Stronger Than Any Excuses: The Billionaire Neumann Brothers, #1

By Isobella Bisou

He woke dormant desires in her… and she can never go back to vanilla…

After a soulless company takes over the fitness club where she works with her best friend, Tamara risks everything to save their jobs.  

But Tamara isn't prepared for the tall, ruggedly handsome Matthew Neumann. Despite his coldness, she responds to something inside him. A blazing inferno that ignites hidden needs and fantasies. He's a dom, and they're just playing games, but she can't fall for a man who will leave her both destitute and heartbroken!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Editor Trinity Wilde
• Release date: Oct 11, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386533948

Book preview

Chapter 1

Tamara walked her three o’clock appointment through the cool-down area and stopped in front of the locker room. Today, the familiar scents of lavender disinfectant and the elite gym’s trademarked thyme shower gel didn’t give her the warm feeling that she desperately needed.

The morning’s bad news was all she could think about.

That was an intense session, Karen said, dabbing her forehead with a towel. Her diamond ear studs sparkled in the light. You’re in full-on slave-driver mode today. I’m going to feel it tomorrow.

You did great. Tamara gave her favorite client a reassuring shoulder squeeze.

Pedro walked by, his dark eyes glazed over. He didn’t even acknowledge her. He was five-ten of honed muscle, and when he wasn’t smiling, he looked scary. As his best friend, Tamara had no problem realizing that he was freaking out in his quiet manly way. She suspected his boyfriend would call her tonight and give her an earful.

She felt sick.

Pedro was going to lose everything, and it was all her fault. He’d said he didn’t blame her, but he probably blamed her now. If she hadn’t pushed—

Tomorrow is weigh-in, right? Karen asked, brimming with obvious excitement and apprehension. My bathroom scale says I’ve gained another pound. That can’t be right.

Tamara refocused on her client. I was thinking we could skip weigh-in again this week, she said as the locker room door opened.

Three pretty fashion-doll types walked out. Tamara stepped back to give them space to pass, then focused on Karen. Six months after wrapping her Mercedes around a streetlight, Karen had whipped herself back into shape, enduring everything Tamara threw her way. Tamara had clients half Karen’s age who could learn a thing or two.

She smiled encouragingly at Karen. You’re putting on muscle, just as your doctor advised. I don’t want you worrying about—

Excuse me, rumbled a deep voice from behind Tamara.

She turned, already smiling, prepared to direct a client to the men’s locker room.

What she hadn’t expected was to find herself eye-to-neck with a tall, dark-haired man in a suit. She looked up into stormy gray eyes framed by black lashes.

Eyes that were staring hard into hers.

Seconds passed. This client was seriously hot, even if he looked a little annoyed. His square jaw and strong nose could have been harsh, but full lips gave his face balance.

Tamara couldn’t look away. Couldn’t think. Her fingers ached to fix the skewed butterfly clip holding her shoulder-length dirty-blond hair in a sloppy ponytail.

Geez, when was the last time she’d been this close to a man who wasn’t one of her clients?

Her gaze drifted up. His thick hair, long on top and slicked back and tousled, didn’t exactly match his conservative clothing, but it looked damned good on him. She’d have bet anything that he had tattoos under his starched dress shirt. Maybe a piercing or two.

It made her imagine other things under his clothes. She was a personal trainer, and she had a pretty good idea what kind of shape he was in. Excellent shape. Broad shoulders, powerful arms, heavily muscled legs. She definitely hadn’t seen him around before. He could have been a pro soccer player, though the suit and his demeanor suggested successful businessman. Former athlete, maybe. She could smell hints of his aftershave. Something spicy and exotic. She wanted to lean in and inhale.

Hot tingles traveled the length of her spine. Her cheeks flushed, and she realized with horror that she was dampening her lips with her tongue.

One of the man’s eyebrows lifted, and his mouth tugged into a cool smile.

They weren’t sharing a moment. No, she was lusting over this guy, and worse, a client.

And he’d noticed.

I need to get by you, he said in a deep rumble.

Tamara snapped out of it and scooted out of the way.

Wow, Karen whispered. Tamara had completely forgotten she was there.

She swallowed, preparing to defend herself. I wasn’t—

Who is his trainer? Karen winked at Tamara. I’m not serious, of course. You’re the only one for me.

Tamara almost pointed out that anyone who could afford the fees at Perfection Fitness and Wellness could also afford private cooks, personal trainers, and of course plastic surgeons. That guy had every advantage in the world. Of course he was friggin’ perfect. But Karen was still a client, not a friend. Tamara never forgot her place.

