Too Good To Be True

By Michelle Tietz

Hayden is a good girl, a very good girl... her life has been pretty straight forward. A bottle of tequila later she wakes up in a place she has never been, not only that but she is completely naked. A little confused and a lot hung-over she comes face to face with a life changing reality, and he’s tall and handsome. What happens after that takes Hayden to a place she’s never been before, love is a whole new path and this path is bumpy. This story is certainly no fairytale, the characters aren’t “perfect” and it’s not your traditional romance, but will they find happily ever after or is it too good to be true?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Michelle Tietz
• Release date: Jul 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311269539

Michelle Tietz

I was born and raised in a small town in Iowa, for the most part I'm an all around country girl. I have a bachelor's degree in Forensic Science/BioChemistry and I only have my thesis left to complete in my master's degree in Forensic Science. I started writing my first book when I graduated high school, I was looking for someplace to escape to. What started out as somewhere to hide became a sort of hobby, something to fill up the extra spaces of time in my life. Writing isn't a career for me, it is just something I enjoy doing and I don't plan on stopping any time soon. I have recently finished writing a second book, which I would like to try and get published into an actual book instead of just a self published eBook. I'm not writing for the money, or the fame, I am writing for my own enjoyment and it only seems fair to share my work with the world. I'm not saying it's great work, because honestly I don't even think its that good. But regardless of what I think, I am willing to let others decide for themselves.

Book preview

Too Good To Be True

Michelle Tietz

Too Good To Be True

By Michelle Tietz

Published by Michelle Tietz at Smashwords

Distributed by Smashwords

Copyright 2014 Michelle Tietz

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be redistributed to others for commercial or non-commercial purposes. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Dedication

Prologue

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

Epilogue

About the Author

Dedication

I dedicate the book to my grandfather, Maynard Lee Smith, a truly wonderful man who unfortunately is no longer with us. He was one of a kind; he would always speak his mind and at the same time would give you the shirt off his back. We will love and miss you always grandpa.

Prologue

This story is most definitely not a fairy tale. There are no evil step sisters, no wicked queen, and the hero is certainly not a beast. Upon meeting her hero, the heroine loses more than just her shoe and hopes that a kiss will not wake her from this perfect dream. The attraction between these two isn’t the result of some magical spell or enchanted curse. The rabbit hole these characters go down has no escape. This story has no magic or myth. There is no once upon a time or in a far off place. The one thing it might have is a happily ever after. Remember things may seem too good to be true, but then again… things are never as they seem.

Chapter 1

I rolled to my side and then back onto to my back, my eyes still closed. As I began to regain my senses I felt the bed and blanket around me, they felt completely unfamiliar. I slowly opened my eyes to see a white ceiling with a ceiling fan spinning, blowing cool air around the room. I titled my head up, looking around the room. It was fairly simple, nothing extravagant; smooth white walls with nothing hanging on them except a flat screen television positioned parallel to the bed. There wasn’t much in the room; a closet, dresser, bedside table. The room looked extremely clean and organized… almost too clean and organized. I wondered for a second if I had ended up in a loony bin; which after the night I had that seemed remotely possible. I laughed to myself, trying to remember exactly what happened last night and where exactly I had ended up.

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes and pulled myself up to a sitting position. As I sat up I could feel the soft cotton blanket slide down my very naked body and fall down to my waist leaving my upper body fully exposed. I quickly glanced around the room to see if I could find my clothes. They were scattered around the room. My shirt was hanging from a chair sitting in the corner of the room next to the dresser, my jeans on the floor next to the door, my underwear were on the floor next to the bed and my bra, most embarrassingly of all, was hanging from the lamp on the bed side table.

I pulled the blanket up around me to cover myself and stood from the bed. My body swayed and I became dizzy watching the room turn, but I caught my balance and quietly tiptoed around the room collecting my clothes. The door to the room was slightly open; I walked up to it and peered out. I saw no one around so I opened the door and walked out into the hallway. To my right there was another doorway; the door was open and I could see a sink, mirror, and toilet. I walked in and shut the door behind me locking it. The bathroom was a decent size; it was the same simple white that the bedroom was. I turned and faced the sink and mirror.

