The Truth Inside

By Trish Edmisten

For as long as he can remember, Nate’s dreamed of being an MMA fighter. Nothing is going to stand in his way and no one is going to distract him. Everything is going according to plan when Natalie comes along. Even though he wasn’t looking for love, Nate can’t help falling fast and hard. Smart, sweet and supportive, she seems too good to be true, but it’s actually the other way around. Nate isn’t good enough for her, and he’s keeping a secret that will change everything between them. One day, she’ll see the truth inside of him. Until then, Nate’s determined to keep Natalie in his life for as long as he can.

This is an 86K word novel with no cliffhanger and a guaranteed HEA. Although it's the first in the series, all books can be read as a stand alone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trish Edmisten
• Release date: Jan 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370367504

Trish Edmisten

Author of YA and contemporary romance.

Book preview

Chapter One

Are you guys ready to tear shit up?

Nate barely suppressed a groan. Damn it to the fiery depths of hell. He should have known better than to trust Stone when he said he knew the perfect place to celebrate. Why didn’t he listen to his gut when his buddy said those fateful words? Leave everything to me. Apparently, leaving everything to Stone meant letting him pick the club he’d dragged them to.

Night clubs, Nate hated them. With the stench of sweat and desperation hanging in the air, they were nothing more than glorified meat markets. Places where otherwise normal people allowed alcohol to guide their decision making.

The music was too loud and the alcohol too expensive, something that didn’t bother the women who consumed it en masse before attempting to grab Nate’s crotch. Some guys might be okay getting manhandled by a drunken chick, but Nate was not one of them.

What are we doing here? Joel asked when they’d all emerged from Slade’s van.

From the look on Joel’s face, he wasn’t any happier about Stone’s choice of venue than Nate was.

What do you mean what are we doing here? We’re here to celebrate Nate’s latest MMA victory. Grinning, Stone knocked his shoulder against Nate’s. And what better place to do it than the land of loose women and good booze?

Nate could think of a lot better places they could have gone. Better yet, they could have stayed in and ordered the Bellator fights on pay per view. That seemed a more fitting tribute, especially when they didn’t even need to celebrate. The fight Nate had won was an underground fight. Not at all legit, but it was the only way he could do what he loved.

Ever since he was a kid, Nate had been fascinated with mixed martial arts, specifically the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Nate’s dream of being an MMA fighter hadn’t been possible then. It still wasn’t possible. Well, it was, but not on terms he was comfortable with. The only way he could fight the way he wanted was to take these underground fights, some of which were nothing more than backyard brawls.

The fact that Stone, who wasn’t even drunk yet, was laughing like a crazed hyena said a lot about how their night was going to go.

What’s so funny? Slade asked, and this time Nate did groan.

Asking Stone what was funny was like asking a vegetarian the best way to grill a hamburger. There was no way it was going to end well.

A gimp, a cripple and a blind guy walk into a bar. Stone smirked as he looked around their group. Sounds like the start of a bad joke.

Joel glared at Stone. You’re an asshole.

Yeah, Stone really was an asshole. Nate had known that the moment he’d met the guy. Since he’d needed a roommate, and Stone was the first person to answer his ad who was a non-smoker with no pets and the money to pay his half of the bills, Nate was willing to look the other way.

And there was no denying they were a pretty rag tag bunch.

Joel and Slade had grown up and then been blown up together. After graduating high school, they’d joined the Army under some kind of buddy program that kept them together wherever good old Uncle Sam sent them. The IED that had taken out the Humvee they’d been sitting in side by side had left Slade paralyzed from the waist down and had taken most of Joel’s right leg.

Nate had met them at the gym a couple of years ago, and he’d been impressed by how hard they worked despite their limitations. After a while, it was easy to forget they were disabled, especially when they ran circles around him in the gym.

Ken, the blind guy in their group, was actually the brother of one of Stone’s many, many ex-girlfriends. That one had thrown Nate for a loop. He didn’t have any siblings, but he’d always thought that old saying about blood being thicker than water must have meant something. Either Ken didn’t get the memo, or he didn’t care.

Hold on a second, Ken said, already grinning. One of you is crippled and the other is a gimp? Why didn’t I know this?

Fuck you, Ken Doll, Slade retorted.

Ken shook his head. How many times do I have to tell you, buddy? I’m straight.

