Savannah (Club Reign, Book Two)

By Samantha McCoy

Savannah Lexington was used to the hard knocks of life. But even though she had a less than stellar upbringing, she was happy. She had her daughter, a home, a job she loved, and friends. What more could she ask for?
Well, how about a sexy doctor who wants to give her the world? Too good to be true? Maybe. Or maybe not.

Harrison Belford had everything in life he had ever wanted. Money, prestige, and a thriving medical practice. He was all set. Or was he? When the mother of one of his patients walks into his office, Harrison suddenly realizes he wants one more thing – a family.

But can he convince Savannah to trust him? Can he show her that not every rich guy is a self-serving jerk?
And what happens when the famous Belford family finds out about Savannah’s career? Is he man enough to stand up for her? Or will he prove to Savannah that he’s just another rich, judgmental bastard?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samantha McCoy
• Release date: Dec 6, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463479995

Samantha McCoy

*International Bestselling Author*Samantha McCoy is from Texas but currently lives in Chicago, Illinois. She writes contemporary romance - MC and Erotica books with a little bit of something extra. Samantha has also dabbled a bit in Paranormal Romance.She is a lover of coffee, Dr. Pepper, and wine; and a Lemonhead fanatic.If you would like to learn more about her and her upcoming events and releases, check out her page on Facebook: Samantha McCoy, AuthorHer Private Facebook Reader Group: Sam's Books & Sultry BitsorInstagram: @samiek81Twitter: @samiek81

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Savannah

© 2019 by Samantha McCoy

First Electronic Publication: December 2019

United States of America

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, redistributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in any database, without prior written permission from the author, with the exception of brief quotations contained in critical reviews. The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. No part of this work may be scanned, uploaded, or otherwise distributed via the internet or any other means, including electronic or print, without the author’s written permission.

The characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living or deceased, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

Cover Design: Dark Water Covers

Model: Stephanie Kneese

Photographer: Gigi Hoggard

Samantha McCoy

samanthamccoyauthor.com

Dedication

Perthes Legg Calve Disease is a condition that affects roughly one out of 1,200 kids; mainly male children between the ages of four to ten, with onset at around age six. However, in extremely rare instances, females are also diagnosed. Perthes Disease is a rare childhood condition that affects the hip. It’s caused when the blood supply to the rounded head of the femoral (thigh) bone is disrupted, which leads to bone cell death. While this condition may only be temporary and will heal itself over time (two to four years), it is very painful for the children who suffer from it. And the parents that can only stand by and watch the suffering of their little ones. The causes of Perthes Disease are currently unknown, but children who are short for their age and extremely active seem to be at a higher risk.

One little boy is – Gunner Hoggard. This little boy captured my heart with his adorable, thick southern twang and his cuter than life smile. Gunner was diagnosed earlier this year and is now in stage two (Fragmentation) of the four-stage process. He isn’t allowed to play like other kids. No running. No jumping. No playing tag, or hide-and-seek. This disease will, essentially, rob him of his early childhood.

His mother, Gigi Hoggard, who happens to be the photographer for this cover image, is a woman I dearly love and have mad respect for. Her videos and post about Gunner’s struggles, pull at my heart – badly. This woman is a super mom! Between the PT appointments and doctor’s visits, then the typical mom duties for three beautiful kids, and being a wife, photographer, and wearer of many hats – she pushes herself on the daily. All while keeping a gorgeous smile on her face!

So, this book is for Gunner and all the other babies who are suffering right along with him, no matter the stage. And to Gigi and other parents just like her. I send you all – my love, prayers, good juju, and all the hugs! And to Gunner, you keep rockin’, baby boy! You got this!

For more information on Perthes Diseases check out the Perthes Kids Foundation at: Pertheskids.org

Prologue

Would y’all just stop! Savannah screamed.

For a thirteen-year-old little girl, she was so ready to get out of there. All her parents ever did was fight and argue. Not to mention, completely ignore her existence. She hated them. And she hated her life.

She heard her mother’s voice raise several octaves and knew, it was time to leave. Soon, things would start to fly. Glass would break. And most likely, the neighbors would call the cops. Again.

