Tangled Paths: Intertwined Hearts, #3

By Kimi Flores

Is it possible to flee your past? Or does it sit patiently, waiting for your return?

Tired of traveling the world in order to escape reality, Bri has finally found a place to call home. Settled in Santa Barbara, close to her brother and cousin, she's ready for a little peace. Wanting to avoid the tormenting, incessant calls she receives, she throws herself into helping her sister-in-law's growing floral business. It doesn't take long to run smack into the one guy she'd given up on ever seeing again.

It's been five years since Josh has sobered up, left his Hollywood lifestyle far behind, and sheltered himself on his horse ranch in Santa Ynez, California. If it hadn't been for his family, he probably wouldn't be around to tell his story. When a beautiful brunette shows up at his cousin's vineyard, something in her spiteful eyes tells him their paths have tangled together before.

As Josh begins to uncover who Bri is, he finds himself falling for her. Will he find a way to convince her to trust him? And will she be able to let go of the past and move forward? When a traumatic event strikes, Bri will have to decide if she's going to let life continue to cripple her—or set her free.

*** Tangled Paths is a heartfelt contemporary romance with many laugh-out-loud moments and has a small-town feel. The characters have sizzling chemistry and don't shy away from sharing their pasts or their attraction to each other but any intimate scenes fade-to-black and happen behind closed doors ***

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kimi Flores
• Release date: Aug 6, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311345868

Book preview

Prologue

Bri

Letting my nerves get the best of me, I carefully walked up the few stairs that led to the VIP section of the dance club.  I hoped the black strappy heels I was sporting tonight didn’t catch on anything. The last thing I needed was to eat it in front of all the other club goers. Once I reached the top, I tugged on the constricting elastic band at the bottom of my dress.  It was so snug against my thighs, making it difficult to walk.

The black, one-shoulder mini-dress was embellished with silver sequins along the top of the bust.  Given a choice, I would’ve never picked something like this, but my roommate, Alison, teased me, saying my normal jeans, tank top, and Chucks would not do for this evening.

Glancing around, I could see where Alison was coming from.  Half-dressed club goers filled the dance floor, leaving nothing to the imagination as they gyrated against each other to the beat of the thumping music.

As I followed closely behind Alison, I couldn’t help but think about my overprotective brother and cousin.  

Stefen and Caleb would kill me if they saw where I was tonight.

The moment our summer vacation began, Alison and I started hanging out with a group of guys her boyfriend knew.  So far we’d only hit bars, but tonight we ended up in an exclusive dance club. This was the first time I’d ever been in a place like this.  And even though I wasn’t old enough to be here, the fake I.D. in my purse said I was.

The booming music pounded in my chest. Alison stopped abruptly in front of me, looking down at her cell phone. Whirling around, her long blonde hair twirled in the air after her.  She leaned forward, yelling in my ear. Paul just texted me.  He’s at the front door.  I’ll be right back.

Okay. I tried to shout over the music but was sure Alison couldn’t hear me.

Biting my lip, I interlaced my fingers and let my arms fall in front of me.  A group of girls passed by, wiggling their barely covered behinds to the beat of the music, sneering as they checked me out from head to toe. I stood alone, shifting insecurely back and forth, causing one of my heels to wobble as I tried to ignore the snarky girls and focus on the prodigious scene.

A red leather booth lined the entire wall of the VIP area, while a symmetrical pattern of small triangular tables sat in front of the bench. There was just enough room to comfortably step between the tables once you found a spot to sit. And seated right smack dab in the center of the couch was the tall, blue-eyed, light-brown haired guy responsible my nervous disposition.  He was the real reason I let my roommate talk me into going out so much lately. When our eyes met, there was no mistaking the heated hunger I saw in his.      

Josh Tucker was one of Hollywood’s hottest young actors.  Over the last few years, he’d starred on the popular T.V. show, The BW, a weekly fictional production about high schoolers who lived in Brentwood, California. After the news broke six months ago that one of the other leading male actors had gotten wasted and driven off the side of a cliff, the show was cancelled.

The show was cheesy with all its ridiculous drama, but I had an unmistakable crush on its main star.  Subconsciously, my hands made their way down my second-skin dress as I wondered once more why I bothered getting dressed up tonight.  According to my mother, I wasn’t the best looking girl around, so I didn’t dare hope Josh would find me even remotely attractive.