Even if you were gay, it wouldn’t matter, Stone said. Slade’s got a hard-on for Joelle.

Now, I know you don’t want me to kick your ass before we go into the club, do you? Joel demanded.

Stone snorted. Like that could ever happen.

Nate was pretty sure it could and would happen someday. Stone was no slouch, but he wasn’t anywhere near as disciplined in his workout regimen as Joel was. Not to mention, Joel’s time in the military had likely taught him how to kick ass without breaking a sweat.

Are we gonna stand out here gabbing all night or go inside and drink? Slade asked.

Um, Slade, you do realize you are the only one who isn’t standing out here, right? Stone said.

Slade sneered at him. "And you do realize I’m at the perfect level to punch you in your shriveled nut sac, right?"

Stepping out of Slade’s reach, Stone covered his crotch. You keep saying you’re not gay, but your unhealthy obsession with my junk says otherwise, man.

Having seen how many girls flocked to Joel and Slade every time the five of them went out, Nate didn’t think either man was gay. Who knew for sure though? Some people were good at hiding secrets. Something Nate knew better than anyone.

Come on, Stone said. I’m ready to get my drink on.

Ken unsnapped his cane. Before he could ask, Stone stepped to his side, taking Ken’s left hand and placing it on his elbow. For all his faults, and there were many, Stone always took care of Ken whenever they went out. Whether it was to a grocery store or the club, Stone always had Ken’s back. It was actually kind of sweet, and somewhat unnerving, given Stone’s supreme asshole status.

Nate couldn’t imagine being blind, let alone going into a night club while blind. Hell, he had perfect vision and he didn’t want to be anywhere near the place.

Maybe we should go somewhere else, Joel suggested when they grew closer to the club. I’m not anxious to spend half my night waiting in line.

We won’t have to, Stone said.

A wary look crossed Joel’s face. What do you mean?

You’ll see, Stone replied.

Stone, I don’t think—

Leave the thinking to me, Stone said with a grin. Don’t want you straining a hair on your pretty head.

For a straight guy, you sure spend a lot of time noticing how pretty other guys are, Joel retorted, and they cracked up. Just answer me one thing. Are you about to do anything that will get us arrested?

That was actually a fair question. One Nate should have thought to ask. Then again, Stone was pretty protective of Ken so it wasn’t likely he was going to do anything to put his best friend at risk.

Stop being such a pussy and follow me, Stone ordered.

Any argument Joel would have made was cut short by Stone heading straight for the front of the line with Ken at his side. The beefy bouncer had the same wary look Joel had worn moments ago, and Nate wondered if he knew Stone.

Hey, man. You mind if we bypass the wait and head inside? Stone jerked his head in Joel’s direction. My buddy there’s got a wooden leg, and he can’t be standing on it for long periods of time.

The bouncer glanced at Joel and back at Stone, disbelief in his eyes. A wooden leg, huh? What is he, a pirate?

Huh, maybe, Stone said, sounding as if he’d given the question serious consideration. Dude’s always lookin’ for booty.

When the bouncer’s lips gave a brief upward twitch, Nate knew it was only a matter of time before he let them in.

Look, fellas, I’d love to help you out, but my boss will be pissed if a riot starts because I let y’all cut the line.

It won’t start a riot, Stone assured him. You’re way too good at your job to let that happen.

Nate traded frowns with Joel and Slade. If he didn’t know better, he would swear his friend was flirting with the bouncer.

Okay, look, man I didn’t wanna say anything. Stone leaned in closer to the bouncer but didn’t bother to lower his voice when he spoke next, My buddy in the wheelchair needs the john. His colostomy bag is full, and if he doesn’t empty it, the damn thing is gonna explode, and you don’t want to deal with that shit, literally.

Fuck you, Stone! Slade snapped while Nate took a step back.

Stone was in very real danger of that nut-punch Slade had threatened him with earlier. Joel looked ready to join his best friend in kicking Stone’s ass.

The bouncer’s gaze flickered down to a red-faced Slade who was still sneering at Stone. Do you really need the bathroom?

No, Slade spoke through clenched teeth.

Come on, buddy, you don’t gotta be embarrassed. Stone ignored the danger to his life. Everyone understands.

Just let them in!

The suggestion, yelled out from some point down the growing line, was echoed by several others. Nate would have been happy for the support, if not for two problems. One, he hated night clubs and didn’t want to be let in at all. Two, some asshole was yelling for the bouncer to take pity on the handicapped guys.

