartache and maybe even find true love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Maria Bernard
• Release date: Mar 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9780973147438

Maria Bernard

Maria Bernard is a Canadian author, residing in the Greater Toronto Area with her music-obsessed husband, and her adopted cat. Maria eats, sleeps and dreams with romance in mind. One day the idea to share the many stories and scenarios that swirl in her imagination became a reality. Her stories are heavy on the romance with a healthy dose of steam. Maria's characters are creative, strong-willed, artistic individuals, unafraid to show their vulnerable sides. Hand in Glove is her first published full-length novel in the Stick Shift Lips Series. She has since written and published fifteen books and is currently working on a few upcoming projects. Besides writing, Maria enjoys listening to music and playing guitar with her husband. She also loves drawing, painting, and travelling.

Book preview

Sweet Reprieve

By

Maria Bernard

*****

Smashwords Edition

Published By

Maria Bernard on Smashwords

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Sweet Reprieve

Copyright © 2014 by Maria Bernard

Updated 2020

ISBN: 978-0-9731474-3-8

All rights reserved. Although you’ve downloaded this ebook, it remains the copyrighted property of the author. This ebook may not be reproduced in whole or in part, by any means, without expressed, written permission. No alteration of content is allowed.

Thank you for downloading this ebook. If you enjoyed this book, then encourage your friends to download their own copy.

Your support and respect for the property of this author is greatly appreciated.

This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or places, events or locales is purely coincidental. The characters are productions of the author’s imagination and used fictitiously.

I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Stick Shift Lips Rockstar Romance

Book Three

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Cover Design by Chloe Belle Arts

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Dedication

Many thanks to my best pal, Julia, and the rest of you hopeless romantics,

for refusing to give up on love.

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Sweet Reprieve

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

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

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Books by Maria Bernard

About the Author

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Chapter 1

It didn’t matter that it was small. It didn’t matter that the tap leaked. What did matter, was that it was hers and hers alone. It was temporary, a refuge, a place to hide, and to heal. It was the first place she had looked at. Most importantly it was all she could afford. At least, until what was left of her money ran out.

Nina closed her eyes as the last year of her life tripped through her mind once again. Everything was going along so well. At least, she had thought it was. She’d had a job she really enjoyed, a seemingly perfect relationship, successful friends... but then in one cruel hour, everything came crashing down around her.

Nina wiped away a stray tear. She’d given Josh everything. Her heart, her soul but apparently it hadn’t been enough. It would never have been enough. She should have realized that fact long ago. The evidence was plain to see. Everyone else did, everyone but her.

Josh, her ex, was forever reminding her of how much better he could do. Yet somehow she’d been good enough while he finished his ivy league law school education. Good enough to parade around his friends while he applied for his big time career. Good enough to support him financially throughout his last two years of college with what little money she earned from her nanny services.

She took a deep breath as the next wave of memories cut through whatever anesthetic time had applied to her wounded heart. She had truly believed that he was going to ask her to marry him. That it would all be worth it in the end. The insults, the half-assed comments, the way his friends, who she’d thought were hers, looked down on her, talked over her head in terms only law students could appreciate, often referring to her as the help. He would never stick up for her. No, he would just laugh along with them and even add insult to injury with his own cruel commentary.

But he could also be very smooth. He always knew exactly what to say or do to bring her back to him whenever she did attempt to leave him. Showering her with gifts and flowers, romantic dinners. The way he would hold her, make her believe that she was the only one. Lies, it was all lies.

It didn’t help matters that Josh had her own mother convinced that he was perfect. Nina’s mother believed that she should hold onto him at all costs. So she did just that, but at such great cost. More than she could’ve ever imagined.

Her father, on the other hand, had seen right through Josh. Not wanting to listen to his good advice, she had simply shrugged it off. Figuring he hadn’t really given Josh a chance. If only she had listened to her father but then things were always clearer in hindsight.

