On the Brink 3: The On the Brink Series, #3

By Erika Rhys

A heart-rending decision. An uncertain future. Can love win out in the end?

A difficult decision
After much soul-searching, Juliana makes her choice. But her hesitation damages her relationships with both Craig and Jake, and could cost her the one man who’s won her heart. 

A fight for love
When Juliana bares her soul to the man she loves, will he welcome her with open arms—or will he move on without her? 

Complete series available!
On the Brink is a steamy romance series featuring a love triangle. Vol. 3 is the third and final part of this three-volume series.

Read On the Brink, vol. 3 to experience Juliana’s dilemma today!

What readers have to say about On the Brink:

“The writing is fluid, the wit is sharp and dry, the romance is HOT.”
Christopher, author

“There wasn’t a dull page in this story.”
Ilze, author

“A great balance of story and erotica.”
Heidi M., reader

“Before I read it, I predicted how this would go. It didn't go at all the way I predicted.....it was SO much better!”
Kristen F., reader

“The love affair that developed between the heroine and the hero was absolutely delicious…I would recommend this book to anyone who likes an involved plot including a cliffhanger...or two...:-)
Gilda, reader

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erika Rhys
• Release date: Mar 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781513055138

Erika Rhys

International bestselling author Erika Rhys writes contemporary romance novels featuring sexy men, strong women, and dashes of sparkling wit—the kind of books she enjoys reading. Her books include Heir of the Hamptons and the Gentlemen’s Club, Over the Edge, and On the Brink series. Erika’s heroes are driven, determined, and often wealthy, but can also be sensitive and vulnerable. Her heroines come from a range of backgrounds, and are strong, smart, and independent, but also sympathetic and caring. All her books feature laugh-out-loud moments, because humor is sexy! Erika loves dance music, shoes, long walks by herself, long dinners with friends, dark chocolate, strong coffee, and ice-cold martinis. She also loves hearing from readers, so get in touch!  http://erikarhys.com http://facebook.com/ErikaRhys.Author http://twitter.com/erikarhysauthor http://instagram.com/erikarhysauthor http://pinterest.com/erikarhysauthor

Book preview

On the Brink 3

The On the Brink Series, Volume 3

Erika Rhys

Published by Erika Rhys, 2015.

For Christina Ross, in appreciation of friendship, encouragement, and inspiration.

For Teresa Woroniecka, in gratitude for unwavering friendship and support.

Copyright and Legal Notice:

This publication is protected under the US Copyright Act of 1976 and all other applicable international, federal, state and local laws, and all rights are reserved, including resale rights.

Any trademarks, service marks, product names or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if we use one of these terms. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by any electronic or mechanical means (including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval) without permission in writing from the author.

First ebook edition © 2014.

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. Any similarity to persons living or dead (unless explicitly noted) is merely coincidental. Copyright © 2014 Erika Rhys. All rights reserved worldwide.

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter One

Boston

One week later

Somehow, I survived the week after Jake accepted his new job in London, but it wasn’t easy.

At the office, I had difficulty focusing on my work, and Lara avoided me. Jake worked late every evening on projects that he needed to complete before his departure. The little time we managed together was strained and imbued with our mutual knowledge that within days, an ocean and five time zones would separate us.

On Thursday, I met Duncan for lunch at 29 Newbury. After we ordered, Duncan looked at me. I knew what was coming.

Connor tells me that Jake’s taken the London job. Does this mean that you’ll be moving to London in the near future?

Not necessarily.

What do you mean?

Jake told me that he’s in love with me, but he thinks that spending some time apart is a good idea.

Is this about last weekend, when Craig kissed you?

Not exactly. It’s more than that. Jake thinks I still have feelings for Craig. He’s called it ‘unfinished business’.

Well, is he right? Do you still have feelings for Craig?

It’s complicated. Craig was my first love, and he’ll always have a special place in my heart. I’ll never forget our time together. But that’s over now. I’m in love with Jake.

Have you told Jake that?

There’s no point in telling him.

I don’t understand.

He wouldn’t believe me. Not now.

Why not?

Because I fucked everything up the night Craig kissed me.

That was when Jake dropped his London news on you?