Savannah ran out of the back door of their small, run-down house and after opening the rickety gate, headed towards town. It was less than a mile, but she was used to making the trip. It was something she did on a regular basis, thanks to her parents.

People all over town treated her like she was dumb, but Savannah knew. She knew her father was a drunk, and her mother was a drug addict. She’d known for a long time. The empty beer bottles and needles, that littered their living room floor, were evidence enough.

As she walked down the side of the old dirt road, Savannah dreamed about leaving the small podunk town and never coming back. She thought of all the fun places she would go to and everything she could see.

Maybe New York! Or Los Angeles!

The more she thought about it, the more excited she became. Savannah pictured herself visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Grand Canyon. She could see herself standing in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. And even walking the halls of Notre Dame. She had big dreams and she wanted to reach them, but they would never happen in small town Texas. The old town was nearly deserted.

When the cotton gin had closed, long before Savannah was even born, what population the town had, left. All that remained was a general store, post office, a bar, and the local school, which consisted of one building. Literally, just one. From kindergarten to twelfth grade, everyone went to school together.

As the dirt road ended, and the pale gray, old asphalt took its place, Savannah could just make out the rooftops of the town. She made a beeline for the general store, hoping her best friend, Kelsey would be there. Kelsey’s parents owned the store and often, when Savannah’s parents fought, they would let her hang out and even help.

Savannah liked to help them. It made her feel useful. After she’d finish whatever task they assigned her, Mr. and Mrs. Parker would always give her a free candy bar and her favorite orange soda. That was the only time Savannah ever got those types of things; so, she enjoyed them. Normally, her parents just spent money on themselves. The alcohol and drugs always came before their child.

As she walked to the store, Savannah recalled the one time her father had found her stash of goodies. She had only eaten half of the candy bar that day and wanted to save the rest. She had taken the rest of it home and hid it in her room. But, she hadn’t hidden it well enough because her father had found it and punished her for stealing. Savannah had cried, pleaded for him to listen, but he was too drunk. He dragged Savannah out of their house in the middle of the night and drove to the store, screaming at her the entire way.

Savannah had been so embarrassed.

Her father had pounded on the door until Mr. Parker finally answered it. He forced Savannah to apologize for taking something that didn’t belong to her. When Mr. Parker had explained that she hadn’t stolen from him, that she had, in fact, earned the treat, it had only made things worse for her. She had embarrassed her father.

Savannah had stayed home from school for a week. Her mother wouldn’t allow her to even go outside in the yard to play. She was too afraid that someone would see the bruises and call Child Protective Services. Savannah prayed that someone would find out, but they never had. And she never told.

As she rounded the corner, Savannah smiled when she saw Kelsey through the window and rushed inside. Hi, Kelsey, Savannah squealed.

Vannah! Kelsey jumped off the stool and ran around the counter to hug her.

The two girls embraced like they hadn’t seen each other in a year, instead of just a few hours.

Savannah? Mrs. Parker called, getting her attention.

Yes, ma’am? Savannah turned, her arm draped over Kelsey’s shoulder.

Everything alright? she asked.

Savannah’s smile faded and she just shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t want to talk about whatever was happening at home. All she wanted to do was hang out with her friend. Kelsey always made things better.

Mrs. Parker nodded her head and sent the girls off. They ran upstairs and into Kelsey’s bedroom and collapsed on the big fuzzy rug. Savannah liked the fluffiness of it. It was so soft.

Savannah sat on the floor and Kelsey brushed and braided her hair while they gushed about Timothy Mack and Paul Jones, the two cutest boys in school. Savannah had the hugest crush on Timothy and Kelsey really liked Paul, along with half the girls in her class.

Paul had asked Kelsey to the Middle School dance next week, and Kelsey had said yes. Savannah wasn’t going to it, but she was happy for her friend. And hoped she had a fabulous night.

I wish you would change your mind about coming? Kelsey pouted. It would be so much better if you were there, too.

Me, too, Savannah replied. But… I don’t know.

