Decisions

By Melissa Lemons

For Keegan St. Johns, everything in her world is right. She has her best friends, children she loves and the coffee shops she has put her blood, sweat, and tears into making successful..

She doesn’t need or want love since her ex-husband.

That is until she meets sexy biker Zale Jameson.

Z isn’t looking for anything but random sex. When his wife and daughter died, he shut himself off from the world. Until he meets sexy, feisty, pain in the ass, independent Keegan. He wants her and he will stop at nothing to have her.

There’s one complication with that, he isn’t her only one.

Spencer will do anything to have Keegan. Even sabotage her loan for a new coffee shop. When he tells her what he did, she all but kicks his ass, but she can’t deny the attraction between the two of them.

She lets them both know that they are both in her bed and that it's casual, but when she starts receiving anonymous letters and her welfare is being threatened, both of these guys will do everything they can to protect her -despite her protests.

Her decisions on many things may cost her more than just the men she has become attached to. It may cost Keegan her life.

This is recommended for 18+ due to dirty language and sexy nakedness. If you enjoy strong heroines and alpha male men, then come on in.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Melissa Lemons
• Release date: Dec 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781386832799

Melissa Lemons

Melissa lives in San Antonio, Tx with her very own badass man and her badass teenage young man, a dog and a kitty cat too. Her oldest girl is is going to school in Utah and her middle young lady is in the Navy, stationed in Ca. When she's not reading, writing, or playing Dojo mom/wife, she's drinking coffee and playing at her day job, but her true passion is in writing. This is where she's coming up with various senerios to put into her upcoming books. This is her first book and hopes that everyone will enjoy it. Even if it's not great, she has learned a lot about herself and how to become a better writter.

Book preview

TABLE of CONTENTS

COPYRIGHT

DEDICATION

ONE

TWO

THREE

FOUR

FIVE

SIX

SEVEN

EIGHT

NINE

TEN

ELEVEN

TWELVE

THIRTEEN

FOURTEEN

FIFTEEN

SIXTEEN

SEVENTEEN

EIGHTEEN

NINETEEN

TWENTY

TWENTY-ONE

TWENTY-TWO

TWENTY-THREE

TWENTY-FOUR

TWENTY-FIVE

TWENTY-SIX

TWENTY-SEVEN

TWENTY-EIGHT

TWENTY-NINE

THIRTY

THIRTY-ONE

THIRTY-TWO

THIRTY-THREE

THIRTY-FOUR

THIRTY-FIVE

THIRTY-SIX

THIRTY-SEVEN

THIRTY-EIGHT

EPILOGUE

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Copyright © DECISIONS by Melissa Lemons 2016 Melissa

All rights reserved. Except as permitted by U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without prior permission of the author.

The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, establishments, or organizations, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously to give a sense of authenticity. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.  Decisions is intended for 18+ older, and for mature audiences only.

Editing by Hot Tree Editing

Interior and Cover Design by Masque of the Red Pen

This goes out to my three HBs – Lorri, Tammy, and Theresa. Girls, the three of you mean more to me than y’all ever know. I love you with all my heart and thank you for believing in me.

My sister, Sarah,

Not a day goes by that I don’t think about you and wish you were here to see me doing my thing. Thank you for pushing me for all those years. It finally clicked. I love and miss you dearly.

Looking out at the lush green grass, I see the intermittent flowers—some new and some that crumble with the slightest touch—and the stone. Always the stone. I feel the peace this place brings me from my busy and hectic life. After climbing out of my car, I walk over to the bench and sit down. The shade of the tree we planted so many years ago blocks the sun that threatens to burn my fair skin.

I can’t help but wonder what life would be like if she were still here. Would she be her feisty, pain-in-the-ass self, or would she be calmer with age? I would like to think a little bit of both.

I place the bouquet of wildflowers at the base of the beautiful piece of marble that will be her forever resting place, doing my weekly spot clean-up job of removing the flowers from the week before. I always read her headstone:

Sarah Ellen Sluss

Born                  Died

June 29, 1970 – September 10, 2001

Running my finger over her picture, I have to wipe the tears that always seem to leak from my eyes. No matter how long it’s been, I will forever miss my sister. It’s been fourteen years since she passed, yet there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about her. Some memory that makes me smile. Not all good, especially toward the end, but memories nonetheless.

