Swayed

By Lindsey Owens

FORMERLY titled "Love Begins with Fate"

Fate works in mysterious ways... Kimber's parents are divorced. She and her twin brother were separated. Now, half way through her senior year her mother and father have convinced her to go live with her brother and father for the rest of her senior year. Her best friend Hannah, begs her friend to go out for a night of fun before she starts her first day at the new school.

Giving in to her friend's whims for the first time in her life, she becomes someone she's not. Too drunk and too full of life, Kimber does the unthinkable and dances for a guy. She didn't remember what happened at first.... she just hopes he can forget about her....

But boy was she wrong...

Can the cowgirl be swayed by the player?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lindsey Owens
• Release date: Oct 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386583684

Lindsey Owens

Lindsey is the author of the erotica fiction novel In the Dark as well as The Chocolatier and the new adult novel Fated Love. She also writes werewolf books, romance genre, some teen fiction, new adult fiction, fantasy, and paranormal stories. She has many more novels to come! She's just a girl who wants fun romance novels! Is that so much to ask? Not the same ol' same ol'? Not all love is slow and casual, some are fast paced and nearly overwhelming. Not all paranormal books have vampires! Not all stories have been told!  Seriously!? Lindsey took it upon herself to begin her stories for her own entertainment in the beginning of early 2000. She had not struggled with finding books that captivated her, no, instead stories began to form in her head. The more she read, the more she loved to write. Her romance stories began with her desire to write things down! More romance! More Paranormal Romance!  She lives in the South with her husband and children where she continues to put her thoughts to paper.

Book preview

This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used factiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

A publication of Lindsey Owens

Copyright 2014 by Lindsey Owens

All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction in

whole or in part in any form.

Text of this book is set in Garamond text size 13.

Manufactured in the United States of America

All rights reserved.

Summary: Fate has a strange way of making things work. Kimber's parents are divorced. She and her twin brother were separated. Now, half way through her senior year her mother and father have convinced her to go live with her brother and father for the rest of her senior year. Her best friend Hannah, begs her friend to go out for a night of fun before she starts her first day at the new school.

Giving in to her friend's whims for the first time in her life, she becomes someone she's not. Too drunk and too full of life, Kimber does the unthinkable and dances for a guy. She didn't remember what happened at first but now .... she just hopes he can forget about her....

But boy was she wrong.

[1. Fiction 2. Romance 3. Drama]

9781370868315

Lindsey Owens

Copyright 2016 by Lindsey Owens

All rights reserved.

Meeting your fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you I had no control over.

-Author Unknown

DEDICATION

To LOVE of all shapes and sizes.

Chapter 1

Come on Ki... Hannah whined.

What’s the big deal? Kimber groaned as she buttoned up her top. Hannah had been whining for the last few hours that Kimber was such a buzz kill and was taking way too long; it was just driving her crazy.

It’s your first night here. I just want to have some fun before I have to share you with the entire school. Hannah begged. She had been ready to go for the last two hours.

I’m almost ready. Kimber admitted. She pulled on her cowboy boots and stepped out, and up to her friend.

You’ve got to be shitting me. Hannah hissed, she slapped herself in the forehead before stomping off to the other side of the room.

What are you doing? Are you ready or not? Kimber huffed out in her sweet southern twang, she couldn’t believe after all the complaining, Hannah, was not ready yet. Well... Kimber barked when Hannah didn’t reply.

I can’t go anywhere with you I swear. Kimber’s eyebrows furrowed and she looked in the mirror at herself then back to her friend.

What’s the deal; this is how I always dress. Kimber evaluated her clothing; there wasn’t a stain or a stitch out of place. She had on her normal faded jeans, brown button down tee shirt, her cowboy boots, and her matching cowboy hat. Along with the whole attire, Kimber wore her last year’s champion belt, which was custom made just for her and her hair up in a messy ponytail.

That’s exactly what the big deal is Ki, you look like your uptight redneck cowgirl self. No guys are going to go after us with you looking like that. You’re starting new. A new college, new friends, new reputation...we’re changing you look. Hannah said firmly before adding If you’re going to dress like a cowgirl, at least look like a sexy one. Hannah complained.

I am not a redneck, Kimber drawled slightly peeved. I don’t think there is anything wrong with the way I dressed, Kimber frowned.

Ki, you and I both know that after tonight... I will never get you to leave the dorm again; this is your first day here AND... Hannah exaggerated the last day of spring break. It’s our last chance to have fun. If you would have just up and moved when your mamma asked you to but no, you had to argue. So would you please, Hannah dragged out the words for effect PLEASE just let me dress you for tonight...

