Love and Loopholes

By Railyn Stone

Business brought them together. Love could tear them to pieces.

A knight in shining armor can’t come fast enough for Kirby Allen. Broke and on her own, she longs for the chance to live a better life. Without a stable place to live and no money to her name, she has to do something and fast.

Familial pride and a sense of tradition fuel Channing Lucas’ desire to run his father’s company. There is just one thing standing in his way.

His eccentric mother and her ultimatum. Get married or lose his family’s business forever.

After a predetermined ‘chance meeting’ in a Las Vegas casino, Channing and Kirby decide they can both get what they want and enter into a business deal. What starts as a marriage of convenience, evolves into complications neither expected. And the strangers find themselves fighting not only to maintain their deal, but struggling to hold on to their hearts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: 5 Prince Publishing
• Release date: Aug 6, 2018
• ISBN: 9781631122231

Railyn Stone

Railyn Stone hails from the TarHeel State and is a romantic at heart. She believes you can find romance in the simplest aspects of life and enjoys letting her imagination run wild. Trying new restaurants, listening to music, playing golf and writing over the top stories about ordinary people are the hobbies she cherishes most.

Book preview

Love And Loopholes

Railyn Stone

This is a fictional work. The names, characters, incidents, and locations are solely the concepts and products of the author’s imagination, or are used to create a fictitious story and should not be construed as real.

5 PRINCE PUBLISHING & BOOKS, LLC

PO Box 971 Golden, CO 80402-0971

www.5PrinceBooks.com

Digital ISBN:978-1-63112-223-1

Print ISBN: 97-1-63112-224-8

LOVE AND LOOPHOLES. Railyn Stone

Copyright RAILYN STONE 2018

Published by 5 Prince Publishing

Cover Credit: Custom cover by Marianne Nowicki at www.PremadeEbookCoverShop.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations, reviews, and articles. For any other permission please contact 5 Prince Publishing and Books, LLC.

First Edition 2018

5 PRINCE PUBLISHING AND BOOKS, LLC.

This is dedicated to my ‘real-life’ Gemma.

Mama, you have been my biggest supporter and I am forever and eternally grateful for everything you’ve done for me. Now, it’s my turn to be there for you and I will do whatever needs to be done, no matter what.

Every dream I’ve chased or whatever idea I’ve had, you’ve always been there to say ‘you can do it.’ God graced me with the best mom in the world and I am thankful that you’ve always encouraged me to be my own person.

No matter how hard, no matter how mean, don’t you worry, I’ll always continue to choose the green.

I love you muchly,

Your Babzy girl!

Acknowledgments

First and foremost, thank you God for your loving grace and mercy. Your magnificence is astounding and your power is amazing. I could have never imagined living the life I have lived and having the wonderful opportunities you have provided. Thank you so much for this life.

Julie Cameron. Thank you. I cannot tell you how grateful I am to have worked with you on this project. You have an amazing editorial eye and I’m so thankful for the tips and insight you have given me. Thank you.

To the entire 5 Prince Publishing team, thank you so much for taking a chance on me. I’ve been blessed since the very first day and I am continuously grateful for your work and dedication to making me a better writer.

Other Titles by

Railyn Stone

A Secret to Keep

Lest We Aren’t Forgiven

Restored Hearts

Love And Loopholes

Railyn Stone

1

A nd people in hell want shaved ice.

Following her boss foot-for-foot through the crowded kitchen area, Kirby knew it was going to be pretty hard to get his undivided attention. All-you-can-eat buffets in Las Vegas were always busy, but once dusk hit, the kitchens shifted into full throttle. The commotion of line cooks, waitstaff and busboys was a noise in which only the most trained ear could possibly decipher an actual conversation. No, Kirby. I can’t give you any more shifts, and I definitely can’t give you another advance.

C’mon, Stan. Please?

What is it about the word ‘no’ that you young people don’t understand? Stan was her last hope. As her manager, he had given her a job when most others had passed her by. He’d looked out for her from time to time, and when he had extra shifts available, she was always the first he called. At the moment, he was preparing for the evening rush and it was obvious Kirby would not deter him from his path as she followed him into the back break area. The noise from the kitchen died down a little as they moved farther from the hubbub.

I’m dying here, Stan. Please. You have to help me.