I looked at myself in the mirror; I looked like I had just walked out of a horror movie. My hair was a disaster from being tangled while I slept, my makeup was smudged and most had been rubbed off, and mascara formed half circles under my eyes.

No more tequila for me, I whispered quietly to myself.

I dropped the blanket to the floor and quickly put on my clothes. I washed my face and rinsed my mouth out. I tried fixing my hair a bit, there was a brush sitting on the counter, I picked it up and ran it through my hair and then I pulled it back into a pony tail using the rubber band that was on my wrist to secure it. I picked the blanket up off the floor and turned towards the door. The dizzy feeling rushed over me again and my stomach churned. I regained my balance and quickly knelt down in front of the toilet. I opened the toilet lid and emptied the contents of my stomach into it, heaving until the back of my throat burned. I wiped my mouth and stood. My mouth tasted sour with stomach acid so I washed my mouth out in the sink.

That’s it, no more drinking, I sternly whispered to myself, staring into my eyes through the mirror.

I once again grabbed the blanket from the floor and went for the door. I opened the door and walked back into the bedroom tossing the blanket onto the bed. I heard a noise coming from outside the bedroom. I turned and headed for the door, but as I reached the doorway I was met by a man.

He stood looking at me with a smile on his face. His short dark brown hair was wet and droplets had fallen onto the shoulders of his shirt. He had gorgeous green-hazel eyes; he stood a little over six foot and had an athletic physique. He was wearing jeans and a fitted forest green t-shirt. I stood there not saying a word wondering silently to myself who this man was, if this was his apartment, and if so, what was I doing there? I didn’t know what to say first. I just stood there dumbfounded until he spoke.

Hangover, huh?

I shook my head yes. I wanted to speak but the words seemed frozen in my mouth unable to escape.

I got just the thing, follow me, he grinned at me and turned.

I followed him down the hallway; he turned the corner to the left. I stopped for a second staring at what I presumed to be his living room. This guy was starting to freak me out just by his apartment. It was freakishly neat; the living room which continued the simple theme also had bare white walls. The couch which sat just to my right against the wall was a simple navy color made of something that looked like corduroy. The chair, which was just in front of me, was a match to the couch. There was a television and cabinet on the wall across from the couch.

I snapped back to reality and turned and walked into the kitchen. The kitchen was separated from the living room by a half wall. On the left wall was a counter, stove, sink and along the far wall was the fridge.

The man was standing next to the sink. He opened the cupboard and pulled out a bottle of aspirin, then opened another and pulled out a glass. He sat the aspirin on the counter and turned on the faucet, filling the glass with water. He handed me the glass of water, then picked up the aspirin bottle, opened it, took out two, and handed them to me as well.

Drink all the water, and take those. It’ll help.

I placed the pills on my tongue and drank the glass of water letting the pills slide down my sore throat. I handed the glass back to him and he set it in the sink.

So, ya hungry? he chuckled.

Not really, since I just emptied my stomach into your toilet, I said under my breath, but it was just loud enough that he could hear it.

Bet you’re wondering who I am and where you are, huh?

I sure am, I thought to myself.

Yeah, the last thing I remember was Anita handing me a bottle of tequila and saying drink up, I answered with a shrug.

I see; tequila…. that explains a lot, he smiled and chuckled, Well, I’m Jason, this is my apartment, and you’re Hayden. Before you ask I will tell you yes… we did exactly what you think we did.

My eyes must have revealed something of what was occurring in my brain, because he then said, Take a seat, I’ll tell you what happened…

He pointed to a table and four chairs sitting to our right against the half wall. I pulled a chair from the table and took a seat; he pulled out the one next to me and sat down as well. I took a deep breath, not knowing what to expect him to say.

Last night you were well… extremely drunk. About midnight you stood up on a table in the middle of the room and yelled ‘Anybody wanna have sex with me?’ Like three guys got up and walked toward you. I know the guys and they all would have taken full advantage of a drunken girl asking for it, and I couldn’t let them do that. Because well… you didn’t seem like the kind of girl who slept with random guys. So I stepped in front of them and grabbed you. I walked you to my car and drove you to my apartment. I want you to know that I had no intention of sleeping with you. I just wanted to get you away from those guys and let you sleep it off. But when I got you up here and took you to my room to put you in bed you started taking your clothes off. I tried to stop you, but then you kissed me…

He paused like he was picturing it over again in his head, a smile crossed his face.