Kimber frowned over at her friend. It was their last night to go out before Kimber started Hinckley College and their last chance to have fun before she started at her brother’s school. I don’t want to look stupid in front of anyone we might meet at school. She complained. Hannah rolled her eyes Better not regret this. Kimber muttered.

Hannah squealed and raced back into the closet. When she exited Kimber’s eyes widened and she frantically shook her head Nah uh. She said firmly.

Hannah smirked Yes way. She wiggled the outfit back and forth in front of her friend. Put it on and give me your glasses.

I aint given you my glasses. Kimber complained.

They are for reading! Hannah barked. And you use them as a crutch.

Another thirty minutes later and Kimber was whimpering as they walked through the driveway to the party. I can’t believe you talked me into this. She complained as she tugged on the bottom of the black mini skirt. She couldn’t believe she had let Hannah convince her that this... THIS outfit was sexy. Kimber felt as if her every part was going to pop out of the outfit. She had on a shirt that was barely a shirt and more like a bikini top and the mini skirt along with a pair of black fuzzy boots, which Kimber was sure Hannah had bought from a stripper store. Her hair was down flopping around in light waves, Hannah had bought her a pair of colored contacts to make her eyes a bright purply blue, and she couldn’t help but fidget.

Leave your hair alone! Hannah scolded. Ever since Hannah had convinced Kimber to bleach her hair to the platinum blond, which she now sported, she had been fidgeting with it saying that ‘her hair missed its color.’ Remember tomorrow we are going shopping for your new school outfits. I am not going to be seen with you in this city wearing your old cowgirl clothing.

It’s the best clothes for working at the ranch. Kimber complained.

But... you are in the city now. Your horses are back home with your mother, Kimber sighed, her mother hadn’t been home in a while and, Hannah continued, you are going to my college now where NOBODY owns a horse. Hannah stated firmly. Kimber had decided a new start would be acceptable since she was going to be going to a new school and Hannah wasn’t about to let her forget it.

It’s just so different. Can’t help it. Don’t feel comfortable. Kimber complained. I’m dying it tomorrow morning.

Don’t worry, once we get a few drinks in you... Hannah began.

Drinks! Kimber squealed. How are we gonna drink, Hannah we’re only... Hannah slapped her hand over her friend’s mouth and stared at her with a look of pure horror.

Your sexy body’s going to get us into the club Hannah smirked.

I am far from sexy. Kimber rolled her eyes.

Don’t worry about the drinks they’ll be easy to get. Hannah said changing the subject. She had yet to figure out where Kimber’s lack of beauty confidence had gone but once they were freshmen Kimber changed and her confidence went out the window.  She had never gotten over that.

Where exactly are you taking me? Kimber complained again.

Hannah slapped her hand to her hip and turned around grabbing her friend’s wrist as she began to tug her along. Really Kimber, I would have thought you would like to enjoy yourself for once in your life. Instead, I am finding myself wishing I had come alone. I can’t believe you and your brother are even related. That hurt.

Hannah was Kimber’s best friend from the city. She had been Kimber’s brother and father’s neighbor for years. Every time Kimber had come to visit her father and her brother, she would hang out with Hannah.

Instead of Kimber’s country life with her mother, her father had demanded she live with him the remained of her senior year and she continued to even then after until she started college two years later. When their parents had divorced, the twins had been separated to opposite sides of the country. Kimber went with her supportive horse-loving mother while Ryder went with their sports loving father. Ryder becoming the famous quarter back of his high school and went on to college football while Kimber became a three-time national barrel race winner with her horse, Thunder and inherited her grandfather’s ranch.

Hannah was more than ecstatic that her friend was moving in with her father and brother; she had convinced her parents to fly her out so she could help Kimber pack. After a lot of convincing they set off in Kimber’s pickup truck with all her things.

That hurt Han. Kimber frowned.

Well sometimes... Hannah sighed Look at him. He’s your twin for peat sake and he’s the star quarterback, team captain, has every girl trying to vie for his affection, and you... you don’t care about your fashion, you don’t play sports, and you’re virtually a loner.

I play sports. Kimber complained.

Team penning and barrel racing on horseback is not sports. It’s just ... different. Hannah sighed. She fully supported Kimber in some ways but she had figured it was about time her friend give up the country bumpkin lifestyle and move into the normal world.

I’m not a loner. I have you. Kimber mused.

And thank goodness you do, sweetie. Hannah told her.

Kimber let out a sigh. Fine, you want different today... I’ll be someone different. Kimber said icily. She was sick of everyone patronizing her for her choice of activities. She was good at what she did and nobody but her mom and grandpa had ever congratulated her on it. Heck, she had won the pole bending competition at her arena almost every other weekend for three years in a row. Three years in a row, come on! She had received two scholarships so far even.

Okay... Hannah agreed. So... who you going be?