Well, almost never.

They watched together as Mr. Sexy Everything walked to the end of the corridor and made a left.

Tamara frowned. He was heading toward the office. Instant dread doused the embers of her lust. If this guy was the new boss, she had a few things to say to him.

See you tomorrow, Karen.

Karen grabbed her arm before she could walk away. You’ve been so good to me. I’m going to hook you up with the most gorgeous dress you’ve ever seen.

You’re so thoughtful. Next time I’ve got a fancy date, I’ll let you know.

It was what Tamara said whenever Karen made this offer. She was destined to be single forever. At five feet nine inches, she was taller than a lot of guys. Add in the muscles, and then the curves on top of the muscles… Guys got intimidated.

Intimidated, Tamara thought.

That was the nice way to look at it.

Fortunately, Karen hadn’t realized that her well-intentioned comment had taken Tamara’s mood down a notch. Karen pushed into the locker room.

Tamara started toward the office, then stopped when her wristband vibrated, alerting her that her next client was ready. She needed to know what was happening in that office, but if she was late for a client, she’d be the first one fired.

Chapter 2

Two seconds after she’d finished up with Leigh, Tamara headed right for the office.

Pedro snapped to life as she breezed by. She braced herself but didn’t slow down.

A month ago, she’d convinced him to quit his job at the local fitness franchise and join the Hired Hands Trusted Temporaries agency in order to get one of the coveted slots at Perfection Fitness and Wellness. She’d been working for Hired Hands for nine months and had only great things to say about the employment agency and the jobs they sent her on.

At the time, Pedro coming on board had made sense. Perfection Fitness and Wellness was only half a mile from his house, the pay was great, and the hours accommodated his class schedule.

No one could have predicted that his mom would lose her job only two weeks later. He’d tried to increase his hours, but all the shifts at the gym were filled. He’d tried to go back to his old job, but found himself blacklisted. Hired Hands couldn’t do anything; Perfection Fitness and Wellness was their only local client in the fitness industry.

Pedro had said he didn’t blame her. They’d run the numbers together, and he had just enough put aside that he could get by until the end of the semester, at which point he’d be able to take a full-time job farther away.

We need to talk, Pedro said.

Going to find the boss, she called out over her shoulder. I’m going to fix this mess, she didn’t say.

Sneakers squeaked behind her. Pedro caught up. They’re still in a meeting.

Tamara slammed to a stop. Who is?

Fantasia and the new owner. He crossed his arms.

I thought the new owner was a corporation.

You realize that corporations are run by people, right? He tapped her forehead.

Tamara swatted his arm away. Okay, so maybe he didn’t hate her. Yet.

I need as much information as possible, she said.

The new boss came in and wanted to talk to Fantasia. I figured it was time for a sippy-sip of water, so I happened to overhear. His faux-cheer slipped, and he looked mournful.

I’m so sorry about this, Pedro. But I need details if I’m going to take him on.

He shrugged it off and plastered on a smile. His name is Matthew Neumann, and he’s our hot new overlord. If my life is going to be ruined, at least it’s by someone attractive.

He didn’t introduce himself as an overlord, Tamara said impatiently.

He’s the manager of business development.

What’s that?

I guess it’s the guy they send when the important people have other things to do. But as far as I’m concerned, he’s a god because he’s the one deciding our fates. I don’t know what you have in mind, but you’d better do it now. Pedro passed a hand in front of her face. Tamara?

What?

Stop gnawing on your lip. What’s your plan?

It was a good question. I… don’t know yet. I’ll have to convince him that we’re all necessary. You’re the most recent hire. If they decide to consolidate…

Pedro’s eyes went wide. Well, you’d better figure it out quick, because here he comes. He took a step back, then leaned forward to whisper, You can do this. If you don’t, and I starve to death, I’ll haunt you for the rest of your days. You won’t be able to pee without my ghost getting in your face.

Tamara licked her lips. This time, they were dry with nervousness.

Uh, do you have a moment? she asked as Matthew Neumann came closer.

Not really. He continued past her.

Tamara’s mouth dropped open. If this was any indication of how his company planned to treat the employees, then all of her fears were founded. She felt Pedro’s eyes on her. She glanced around and saw that several other coworkers, sensing blood in the water, had oozed out of their offices.

It’s important, she said, hurrying to catch up with Matthew. You’re taking over, right? It’s about this new program.

Matthew stopped abruptly and pinned her in place