Hey, Sarah. Just bringing you some flowers. I know you would tell me I’m wasting my money, but maybe you’re smiling anyway.

As I continue to tell her about my week, a small butterfly floats by. Sarah loved butterflies, and I think maybe that’s her way of telling me that she misses me too.

I usually don’t stay very long, but on days, when I’m missing her a lot, like today, I hang just a little bit longer. I noticed not long after Sarah passed that she acquired a neighbor, but I never went over there to see. I didn’t think it was my place, but sitting here, I follow a butterfly and watch as it lands on the small headstone and I feel like it’s telling me to go over there. Weird, I know, but I follow it anyway.

As I make my way over, I notice there aren’t any flowers. Taking a couple of the sunflowers from Sarah, I move to place them on the grave. That’s when I notice the name. Standing straight and peering down to take in everything, I can’t help but gasp.

This is just a child. How sad is that? What’s even weirder is the name and dates.

Sarah Caroline Jameson

Beloved daughter and niece

Forever in our hearts and souls

Born March 25, 2001 – September 11, 2001

Oh dear God! I didn’t think it was possible to want to cry even more, but holy shit! This is too much. I noticed this here several days after we buried Sarah, but didn’t realize it was an infant or that they died a day apart. After laying the flowers down, I say a little prayer, hoping someone comes to see her. Knowing how hard it was with an adult though, I can’t imagine what it would be like to bury a child. I was sad already knowing it will be her anniversary in a few weeks, but now I’m even more so.

Touching Sarah’s picture one more time with a promise to see her next week, I climb in my car and head towards the chaos that has become my life. A life that makes me smile and that I love. Heading down Hwy 395 and then a turn onto Hwy 80, I drive to Keegan’s Place, one of the two coffee shops I own.

I’m listening to my music way too loud and the sudden jolt I get when my phone starts to ring sends my heart racing. Turning down the volume, so one of my best friends, Kerrigan won’t scream in my ear, I engage the call from the steering wheel.

Hi, honey. How are you? Kerrigan asks in a low tone, knowing where I’ve been.

Smiling even though she can’t see me, I answer, I’m good, K. Really. Just another visit.

Sighing, she says, Yeah, but you’re always sad after.

Damn, I love this girl. I am, but I’ll be okay in a little while. Really, I’m good.

All right, but I’m here.

I know.

Headed to work? Isn’t it almost time for some gorgeous man meat?

I can hear the smile in her voice now. Yep, she knows how to cheer me up. Oh yeah, in about twenty minutes or so, I say like it’s no big deal.

She chuckles. You are so full of shit. You’re probably doing eighty just to make sure you don’t miss him.

She knows me too well. Whatever. Seventy-seven and no, it’s just time to get my day started.

Laughing, she spits out, Ummm, okay. Just ask him out already.

That would be a no. You know I don’t date.

Then ask him to fuck your brains out.

I choke on the water I just took a drink of, trying not to laugh as it only encourages her. We will flirt and leave it at that. I don’t have time.

Keeg—

I know what’s coming so I cut her off, my voice growing really loud. Oh look, I’m going to lose you. See you tonight. Bye, bitch. Before she can say anything, I click to disconnect her. I’ll hear about that later, but then when don’t I? What are best friends for if they can’t talk shit to you?

My life is a beautiful one. I’m thirty-eight years old and I have finally achieved what I wanted to. I have three kids whom I would lay down my life for. My son Michael is eighteen and in college. I had him when I was twenty and he was a surprise but a great one. I married my now ex-husband when I was twenty-six and I inherited my two daughters. Savannah is twenty-one and in the Air Force stationed in Texas. My daughter Jeanette is twenty-three, married and lives in California. My ex-husband Sean, lives here with his girlfriend and he and I couldn’t be better friends. 

At thirty-two, we both decided that we were better friends and I wanted my coffee shops. He had other goals in mind. So we divorced, but regardless of anything, we are still fond of each other. While we don’t have any children biologically together, Sean is dad to Michael and while I’m still stepmom to the girls, we are very close. Savannah and I more so then Jeanette and I, but they are still my children who I couldn’t love more than if I had given birth to them.