Since changin’ my name completely would just be confusing... I’ll go with Kim. Kimber smiled.

Dumb. Hannah yawned.

Fine! Kimber groaned, I’ll go with my middle name. She said triumphantly.

Well that works well enough, but I don’t think I even know your middle name. Hannah frowned. She had thought she knew everything about her friend.

Not many do... I don’t use it much, it’s Ashlyn.

Well it’s nice to meet you Ashlyn. Hannah mused sticking out her hand to shake. Now let’s just try and drop that twang.

Very funny. Come on and let’s get this night over with.

Chapter 2

See... Hannah mused as she patted her friend’s arm. The girls had easily made it passed the bouncer at the door of the club and now they were making their way through the halls to get to the dance floor.

Only cause you promised him something, I know you did. Kimber groaned. She didn’t want to know what her friend had told the guy but whatever it was it made him smile.

He was cute so sue me. Hannah giggled.

This is way too crowded. Kimber groaned. She had never been to a nightclub before nor had she ever really wanted too, but Hannah had insisted that this was the most upbeat and happenin’ place in town for people their age. Ryder had confirmed it and so now there they were wandering around the club.

Well let’s get a drink. Hannah smirked as she strode over to the bar. The man behind the counter perked an eyebrow up at the girls but didn’t refuse when Hannah flirted and asked for two shots.

Sure thing sweetheart He smirked. Maybe you’ll save me a dance later.

Maybe... I guess you’ll have to come out here and see. Hannah giggled as she rubbed her hand across the man’s which lay on the counter.

The girls’ downed their drink and Kimber nearly choked on the bitter sharp taste of the alcohol burning her throat. Come on. Hannah urged, Let’s dance.

You bad, Kimber giggled looking back at the man who ogled them. I think ya made him nearly crap his pants.

Oh no babe, I bet I gave him a... Hannah laughed as Kimber slapped her hand over her friend’s mouth and interrupted.

You can’t say that! Kimber scolded.

Ki...

Ashlyn remember.

Ashlyn, he’s a guy and I’m an interested, looking for a good time type girl... Hannah shrugged as she began to wiggle her hips to the music.

Kimber couldn’t help but shake her head at her friend. I can’t believe you... Being in the city for nearly a week surrounded by Hannah, Kimber was slowly losing her slang.

What?

Ya’re interested... really?

Hannah smiled. Well it’s not like I haven’t done it before... she mused. Her friend didn’t know; she had purposely never mentioned it to Kimber. She was as uptight as they came.

What!? When?! Kimber screamed.

Opps, Hannah muttered. Didn’t mean to hurt your innocent ears.

Opps, Kimber repeated. You have a lot of explaining to do later. Kimber groaned but right now my head feels funny. Kimber wasn’t really into the partyin’ type of life. It seemed to get the boys back home into a lot of trouble.

Oh... time for another drink then. Hannah laughed as she quickly made her way back to the bar, grabbing more drinks, and bringing them back to Kimber. Here these are yours I already drank mine. Hannah said as she giggled. She was beginning to feel the effects of alcohol too and she liked it.

I don’t want any more of those. Kimber complained.

Come on... Ash... You’re gonna ruin my fun. Hannah whined.

Kimber frowned, grabbed the drinks, and downed them quickly. Don’t tell me I never did anything for you. She groaned.

The night progressed and after Hannah had pressed a few more drinks into Kimber she had began to loosen up. The two girls were dancing and bouncing on the dance floor moving with the beat when a guy began to grind behind Kimber. Feeling the pressure of someone behind her, she squealed and moved away.

What are you doing? Hannah hissed at her.

He was rubbing against me... Kimber whimpered.

Babe, it’s called dancing, please don’t embarrass me. Hannah whined through grit teeth as she looked over at the school’s hot running back, PJ, and pushed her friend back toward the guy who stood there peering at her curiously.

Stumbling back toward the guy, Kimber took notice of his beautiful blue eyes, short brown spiked hair, and his high strong cheek bones. This guy was good looking. He stood almost a foot taller than Kimber with her high boots on and had so much muscle that they were visible from beneath his tight black shirt. She looked up at him sheepishly through her dark lashes and pushed her long hair back slightly.

He smiled and began to lift his finger motioning for her to come closer. Slowly one-step at a time, Kimber moved her feet toward him. If she was sober, she knew this probably wouldn’t be happening. There was no way... she had to admit Hannah was right about some things and the fact that guys usually ran the other way from her, well... that was so true, well at least here in the city.

Smirking, the guy gripped onto Kimber’s hips and began to weave his body against hers. Kimber began to move with him. It wasn’t long until they fell into a groove and she was enjoying his warmth against her.