She closed her eyes tight, fighting back the tears that had all but dried up. Fighting back the next memory that stole through her fragile mind. The look on his face when she came home that fateful day from work. The look on both their faces as they laughed at her, lying there together in the bed that she’d shared with Josh for so long.

She should have realized he’d been seeing someone else. It had been more than six months since he’d even looked at her, let alone touched her. Lately, they lived more like roommates rather than lovers. She’d convinced herself that it was probably due to all the stress he was under with his studies and job interviews.

He offered no apology, just a pathetic shrug with the words – Yeah, I’ve been meaning to tell you, we’re done. He smiled as he turned over on his side. While her replacement, a woman he’d recently met at his fancy new job, smiled and waved guiltily with her manicured nails, and her perfect blonde hair all over the pillow that Nina had so looked forward to resting her head that very same night.

Without another word, Nina packed what clothes she could fit into her small suitcase and drove far away into the night. Not knowing what direction to take, she chose the first destination on the next highway sign.

Chicago. Perfect, a big city where she could lose herself and hide away from everyone who knew her.

Chapter 2

Hello? Chloe Martin Wright answered the phone. Mom, slow down, she said, glancing over at Ashton, her newlywed rockstar husband. What do you mean she just took off? She listened intently. Okay, let me get a pen. Right, okay I’ll see what I can do.

Chloe? What’s up? Ashton asked, noting her agitation.

Well, it’s the strangest thing. She scratched her head. Um, an old friend of my mother’s, she has this daughter, Nina, she said, reading the name she’d written down, memories flooding back to her. Yeah, we kind of grew up together. She was such a nice girl, always so friendly and eager to share her dolls with me. We would play together as kids and then occasionally in our early teens, we’d get together and go to the movies while our moms did their thing around the church.

So, what happened? Ashton asked, intrigued, resting the music magazine he’d been reading on his lap.

Well, we kind of drifted apart. We each had our separate circle of friends in high school, then afterward I left for college. She stayed behind and apparently started seeing this guy. I kind of remember that she was head over heels about him. He came from a rich family, had big dreams. I just assumed she’d be happily married by now since that’s all her mother ever talked about. She was forever going on about how well Nina was doing with her big time, soon to be lawyer fiancé.

So... what happened? Ashton repeated, raising an eyebrow.

Well, according to my mother, Nina just up and took off not long ago without saying a word to anybody. Her mother, Maria, called my mother and gave her Nina’s cell phone number. Apparently, Nina contacted her mother once and left this number on her answering machine saying only that she was in Chicago and not to worry about her.

So they want you to look her up? Ashton guessed.

Yeah, I suppose I should.

Chloe, maybe she doesn’t want to be found. Maybe she has her reasons. Besides, what makes you think she’d even take your call?

Well, I can only try, right? she said, reaching for the phone.

***

Nina shuddered at the sound of the howling wind that rattled the shabby window of her ground floor bachelor apartment. October had arrived with a vengeance that year. She pulled the thin blanket over her head, hoping her breath would help keep her warm. She knew that she couldn’t hide here forever. It had already been over a month ago since she moved in. She’d had to sell her car to afford rent. At least, she would be okay until the end of the month. But then where would she go? She couldn’t go home to her parents’ place, no way, not ever again. She couldn’t bear it. She would have to get a job soon, something, anything would do. Soon enough she’d run out of money. Yet the thought of dealing with the real world beyond the four walls of her dreary hiding hole seemed unbearable.

Unable to warm herself sufficiently, she reluctantly left her bed and searched the darkened room for the cable knit sweater her mother had made for her last Christmas. Finding it on the floor, she quickly pulled it on over her head. It desperately needed to be laundered but dry cleaning was another luxury she just couldn’t afford. Turning the kettle on, she waited for the water to boil, hoping a hot tea would make her feel better. Reaching for the cupboard, she took her last tea bag and dropped it in her mug.

