You're the One

By Stacy-Deanne

When Dane returns to Sunset, Texas to visit his terminally ill mother, he finally faces his biggest fear: telling his stepsister ReShonda that he's always loved her.

Ironically, ReShonda feels the same way about Dane, who forces her to admit how she feels when he refuses to take no for an answer. Dane and ReShonda have been hiding their love for each other for years but they learn the hard way that you can't run from true love forever.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stacy-Deanne
• Release date: Feb 26, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370280636

Stacy-Deanne

Stacy-Deanne (Dee-Anne) is an award-winning author of sensual romantic suspense, contemporary romance, and women's fiction books. She's written Amazon Top 100 bestsellers, and her work has been praised and reviewed in USA Today numerously. She loves writing stories that focus on main characters who rarely get the spotlight such as characters with physical disabilities, mental illness, and terminal diseases. Stacy is known for bringing versatile stories to her readers. With her you never know what you're gonna get, which separates Stacy's work from the pack. Stacy's books are full of passion, thrills, intriguing characters and so much emotion you can't get enough! If you want something different and unpredictable then definitely check out her work. With Stacy every book is an adventure. Want to receive book updates and exclusive information and notices about free promotions and book discounts? Sign up for Stacy's mailing list: https://goo.gl/forms/vmXN2PASIAScrYxm1

Book preview

You’re the One

By

Stacy-Deanne

Copyright © 2016 Stacy-Deanne

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

Readers: Thanks so much for choosing my book! I would be very appreciative if you would leave reviews when you are done. Much love!

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Website: http://authorstacy-deanne.weebly.com/

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Twitter: @stacydeanne

Other titles by Stacy-Deanne Include:

Worth the Risk

Outside Woman

Sometimes Money Ain’t Enough

An Unexpected Love

The Seventh District

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CHAPTER ONE

What’s wrong, child? asked ReShonda Pearce’s sixty-three-year-old stepmother Mavis.

ReShonda got this dull ache in the pit of her stomach and glanced at Mavis who glared while eating an Oreo cookie.

This is ridiculous.

You could pay ReShonda a million dollars to explain the hold her older stepbrother Dane had on her, and you’d get crickets because she didn’t know. She was twenty-nine years old, and this guy still sent tremors up her spine. It was easier to explain when she was fifteen and he was twenty-two.

Ah. ReShonda sat on the leather chair as another pain crept through her side. Lord.

My boy must be close. Mavis grinned and checked her watch on her wrist. You always got nerved up around Dane. You’re shaking like a leaf.

Even as a child, ReShonda’s attraction for Dane became unavoidable. She could blame it on a harmless crush back then but it had become so much more.

This makes no sense. ReShonda rubbed the thighs of her jeans. He’s just a guy.

Dane always made you feel like you had to prove yourself so you try to upstage him.

Like I’d ever upstage him. The man’s rich and is being groomed to be the CEO of one of the nation’s most successful toy companies. Unless I’m elected president before he arrives, no way I’ll ever upstage him.

And you don’t have to, baby. Mavis winked. Because you’re wonderful just the way you are and you should be proud. If it weren’t for you moving back in here three months ago, I don’t know what I’d do.

You comfortable? ReShonda gestured to Mavis’ propped up feet. Your feet hurting?

The right one is cramping a little. Mavis groaned. But not as bad as yesterday. This damn chemo is breaking me down more than the cancer.

Need a massage? ReShonda joined her on the couch. Put them dogs up here.

You’re a blessing, girl. Mavis laid her feet in ReShonda’s lap. What would I do without you?

ReShonda removed Mavis’ socks and massaged her liver-spotted feet. How does that feel?

Wonderful, she purred and stroked ReShonda’s thick, jet-black hair. You’re so beautiful. It’s like you get prettier every day. I love you so much, honey.

I love you too. ReShonda smiled. Why are you staring at me like that?

I don’t know. Mavis’ cheerful expression vanished. Just want to take a mental picture so I don’t forget you when I go to heaven.

Mavis. ReShonda sighed. Don’t talk like that. You’re going to be around longer than me. You’re too tough to die.

Raised in one of the few black neighborhoods in small Sunset, Texas, ReShonda hadn’t been around many white people until Mavis and Dane. It had been a rough adjustment for a child but after her father married Mavis her attachment to them proved that color meant nothing in love.

I’m tired. Mavis took a deep breath. Tired of fighting and carrying on.

Don’t you dare give up. ReShonda took her hand. I love you and I’m not the only one. There are people who need you.

"Hell, I wanna stay. She coughed when she laughed. But it’s up to God."

That’s right. ReShonda snapped her fingers. That’s why you can’t give up. Remember what the doctor said? We take it one day at a time.

Mavis batted her droopy eyes. I don’t know if I have the strength anymore. This chemo is terrible on the body, and I’ve had several rounds of it. All of this is a waste of time. How do I know the chemo isn’t killing me?

Stop it. ReShonda hugged her. Come on. This is supposed to be a happy day. Dane’s coming.

I’m scared. Mavis cried into ReShonda’s shoulder. I don’t want to die.

ReShonda rocked her. I’m gonna be right here with you no matter what happens, okay?

When she first found out Mavis’ colon cancer had advanced to stage four, she didn’t imagine she’d make it. She’d leaned on her father when times were tough but since he’d been dead for two years, ReShonda no longer had that option.

She kissed Mavis’ cheek and wiped her tears. I’ve always loved you like you were my real mother and you’ve always treated me like a real daughter. I’ll always be grateful for that.

You’re the daughter I wish I had. Mavis patted ReShonda’s cheek. "Please don’t leave