You’re an amazing dancer, Vannah, Kelsey smiled. You should come and show off.

Both girls laughed.

Can you imagine Casey Hilter’s face when you out dance her?

Ugh! Savannah groaned. I hate her.

You and everyone else.

Casey Hilter was the typical mean girl. She often got her jollies off by being mean to Savannah. Casey’s parents were considered the rich family of the town. Her father was President of the bank and owned a large chuck on land on the outskirts of town. And Casey’s mom was a nurse a few towns over.

And because Savannah never had the newest and latest fashion, Casey teased her relentlessly. She was also the butt of Casey’s jokes. And for that, Savannah despised her, and people like her.

All I have to say is, Savannah said, standing after Kelsey finished braiding her hair. That one day, when I am a famous Broadway dancer, she better not even think about asking me for an autograph!"

Savannah swirled and danced around the room.

And as she fell onto a fluffy beanbag, in a fit of laughter, a loud sound pierced the air.

What is that? Kelsey asked, covering her ears.

A firetruck! Savannah answered.

The girls rushed over to the window and pulled back the curtains. They watched, with faces pressed against the glass, as the lone firetruck and police car sped by. They stayed there, looking out the window until the siren could no longer be heard and the vehicles couldn’t be seen.

I’m going to marry a fireman someday, Kelsey said dreamily.

I thought you were going to marry Paulieeee, Savannah teased.

The girls laughed, again.

Kelsey and Savannah walked back to the rug and sat down. They continued chatting about their make believe futures, rolling around on the floor in fits of giggles. Savannah loved coming to see Kelsey. It was the only time she was able to relax and not worry about what her parents were doing. Here, there was no cleaning up after them. No, sweeping up drug supplies or mopping up spilled beer. There was no hiding in her bedroom to avoid her parents’ anger.

At Kelsey’s, Savannah could actually be a kid.

All too soon, Mrs. Parker poked her head through the door and said, Savannah, it’s time to head home, honey. It’s starting to get dark.

Ahh, the girls said in unison.

I know, Mrs. Parker smiled. Savannah, you can come back tomorrow, okay?

Yes, ma’am, Savannah replied.

Savannah and Kelsey headed downstairs and hugged each other goodbye. As Savannah walked out of the store, a police car pulled into the parking lot. Savannah raised her hand and waved.

Savannah! the policeman called.

She turned around. Yes, Sir?

Please, come back over here.

Scared, Savannah slowly walked over to the officer. She tried to think of what she could have done wrong. Did her parents call the police? Were they worried? The idea of them even noticing that she was gone made her feel… she wasn’t sure. It was too foreign of a concept for her.

Savannah, the officer crouched down in front of her. Can you wait right here for me?

Savannah nodded.

She watched as the policeman walked into the store and spoke with Mr. and Mrs. Parker. Kelsey stood nearby and Savannah’s fear increased when she saw the tears in her friend's eyes. Mrs. Parker’s hand covered her mouth and her eyes opened wide. Savannah couldn’t hear what was being said, but she knew it was bad.

What did I do?

Her throat started to hurt as she forced herself to hold back the tears. All she wanted was to escape. To get away from her parents while they fought. Was she really in that much trouble? Would Mr. and Mrs. Parker tell her that she wasn't allowed to hang out with Kelsey anymore?

Savannah took a step back as the small group exited the store and the officer walked back, kneeling down in front of her.

Savannah…

I’m sorry! she blurted out, interrupting him. I just wanted to see Kelsey. My mom and dad wouldn’t stop fighting. I didn’t mean to run away. I’m sorry, she cried. Really. I won’t do it again.

Oh, Savannah, Mrs. Parker said.

The older woman came over and wrapped her arms around her. All Savannah could do was cry and repeat herself. She didn’t want to be in trouble. She didn’t want to lose her only friend. She just wanted… to be happy. Like Kelsey.

Savannah, Mrs. Parker said softly. You’re not in trouble, sweetheart.

Savannah lifted her head and stared at the woman. If she wasn’t in trouble, then why was the cop here?

Savannah, the officer tried again. He took a deep breath. There was… he paused. He looked over to