At First Sight

By Jaye Diane

Suddenly In Love Book 3

From the moment Jessica met Shawn, the attraction blew her away. He was everything she wanted in a man - and more. After spending some time with him, she's immediately hooked. He quickly becomes important to her and she can't help but have hopes and dreams about a future with him.

Shawn is drawn to her, too, and becomes attached despite trying to hold back. Everything about her is damn near perfect except... her ex is his brother! Letting go of her past isn't easy but he'll do the best he can because she's a woman worth keeping.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jaye Diane
• Release date: Mar 10, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463404577

Jaye Diane

Jaye Diane is a teacher, poet and novelist with a degree in English. As a child, she dreamed of becoming a writer and wrote and illustrated her own books. A lover of various genres of books, she is an avid reader as well as writer. Email: [e-mail]

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At First Sight

Suddenly in Love Book 3

Jaye Diane

Distributed by Smashwords

Copyright 2019 by Jeanette Diane Richardson

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be resold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Thank you, Madelene, for your honest feedback and constant support of my writing.

Part One

Put the phone down, Jess, she warned herself. But she kept staring at it, willing it to ring with a phone call or text message. He could’ve sent her an emoji and even that would’ve made her feel better.

Fucking pathetic, She muttered under her breath.

Jess? You okay? Ruby asked, sitting across from her at the rectangular table.

Beyond the two dozen or so tables that filled the room, there was a small stage. A band, cousins of the bride, began to play another set, prompting several people to head to the tiny dance floor.

Yes, Jessica said, forcing a smile. I’m okay.

She hadn’t yet told Ruby, or anyone, about the ridiculous turn her life had taken. Ruby had enough to worry about with a new baby. Joseph had just turned three months old and was absolutely the most adorable thing Jessica had ever seen. As for Zach, she usually told her brother everything. But he and Krista were swamped by wedding plans and house hunting. Jessica didn’t want to burden anyone.

And of course, there was the embarrassment factor to consider. She didn’t want to look like an idiot. And an idiot was exactly what she was. To be so attached to a guy she’d just met was stupid by anyone’s standards.

Hearing a bunch of oohs and aahs, Jessica’s head whipped around, seeing that Chase had pulled his new bride closer. Halle looked lovely in a simple peach gown that complemented her warm brown skin.

They’re so cute, Ruby said, grinning as several more guests joined the bride and groom on the dance floor.

They are, Jessica agreed simply. She was happy for Chase. She’d known he’d fallen quickly for Halle. But no one had expected them to elope on Valentine’s Day, the week before. He and Halle had only met a few months ago at the hospital when Ruby had given birth.

Ruby put her fork down on her plate and got up, quickly walking around the table and taking the empty seat beside Jessica.

What’s up? Ruby asked. You’re not having any fun tonight.

When I woke up this morning, I didn’t know I’d be coming to a wedding reception. Jessica forced a laugh. I’m just tired.

It was a Friday night and she’d had a long day at work. Zach had only told her midday that Chase’s parents were having a party for him and Halle. The long day combined with a lack of sleep the night before made her feel wiped out.

Ruby quietly stared closely at Jessica until Jessica began to squirm. Jessica looked around the large room, feigning interest in the blue flowers and balloons that Ruby had helped put up. There were cute centerpieces on each table, a small vase with a glass bride and groom within each one. For a last-minute decorating job, it was quite nice.

Spill it, Jess. What’s going on?

It’s nothing, Jessica said, waving her hand dismissively. But she couldn’t bring herself to look at Ruby’s face.

Why aren’t you two dancing? Krista asked, stopping near them. She was wearing a flowing lavender dress that seemed to enhance her honeyed skin. In the long gown, her tiny belly was invisible.

I had a ten-hour workday, Jessica said truthfully. I’m too tired to dance.

She looked down at the bland blue shirt and skirt she was wearing. It was all she’d managed to grab when she’d stopped home after work. She had plenty of other clothes but it had been the first matching option she’d gotten to and she’d wanted to hurry because the party had already started.

Once you come dance, you’ll perk up. Krista took her hand and pulled lightly. Jessica didn’t play along, stubbornly rooted in place. Krista dropped her hand. Damn, you look sad.

Is this about Rob? Ruby asked pointedly.

Hell no, Jessica denied hotly. Why would you even bring him up?

She’d dated Rob Parker casually for all of three weeks. It had been more than two months since it ended. She’d quickly realized that, although she was very comfortable with him, and although the conversation flowed easily with him, she just wasn’t attracted to him. Being there for Krista on the night Krista fainted had shown her exactly how she felt for Rob. They’d had a date and she’d canceled to take care of Krista. She hadn’t missed him in the least or felt bad about canceling.

No, it was another Parker that had taken over her thoughts.

Fuck, She muttered again.

Sorry, Ruby said contritely. I know it’s been over between you and Rob for awhile but I don’t know what to think right now. What are you not telling me?

I’m going to leave you guys alone, Krista said, frowning. She patted Jessica’s hand before walking over to Zach.

Jessica couldn’t help but smile at the sweet way her brother greeted his fiancée, turning from the conversation he was having and pulling her into his arms. She’d never seen Zach so happy.

Earth to Jess! Ruby complained. It’s obvious something is bothering you. But I won’t pressure you anymore. Tell me about it when you’re ready.

Thanks, Jessica mumbled, looking down at her phone again. And feeling guilty for holding back with her best friend, she blurted, I met someone last night.

Whoa, Ruby grinned. I did not expect that. Details. I need details.

He’s amazing, Jessica blurted. Or, I thought he was. He’s sexy as hell and built like a Greek god. I met him at the gym. He’s smart. He’s a college professor. And he’s so funny. We had a late dinner and then spent half the night together.

It had felt special. They’d connected instantly. That had never happened to her before. She hadn’t wanted to go home. She’d wanted to stay with him.

Did you sleep with him? Ruby asked, her face curiously blank.

No, Jessica said hurriedly. But I sure did want to. He’s so damn fine.

Wow, Ruby mouthed. Jessica knew it was a big deal that she was interested in sex with him. She’d been abstinent for years. She was shocked by the feeling, too, but there it was.

She’d gone straight to Jonah’s gym from work and it hadn’t been long before they’d noticed each other. They’d first spent most of their time in the gym shadowing each other, then they’d gone their separate ways to shower and dress. She’d told herself that she’d most likely see him again since he was a member of the gym. But luck had been on her side and he’d left the gym at the same time she had. They’d smiled, made small talk, and gone off to have drinks, which quickly led to a late dinner.

And? Ruby asked. If he’s so great, why do you look so sad?

When we parted ways, he said he’d call me today. Today’s almost over and I still haven’t heard from him.

He’s probably busy. There’s still time. It’s only nine.

Jessica nodded. She’d told herself that. But, really, he could’ve called by now, even just for a minute or two.

We talked about everything, She told Ruby. It was so…amazing. He’s so funny and sweet.

Is this love at first sight? Ruby teased.

I wouldn’t know a thing about love, Jessica said honestly as something pricked her heart at the mere mention of those words. But I thought we had a connection. And I was obviously wrong.

The day’s not over, Ruby said, confidently.

And there’s something else, Jessica added before she could lose her nerve. I don’t know if it’s a bad thing but it’s definitely not a good thing.

What is it? Ruby frowned.

This man I met…you actually know him. I think, She tacked that on hastily.

Who is he?

Ryshawn Parker, Jessica said, staring into Ruby’s eyes for any sign