15 Minutes (Time for Love, Book 4)

By Bethany Lopez

Raised to be the "perfect" wife, Victoria has spent her days maintaining her impeccable outward appearance and her nights mingling with the rich and entitled. When her engagement to Scott ended, Victoria thought she'd be rid of him and his circle of friends forever, but a chance encounter with Brock will change not only the way she sees him, but the way she sees herself.

Brock is a man who's happy and content with his life. A surrogate parent to his now-adult brothers, he spends his days running the company he built himself and his nights playing in his brothers' local band. When he runs into Victoria in the bar after a show, sparks unexpectedly fly, and he's interested in seeing where it goes.

But can the man who's happy with his life, convince the woman who always wants more, to give him a shot with only 15 Minutes on the clock?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bethany Lopez
• Release date: Aug 20, 2015
• ISBN: 9781502552211

Bethany Lopez

Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than thirty books and has been published since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!Sign up for her newsletter and get a free eBook! https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r7w3w5

Book preview

work!

Brock

I’ll be right back, I yelled to my brothers as I went out into the bar to grab a beer.

My brothers, Brady, Brendan, and I, were playing at the bar tonight, and were scheduled to go on in another fifteen minutes, but I really needed a beer. It had been a long week at work. Our band, Whiskey Heat, was just for fun … My real job was running my painting business, and it took a lot out of me.

I’d started out painting houses for my parents’ friends, which they’d booked out of pity after my parents died, and I’d grown it into a successful business. I was proud of the fact that I’d built something that would not only support me, but my brothers as well. It wasn’t easy, and although I loved playing these gigs with my brothers, I was pretty fucking tired by the end of the week.

Fat Tire, I said to the bartender. Beer was free on the nights we were playing; shit, it was even free on the nights we weren’t. Fast Eddie, the owner, was also a customer. I’d painted his bar, inside and out, within the last year, so I always drank for free.

I was enjoying the cool relief of the beer sliding down my throat, enjoying the calm before the storm, when a soft hand on my bicep made me turn.

Hey, Gaby said as I turned, all smiles and sunshine. That’s what she’d always reminded me of … sunshine. We’d dated for a while a few months ago, but it had ended when I walked in on her kissing Scott, her current boyfriend. I’d been pissed initially, but now that some time had passed, I realized I hadn’t been in love with her. Plus, they were obviously happy, to the point of moving in together, so I figured we were all better off.

I wasn’t holding any grudges.

Hey, sweet girl. I gave her a smile. You guys here for the show?

Yup. Gaby turned and pointed over to where her group was seated. My buddies, TJ and Cal, along with Cal’s wife Shelly and TJ’s fiancé Sasha, were all in a tall table by the dance floor.

Scott not here? I asked when I didn’t see him.

He’s working late, but he’ll be here before your set’s over.

Sounds good, I’ll see you after.

She bounded off back to her friends and I finished my beer. As I placed the empty bottle on the counter, I cocked it toward the bartender, indicating I’d like another. I’d take it up on stage with me to sip on throughout our set. I always worked up a sweat when we performed.

I was waiting for my beer when the hint of something spicy and expensive wafted toward me. I turned my head to see the back of a woman. She wasn’t dressed for a night at the bar. At least, not a bar like this one. Even from behind she looked like she belonged in a country club. Her skirt was long enough to be demure, but the way it hugged her ass clued me in to the fact that the ass was magnificent, no matter what the package. Her blouse was tucked in the skirt, and she wore stockings with her high heels. Definitely not jiving with the jeans and T-shirts most of the other patrons were wearing.

I let myself fantasize that the stockings led to garters underneath that fancy skirt, as her perfume did crazy things to my senses. I felt my dick harden as my fantasies got away from me, then the bartender interrupted by saying, Here’s your beer, Brock, and I saw her stiffen before she turned to look at me.

Her hair was dark brown and fell past her shoulders, straight and silky. Her face was striking. It could have been beautiful, if she’d ever fucking smile … Instead, it always looked pinched and unhappy.

Hello, Brock, Victoria said dryly. Her eyebrow rose as if she thought I was standing next to her on purpose.

Snooty Bitch.

Tori, I tipped my beer to her in greeting, suppressing my grin as I waited for her reaction. I knew I’d get one. Here for the show?

"It’s Victoria, and no, I’m not here for the show," she answered. Even when she spoke she looked constipated.

Why are you here then? I asked, not because I cared, just to irritate her.

She huffed out a breath, the loss of control almost cute, then spat out, Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m supposed to be meeting my sister. She hasn’t shown up yet.

I didn’t know you had a sister, I replied before taking a pull of my beer. Victoria watched my mouth as I drank, then my throat as I swallowed, and my dick jumped back to life of its own free will. Shit, maybe it’d been too long.

I grinned when she looked up and saw that I’d caught her looking, and she scowled, Why would you know that I have a sister? You don’t know the first thing about me.

I stepped a bit closer, inserting myself in her space, and when she realized she couldn’t back away, she squared her shoulders and glared at me.