Okay, guys, guess you’re in. The cover’s ten bucks each.

You’re paying for me and Slade, Joel informed Stone.

Stone didn’t put up a fight. Instead, he reached into his wallet and extracted enough money to pay for all of them to enter. Nate would have protested, but Stone’s family was rich. The guy didn’t even work, just lived on his never-ending trust fund.

Inside the club, Joel got in Stone’s face. And you’re paying for whatever the fuck we want to drink tonight, asshole.

You got it, buddy.

Don’t call me that. I’m not your buddy right now.

Joel turned and stalked toward the bar, his shoulders stiff and his back ramrod straight.

Slade glared up at Stone. If you ever pull that shit again, I’ll kill you and make it look like an accident.

Nate believed him. Besides being built like a brick shithouse, Slade’s military training had no doubt taught him how to make good on his threat.

Stone grinned as Slade maneuvered his way through the crowd, following after Joel, to get to the bar. That went well.

Groaning, Nate dug his thumb and forefinger into his eyes. The next time Stone said ‘leave everything to me’ Nate was going to say what he should have said this time. Hell no!

Look at all this sexy man meat on display. If I was wearing panties, they’d already be soaked.

Natalie cringed, but she wasn’t surprised by the words that had just left her best friend’s mouth. Joss, because no one called her Jocelyn and lived, wasn’t known for her subtlety.

Luke’s critical gaze sweeping around the room was his only reaction to Joss’s bold statement. Too straight for me, he said when he finished his perusal. We totally should have gone to Smoke and Mirrors or Mustang Sally’s.

No surprise Luke thought they should have gone there. In the four years they’d been friends, Luke had taken them to three gay clubs. Smoke and Mirrors and Mustang Sally’s were the tamer of the group. The other was Jack Mehoffs. Nothing else needed to be said after that. The name said it all.

Straight or gay, all clubs were the same, and Natalie hated every last one of them. Most twenty-one year olds considered it a rite of passage to spend the night getting sloppy drunk and being hit on by guys who were just as inebriated while going deaf from the heavy bass pulsing around them.

Natalie was not most twenty-one year olds. Drinking didn’t bother her. She liked a good drink as much as the next person, but she preferred to drink in a controlled environment. The meat market, otherwise known as the club, was not a controlled environment.

Not to mention she didn’t dance, hated it actually; hated it with a purple passion. Probably because she’d never been very good at it, thanks to being so awkward and uncoordinated. Being five foot ten didn’t help matters either. Besides towering over most guys in junior high, and even a few in high school, she’d been cursed with big feet, gigantic hands and arms so long she was surprised her knuckles didn’t drag on the ground whenever she walked.

In a cruel twist of fate, all that height did not equate to having big boobs or nice curves. Nope, she was pretty much the definition of a twig, no matter how her mother tried to gloss it over by saying she was supermodel slim.

Joss and Luke had tried teaching her to dance, more than once. It was an experience that could be summed up in two words; epic fail. Nothing was going to change the fact that she was too tall, too stiff and too uncoordinated.

If it wasn’t for her best friends, she would have happily avoided night clubs for the rest of her life. Joss and Luke, who were both far too outgoing to put up with her homebody ways, insisted on dragging her out with them every time they went.

They said it was for her own good, expanding her horizons and all that, but she knew better. Both Joss and Luke loved night clubs. If dancing and drinking were Olympic sports, they would have been gold medalists.

Natalie’s hatred of night clubs and their endless evils made her the perfect designated driver. For all of her protesting, Natalie would never have left her friends to their own devices, Uber or not. There was no way she was putting the lives of her best friends into the hands of a stranger.

Get that look off your face, Joss ordered, frowning at Natalie.

Natalie pasted on her most innocent expression. What look?

The one that says you don’t want to get laid, Luke offered.

It wasn’t that she didn’t want to get laid. Being laid would have been nice, but she had standards. She wasn’t going to sleep with a drunken Neanderthal.

Come on, let’s get some drinks, Joss said.

As if afraid she was going to make a run for it, Joss clamped a hand around Natalie’s wrist and began dragging her toward the bar. Luke trailed after them. There was a crowd of patrons pushed up against the bar, but Joss squeezed between them without apology.