I can’t help you anymore. I’m sorry. When the well is dried up, it’s time to dig deeper or move on.

Um, hello? I’m digging here. You aren’t helping much. Slumping against the wall and sliding down to take a seat on the one rickety bar stool the crew had in the break area, Kirby faced what she already knew. She was out of options, out of chances and almost out of hope.

Look kid, I am sorry about your situation. You’ve had it pretty rough for the past couple of months and I would love to help you. I just can’t. Hell, you are actually one of my only employees who doesn’t give me too much lip or nonsense. But I’ve given you all the shifts I can, and the brass is starting to talk about cutting hours.

I know. It was too much to ask anyway. Feeling defeated, knowing the eleventh hour had come, Kirby stood and pulled her purse strap over her shoulder. She started toward the door but stopped when she heard Stan’s voice behind her.

Keep your head up young lady. Remember, when you are at the bottom, things can only go up from there.

Yeah. I’ll keep that in mind. Walking out of the break room, she strolled through the raucous buffet crowd that never seemed to end. She exited the dining area and walked through the casino lobby to find her friend Gina waiting for her outside.

So, did he give you the extra shifts?

What do you think?

Crap. I’m sorry, girl. I know you really need the money.

That was my last hope, Gee. Until I can find another job, or by some miracle, I come into a windfall of money, I’m homeless, carless and broke.

Okay, first of all, as long as I have an apartment, you have a place to stay.

Thanks.

And in all honesty, you do have an option.

Here we go. Kirby turned away from Gina’s smile and headed toward the bus stop and took a seat. I’m not calling Remy.

She stared at the throngs of people who covered the sidewalks. Most were tourists loaded with bags and baubles they’d purchased somewhere on the Strip. It was amazing how many people gravitated to Vegas each and every day. There were no lack of personalities and hustle and bustle, and she was over it. Living there her entire life may have had a little bit to do with it. But the enormous amount of debt she was swimming in was the true culprit.

What do you think is going to happen? You think Prince Charming is just going to come and sweep you off your feet? Right now, Remy is the best option you have.

No. I’ll do anything else but go back to that. That whole way of life with him is not what I want for my future. At least not anymore.

I know you want a castle, moat and the whole enchanted realm, but if you aren’t going to call your ex and ask for help, then you are probably just going to have to settle for this city bus we are waiting for. Gina looked to see if the said mode of transportation was even on its way. She checked her watch again and huffed as she sat down beside Kirby. Where is that bus?

Seriously. Dejected, Kirby slumped back against the wooden slats of the bench. What am I going to do? At this rate, I’ll never be able to do anything with my life. If I could just get out of here. Change my environment. Anything.

Change your environment? I’ve got a feeling life is life no matter where you move. Debt is gonna be debt anywhere. Remy could—

Remy doesn’t help people. He especially doesn’t want to help me. If he had helped me, I wouldn’t be in the predicament I’m in now.

That’s old news. You were young. Both of you were. He’s moved up and—

It was three years ago. I wasn’t that much younger. I’m not going backwards. I refuse to do that.

I still think you need to talk to him.

For what? To fall back into a life that either gets me locked up or worse; dead? No thanks. I can do bad all by myself. Kirby shook her head just thinking of her ex-boyfriend and the past she was trying hard to leave behind. The last time she’d seen him, he’d been doing exactly what he’d always done; having quiet conversations and stealthy transactions in back rooms, on street corners and in cars. She wanted no part in his life anymore.

Finally. Gina exhaled as the bus approached. The two of them stood and waited as the vehicle came to a stop. The whoosh of the hydraulics sent a blast of air across their legs that was neither cool nor refreshing and the air filled with exhaust as Kirby boarded the bus.

This was their routine. This was everyday for them and it was eating Kirby alive.

I still think Remy is your best option. You don’t have to agree, but if you want out of your debt situation, it may be your best shot. Just think about it.

Kirby sat looking out of the window at the various casinos lining the street. She watched through the scratched Plexiglas at the silent laughter and chatter of the people streaming through the streets. Her imagination had always been vivid and she often caught herself daydreaming about the places tourists traveled from just to see the audacity that was Las Vegas.

Remy talks the game that will benefit him. The only way he’ll ever do anything for anyone else is if it’s going to pay off for him in the end.

Maybe with other people, but not you. He would do anything for you.