A few nights ago, we’d sat in a private booth at a bar talking for hours.  I’d been so surprised when he opened up about the guilt he carried because of his best friend and fellow actor’s death.  When I asked why he felt responsible, he admitted he was the one who had introduced Kai to the drug dealer the night he died.  

That night at the bar, huddled up in our own little bubble in the corner of the bar, I’d let myself believe we’d made a deeper connection.  He proved me wrong when he left with another girl he hadn’t even talked to.

Tilting my head to the side, I was sure he was just patronizing me with his ravenous stare. I diverted my gaze up to the mesmerizing acrylic fixtures dangling from the ceiling. The way the light bounced through them created the illusion of falling raindrops.  

Do you see who’s gawking at you? Alison squealed in my ear. My roommate was aware of my infatuation with the gorgeous blue-eyed, six-foot tall actor. I glanced in Josh’s direction again. He was still eyeing me like he was trying to decide something. He sat confidently in his dark jeans and a black button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up his forearms. His long, muscular legs were stretched past either side of the table in front of him, and he pursed his lips, eyes raking up and down my body.

My thoughts scrambled and I began to sweat under his unfamiliar scrutiny as Alison was dragged away by her boyfriend to one of the few open seats. 

He’s never looked at me like that before.  It’s gotta be this outfit.  

Lifting his arm, he motioned with his index and middle fingers for me to come over.

I scrunched my eyebrows. Well, that’s pretty cocky.

The large platinum designer watch he wore slipped back in place when he lowered his arm, keeping an eye on me.

I spun around, propping a stubborn hand on my hip as I took in the surrounding dancers once more. Who did this guy think he was? Well, he was hot. That was for sure. Still, he just expected me to bounce over to him?

Not gonna happen.  

I bit down apprehensively on my lower lip.  Then again, this was the first summer I was on my own.  My brother and cousin, had been my protectors my entire life, never once letting me out of their sight long enough to have any real fun.

As much as I loved and appreciated them, I was thankful when Caleb graduated from college a few years ago and moved to Santa Barbara with his new wife.  My domineering brother finally graduated last month and moved back to our hometown of Chicago to intern at our father and uncle’s firm while he finished law school.

They still felt the need to track me, calling at least once a day, but that was a lot easier to deal with than having them tower over me, scaring off every guy who even gave me a sideways glance.

Between them and my belittling mother, there were so many things I’d missed out on during my teenage years.  Now that I was entering my third year of college, I was free to do whatever I wanted. And I plan on making up for lost time.

I contemplated once more what to do about Josh.

Who was I kidding? I sighed with nervous defeat. Trying not to make it obvious, I casually glanced over my shoulder.  Since I’d recently cut and colored my normally long dark hair, I wasn’t able to hide behind it.

Didn’t matter, anyway.  His seat was empty now.

Disappointed, I creased my mouth to the side. I’d lost my chance tonight. Darn it.

Suddenly, a warm body pressed against my back. So, you want me to come get you instead, huh? 

His voice was slow and sultry, and my hazel eyes widened. Taking a deep breath, I turned to find Josh standing a few inches away with hooded eyes.

Excuse me? I pretended like I had no idea what he was talking about.

Studying me, he ran his thumb across my cheek, then forward along my jawline until he was touching my lips. You heard me. The smell of whiskey tickled my nose as he continued, I don’t normally have to go after girls, but I’ll make an exception for you.  He took a step back, blatantly checking out my scantily clad body.

I felt heat travel up my neck to my face. Thank God it’s dark in here. Clearing my throat, I yelled back, How much have you had to drink?

He stepped closer, raising an eyebrow.  Enough, but not too much. Grinning, he hooked his arm around my shoulders and led me back to where he’d been sitting. A waitress appeared as we sat down, and Josh leaned into me, tickling my ear and neck with his breath. What sounds good to you?

You do.  Ignoring the waitress’ stink eye, I answered, I’ll just have a soda.

Josh jerked his head back. A soda?  That’s all? Disappointed, he pressed his lips together, then turned to the waitress who gave him a flirty smile. I’ll have another whiskey. He smirked back at me. Actually, make it a double.