Though Natalie didn’t want a drink, she didn’t mind being at the bar. At least it was far enough away from the speakers that they could carry on an actual conversation without having to shout to be heard. No doubt that was by design, so the bartenders didn’t have to get too close to the drunks when they were ordering more alcohol.

Joss turned toward Natalie. I’m such a good friend, I’m going to buy the first round, so what do you want?

And you can’t say water, Luke added, smirking.

Natalie frowned. What’s wrong with water?

You don’t come to the club to drink water, Joss insisted.

If it wasn’t for you two, I wouldn’t have come to the club at all, especially not tonight, Natalie said.

Joss rolled her eyes. You can watch boxing anytime.

It’s not boxing, it’s mixed martial arts, Natalie corrected. "And I can’t watch it anytime. Fedor Emelianenko is fighting Matt Mitrione tonight. Do you realize how big this fight is? Emelianenko hasn’t fought in five years, and he’s fighting tonight, on pay per view. So, no, I can’t watch it anytime."

Guess that means you might as well let it go and have a good time, Joss said, smiling sweetly. Now then, what do you want to drink?

Whatever it is, I’m buying.

Natalie turned at the offer, ready to tell some liquored up frat boy he was barking up the wrong tree when the words froze on her tongue.

This was no frat boy. This was the most beautiful man in the world, and he was staring at her like he was dying of thirst and she was swimming in an oasis.

Chapter Two

Nate didn’t believe in love at first sight, but he’d been halfway there after hearing this girl talk about Emelianenko fighting Mitrione. It was the same fight he’d been anxious to see, and though she’d only spoken briefly about it, there was no mistaking her passion for the sport. The same passion Nate felt every time he stepped into the octagon.

Unable to help himself, Nate had offered to buy the drink the girl’s friend had been pushing on her.

When she’d turned to face him, he fell even further down the rabbit hole of instalove when he realized she was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. Tall and slender with full lips and big eyes. Her hair, the color of a strong cup of coffee, was long and straight. Parted in the middle, it hung to her waist. Fluffy bangs framed her face. In the dim lighting of the club, he wasn’t sure of the color of her eyes, but he had no doubt they were beautiful.

Nate would have been happy to spend the rest of the night staring at her, drinking in nothing more than her beauty, but he really wanted to talk to her. Wanted to hear her opinion on the Bellator fight and find out whether or not she was truly knowledgeable about the sport or if she was nothing more than a groupie.

The girl was frowning at him, which didn’t bode well for his chances.

Did you just say you wanted to buy my drink?

Yeah, Nate agreed.

He couldn’t understand why she seemed so surprised. A girl who looked like that probably had guys lining up to buy her drinks every weekend.

Even if I want water?

Nate nodded. Especially then, and especially if it meant she wanted water because she loathed the club scene as much as he did.

Please tell me you’re not going to let a hot guy buy you water.

At the sound of the plea, Nate slid his eyes to the girl standing beside the girl of his dreams. The other girl was cute, a petite redhead with curves for days and a wicked grin on her lips, but she didn’t rev his engine the way the dark haired girl did.

Nate kept his eyes on the brunette. I’m Nate.

Oh my God, your name is Nate?

The excited demand was accompanied by a squeal. Nate flicked his eyes to the source, fully expecting to see another cute girl, and was surprised to find a guy smirking at him. Not just a guy. A guy decked out in more makeup than the girl he was currently crushing on.

Nate didn’t make a habit of noticing guys, but this one was beautiful. Slim and short, there wasn’t a hair out of place on his blonde head, and his makeup was done better than most women Nate had seen.

Um, yeah, Nate answered.

The guy’s smile widened as he slid his eyes toward the brunette. It’s fate.

What is?

You’re Nate, and she’s Natalie. If that isn’t fate, honey, I don’t know what is.

Nate had never been a big believer in things like fate and destiny, but he was willing to do an about face if it meant the chance to talk to Natalie. Maybe get her phone number and hopefully take her out on a real date.

Well, well, look what Nate found. Stone was suddenly by his side. Which one do you want, buddy? I’ll take either one, but I gotta be honest, I really want the redhead.

Nate groaned at Stone’s crude comments. The guy was the worst wing man ever.

Friend of yours? Natalie replied, blanching at Nate.

Unfortunately, Nate answered, and her lips quirked upward.