Figuring she had a minute or two before the tea steeped, she thought to check her cell phone one last time before it too ran out of minutes she couldn’t afford to replace. Of course, there were the half-dozen messages from her mother, ranging in tone from anger to anguish, mostly begging her to come home. No calls from him, though, not even a simple text. Hold on now, the very last message did spark her interest. It was from Chloe, Chloe Martin. Nina smiled fondly, remembering her childhood friend. But why would Chloe be calling her after all this time? Someone must have told her to call. Probably her mother, she realized.

The last thing she remembered hearing about Chloe was that she’d gone to Chicago to study art but that was years ago.

Maybe it was loneliness that prompted her, maybe desperation, perhaps a little bit of both but the next thing she knew, Nina was returning her call.

Chloe? It’s me, Nina, Nina Bragança. Oh, I’m okay, she said unconvincingly. You want to come here? Well, actually, that’s not such a good idea. Hey, why don’t I come to you? she suggested, quickly writing down Chloe’s address. Thanks, see you tomorrow morning.

***

Nina woke up early the next morning after a fitful sleep. What would she wear? She had so little to choose from. Especially since the weather had turned so cold. In her haste to leave home, she hadn’t the forethought to bring enough warm clothing. All she had with long sleeves was a red cotton knit top. That and the tattered but much-beloved sweater she had on. Doing her best to look presentable, Nina took a quick lukewarm shower and towel dried her long dark curly hair. She put on the red top and her favorite pair of black jeans. She searched through her wallet for money for the train. Finding just enough, she sighed with relief and made her way over to 143 Pine Street, the address Chloe had given her.

It was quite a long train ride. Halfway across the city, it seemed. As the train approached her destination, Nina couldn’t help but notice the affluent neighborhood. As she walked, she admired the tree-lined streets, the cafe on the corner. It was a far cry from her own dreary apartment complex.

Well, it certainly looks like Chloe’s done well for herself, she thought, approaching the handsome Victorian home with a pair of snazzy BMWs in the driveway. Almost too embarrassed to go inside, Nina paused a moment before knocking. But just as she was about to turn around and leave, she heard a baby’s cry and curiosity overruled embarrassment.

Chapter 3

Nina! You’re here, Chloe exclaimed happily, holding a sweet little dark haired baby in her arms. Please come in out of the cold. Oh my, did you leave your coat in your car? she asked, noticing Nina shiver.

No, I’m afraid I don’t have a car or a coat. Nina shrugged. Chloe, it’s so nice to see you, she said, looking at the cute baby in her arms. Aw, is she yours?

Chloe had always been beautiful in Nina’s eyes, inside and out. Even now, with her long flowing mane of golden hair and bright green eyes, she looked amazing, practically glowing. Yes, life must be good for Chloe Martin. Nina couldn’t help but feel a pang of envy. Ashamed at the selfish thought, she quickly put the unhealthy feeling aside. Chloe was a good friend and Nina was grateful to have her. No matter what, Chloe Martin always had a warm smile for her and when they played together as young girls, she would always readily share her toys with Nina and as they got older, Chloe never thought twice about saying hello to her at school even though they didn’t share the same circle of friends. Chloe, being a budding artist in high school mostly hung out with her small group of artsy friends, unlike Nina who hadn’t really found her calling at the time.

Oh, no, she’s not mine. Chloe smiled, placing the baby in a playpen with her twin. But I like to think of them as my nieces.

Twins? Nina said, standing over the smiling babies. So cute. She admired their big blue eyes and thick dark hair.

They really are adorable, Chloe said, making a funny face at them.

Wow, Chloe, it’s been so long, Nina said, looking at her friend. Her long golden blond hair, her green eyes, just as bright and full of life as she remembered. You look so good. Life must be treating you well.

Thank you, Nina. I really can’t complain, Chloe said with a smile.