"I could get to know you," I murmured suggestively, close enough for her to feel my breath on her cheek. She flinched slightly, but maintained her stiff posture.

Why would you want to do that? Victoria asked, her voice almost vulnerable. Then laughter off by the dance floor grabbed her attention, and I knew she was looking over at Gaby’s table.

She pulled back and looked up into my face, and I was surprised to see that her eyes were so blue that they were almost purple.

Don’t think just because we’re rejects of your buddies over there, we have anything in common.

I turned my head to look deliberately at my friends, then back at her and said deeply, I’m no one’s reject, Tori, I can promise you that. Then I tilted my head to look at her, curious. Are you still hung up on Scott?

I didn’t know why, but I held my breath as I waited for her response.

She didn’t disappoint when she curled her lip and said, Absolutely not. If he’d rather be with a mutt than a thoroughbred, that’s his problem.

I chuckled at her haughty words and replied darkly, "You really do have a stick up your ass, don’t you. I don’t know why I like it, Tori. I inched closer as I spoke, stopping when my chest brushed hers, and she had to crane her neck to look at me. But I do. I’d like to help you remove it."

Her expression turned incredulous and she asked, "Are you hitting on me?"

I must be doing something wrong if you have to ask, I replied cockily.

Why? That vulnerability flashed again, causing a fire to flick in my belly, then she extinguished it when her face pinched back up again and she asked, Do you want to make them jealous?

Maybe she was more hung up on Scott and Gaby than I’d thought. She had been engaged to Scott after all. They’d had a long-term relationship, so it would only make sense that it would take her longer to get over it than me.

Still, there was something about her bitchy attitude and that tight little ass that made me want a taste, no matter the circumstances.

It could be about revenge, if that’s what you want. I lowered my head farther and gently took the soft lobe of her ear into my mouth.

The taste was fleeting, but it was potent. Especially coupled with her astonished gasp.

I pulled away, giving her room to breathe and think, drinking beer as I watched her thoughts dance across her face. I’d definitely succeeded in confusing her.

The sound of my name being called had me looking up, and I nodded when Fast Eddie indicated it was time for us to go on.

I have to get on stage now, I said softly. Victoria looked up at me, then at the stage, confusion on her face.

On stage?

I nodded but didn’t explain.

Hang around, watch the show … I’ll find you after. I could tell she was ready to bolt, so I gave her one last shove, lowering my voice to say, "Just give me fifteen minutes, Victoria. Fifteen minutes and I’ll convince you to give this a shot. I gestured between the two of us as I spoke. When she opened her mouth, I put a finger up to silence her. No illusions, Tori. I know you’ve probably never been with a man like me, but don’t worry, I’m not offended. I don’t expect you to fall in love and take me home to meet Daddy." Her eyebrow cocked again and I laughed; damn, but she sure was a spoiled brat.

I leaned down once more, my voice low and rough in her ear, and said, No strings, no expectations, just pure pleasure. I stood and finished with, I’ll see you after the show. Then turned to find my brothers. I was in the mood to rock the house.

Victoria

There was no way in hell I was sticking around to see what Brock had up his sleeve. I’d never said more than two words to him before tonight, and I had no idea what made him speak to me that way. To touch me that way. It was disconcerting.

I looked around for my sister, inadvertently flinching a bit when my eyes swooped over the table where Gaby and her friends were sitting. Drinking and laughing. Having a good time like always. Even when I’d been an invited guest to their soirees, I’d always felt like an outsider.

When I’d been dating, and then engaged to, Scott, none of his friends had bothered to hide the fact that they didn’t like me. The truth was, I’d never made an effort to get to know any of them, figuring Scott would eventually outgrow them. I’d acted like their opinions of me didn’t matter, but the fact that they took every possible opportunity to tell Scott that he shouldn’t marry me, had hurt.

After the first time he’d broken off our engagement, I knew it would only be a matter of time before he’d listen to their chatter, and break it off again. Scott was weak where his friends were concerned, and they had a much deeper grasp on him than I’d ever imagined.

Victoria, my sister’s voice said from behind me, pulling me out of my musings. I turned with a smile, the smile falling when I saw what she was wearing.

Abigail … That outfit is indecent, I replied, my voice low but stern. Abigail was wearing a shorter than short jean skirt, with a ripped T-shirt that said Whiskey Heat across the chest. Her hair was short and spikey, and her face was heavily done up with makeup.

Calm down, she replied with a roll of her eyes. I’m kind of seeing the lead singer … so, I’m advertising.

Kind of seeing? The lead singer of what? I asked, my distaste obvious. Abigail and I couldn’t have been more different if we’d been raised on different continents, rather than different households. When our parents got divorced, she’d stayed with our mother, while I’d gone to live with our father and his new wife.

Duh … Whiskey Heat, she said dryly, pointing her finger toward the stage just as an older gentleman who looked like he hadn’t showered in weeks walked up to the microphone.

Ladies and gentleman, I give you … Whiskey Heat! he said with as much enthusiasm as he could muster, and I couldn’t stop my gasp when Brock sauntered across the stage. For such a large man, he moved gracefully, and although his scraggy beard and shaggy-on-top hair were not my style, I could admit that he had a certain appeal about him.

