Always Been You

By KT Grant

As assistant general manager of the prestigious Janus Casino in her hometown of Atlantic City, Whitney Baker’s life couldn’t be better. At twenty-seven, she’s on the fast track in her career, although her love life has stalled. But when it’s announced one of the biggest pop singers in the world will headline at the casino, Whitney’s past comes back to haunt her big time. Singing diva Corinne Simone was Whitney’s friend in high school, and her secret teenage crush. Graduation night, She lost her virginity to Corinne, who then rejected Whitney for her shot at stardom.

Corinne has returned home not only for the offer of a lifetime but to change her life. She’s sick of the secrets and lies she was forced to show the world in order to become a pop culture phenomenon.

Now is the perfect time to reveal her true self to her fans. But it might be too late to right the wrongs of the past and embrace the life she was born to live.

• Language: English
• Publisher: KT Grant
• Release date: Jun 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781311018779

KT Grant

KT Grant is a self-proclaimed eccentric redhead who not only loves to read a wide variety of romances, but also loves writing it. KT has a bad coffee and LEGO set addiction, and doesn’t shy away from voicing her opinion A proud native of New Jersey, KT is multi-published and writes Gay, Lesbian and Straight romance.KT loves to hear from readers. You can drop KT an email at [e-mail].

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Always Been You Copyright 2016 by KT Grant

Cover art Copyright 2016 by Insatiable Fantasy Designs

Smashwords Edition

The reproduction or utilization of this book in any form by mechanical or other

means is forbidden by law. Copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and

may result in fines of up to $250,000 or imprisonment.

This book is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, locales or

persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Always Been You

As assistant general manager of the prestigious Janus Casino in her hometown of Atlantic City, Whitney Baker’s life couldn’t be better. At twenty-seven, she’s on the fast track in her career, although her love life has stalled. But when it’s announced one of the biggest pop singers in the world will headline at the casino, Whitney’s past comes back to haunt her big time. Singing diva Corinne Simone was Whitney’s friend in high school, and her secret teenage crush. Graduation night, she lost her virginity to Corinne who then rejected Whitney for her shot at stardom.

Corinne has returned home not only for the offer of a lifetime but to change her life. She’s sick of the secrets and lies she was forced to show the world in order to become a pop culture phenomenon.

Now is the perfect time to reveal her true self to her fans. But it might be too late to right the wrongs of the past and embrace the life she was born to live.

Always Been You

By

KT Grant

Acknowledgment: Thanks to B.S. Without you this story would have never came to pass.

Dedication: If music be the food of love, play on. – Williams Shakespeare

CHAPTER ONE

Mondays were never my friend, and this Monday proved to be a real bitch. I forgot to set my alarm, which was no one’s fault but my own. I woke up thirty minutes late to rain hitting my bedroom window. Jumping out of bed, I scrambled to get dressed, hoping the traffic caused by ongoing road construction wouldn’t be too much of a hassle.

I had a top-secret meeting this morning with Vincent Turner, vice president of Hitt Entertainment Media and owner of the Janus Casino in Atlantic City. The fact he wanted me to be there along with his general manager and senior operations manager, who happened to be my older brother, proved how much of an asset he considered me as his assistant general manager.

I didn’t bother with a shower, using the fifteen minutes I had left to throw on a peach jersey V-neck silk blouse, black skirt, and matching flats. I wished I had more time to style my hair, but tucking my shoulder-length locks in a clip would have to do. I didn’t even bother with much makeup, just some cover-up and lip gloss. With my favorite cherry-toned metal rimmed glasses in place and a bottle of water for the ride, I rushed out to my car, cursing myself as the rain came down for not buying a new umbrella to replace my broken one.

This summer at the Jersey Shore was disgustingly hot and humid. I’d never seen such a crappy season before. Tourism was way down, but, for some reason, the gamblers were there in high numbers. Janus was one of the lucky casinos, unlike some on the boardwalk that had filed for bankruptcy. My job was secure, so no worries there.

But, presently, I had bigger concerns. Thanks to the pouring rain and the aggravating construction that had been the bane of my existence for the past two months, my twenty minute commute ended up being more like forty minutes. I was so screwed.

At least I didn’t have to drive around in circles to find a place to park. I had my own reserved spot in Janus’ parking garage. A great perk of my job, which may be on the line now. I speed walked in my serviceable flats toward the elevator. My cell phone pinged. Pulling it out of my bag, I scanned the text message from my brother, Ernesto, as I boarded the elevator, trying to catch my breath. My chest heaved and perspiration dotted my forehead. My bangs fell over my eyes and dampened the lens of my glasses. I was such a mess. Based on his text of five exclamation points in a row, I expected him to give me some major eye rolls and sighs.

Not taking any chances, I called him. He picked up before the first ring ended.

Where are you, Whitney? he asked in a less biting tone than I anticipated.

There was a ton of traffic on Pacific. I’m in the elevator. I’ll see you in less than five minutes. With nimble hands, I plucked my compact from my purse. Thrusting aside my bangs, I inspected my face. It was a good thing I had the dark complexion of my Latino roots. Other than a slight