Nina turned, hearing footsteps behind her. She smiled politely at the approaching woman with familiar blue eyes. Quickly realizing that she must be the mother of the twins, Nina admired the fact that she’d regained her tiny figure so soon. Her dark brown, shoulder-length hair framed her pretty face in a flattering manner.

Hey, Chloe… Oh, I’m sorry you have company. Let me take them upstairs, Audrey said, reaching for the playpen.

Oh, no they’re fine, Chloe reassured her.

Okay, but only if you’re sure, Audrey said, smiling apologetically.

Audrey, let me introduce you to Nina, a good friend of mine from my hometown, Chloe said. We practically grew up together.

Audrey gave Nina a warm smile and held out her hand. A pleasure to meet you, Nina.

Thank you. Nice to meet you too. Nina smiled shyly. So these are your babies?

Yes, they sure are, Audrey said, giggling down at the babies as they cooed and gurgled.

How old are they, six months? Nina guessed.

Just about, how’d you guess? Audrey asked curiously.

Oh, I have a lot of experience with babies, Nina said, stroking the little hand that reached for her. I’m a nanny, actually. Well, I was… until recently.

A nanny? Really? Wow, because I… Audrey paused and hesitated. Never mind, I’m sorry, I’ll let you two get reacquainted. She shook her head and frowned thoughtfully. I’ll be just upstairs if you need me, Chloe, she said, waving at the babies. Nice to meet you, Nina.

So, Nina, please have a seat, Chloe said, quirking an eyebrow at Audrey’s retreating form. Can I get you some coffee or tea?

Tea please, thank you, Nina said, grateful for any form of sustenance at that point. She hadn’t had anything to eat since last night.

So what’s going on? How have you been? Chloe asked awkwardly, trying to avoid the obvious question but failing miserably. What happened to… um? The name escapes me. Weren’t you dating that guy?

Josh… his name is Josh, and yeah, that’s right, he’s kind of why I’m here in Chicago, she explained as Chloe listened to all the sordid details of her recent past.

What a jerk! I’m so sorry, Nina, but I’m glad you left him, Chloe said sympathetically. I wish I’d known sooner. I would have called you the moment I heard you were in town. You must’ve been so sad out here all alone in this big city.

Actually, I’m really glad I came out here, Nina said, absently playing with her long chestnut locks of hair. It’s been... therapeutic. She sighed. The truth is I just had to get as far away from everyone as possible. I couldn’t stand the thought of having to explain my situation each time I ran into someone who knew Josh. I mostly didn’t want to deal with my mother. I figured she’d somehow make it out like the whole thing was my fault. So I just took off and for the most part I’m glad I did.

Where are you staying? Are you working? Chloe asked, reaching for Nina’s hand.

I’ve got a little place across town. She sighed, leaving out the details. I’m not working yet but I have to find something soon or else I won’t be able to pay my rent.

Oh no, that’s not good at all. So what kind of work are you looking for? Did you just say that you were a nanny?

Yes, Nina said with a smile. It was something I started doing back home, babysitting for neighbors and friends. I really enjoyed it so I took a job as a nanny for this busy family. The parents both worked full time. The little girl was such a pleasure to look after. It didn’t even feel like work most of the time. She smiled fondly. But soon enough, she got a little older and they thought it best to put her in daycare so then I was out of a job. Eventually, I found work in a private daycare center but it wasn’t quite the same. I prefer a more one on one approach with children.

Um, Nina? Do you think you’d like to do it again? Chloe asked with a gleam in her eye. Because I know two very cute babies that are desperately looking for the perfect nanny.

Really? Nina asked, caught off guard but pleased just the same.

Yes, actually, but it’s not really my place to offer you the job, Chloe said, looking from Nina to the twins. But I could put in a good word for you if you like. You’ve already met Audrey, their mother.

Wow, I wasn’t expecting this. That would be great, Chloe, Nina said, gravitating toward the playpen. They sure are happy babies. Aren’t you, cuties? She stroked the little girl’s hair.