While Sean has a girlfriend and a very nice one. Her name is Jennifer and they’ve been together over a year now. I decided I didn’t want to do date anyone. Nothing bad happen, I just choose work over dating. I miss the sex and comfortability of it, but I just don’t want to. I’ve been on dates since Sean, I’m not a nun, but I choose not to keep anyone around. Sex is awesome, but I’m a little picky about that, so, let’s just say, it’s been awhile.

Coming out of my thought process, I pull up to the front of my store, where I pay for a reserved parking spot, I just sit and look. It always amazes me that this little shop is all mine—well, mostly. It’s much smaller than the one I have in the mall, but it’s quaint. Keegan’s Place is literally a hole in the wall, but it’s mine.

Heading to the front door, I notice there are already a few people inside and my two employees are running around. They’re good .and I know they can handle it.

Pulling on the handle, I walk into the warm, slightly humid air and the rich smell of coffee assaults my senses. Not a better smell in the world. I close my eyes for a moment to inhale the heavy scent.

Feeling heat at my back has me opening my eyes, and before I can say anything, I feel a hand at my waist as a small breath tickles my ears. If this is your expression just walking in here, I can’t imagine how you will look while having a mind-blowing orgasm.

Holy hell. I think I just had one.

Not wanting him to have the upper hand, I turn slightly and glance up because he is tall. Has to be about 6’3 or so. Nah, my orgasm face is much better.

He makes a sexy groan that comes from the back of his throat. Damn is all he says.

Stepping away—and instantly missing the feel of his heat at my back—I turn around. Good morning, Spencer.

With a slightly childish eye roll and a grin, I hear that rich voice again. Good morning, Keegan. How is my favorite bean hustler doing this morning?

With my own eye roll, I also answer with a grin. From the looks of it, much better than you are at the moment. My smile widens as I look down at the erection he’s sporting. Holy hell. My eyes get slightly bigger and I can’t help but lick my lips.

Smiling like he knows a secret I don’t, he simply shrugs. Maybe you could help me out. From what I’ve seen, you like to help the needy. He’s been here every morning for the last month, so I’m sure he’s seen me give a coffee and a pastry to the homeless man that comes in every day.

The homeless man stopped me one morning on my way in and asked if I could spare some change. His eyes were kind and I could tell he was uncomfortable. I gave him a few dollars but then asked him to come in for some coffee and a pastry. At first he declined, but I nudged him along and he finally accepted. He told me his name is Marcus and he thanked me. With a nod, I told him to come back the next day. He has and every day since for going on a year now. He never says much but he’s always polite. That’s why I do it. He only comes in the mornings and doesn’t ever take advantage. I wish he would let me do more, but he always declines when I offer.

His grin disarms me, but coming to my senses quickly, I tell him, Oh, but somehow I think your needs are a little more than I want to take on. With that I walk away, leaving him to adjust himself.

I lied to Kerrigan, of course, telling her that not only do I not date, but I also don’t want him to fuck my brains out—that being the lie. The man is not only tall but, by the looks of the way his suit is pulled tightly across his broad shoulders, also incredibly muscular. His floppy, sandy-colored hair, strong facial features and deep blue eyes have me all but stripping myself of every article of clothing and bending over the counter, begging him to take me.

He’s more gorgeous than any man has a right to be, so the obvious attraction is there, but why me? I have no doubt that he could have any woman falling at his feet with a mere smile from that drop-dead-sexy mouth.

Don’t get me wrong, I know I’m not ugly. I’m average height at 5’4, with long blonde hair that reaches past the middle of my back, sky-blue eyes, and well… I have curves. A bigger ass than I would like, big enough breasts—but not overwhelming—and I’m certainly not stick thin. I’m a size ten, and while that’s not big anymore, it’s average—I can’t imagine what a Greek god like Spencer would want with me. I spent a good majority of my life overweight and one day, instead of just talking about getting in shape, I actually did. I dropped seventy-five pounds and for the first time in many moons, I like what I see in the mirror.

No matter. I’ll just flirt like I normally do and leave it at that. I’m too busy to deal with anything else.