Well, I guess we’ll never find out.

The two continued to sit and watch the scenery go by as the sun sank in the sky. The orange rays beat across Kirby’s face and she closed her eyes for a moment—just a moment to forget where and who she was. In that slice of time she let the sun’s last rays of the day infuse energy into her and she imagined herself somewhere else. Someplace she could be someone different. A place where no one knew her, and she could live like she never had.

Her moment was dashed when she felt the bus lurch to a stop and Gina poked her in the arm.

Hey, Sleeping Beauty. We’ve arrived. Kirby’s eyes opened and reality set in as she gathered her stuff and followed Gina off the bus. As it pulled away, Kirby turned to look at the weather-beaten apartment complex she was now living in and frowned.

She wanted to return to the dream and just forget everything that was her life: The early morning knock on her door over a week ago telling her she had thirty minutes to get out of her grandmother’s house. The endless string of phone calls from bill collectors informing her she was behind on every bill she had. And smelling the nauseating fumes of the tow truck that had carted her only mode of transportation away.

She was made painfully aware of her true existence when Gina spoke up. I know it’s not the castle, but it’ll have to do for now, Princess.

2

W ow, she really did it to you this time. Channing sat in his penthouse suite and watched his attorney and friend, Bryant Powell, reading over the contract. I mean the specifications she came up with…fifth single brunette woman to come through the lobby?

It gets better. Channing grumbled, thinking about Gemma Lucas, his eccentric mother, and how she changed her hair color like most people changed clothes. You haven’t gotten to the good stuff. Read all of the things we have to do together. As he listened to Bryant going through the contract he’d already read fifteen times, Channing’s thoughts drifted back to three days ago when his mother turned his whole world sideways, and he closed his eyes.

She definitely meant to tie you down. Bryant stated, breaking Channing’s thoughts and bringing him back to the reality of the situation. Bryant chuckled and shook his head as he rattled off some of the stipulations Gemma made of the couple. And clearly not to one Miss Talia Bane.

Exactly. I’m a catch and release kind of guy Bryant, and now all of a sudden I have to catch one and keep her. Channing pushed his six-foot three-inch frame out of the plush chair to stretch. He moved to the window and watched the already alive city ramp up to an even more frenzied pace.

He knew his mother wasn’t too excited that he’d been dating various women, especially Talia Bane, one of Charleston’s most notorious socialites, who had been keeping his bed warm on a regular basis. He wasn’t going to marry her. Had no intentions of the sort, but that didn’t stop Gemma from making noise about it. His mother couldn’t stand the woman.

Everyone in town knew Talia was positioning herself to land a rich husband and she had set her sights directly on Channing. The entire situation seemed to put Gemma on edge and in turn she’d given Channing an ultimatum. She’d framed it as getting him to do something spontaneous, but Channing knew the truth. Gemma had no intentions of letting Talia become her daughter-in-law in any shape, size or form, and she’d left him with one of two choices. Sign the contract she had drawn up requiring him to get married, or his family’s company would be sold to the highest bidder, Edward Simons.

Channing would rather die than allow that to happen.

He had no problems getting women. He managed just fine sleeping with them on a regular basis. Hell, he’d even ventured as far as getting engaged. Once. But the way the debacle ended left him with more than a tinge of sourness toward commitment. It was one of the reasons he was even dealing with his most recent bedsheet-sharer, Talia Bane. She’d become his ‘on command and demand’ girl. He knew she wanted a more permanent relationship, but she was also not going to do anything to push the issue or she’d end up on his release list. No, it wasn’t morally right, but it was right for him.

Chan, exactly how did Gemma and Harlan come up with this one? They must’ve been toking on that old bong for days creating this.

I could have used your help before I signed that thing. What I need you to do is find a loophole in it. He’d caught a glimpse of his reflection in one of the mirrors in the suite earlier and made a mental note to shave the stubble poking through his face. His brown skin, usually kissed by the southern sun, was now pallid and gray thinking about his mother and her co-conspirator, Harlan, drafting the contract.

I really don’t see a way out of this one. Harlan knows his crap even when he has medicinal help. This is a doozy, Bryant said, slapping the contract down on the coffee table.

So, you’re saying there’s no way out of this? Channing huffed, and stalked to the bar to make himself a drink. Dammit.