They certainly are happy, Chloe agreed. They’ve got no reason not to be, she cooed. They’ve got a mama who loves them, a daddy who adores them and all kinds of crazy uncles. Right, Nicole? Isn’t it true, Ashley? she said as the babies gurgled.

Not to mention their Auntie Chloe, Nina said, reaching for the closest baby. Would it be all right if I picked her up?

Sure, of course. They love being picked up, Chloe said enthusiastically.

Now, who’s this? Nina asked, picking up the closest baby.

That’s Ashley you’ve got there. Chloe beamed. You can sort of tell them apart because Ashley’s just a wee bit bigger than her little sister, Nicole, she said, quickly picking up the other twin. The problem is… Chloe laughed. You can’t just pick one of them up or the other one starts to cry. Don’t you, Nicole, my sweet thing?

Hey, little Miss Ashley. Nina bounced the baby in her arms. You sure are pretty. Hey now let go of the hair. She laughed, quickly unraveling the eager fingers from her curls.

Yes, you have to watch that one, Chloe said. She likes to pull hair, especially her daddy’s. Don’t you, Ashley?

"Her daddy’s hair?" Nina asked curiously.

Oh, yeah, you see, Nick, he’s got this big head of black hair that she just can’t keep her hands out of. Chloe laughed. Nicole’s a little gentler. She’s more snuggly, she said as Nicole burrowed her face in under her hair.

Hey, have a seat on the couch. I’ll get your tea, Chloe said, tentatively placing Nicole down.

Okay, thanks, Nina said, sitting Ashley on her lap.

Just as she’d predicted, Chloe heard the little cry of disappointment from little Nicole as she walked away. Hey now, I’ll be right back, Chloe said, but it wasn’t good enough as the angry little whine turned into an all out cry of abandonment. Oh no, here we go. She winced.

No sooner had Nina approached the playpen, did she turn, hearing hurried footsteps trailing down the stairs. Expecting to see Audrey, their mother, Nina all but jumped when instead appeared a tall blonde stranger who flashed her a handsome smile before swiftly picking up little red-faced Nicole.

Hey, now that’s better, he said when Nicole’s pout was quickly replaced with a gummy smile as she reached out and placed her little fingers on his handsome face. She may be small but she won’t be denied. He smiled back at the happy baby. Isn’t that right, Nicole?

No, she won’t, Chloe agreed, approaching with Nina’s tea, placing it down on the coffee table. Let me introduce you two. Nina, this is Ashton Wright, my husband, she said proudly. Ashton, this is Nina, my friend from my hometown.

Nice to meet you, Nina, Ashton said, shaking her hand. Well, there must definitely be something in the water in that hometown of yours. He smiled, looking appreciatively from Nina to Chloe. Maybe the band should make a point of adding it to our next tour.

Nice to meet you, Nina said, blushing readily at his compliment. So I take it, you’re in a band? she asked, noting his shoulder length hair and the various guitars around the room.

He’s in a band all right, Chloe said laughingly.

Yes, the Stick Shift Lips, he said, pointing to his graphic t-shirt. Have you heard of us?

No, I’m afraid not. Nina shrugged apologetically. I’ve been out of the music loop this last little while. What kind of music do you play? she asked, studying the image on the shirt. That’s a cool shirt, though, neat artwork.

Thanks to Chloe and her sidekick Audrey, our in-home marketing team, Martin-Lane Designs. Ashton smiled. Hey, Chloe, why don’t you give Nina a couple of shirts.

That was the best thing he could have suggested at that moment since Nina was desperately in need of new clothes. Thank you, I’d be most grateful.

And maybe we should give you a couple of our CDs so you can judge for yourself, he said.

Sure, come on, Nina. I’ll let you pick, Chloe said, leading her toward her art studio.

Nina hesitated with what to do with little Ashley who napped contentedly in her arms.

Here, I’ll take that, Ashton said with a wink as he held out his other arm, balancing both sleeping babies as he sat down in his chair.