That very night. Of course, he knew nothing about my mindfuck of an evening. So there I am, trying to decide how to tell him that my ex-boyfriend kissed me without consent and that his sister now hates me because she misinterpreted what she saw, when Jake walks in with a smile on his face and a bottle of champagne under his arm, all excited to tell me about London.

What did you do?

I didn’t want to spoil his moment, so I listened. He told me about the London job, and that he wanted to take it. Then he told me that he loved me, and in the same breath, he asked me to move to London with him.

Your head must have been spinning.

It was. I didn’t know what to say, but I had to say something. Unfortunately, what I said ruined everything.

What did you say?

I told Jake that there was something I needed to tell him, and then I told him about my conversation with Craig. I told him about Craig kissing me, that I didn’t initiate it, and that I ended it.

So you told him everything, Duncan said. Did he believe you?

He said that he believed me, but then he asked me how I felt about Craig.

What did you say?

I was honest. I said that my feelings for Craig didn’t add up, and that nothing that happened that night changed what Jake and I have together. I asked for time to think about London. Obviously, that wasn’t what he wanted to hear. That’s when he decided that we needed to spend time apart.

Did you break up?

No, and that’s my one ray of hope. But we haven’t had a real conversation since that night, let alone made love. I know he’s maxed out between finishing projects at the office and preparing to leave the country, so I haven’t pushed. I don’t know what to do, Dunc, and it’s tearing me up inside. I don’t know what to say—or not to say—to Jake right now. And no matter what I do or say, he’s still going to get on a plane in two days, and I can’t go with him because I don’t have a passport.

How did the two of you leave things? Duncan asked.

Jake said that he hopes I’ll choose him over Craig, and that I’ll come to London after my passport arrives. But it’s all too obvious that he’s not counting on it. I feel like an idiot, Dunc. I totally blew it. Can you blame Jake for wanting to get the hell away from me?

Don’t think that way, Duncan said. Maybe he’s just trying to do the right thing for both of you. If you love him, then you need to see this through.

How? I asked.

Ride out the storm. Respect and support his decision to take the London job. Tell Craig that it’s over between the two of you.

It has been over—for months. While Craig has made it clear that he wants me back, I’ve never encouraged him to think that could ever happen. In fact, I don’t want it to happen. I want to be with Jake.

Then put yourself in Jake’s shoes. Try to see what happened from his perspective. He loves you, but he’s questioning whether you’ll return his love.

"But I do love him. You know I do."

Then prove it to him. With actions, not just with words. Words are cheap. Actions say everything. I know this is hard to hear, but as your friend, I have to tell you the truth as I see it. Your relationship with Jake is on the line. What you do in the next two days could save your relationship—or destroy it once and for all.

What do you think I should do? I asked.

Be supportive. Be there for him. Help him pack. Make sure you’re both set up with Skype so that the two of you can stay in touch without enormous phone bills. And before Jake gets on that plane, find the right moment to tell him that you love him.

That can’t be enough.

It isn’t. You need to let him know that you’ll come to London as soon as your passport arrives.

Chapter Two

On Friday, I left work at a quarter past five and hurried several blocks to the supermarket. It was Jake’s last night in Boston, and I wanted to make dinner for him. I’d decided on a green salad and spicy lasagna, which was one of his favorites.

I found the ingredients I needed, and headed for the wine section, where I selected a Syrah/Malbec blend. I paid for my purchases, left the supermarket with two large bags of groceries, and caught a cab back to Jake’s condo, where I carried the groceries upstairs and unlocked the door, before texting Jake.

Spicy lasagna for dinner? I’m making it right now.

He responded quickly.

That sounds great, but I won’t be able to leave work until 8 or so. And I still have to finish packing.

Dinner at 9, then? I can help you pack.

OK. See you then.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Throughout the week, Jake had stayed late at the office every night, which wasn’t like him. I knew he had work to finish and projects to turn over before his departure. Still, part of me worried. Maybe working late was a convenient excuse to avoid me. I’d missed him terribly, which only made me realize just how much more I would miss him when he was half a world away.

As I browned the sausage, onion, and garlic for the lasagna, I felt more optimistic