I’m not saying that. You know I’m going to do whatever I can to get you out of this, but it may take some time.

Time is something I don’t have. You read it. I have to find a woman and convince her to marry me by midnight. I mean how many women do you know who’d marry some complete stranger? Channing wondered why his mother hated him so much. What did I ever do to her?

Hey, stranger things have happened. This is Vegas and you’re a pretty eligible bachelor. Bryant looked at Channing. It looks like you’re going to be married soon.

I had a feeling you were going to say that. Blowing hard, Channing threw back the drink and reached for the bottle again. He had to find a way to numb the pain of the impending headache he felt inching up the back of his neck.

So, I guess you’d better get ready to say ‘I do’. Channing watched Bryant sit back in his chair and grin.

You think this is funny, don’t you?

No. I mean, it’s not funny, but wow, Gemma can come up with some stuff. Life has never been boring with her. Bryant reached over and picked up the contract, reading the caveats again. Channing could only hope he’d find something he may have previously missed.

Yeah. Well, just once I wish it was. Frustrated, Channing sank into his leather desk chair. He swiveled around to face the window, thinking back to his unconventional upbringing and equally unconventional mother. Holding the drink against his temple, he closed his eyes. He imagined with the requirements his mother placed on finding a wife, what type of woman would be walking into the lobby at five in the morning.

Look at it this way, at least you’ll have full control of the company.

I know. Smirking, Channing sat and thought about his plans for Lucas Industries. With full control and ownership, he would be able to do everything he wanted, and if all went his way, Edward Simons wouldn’t be able to buy lunch, much less anyone else’s company. But I’m also going to have a wife who could either be ugly, fat, or even worse…a money hungry woman who spends more than I can ever make in a lifetime.

Channing sat with his head thrown back against the leather chair. The last thing he wanted was to be married to anyone. He didn’t trust the women he knew. How the hell was he supposed to trust a complete stranger?

Bryant sauntered over to the wall of windows and nodded as he turned to look at Channing. Fat? No problem. Personal trainer. Ugly? Plastic surgery. But that last one? Now that. My friend. Would be the absolute worst.

3

I sometimes wonder how I let you talk me into these things. Kirby hated the fact she’d let Gina persuade her into going out.

The Vegas nightlife was a cornucopia of extravagance. Anything she could ever dream of getting into lay at her feet. She just didn’t feel like partaking in any of it tonight. Hence the reason she threw on her most comfortable grey jersey dress and a pair of Converse sneakers. If she was lucky, Gina would want to go to a club with a dress code where she wouldn’t be allowed in and could make her exit and go home.

Talk you into what? Come on Kirby. You have had a horrible couple of weeks. The least we can do is have some fun tonight, okay?

Did you not hear me earlier when I told you I had money problems? Every time you say that, we end up going out, hitting various bars and I am left to make sure you get home safely. Either way, it’s not much fun for me.

Kirby rolled her eyes just thinking of all of the nights they had gone out on the Strip. At first it had been okay. Bar-hopping and drinking was a distraction. At least for a while. It made her forget the troubles she had, and that her life was on a one-way track to nowhere.

But soon it got old. The morning she woke up on the floor of some random person’s living room with the strap of her stiletto tangled in her hair, was the day she realized she couldn’t keep ‘living’ like this.

Oh, whatever. C’mon, let’s go in here. Gina pulled on Kirby’s arm and the two stumbled into the nearest bar.

It was going to be one of those nights. Kirby was sure of it as the smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke flooded her nose. Every bar had that same smell and she could tell this night would be no different than any other. The two were looking for a free table, when Kirby heard Gina’s name being called from behind them. She turned but she already knew the voice before she faced him.

Hey, Remy. Gina responded as Remington Lopez, or ‘Remy’ as most referred to him, strolled their way. Kirby’s jaw tightened as she realized Gina was behind the whole thing. Look Kirby, it’s Remy.

I see that, she mumbled.

Regardless of their history, Kirby couldn’t deny Remington Lopez had swagger. He was suave, he was handsome, and he had a way of charming most women with just a look. Dressed in all white from head to toe, he looked like a disarming angel as he walked closer. Remy was an attention-getter with just enough confidence to seem arrogant, and way more than enough to be conceited. She couldn’t remember a day while they were dating that he wasn’t put together. Nothing too overly flashy, but enough for the serious fashionista to take notice. He had definitely made a trip to the barber recently. His smooth facial hair lay in precise perfection.