⁂

What am I doing? I asked myself for the millionth time since I’d left the club with Josh.  I’ve never done anything like this before.

Walking through the luxurious hotel lobby, I snuggled my cheek against his sport jacket, breathing him in while his arm draped possessively over my shoulder.  It still didn’t make sense that he’d left me hanging at the bar a few nights ago but I was on cloud nine, now that I knew he’d also felt our connection.  I was sure of it.  Why else would he leave with me tonight when there were so many other beautiful girls to choose from?

For someone who’d had so much to drink, he was walking pretty straight and his conversation was just as coherent as ever. I can’t wait to get you in my room, he growled in my ear as the elevator door opened.

A tantalizing shiver ran down my spine. My amatory smile quickly disappeared as the doors closed and his mouth covered mine.  Without skipping a beat, he hiked my dress up just enough, and pinned me against the elevator wall as I instinctively wrapped my legs around his hips.  I heard myself moan when he pressed himself onto my hypersensitive body as his hands greedily roamed every inch of my exposed skin.

The woody spice flavor from the drinks he’d had at the club flooded my taste buds.  Breaking away, I took a moment to catch my breath.  I’d never been with a guy this way before, but after our hot and heavy make out session in the limo, I was ready and willing to do anything he wanted tonight.

When the elevator car came to a stop, he gave me a mischievous smile.  Looks like this is our floor. Staring into his cobalt blue eyes, my chest heaved in and out before he pecked my mouth, sucking on my bottom lip, igniting every nerve in my body.  

He lowered me onto my unsteady legs, smoothed the back of my dress down then pulled me by the hand out of the elevator. Room’s down here.  He picked up the pace as we strode down the long hall.

At what I assumed was his room, he spun me around, threading his fingers into my short auburn hair and crashed his eager lips on mine once again.

Overwhelmed, I couldn’t think straight. I was inundated with both nervousness and anticipation. I’d never felt desire like this before. One thing was sure, I had no control of what would happen next. Josh seemed plenty skilled, and I hoped my lack of experience didn’t disappoint him. Every guy wants to be a girl’s first, right? And what better guy to finally give mine to? I couldn’t wait to see if this whole sex thing was as mind blowing as all my friends had raved about.

As he opened the door with his keycard and backed us into the dark room, I allowed myself one thought, whatever happens after, I hope my heart can handle it.

Chapter One

Rude Awakening

Seven years later...

Bri

Mom, it’s— I pulled the phone away, squinting as my tired eyes adjusted to the brightness of my cell in the dimly lit bedroom.  I pushed the palm of my hand into my throbbing forehead. —five-thirty in the morning, please don’t start with me.

Exhausted after my pity party for one last night, I wondered why I even answered the phone.  Rolling my eyes, I knew the answer.  Because she would’ve kept calling just like she does every time I try to ignore her.  At least she isn’t drunk yet.

Bri, I just can’t comprehend why on earth you would purposely move to the same city where your cousin and overbearing brother live.

I’ve been here for months now mom, why do you keep bringing this up?

Exactly.  It’s been months and you’re still alone.  Those two are never going to let any men near you.  God knows you already have the odds stacked against you.  Her haughty tone grated on my nerves.

Why does she always do this to me?

I’d spent most of my twenty-seven years trying to please this woman, with no success.  When I turned twenty-one I’d even gone as far as getting the nose job she insisted I needed.  

What a waste.  She said it was still crooked, and I should sue the doctor for negligence.

Whatever.

I had a zillion reasons for moving to Santa Barbara. One of which was that I was tired of traveling.  I’d been running away from my troubles for years and until now, I hadn’t felt confident enough to set my roots anywhere.  Although at times, I still felt a bit out of sorts in the condo I shared with my best friend, it was also nice to have a place I could hide in when the world became too much to handle.

The main reason however was that I loved living so close to the only family members who cared about me.  There was nothing left for me in Chicago.  My mother’s disparaging remarks were difficult enough to deal with over the phone, I didn’t want her to have the ability to drop by whenever she felt the need to dole out her criticism.  Although I knew my father loved me, I never got to spend much time with him.  He chose to escape our dysfunctional family life by throwing himself into his career at his law firm. 