I have to tell you, it was probably the best kiss I’ve ever had. So I lost all control and something else took over. And it was amazing….

I didn’t know what to say. Was he telling the truth; unfortunately, I had no way of knowing if he was or not. Could I trust a total stranger? I stared at him, trying to see anything that would let me know if he was telling the truth or not. I caught his eyes staring back into mine and it was like something clicked. I may not have known this man, but something about those eyes made me want to know him, want to trust him, and want to believe him.

I don’t know if you believe me… I mean you have no reason to. You don’t know me, he spoke, breaking the silence.

I’m not sure of anything right now. I know you don’t know me, but I’m extremely shy. I’m the closest thing to a pathetic loser. I’ve never been in a real relationship, I’ve never actually been kissed, and until till last night… apparently… I was a full-fledged virgin, I paused, I’m just trying to process what you just told me.

He looked at me with utter shock, like I had just told him something impossible had just happened.

You were a virgin…? You’d never kissed or been kissed by anyone…?

No, pathetic loser, right? Why do you seem so surprised?

Stop calling yourself a loser, none of those things make you pathetic or a loser. I’m surprised because of last night, you didn’t seem like… a first-timer; you seemed to know exactly what you were doing.

Thanks… I guess. I just wish I could remember.

I cupped my face in my hands, had I really done what he said I had done? Had I stood up on a table and asked a whole party of people if they wanted to have sex with me? Had I went home with this stranger and then thrown myself at him? I was mortified, that was something slutty girls did; not me. He gently grabbed my hands and pulled them down from my face.

If you want we can pretend it never happened. You don’t remember and I will try and forget… if you want me to.

I just started laughing. I couldn’t help it, the laugh just exploded from me. He looked at me like I was someone who had just lost their sanity.

Are you alright? he questioned awkwardly.

I slowed my laughing and then forced myself to stop.

No…one more laugh jumped out of me, I mean, yes, I’m alright. And no you don’t have to forget. I just wish I could remember. It’s like I just ate this amazing food or listened to the best song ever or something else wonderful, but I don’t remember it ever happening, you know?

Yeah, something like that, but you’re way better than food, he laughed.

I looked up and saw the time on the stove; those bright red numbers read 11:23.

Is that the time? I asked.

Yeah, he said, looking over towards the stove.

I have to go.

Okay, well, I’ll take you home then.

Thanks.

He got up from the table and headed back to his bedroom.

Your shoes and purse are by the door, he yelled from the hallway.

I got up and walked towards the front door, my shoes and purse were neatly sitting on a bench next to the door. I sat down on the bench and put my shoes on. I then grabbed my purse and stood. I looked up to see Jason walking back into the living room swinging his keys that were connected to a black lanyard.

Ready? he questioned.

Yep, I replied.

Let’s go.

He started walking towards the door, unable to bite my tongue the words spilled out.

What’s with your apartment? I blurted.

What do you mean? he asked puzzled, turning to look at me.

I mean, everything is so simple and it all matches.

Oh, well I didn’t have any furniture when I moved in. I bought it all at the same time, so it all matches. It’s simple because I haven’t really had time to do anything special to it, I guess, he shrugged his right shoulder.

I see… You’re really neat though, for a guy.

Sorry, he grinned.

It’s alright. I guess… it’s just weird.

I’m really clean; it’s just how I was raised. So should we go? he said, motioning to the door.

Yeah, I half smiled.

He brushed past me moving towards the door, his arm touching mine. It was like sparks shot between us. He barely touched me, but I instantly craved more. He unlocked the door and opened it. He motioned for me to go first; I walked out and followed the staircase down three flights. The building was very clean and seemed fairly newly built.

Turn left, he finally said.

I turned left and pushed open the glass door in front of me. It led to a parking lot behind the building. Outside the air was warm; the breeze brushed the warm summer air across my skin. I could smell the flowers that were on the tree just to the right of where we were standing. The parking lot had about ten cars parked in it.

That one’s mine, he said, pointing to a dark blue 1970 Ford Mustang.