You two are still the hottest women on the Strip, hands down, Remy said as he winked and side-hugged Gina, then continued to make his way over to Kirby. Hey, baby girl.

Kirby gave him a slight grin and made sure to turn her head when he dipped in to kiss her. His lips grazed the side of her face and the hair from his beard tickled her cheek. He moved back, and his smirk was enough to make her insane. He was a little too self-assured. He was conniving. And she knew if she gave him a chance he would be able to weasel under her skin.

Hello.

You look good, girl. But then again, you always do. His gravelly voice made him sound like he should have been on that rooftop with Mary J. Blige as she sang about all she needed. It was enough to make chills run up and down her spine.

Thanks.

Oh, so you’re going to act like you don’t know me with your clothes on, huh? I used to at least get a hug. She shot him an evil stare with the hopes he would get the hint that she was not in the mood.

I don’t pass those out so willingly anymore.

I see. Before he could launch into the usual compliments and lines he used to try and sway her into either getting back together or to spend the night with him, Gina interrupted.

You guys can stay here and chat. I’m sure you have lots to catch up on, she winked, and Kirby caught the knowing looks between them. I’m headed to the dance floor. With that, she turned and sliced her way through the throngs of people.

The bass of the music permeated the room and Kirby could feel it reverberate through her body. At least the music was loud enough that she wouldn’t be able to hear anything Remy had to say. That may work in her favor.

She felt his hand on her elbow and when she looked up, he tilted his head to the doorway. I want to talk. And we can’t do it here, he added as he leaned in closer to her and spoke into her ear.

What makes you think I want to talk? She asked as he gripped her arm with a little more force and pulled her through the crowd. As they exited the bar, she pried his hand from around her arm. You’re mighty bold. I don’t have anything to talk to you about.

Why haven’t you returned my calls?

Remy had led them away from the doorway and the noise of the club, and down the street. She crossed her arms and leaned against the warm brick of the building. Looking into his eyes, she could tell he was offended.

I’ve been busy.

Bullshit.

What does it matter Remy? You and I are not together.

It doesn’t mean I don’t care about how you are doing. She shook her head and looked down at her shoes. I do. Especially when I’m finding out you are having money problems.

How do you—? I’m going to kill Gina.

You know I got you if you need anything. All you have to do is ask.

Not interested.

This would be a lot easier if we were back together. I need you in my life, you know? He reached over and ran his finger across her chin and she rolled her eyes at him and his overt flirtations.

Somehow I doubt that.

Look, you know you are my number one.

Ha! If I had been the only one, then maybe I would still be there or would give it some consideration. What do you really want?

Damn. You cut to the chase, don’t you?

I really don’t have time for the games. So, what do you want?

I’m sorry about your grandmother. I know you two were close.

Yeah, well, thanks. It never failed. He knew exactly what to say to get her caught up in her emotions.

Kirby fought back tears as she thought about the woman who had raised her. It had been hard watching her grandmother waste away in the nursing home, knowing she could do nothing to stop the disease that had taken over her organs one by one. She’d endured the hardship of watching the one person who loved her more than anything leave her a little more day by day. Now, all she had left were memories and a mountain of debt.

I know you got major money issues. And I can help you if you just come home.

Kirby thought for a moment about the home he was referring to. For a while, she’d loved living with Remy. For someone as young as he was, she was very impressed when she first visited his condo. Her naïveté had been her downfall. She’d never put two and two together as to how he could afford a place that nice, and decorated with designer labels and expensive art. She’d never cared or thought about it as she woke up every morning to the luxurious and lavish lifestyle he was living.

I’m not getting mixed up in your world anymore. I know how that is.

C’mon Kirby. Things are different now. You— he reached out for her and she jerked away from him.

No. Her voice must have carried because a few people passing by on the street turned in their direction. Both she and Remy silenced as the passersby kept moving before she turned back to him and added in a more subdued manner, I’m not doing anything with you anymore.

"You could stand some money in your pocket. Those little rinky-dink jobs you

Reviews for Love and Loopholes

[mintedrose · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A very unlikely scenario, corny, cliche and predictable at times.