If it hadn’t been for my cousin, Caleb, and my ‘overbearing brother’, Stefen, I wouldn’t have survived growing up.  Not only had they done their best to shield me from my mother’s attacks, but they also unknowingly picked up my broken heart and nursed it back to health after I let the one and only guy in. When I had a nervous breakdown after leaving school and telling my father I wasn’t going to practice law after all, Stefen was the one by my side.  Caleb would’ve been, but he was still grieving the loss of his first wife.  I was forever indebted to my two protectors and loved that I now lived in the same town with them and their families.

I closed my eyes tight, hoping this call didn’t last much longer. Will you ever have anything nice to say to me?

Her snide chuckle was a familiar sound. Oh, dear, you don’t need me filling your head with nonsense.  That’s what your brother is there for.  I’m just saying that with Caleb and him hovering over you, that’s yet another obstacle a gentleman with prestige will have to overcome.  It already isn’t worth a man’s effort to bother with you.

I buried my head further into my pillow and stared up at the ceiling, fighting back tears.  Just one nice thing, that’s all I want. I’m very happy with my life, Mother. And I don’t need a guy around.  All they do is break your heart anyway. And who cares about status? I pulled my fluffy comforter up further, wishing I could end this call and go back to sleep.

My mother gasped audibly.  "I do Brianna.  If you can’t find someone with some sort of social standing for yourself, can’t you at least do it for me?  I’ve sacrificed everything for you."

What?  I shot up a little too fast, causing my head to spin. You’ve sacrificed for me?  What have you ever given up for me, Mother?

She snapped back, Don’t you dare use that tone with me, young lady.  I gave up my body, my future, and my dignity because of you and your brother.  If it hadn’t been for the two of you, I could’ve left your father a long time ago and found another man in a more affluent family who didn’t question everything I did.

Forget staying comfortable in bed.  The low morning light began to spill through my curtains as I bounded out from under the covers. Pacing back and forth on the cold wooden floor, I tried to calm down.  A more affluent family? We have plenty of money.  What more do you want?

She breathed out her snooty irritation. You know, your father has me on a budget?  A budget.  Can you imagine?  Another man would never have done that to me.

That’s weird.  Daddy has plenty of money, why is he limiting her spending?

"Bri, I can’t live like this much longer.  I always hoped your brother would take care of me in my more mature age, but now that he’s gone and married that, that—"

I stopped pacing, filled with fury. Watch what you say, Mother.  Leah and I are close, and you have no idea what you’re missing by writing her off.

Great, she’s gotten to you, too. She huffed, condescendingly.

I’m over this conversation. That’s enough.  I’m hanging up now.

Wait!  I need your help, she had the audacity to blurt out.

Placing my hand on my hip, I irritably shifted back and forth. So, your plan is to call me before the sun comes up, sling your insults, then ask for help?

She huffed, Brianna, stop being so dramatic.  I just need a little loan.  I promised the girls at the club that I’d buy a ticket to our next benefit dinner, and your father won’t budge on my allowance.

Frustrated, I slapped the top of my thigh then something hit me. Wait, what happened to the money your aunt just left you?  You know, the aunt none of us knew existed?

There wasn’t much.  It didn’t last long, she grumbled.

Ugh! How much do you need?

Ten thousand dollars, she stated plainly.

My mouth fell open. For a dinner?  What on earth are they serving?  Almas Caviar?

Probably not.  That disgusting stuff costs more than that.

It’s for charity, she defended in an arrogant tone.

I couldn’t believe the money wasted at these events. Why don’t you be a true philanthropist, cut out the fancy party, and give all that money directly to the charity?

That’s not how it works, and you know it. It didn’t matter that she was asking for a favor, she just couldn’t seem to drop the egotistical way she went about doing it.

Taking a calming breath, I sat down on the edge of the bed, pulling my legs underneath me. If I was going to stand on that cold floor, I needed to get some warm socks on. What organization are you raising money for?

We haven’t decided yet.

Incredible. "So, you’re planning an outrageously expensive dinner with a ridiculous ticket price, for a charity you haven’t decided to support yet, and you need to borrow money to do all of this?  That makes no sense." Surely, I was lighting a fuse with my mom, but I was tired and didn’t care.