Wow, Chloe, he sure is… different, Nina said as she looked around the art studio.

Different? Chloe repeated.

Yeah, I mean, he’s not exactly who I expected you to end up with. I mean he’s not... she fumbled for words.

Not your average guy? Chloe said.

He’s just so… pretty? Nina shrugged. So rockstar? If that makes any sense.

Yeah, I know exactly what you’re trying to say. Chloe laughed. My mother’s still getting used the fact that I married a singer of a rock band. Not exactly who she envisioned me marrying either. But, hey, what can I say? I think he’s great.

I’m sure he’s very nice, to have won you over. You two look so happy. Marriage must agree with you, Nina said fondly. You’re both very lucky, she added pensively.

Yes, we’re very fortunate, thanks. Aw, don’t worry, Nina, Chloe said sympathetically. Things happen for a reason. Just be glad you walked away when you did.

You’re right. I know that now. Nina sighed and took in a cleansing breath. So, you’re an artist. These are all your paintings? Nina asked, looking around at all the canvases.

Yes, Chloe said with a sparkle in her eye. And I’m actually making money doing it, thanks to Audrey.

Oh, yeah?

Yeah, she kind of brought me out of my shell. She’s a graphic designer and she encouraged me to use my drawings for the band merchandise. She’s really talented. She scanned my drawings, did her magic and voila, we have these. Here, have a look. Take as many as you like, Chloe said, pulling out various t-shirts and items from a cardboard box. There’s t-shirts, nightshirts, sweaters.

Sweaters, Nina said eagerly. I’ll take a couple of sweaters.

Take what you like, there’s plenty, she said, displaying them.

Oh, wow, are these the other guys in the band? Nina asked.

Yes, that’s Nick Arrow. He plays bass. He’s my favorite, next to Ashton, of course. He’s also the babies’ father, Audrey’s husband. He’s very sweet.

Who’s this? Nina said, pointing to another shirt.

Jamie Gale, the drummer, Chloe said, making a funny face. Not my cup of tea, but he’s Audrey’s favorite next to Nick, of course.

So everyone has a favorite? Nina laughed. And this one? Whose favorite is he? She traced a finger over the image on the sweater. He looks a lot like Nick.

He’s the one and only Chris Arrow. He and Nick are brothers. They do look a lot alike but they couldn’t be more different, Chloe said pensively.

Oh, in what way? Nina asked, studying Chris’s handsome face, his sweet features.

Well, he’s very quiet most of the time. Very calm until he’s on stage. Then you’d swear he was someone else. Fierce would be a good word to describe his stage presence. He plays lead guitar, he’s awesome. Nick’s a joker and a big flirt, laughing all the time while Chris keeps mostly to himself. He’s a sweetheart actually, just very quiet. She shrugged.

Well, then he’ll be my favorite, Nina said, choosing his sweater, t-shirt, and nightie.

Good, it’s about time he became someone’s favorite, Chloe said reflectively. Take two of everything. Here take another sweater. It’s getting colder these days. Chloe handed Nina another set of items with the complete band on the front. Put one on over your shirt, she said with concern. So what happened to your car? You’ve always had a car. Ever since you turned sixteen and got your license.

Oh, yeah, I had to sell it. Nina shrugged. Rent in Chicago is very expensive.

Oh, I see. Well, I’ll speak to Audrey about the nanny thing if you like, Chloe said. They’ve been interviewing nannies but so far haven’t found anyone that would suit them.

They must be very particular, Nina said hesitantly.

Oh, it’s more of a scheduling thing but I’ll let Nick and Audrey discuss it with you first.

Thank you, Chloe. I would appreciate that, Nina said humbly.

Hey, that must be Nick at the door now, Chloe said, hearing a knock. I’ll introduce you.

Nina hesitated for a moment while Chloe left the room, feeling somewhat out of place around all this apparent domestic bliss, something that had been absent from her life