After stowing my items in my small office, I wrap an apron around my middle and head to the front to see where I’m needed. Thinking I probably took too long to get back, I figured Spencer would be gone; however, as I round the corner, he’s standing there staring at the doorway as if he were waiting for me. When our eyes meet, he throws one of those panty-dropping smiles at me.

Noticing there’s no one waiting for anything and the girls are cleaning up, I make my way over to him. Raising an eyebrow at him, I can’t resist. Get your problem sorted?

He just shakes his head and lifts his coffee to his delicious mouth. I did until you started speaking. Now I’m going to have to stand in front of this counter for a minute.

Shaking my head, I smile. It sucks to be in your position, then, huh?

I wouldn’t mind seeing you in any position. He winks at me and my stomach flutters a bit.

I just shake my head again. What is it that I can do for you, Spencer?

You could go out with me Friday night. Dinner, maybe a show?

Not missing a beat, I turn him down, just like every other time. I don’t have time to date. As you can see, I keep myself quite busy with my shops. Thank you though. I’m flattered.

He stares at me for a bit and then, with that cocky grin in place, he states, I see I have my work cut out for me. That’s okay. I like a challenge. With that, he turns around and walks out.

Well holy shit. My lady parts tingle at the thought, but my mind overrules them.

I look up to see Kristina and Sam looking at me with wide eyes and mouths open. Sam is the first one to speak while fanning herself. Girl, are you crazy? Have you seen Spencer? That man is smokin’ hot and he wants to take you out. Have fun, let your hair down. He’s sex walking, and you tell him no. When was the last time you got laid?

My eyes dart around, taking in the woman sitting nearby gawking. Slightly irritated, but only a little, I respond with, You sound like Kerrigan. I know he’s hot but I just can’t do it, so please leave it alone.

Shaking her head, she mumbles, not too softly, Fine, but your lady parts are going to fuse closed.

Knowing she’s probably right, I don’t give her the satisfaction of saying anything. I didn’t lie—I am really busy—but even I can’t deny that my girl parts are starting to….

Yeah, never mind. Not going there.

After closing up shop and making sure all my employees left on time, I head to the one thing I love almost as much as my kids. Okay, well, maybe not almost. My blacked-out 2016 SRT Hellcat Charger, 6.4L V8, 707 horsepower, with red accents. Sucks on gas mileage, but worth every penny when I start her up in the mornings and she growls at me I maybe a woman, but I was raised with men who saw it fit to steer me in the direction of muscle cars. I love my girl as if I gave birth to her, and in a strange way I kind of did. I had her built, designed to my specifications and she cost a mint, but after years of struggling, I figured I owed myself a fun toy.

. Since I don’t trust many people to handle her, I purchased the parking spot in front of my shop from the city and that’s where she sleeps while I get to play with coffee. When I’m at the mall, it’s harder, so I just park in the farthest spot away so nobody parks by me.

Heading out to Kerrigan’s house for dinner, I know better than to show up on time because no one in my family besides me knows what that means. Pulling up to her house out in Stead, I see she invited everyone over. Just as I’m getting out of my car, my nephews Charlie and James run out the front door.

Hey, boys. I know what’s coming, so before Charlie can ask, I shake my head.

Come on, Aunt Keeg, please? Just around the block? Charlie is all but on his knees, and I have to bite my cheek to keep from laughing.

I hug him. Honey, you ask every time, and I’m going to say the same thing I always do. No, babe. Not gonna happen, but I love you.

Sticking his lip out like he’s seven instead of seventeen, he turns around and stalks back into the house. I follow and shut the door, hearing my family before I can see them. My family is loud, as in there will be six different conversations going and everyone is trying to talk over everyone else, so they all get louder. It’s actually very comical.

Heading into the dining room, I see my niece sitting on my dad’s knee. Even though she’s thirteen, she is all about Grandpa. Walking over to them, I kiss them both on the head. Hey, Dad.

He smiles at me through his overgrown beard. Hi, honey. How was your day?

It was good, uneventful. How is your life of leisure? I ask. My dad is retired and really doesn’t do much, but he loves his grandkids and does anything for them.

He just snorts and shakes his head. It was rough. I gave the maid the day off, so I had to do everything for myself. That earns him a full belly laugh. He wouldn’t know what to do with a maid.