Next the drummer came on stage, seemingly unfazed by the screaming adoration of the fans on the floor in front of the stage. Finally, the lead singer, the one Abigail said she was seeing, came out. Full of pomp and circumstance, he was very good-looking, and obviously knew it. The entire crowd of women, including my sister beside me, sighed loudly when he flashed a large grin.

Abigail. I turned to her, trying to pull her attention from the stage. What did you bring me here for?

Although we hadn’t grown up in the same house, we’d still spent plenty of time together, especially since we became adults. She knew this was not the type of establishment I usually frequented. Even when I was with Scott, if he was going to a bar or sporting event with his friends, I opted to stay home.

Being raised by my father, and Felicia, my stepmother, I was bred for country clubs and charity dinners, not venues that featured all-male rock bands … no matter how handsome they were.

I wanted you to see Brendan, she had to yell as the band began to play. Plus, I thought it would be good for you to get out. You know, get your mind off stuff.

I controlled the retort that sat on my lips, because I knew she meant well, and instead I leaned in and spoke calmly in her ear.

"If you wanted to get my mind off of stuff, why did you bring me here?" At her look of confusion, I nodded my head in the direction of the door, which Scott had just entered. Abigail’s eyes tracked him from the door, to the table up front, where he tapped Gaby on the shoulder then bent to give her a kiss in greeting.

Abigail’s eyes got round, and I could tell by the look on her face that she felt terrible.

I’m so sorry. Abigail brought her hand up to touch me, then dropped it when she remembered I didn’t like people touching me. I had no idea he’d be here.

I looked over at them once more, my stomach clenching painfully, before I ripped my gaze away and looked back at my sister.

I know you didn’t. You’d never be that cruel.

And she wouldn’t. I was the bitch in the family, and Abigail was the sweetheart. Even though she gave our mother heart palpitations with her penchant for bad boys and her love of partying, I knew she was proud of how sweet and charismatic Abigail was. I, on the other hand, never managed to please her.

I leaned in and gave her a quick hug, more for her comfort than my own, then pulled away and pleaded, Can I meet Brendan another time? Maybe over coffee or something? I can’t stay here.

The band was in full swing now, and it was getting almost impossible to speak over them, so Abigail nodded her answer.

I paused, looking back at the stage one more time. My breath caught in my throat when I saw Brock up there, eyes closed and fingers moving rapidly along the guitar as he played, and I watched him a few more minutes before nodding to my sister and rushing out to my car.

When I was safely tucked away inside, I let out the breath that I’d been holding. So much had happened in a short amount of time and I needed a moment to wrap my head around everything before going home.

Brock coming

Reviews for 15 Minutes (Time for Love, Book 4)

[npjacobsen · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"15 Minutes" is a YA science fiction thriller that deals with times travel. As I am a sucker for time travel, I felt this book would be right up my alley, and I was not disappointed. Along with paradoxes time travel stories have to offer, there are also a couple of love triangles involved in the story. All in all, I think it is the perfect YA novel and suitable for adults also.Lara Crane's mother was murdered when she was very young. Being raised by her father is fine with her, even with him not earning great money. She loves her father and he loves her. What Lara misses is her mother. So when time travel becomes available, Lara saves her money and buys a package of several time travels for one low price at Rewind. When people travel back in time, they are only supposed to be holograms and would not be able to interact with their surroundings. But Lara is different. She finds on her very first trip back that she is able to physically touch items and people. And so the plan forms in her mind to save her mother. How great would it be if her father, mother and herself were a family once again.But Lara has only 15 minutes in each time travel. She has practiced the quickest route to get to the alley where her mother was shot. And so with her last paid time travel, she races to the alley and takes the bullet meant for her mother and thus saves her life. When she wakes up, she finds that more has changed than just her mother being alive. Her father has been imprisoned for the attempted murder of her mother, her mother has married Jax Montgomery and her name is now Lara Montgomery. Her old boyfriend Rick, with whom she shared a special bond, was never involved with her. Living in the well off district, she is now dating Donavan James, son of Senator Patricia James, and only known in Lara's other past as a playboy out for a quick score. And Lara's mother is always working, at Rewind she discovers, and she still never gets to spend any time with her.She has deep feelings for Rick, but the more she is with Donavan the more her feelings for him grow. She is confused that the past she remembers does not mesh with the present she is living. She is unsure who to turn to with the news of her changing the future. Not to mention her father being in prison, still in love with Lara's mother Miranda, and trying to prove his innocence from behind bars. Lara must find a way to free her father and re-unite their family again. But it isn't going to be easy. Senator James has been secretly funding Rewind's research, most notably Miranda's, which they are hoping to find a subject that can interact with the past for he own sordid gain. When they discover that Lara is the one, the search is on to capture her.The plot was tightly woven and very readable. I found myself pulling for Lara even though the odds were against her. I heartily recommend this book to any time travel fan as well as those interested in YA reads to fill their summer. A 4 star plus read for me. Very well done.