The line was silent for a moment. Bri, she said curtly. Your grandfather left you plenty of money to share.  Why are you giving me a hard time about this?  Don’t you believe in helping those less fortunate?

I bit back a groan. First of all, yes, grandfather did leave me plenty of money, but I’m careful what I spend it on.  If I blew money the way you apparently do, then I wouldn’t have anything left.  As far as helping others— I paused, contemplating even sharing but I was proud to play a part in something so important to my sister-in-law. I’ve been helping Leah with her special needs dance class.  I wouldn’t call it charity work, because I get more out of being with the kids than they get out of me being there.

How can you help with a dance class?  You have no rhythm, she was quick to reply.

Clenching my teeth, I gritted out, It’s not about my ability, Mother. It’s about my willingness to help the kids.  They appreciate a kind word and encouragement.  There’s no judgment over my lack of skills.

She sharply cut to the chase. Are you going to give me the money or not?

If I don’t, she’ll never let me live it down.

Fine. But just this once. And I’m going to make sure daddy knows about it.  I’ll transfer the money to your account on Monday.

I could hear the triumphant sneer in her tone. That’s a good girl.  Maybe I can count on you for something, after all.  You really do need to find a good man to take care of us.

Goodbye, Mother. I ended the call, turned my phone off, then tossed it onto my bed.

Great, now I’ll never get back to sleep.  Coffee time.

After using my en-suite bathroom, I slipped on a pair of oversized socks, cozy pajama pants, and a sweatshirt, then put my long dark hair in a quick bun.  Stepping out of my bedroom, I ran into a large man.

Jumping back, I yelped, Who are you?

The stranger smirked, giving his smug response, I’ll be anyone you want me to be.

Thrown off kilter, I began to yell for him to get out when something clicked.  Wait. Don’t you work at El Ranchero?

Yeah, so? He narrowed his eyes.

Excuse me, you’re standing in my hallway. What are you doing in my apartment? I mirrored his body language, moving my open palms to my waist.

He held his hands up. Relax, Dani brought me home last night.

Rolling my eyes, I pushed past him. Great, I muttered under my breath.

My roommate, Dani, who also happened to be Leah’s sister, had only brought a few guys home since we’d moved in together five months ago.  This, however, was the first morning run in. Where’s Dani?

Her new friend followed closely behind. Asleep.  You got any coffee by any chance?

Dani’s guest, not mine, I reminded myself.  I bet he didn’t even tell her he was leaving.

Nope. I made my way to the deep purple, velvety sofa. Ugh, now I have to wait until he leaves before I can make mine.

Okay, well I’m gonna take off then.

Raising an eyebrow, I sat down. You want a freaking trophy? I noticed he was wearing his work clothes but carried his shoes in one hand.  Probably trying to tiptoe out so Dani didn’t hear him leave. What a sleezeball.

Sneering, he stood there a moment longer.  Unless of course you’re interested in me giving you a go around too.

I swallowed my revulsion. This guy has got to go now.  I need my coffee before I go psycho on him. Goodbye, I said disdainfully, and he closed the front door behind him.  

Because of this morning’s less than welcome wake up call, I was tired, cranky, and needed some caffeine. Not to mention the cramps starting up that would last at least a week before I even began my period.

After making my cup of hot liquid happiness, I settled on the couch with my laptop. Until last night, I’d been so good at not looking him up. Image after image of different girls draped all over him had popped up on my screen and catapulted my gloomy attitude. Yet, this morning I found myself typing his name in the search engine again.

Josh Tucker—the guy who squashed my heart.

It had been years since I’d seen him then I ran into him last fall at a private get together at Evanwood’s Vineyard.  I still couldn’t believe he was related to the owner, the very guy who’d become good friends with Stefen and Leah.

I’d spotted Josh as we raced up the windy Highway 154, until the jerk found an open spot and sped by me.  I did have the satisfaction of flipping him the bird as he zoomed past.

Small victory, but with my life I’ll take them where I can get them.

The shocking part of that day came when I finally gathered enough nerve to get out of the car to meet him face to face.  He’d acted like he had no idea who I was. I’d never been more hurt and humiliated in my life.  Well, except for the night it all happened, of course.