That’s a hot car, I blurted, and then feeling embarrassed by my remark my cheeks began to warm.

Thanks, he grinned, completely unaware of the fact that I was blushing.

He unlocked it, opened the door, and then popped the lock for me to get in. I opened the door and slid into the passenger seat. The car smelled of men’s cologne, like the kind you get at Abercrombie or Hollister. He started the car and pulled out of the parking lot onto the street. He turned on the iPod touch connected to the stereo. Sex is Good by Saving Abel started playing. I giggled at the irony of the song.

Good song, I smiled.

Yeah… I’m surprised you like it.

I like a lot of music; country, alternative, rock, metal, hip-hop, anything except rap.

Me, too. You have a favorite band or singer? he asked staring forward, his eyes focused on the road.

I really like bands like Lifehouse, OneRepublic, and SafetySuit.

Lifehouse is really good….

What’s your favorite? I asked, trying hard not to stare at him and instead look at the road.

Well… I like Hinder, Theory of a Deadman, Breaking Benjamin, stuff like that.

I looked out the window; we passed by buildings and houses I had never seen before. I had no idea where it was we were.

Where are we?

This is Red Lake, you live in Briar right?

Yeah… how do you know that?

Well, last night I was going to take you home, and since you were a little out of it, I pulled your driver’s license out of your purse. I hope you don’t mind that I did that.

Oh, no that’s okay… so why didn’t you take me home?

Because it was late and I had had a few drinks and I didn’t think it would be a good idea to drive that far. So I brought you back to my place where I knew you’d at least be safe.

Thank you…, I sighed, turning to look at him, for everything.

It’s no big deal. I was raised to treat women with respect and I felt I needed to take care of you, he replied without taking his eyes from the road.

Well, thank you anyway, I said staring at his profile.

He had such a strong jaw line and cheek bones, but at the same time his face looked gentle and warm. Just looking at his face you could see who he was, a strong but gentle man.

You’re welcome, he replied turning to look me in the eyes.

He smiled warmly at me and turned his head back to facing the road. Suddenly I had the urge to kiss him, but I resisted, knowing that now was probably not the best time. My urges had gotten me into enough trouble for one weekend.

So what other likes do you have? I think I should know a little more about the woman I slept with, he asked with a grin on his face.

I smiled, Well, my favorite color is purple and I like anything Italian or chocolate. I also like adrenaline pumping things like mountain climbing, roller coasters, and I really want to bungee jump and skydive.

I guess sleeping with a stranger would count as one of those adrenaline pumping things, he laughed.

Yeah, I guess, I laughed too, How about you?

Well, my favorite color is green; my favorite foods are homemade pizza and brownies. And yeah, I guess I like adrenaline pumping things too.

I peered out the window, cornfields rushing by. The Midwest was so beautiful in the summer. I had lived here my whole life and the beauty of it still amazed me. There was nothing like smell of a hay field, nothing like the warm summer air, and certainly nothing like looking up at the star filled sky on a clear night.

Tell me more about yourself, he asked.

Well, my name is Hayden Marie Perry, I am 20, almost 21 my birthday is next month. My parents are Gerard and Jennifer Perry. I have a younger sister Patricia and a little brother Xavier. What else would you like to know?

Where do you go to school?

I go to Berger College in Chartwell, I’m a Psychology major. What about you?

Why don’t we save me for another time?

Now that’s not fair, what makes you think there will be another time? I giggled.

Because I’m not letting you go just yet. I really like you and I would like to spend more time with you.

I would like that too, maybe sober this time. I would like to remember everything, I grinned.

How about tonight? Say six? We can get dinner and then maybe you could come back to my place… we could watch a movie or something… he trailed off.

Yeah, sounds great.

We had finally made it to town. Briar was a small town compared to others. It had about six thousand residents and gossip tended to travel quickly. It was, however, a beautiful place to live and a safe place to grow up. There weren’t a lot of jobs available, so if you had one you tended to stay in it. Not a lot of people moved to town, but many often left. Those who stayed, like my parents, lived simple lives in a place that rarely changed and interacted with people that were just as unchanging. I, however, had every intention of leaving that town and I had hoped going to college would help with that. I wanted to get out of this rinky-dink little place and see