Once the songs had turned into the first slow dance of the night the guy didn’t waste a minute pulling Kimber in and gripping her butt with one hand and her lower back with the other. She was feeling in the mood to play along and wrapped her arms around his neck as they swayed back and forth. Pressing his lips to Kimber’s ear he whispered so beautiful, where are you from? I haven’t seen you around...?

Kimber gulped. Up until this time, she hadn’t needed to speak to him. Pulling back and to the side some, Kimber turned her head to face him. He was smirking again. That cocky look which if she was sober would have alerted her he was definitely a player. She would have noticed it before but it didn’t bother the slightly tipsy Kimber. I’m new here, She murmured.

Interesting, he beamed.

He smiled. His hands gripped tighter on to her pulling her slightly closer. You want to get another drink? He asked. His husky voice already held the dull scent of liquor and she was just slightly too tipsy to make heads or tails of anything right now.

Hannah couldn’t help but smile, she knew that PJ was a player but this was a fun night and Kimber could use a little loosing up. So when PJ began to drag her away toward the bar and Kimber willingly going along, she couldn’t ruin it for her. PJ wouldn’t get anywhere Kimber didn’t want to go anyway, she was a strong girl, drunk or not.

Nodding Kimber let PJ lead her through the crowded room. Want to play a game? He asked.

Sure. Kimber said warily.

First one to down the drink... has to give the other a kiss. He grinned.

Kimber’s eyebrows furrowed and she looked up at him with half a frown on her face. I think that you would win that one either way. She said.

Well... what about... PJ rubbed his chin, which she noticed was covered in a thin line of light stubble.

How ‘bout if you win... I’ll give you a kiss. If I win we go back out there and dance some more. Kimber offered.

Shrugging PJ grinned, Sure. He couldn’t wait to get his hands all over the hot body of this girl once again.

Two shots of Jack, PJ called to the bartender.

With the drinks before him, PJ smirked as he passed one over to Kimber. Count for us. He said to a guy standing beside them.

The guy counted and on three, Kimber and PJ downed their drinks. I won PJ gleamed.

Kimber huffed. Let’s try that again. I wasn’t ready.

Whatever you say babe PJ chuckled. Getting the girl drunk would be a breeze at this rate. She was already wobbly on her feet and she was oblivious to his obvious alcohol tolerance.

Do over, Kimber slurred. It was their seventh shot and she was beyond drunk.

Babe, I think you had enough for now... Let’s just say you won. PJ grinned.

But that’s not fair to you. Kimber pouted.

Well you can pay me back with a kiss. PJ replied rubbing a finger across Kimber’s lips seductively.

She smiled as she wobbled back and forth slightly. Why don’t we sit down for a bit, we can go over there... Kimber pointed toward a booth on the far side of the dance floor.

Sure. PJ nodded. Together they walked through the crowd. The music still thrummed and it made Kimber feel like she wanted to go crazy, in a good way.

Once the two reached the booth, PJ reached up and pulled the curtain closed and looked over to Kimber. She had flopped down on the bench weakly. PJ made his way over to her. It would be a shame, this girl was a definitely one he could get use to hanging around with but... he doubt he would ever see her again; he’d never seen her before. So, he was going to take advantage of the moment.

Kimber wiggled up to PJ’s side as he sat down. Gently rubbing her hand up and down his chest, she was enjoying him beside her. PJ gripped onto Kimber’s hips and tugged her onto his lap. At first, she was slightly startled but then as he began to lean forward and press his lips to her lips, Kimber moaned in delight. This was only her second time kissing a boy. She had once played spin the bottle at one of her brother’s birthday parties before their parents split and wound up kissing some random boy but this was a real passionate, yet very sloppy drunken kiss.

PJ’s lips moved over to Kimber’s jaw and began to move down her neck as he began to weave his hands under her top. How about to make it up to me you give me a dance? PJ asked cheekily.

Okay? Kimber said slowly. What harm could a dance do? Slowly she stood from PJ’s lap and began to sway her body with the beat of the music.

Chapter 3

Kimber was having the time of her life as she danced around on the floor before PJ. He was grinning like a fool and when Kimber began to dip between his legs, well, his smile broadened. She was making him go crazy with her sexy moves.

Slowly, she began to shimmy up between PJ’s legs once more. Kimber’s hands found their way to PJ’s shirt and she fought to pull it up and over his head. Turning around Kimber shimmied herself down between PJ’s legs then slowly made her way back up pressing herself back against his chest. As the girl danced, PJ took notice of the star tattoos along her rib cage and side of her hip and smirked.

Cute. He whispered trailing a finger across the mark.

Thanks. Kimber said in a hushed voice. She never let anyone see that spot and she never had a man touch her as he was. If it wasn’t for