Kerrigan finally notices I’m there. It’s that chaotic, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

It’s about time you show up. You’re the late one tonight. She smiles at me.

Yeah right, they all probably showed up about two minutes before I did. This family has no concept of being on time.

She just smirks because she knows I’m right. Why is Charlie pouting?

You have to ask? I respond, raising an eyebrow at her.

You wouldn’t let him drive your car. One of these days, you’ll give in to that kid and he’ll probably have a heart attack. She heads back into the other room to get the door. My two other best friends, Theresa and Lily walk in just as I’m getting dinner.

Grabbing our food, we decide to eat outside. With just us girls outside and the rest of the family indoors, I know what’s coming, and Kerrigan doesn’t disappoint.

So, Keeg. Did you see Mr. Hottie McGorgeous today? she asks with a twinkle in her eye, knowing my girls will not let up if they think I might go on a date with someone. Bitch. That’s all right. Her time’s coming.

Of course Lily and Theresa both stop and stare at me, so I hold my hand up in a ‘stop before you say anything’ gesture.

Yes, Spencer stopped in today, and no, I’m not going out with him, I say while taking a bite of my food. This spaghetti is awesome, as I take a couple more bites. Damn, I was hungrier than I thought. I have to stifle an internal groan when I notice everyone’s eyes are on me.

Why? comes from Lily.

Hottie McGorgeous? Do tell, Theresa jumps in at the same time.

Putting more food in my mouth, hoping they’ll move on, I just shake my head. Nope, no such luck; they’re waiting for an answer. Look, he’s hot—smokin’, actually—but I’m just not interested in dating. Now, will you all just stop and eat? I have to open tomorrow and I don’t want to be here all night. Eating again, I notice the silent conversation the three of them are having. I glare at of them so they know I’m serious.

Kerrigan shakes her head and sighs. Fine, but I won’t let up. If this man is half as hot as you say he is and he has his eyes set on you, then you need to go out with him. Even if it’s just long enough to get laid. How long’s it been, anyway? Oh and you can stop being pissy. You only get that way, when you know we make sense

I shoot her a glare that means I am officially done, because now she’s just pissed me off. I love these girls, but they can irritate the hell out of me sometimes. Picking up my plate, I head back into the house to talk to the other people in my life. After I chat for a few more minutes, I head home without saying good-bye.

I didn’t say I wasn’t a baby sometimes.

I love my loud, in-your-business annoying family, but sometimes they’re a lot to take. I always appreciate coming home to the quiet of my own place. I’m not high maintenance, I’m really not, but I’ve worked very hard to be comfortable, and it shows in my home and my shoes. And my car. I love where I live, smack in the middle of downtown Reno on Sierra Street. I pay a pretty penny, but I can’t imagine living anywhere else.

I did the home ownership thing with my ex-husband, so I wanted someone else to take care of shit for me for a while. I live in the penthouse of my building, which I consider is the best. The views of downtown alone are worth the cost; most of my home is windows and I love it. Walking in and seeing the warm colors and leather seating in my living room makes me smile because I’ve earned this. While I definitely have more space than I need, I can’t help but wonder what having someone else in my home would be like. Then I shake it off because people piss me off and I don’t like sharing.

Knowing I have to get up to open the first store I bought, which is downtown, at five thirty in the morning has me all kinds of excited. At the moment, I’m finishing a business plan to approach the bank about opening a third one. I own the two I have, but I lease the spaces and I’m not really able to make it my tastes. I have to do what the lease says I can and can’t do in the space. I want this one to be all mine, building it from the ground up. I’m so excited to have something I can really decorate and call my own. The meeting’s in a couple days, and I don’t foresee any problems getting the loan.

Realizing that it’s creeping up on ten thirty already, I perform my nightly routine and crawl into bed in a pair of underwear, which is all I ever wear. Closing my eyes, all I can picture is an intense pair of blue eyes and sexy, messy hair that’s begging to have my hands run through it. And oh God, that fucking voice.

Wait, since when did I start fantasizing about Spencer?

I figured out he works downtown, since that’s the only shop I see him at. Every time I see him, his hair is mussed like he’d been running his hands through it. His strong jaw line boasts just