I thought I was over him and tried to move on.  The problem was that I’d temporarily volunteered to help Leah with her floral business and found myself out at the vineyard quite often, working on the weddings that took place there.  The same vineyard that just so happen to belong to Josh’s cousin and uncle of course. As a result, I’d seen him a few times since.  I was not surprised that he still pretended not to notice me.

Jerk.

After a few minutes of unhealthy cyber-stalking, I heard a noise off to the side. Looking up, I saw Dani walking out of the kitchen, with her long black hair sticking up in all directions as she held her own cup of joe.

You’re up early. Dani plopped her curvy behind down in the corner of the couch, holding her mug with both hands and taking a long swig.  

I sighed. Well, I got up to get my coffee, and I ran into your sleepover buddy.  Tilting my head to the side, I noticed a deep maroon mark on her collarbone.  Nice hickey.

Pulling her knees up to her chest, shame covered her make-up smeared, tan face as she blinked hard. Yeah, sorry about that.  It just kinda happened.

I’m being a mean girl.  I didn’t want to embarrass her.

I closed my laptop and placed it on top of the white vintage coffee table I’d bought while visiting a small shop in France the previous year.  I turned my entire body to face Dani. Listen, I’m not judging you, but I am going to ask that you please don’t bring some random guy here again.  For both our protection.  That loser made a pass at me.  I was ready to run for my mace.  I furrowed my tired eyes and touched her knee where I noticed another purple mark. I had to fight the urge to point the bruise out. I’m not judging you.  I’ve had a one nighter myself, but it just isn’t safe.

She closed her eyes and lowered her head.  I know.  I’m sorry.  She looked up, scrunching the corner of her mouth. I went to dinner with Leah last night, then right after, your brother came and swept her up because God forbid he let her out in public without his watchful eye for more than five seconds. She exhaled loudly.

I jerked my head back, widening my eyes. That’s kinda harsh. Maybe I wasn’t the only grouchy one this morning.

Shaking her head, she huffed. I know.  I don’t mean that, but it made me so jealous.  My little sister married the perfect guy. I wish I had someone who didn’t want to let me out of their sight.  She took another long sip of her coffee before placing it on the end table beside her.

Yeah, now you’re really pushing it.  My brother is no saint. I leaned my elbow against the soft material on the back of the couch, resting my head in my hand taking in my friend’s beautiful Hispanic features.

She clicked her tongue, letting out a wistful sigh. I know Stefen isn’t perfect, but he loves my sister and can’t stand to be without her.  I want a guy like that. Wiggling further into the couch, she continued, Anyway, when they left, I stayed and had a drink, got to talking with the bartender and— Her eyes naturally narrowed as her lips pouted.  It just happened.  It wasn’t planned.  But it won’t happen again. I’m over guys like that. She reached for her coffee, took a drink, then put it back down.  I just have to remember how they treat me once all is said and done.

I tilted my head to the side looking at the large white baroque oval mirror above our gas fireplace. Their loss, Dani.  You’ll find the right one. Just not one who works at another of our favorite restaurants, please.  I chuckled.  You know we can’t go back to El Ranchero now.  I’ll have to give him a beat down if we do.

Dani laughed along with me.  Not before I do.

Forget him.  We’ve got to look out for each other though, deal?  I raised my eyebrows.

Deal.

We didn’t need men to be happy.  Learned that lesson a long time ago.

⁂

Josh

After working on my dirt bike for the last hour, I stood up and leaned back, stretching my sore muscles. I must've tweaked something when we were out riding. Bending forward, I held onto the bike’s seat as I inspected the ground for oil leaks. This was one of my older bikes, and I’d had a few problems with it the past couple of weeks.

My younger brother, Bradley’s blue eyes peered over his own bike. That was an amazing week.  I can definitely do that again. We’d just returned from Northern California, where we’d helped a couple underprivileged kids at a motocross camp.

Yeah, me too.  Those guys were good. I agreed.

The teen camp that my buddy, Tanner, ran was originally designed as a summer training ground for young motocross hopefuls.  After some nudging on my part, it was expanded this year to include higher risk kids, the ones everyone thought would land in juvy at a young age.

I’d heard someone once say, The stronger the breed, the more physical exertion they need.  The guy may have been talking about dogs, but that same philosophy also applied to testosterone filled boys with high energy and too much time on their hands.

Given my history, I knew this firsthand.