Now, Nate, don’t be like that. You know you love me, Stone said and then focused on the redhead. So, what do you say, baby? You wanna dance with me?

Only if you buy me a drink after we’re done.

I will buy you anything you want if it means I get to feel that sweet little body of yours grinding on mine.

Nate waited for the girl to slap him, or at the very least tell him to fuck off. Color him surprised when her lips curved in to a sly smile.

Lead the way, gorgeous, the girl said to Stone.

Stone turned toward his best friend, who was still holding on to his elbow. You wanna dance with us, Kenny, or would you rather hang here with Nate?

Though Nate didn’t mind looking after Ken, he still wanted to punch Stone in the nuts. Talk about a cock blocker. Definitely the worst wing man ever.

You can stay with me, honey, Natalie’s guy friend spoke up. I’ll take good care of you.

Stone cocked his head to the side as he studied the guy. Damn, you’re pretty for a guy.

Thanks, the guy said dryly.

Stone grinned. Don’t mention it.

If you’re trying to get out of buying us the drinks you promised, you really shouldn’t hang out by the bar, Joel said to Stone as he and Slade joined them.

I didn’t promise you shit, Stone retorted.

What was that? You wanna buy us another beer? Joel said. Thanks, man. I’ll take a Firestone 805. What about you, Slade?

Sounds good to me, Slade agreed as his eyes flicked over Natalie and her friends. Anyone going to introduce us?

I’m Joss, the redhead spoke up. And these are my friends Natalie and Luke.

Still keeping hold of Ken with one hand, Stone slid the other hand around Joss’s waist and hauled her against his side. This one is mine, boys. Get your own.

Joel shook his head. Real nice, man.

No one ever said I was nice. Stone looked down at Joss, who was at least a foot shorter than him. Still wanna dance, baby?

Joss tilted her head to smile up at him. More than ever.

Nate curled his upper lip. Man, he hated when girls fell for Stone’s bad boy shit, which, sadly, was not an act. The guy was a genuine asshole who was more than willing to fuck a girl but would never date her, and he still pulled more pussy than all of them put together.

It probably didn’t hurt that Stone was richer than anyone had a right to be besides being good-looking. And yes, straight guys were well aware when another guy was good-looking. Anyone who said he wasn’t was either a liar or blind, and Nate wasn’t blind.

Hell, all of Nate’s friends were decent looking guys, and he was the odd man out.

Stone was tall and broad shouldered. Every strand of his dark hair was always perfectly placed. He seriously spent more time on his hair than any straight guy probably should.

With his dark blond hair and blue eyes, Joel looked like Mr. All America while Slade’s blue eyes were a little darker and offset by his brown hair. Both men were tall and ripped, courtesy of the time they spent in the gym every day.

Having never seen Ken’s eyes, thanks to the sunglasses he always wore, Nate had no idea what color they were. His hair was a cross between rust red and deep brown and he was as tall and well built as the rest of them.

Then there was Nate. Although he was muscular, he wasn’t as wide and body builder buff as Joel and Slade and Stone. Nate was more on the lean side. Brown hair, brown eyes, and short for a guy at five-ten.

Natalie seemed to be the same height, but he didn’t mind. Nate was one of those rare guys who didn’t have a type. He could always find something to like about every girl, even those others might not think were attractive. Sure, some girls were prettier than others, but that didn’t mean the ones who weren’t as pretty deserved to be overlooked.

Maybe if more guys paid attention to those girls, they wouldn’t take the scraps guys like Stone threw their way and look at him like he’d just treated them to a gourmet meal. It never failed to amaze Nate that girls were devastated when Stone stopped calling after a fuck or two. It wasn’t like he made any secret of who he was and what he wanted. For some reason, every girl he slept with was convinced they’d be the one to change him. When they weren’t, it was nice guys like him and Ken who were stuck listening to them cry about it.

You wanna come with us, Ken? Stone asked.

I think I’ll stay here, Ken said, and Joel reached for Ken’s hand, transferring it from Stone’s elbow to his. Thanks, Joel.

No matter how many times he did it, Nate was always impressed that Ken could tell who was guiding him or that he knew who was who without anyone having to tell him.

Stone started to lead Joss to the dance floor, but Slade blocked his way. Where’s our beer money, asshole?

Oh, right. Stone paused to dig in his front pocket. Extracting a wad of cash, he grinned