The Beginning: Em's Secret, #1

By Emily Foxx and Rick Foxx

Two people brought together by a secret. Will it bring them closer together or tear them apart?


RICK MARSHALL


I once believed the path ahead was the right course. My business is thriving.

I have best mates I can count on, and women who love to play without reservations.

Five weeks ago, when I walked into Milly's, I was on a mission to protect Emily Moore from a common enemy. Never did I think she would shake my life to its foundations.


EMILY MOORE


A seven year old secret, which I will take to my grave, came so close to being blown when my ex-boyfriend abused me for information, making me promise to never let another man into my life.

Until I met Rick. His cocky and confident attitude could be seen a mile away but what had my pulse thrashing against my chest was his sexy, windblown, dark brown hair, and his heart-stopping, glacier blue eyes.

When I look back at our time together, it was our little holiday in the Caribbean where I fell in love with his soft heart and sense of humor. But our happiness was short- lived, as more secrets cause problems between us. If only I had listened to myself in the first place.


Em's Secret series spans over three books. An adaptation of a fictional story written by Emily Foxx. She originally wrote the plot with her husband Rick Foxx back in 2015 on Twitter and in a blog.

EM'S SECRET

The Beginning–Book One

The Promise–Book Two

The Vow–Book Three

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emily Foxx
• Release date: May 7, 2020
• ISBN: 9798224737055

Emily Foxx

I am an Australian author. I write spicy romantic stories with a twist of drama and suspense.

Book preview

Chapter One

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A rush of excitement runs through me while my heart pounds hard against my chest. I’m so captivated by this forbidden love story. The passion which sparks life inside me, this is why I love to read. I squeeze the tattered novel with one hand while the other reaches for my cappuccino. I carefully bring it to my lips, enjoying the steamy, bittersweet caramel and chocolate flavors bursting in my mouth. As the words leap off the creamed colored paper, I wonder what will happen next.

Jacob brings his hands up to cup Adaline’s face. Adaline, I don’t care what my brother thinks of you. You’re all I care about, sweetheart. Remember, I told you to have faith in yourself; don’t let others ruin what we have.

I put my cup back down to clutch my throat at the heartfelt words by Jacob, swallowing the last remaining drop of coffee. Milly’s café serves the best coffee this side of the Thames, and my stomach stirs when I drift to the fluffy bits of cake with the chunks of chocolate strewn across the small plate. I ignore the ache in the pit of my stomach that wants to consume the rest of the muffin. But a giggle in the background makes me raise my gaze, and I snap my head to look over my shoulder.

Sarah, the cashier, at the front counter. Her flirty laughter caught my attention, and my eyes wandered over to where, or whom, she’s batting her eyelashes at.

A small smile appears on my lips, realizing why. Sarah is well-known for flaunting herself at every fellow who comes into the café, and when my gaze falls on the statuesque man, I have to tilt my head back to take a better look at him. He’s dressed in a black, Italian-designed business suit. My mouth parts a little when he lifts his hand to throw his jacket over his shoulder to hang precariously down his back. His biceps stretch the sleeves of his white business shirt—he must be a fit man—it’s not until I’m drawn to his windblown, short, dark-brown hair that my pulse quickens.

It’s like he recently threaded his fingers through the thickness, to give his hair a rougher appeal. I find it sexy. It’s almost begging me to run my fingers through it. He’s still chatting with Sarah, and whatever they’re talking about must be funny because she giggles more. When my gaze drifts to his face, I notice from side on he has great bone structure, chiseled to perfection with a peppered dark stubble that spreads sparingly along his cheekbones, down to his chin, and just above, on his top lip. He’s the type you’d see grace the covers of men's magazines.

He flashes a brilliant smile Sarah’s way. He reminds me of the men I regularly see at Lou’s Lounge, a nightclub I visit with my best friend, Lizzie. Women flock to these men who use their good looks, money, and charm to win their affection.

He winks at Sarah. I know straight away, this man has bad boy written all over him. I swallow the lump in my throat because I’m intrigued by what’s happening between them. With Sarah’s laughter breezing through the air, I won’t be surprised in the least if those two have a date later.

I shake my head at myself.

Why am I even caring what's going on here? It's none of my business.

Get a grip, Emily. You’re jealous!

Honestly, I wish it was me, but a man like him wouldn’t give me the time of day. I decide to focus back on my book.

Adaline drops her chin, and tears begin to pool in her eyes.

By association, she’s brought shame to Jacob’s good name, and worry gnaws at her over what may lie ahead.

A tightness tugs at her chest, leaving her breathless.

He was the first man to ever make her feel good about herself, but he doesn’t know what she’s had to deal with in her twenty years of being on this earth. Adaline spent her youth stealing food, or she would’ve starved. But that wasn’t the worst of it. When she was a teenager, her parents sold her body for sex, so they could pay off their drug habit. It wasn’t until she recently met Jacob, by accident, that all changed.

She raises her head—her eyes swollen with tears.

Jacob, do you realize what could have happened to your job, to your reputation? If word got out that you’re dating a criminal, you’ll be ruined, and I have nothing to offer you, other than myself.

Anxiety leaves hot tingles scattering over my skin, as butterflies flutter in the pit of my stomach. I can identify with the dilemma Adaline faces. I regret what happened over six years ago, when I was involved in a car accident. But that’s a secret I’ll take to my grave. I’m about to continue to read, and even though I’ve read this story many times, I love this part of the story when Jacob convinces Adaline that it isn’t her fault. But I’m interrupted.

Excuse me, Miss? I raise my long, dark eyelashes. When our eyes meet, my heart flutters. I stare with admiration at the man’s glacier blue eyes. They are like the crystal-clear waters of the ocean. Never has a man made me feel warm, and giddy with want, just by the look in his eyes.

As I glance away for a second to bring myself down from the high heavens where this man left me, my eyes finally return to gaze back at him. My dreamy state is brought to a halt when I realize he’s the good-looking man from the front counter. I begin to wonder why he is speaking with me.

I take a swallow, not able to help myself. Basking in his masculinity, my breathing escalates. All I can do is smile, and nod at him.

He must think I’m strange.

He rubs his lips together, and drops his glance for a second before he’s back with warmth in his eyes. The man smiles, like he knows what he’s doing to me, while heat spirals down the back of my spine.

May I take a seat here? his deep, sensual voice asks me. I seriously have no hope when my pulse races, leaving me unable to speak. I look to my left to see many vacant seats which customers occupied when I first arrived here. I’m a creature of habit, and regularly come here for lunch, so management always reserves a seat for me. I glance back at him. He hasn't taken his focus off me, while I notice his soft, well-rounded lips when they part. He shakes his head. He’s probably wondering why I haven’t said a word.

Ah, look I apologize for the intrusion, but I couldn’t help but notice such a beautiful young lady is sitting here, all alone, reading a book. He holds out his large hand. My name’s Rick, he says, reaching out to me.

My eyes widen a little as hot prickles crawl over my skin, like it does when my gut feeling tells me to be wary. It wasn’t that long ago he was chatting up Sarah, and I softly nibble the inside of my lip, unsure over whether I should take his hand. But there’s something about the warmth in the way his smooth, and silky lips spread, like there’s a hidden meaning behind them, making me curious to learn more about him.

I take a gamble and reach for his hand. My warm hand disappears into his. The firmness of his skin tells me it’s muscular as it presses against mine. It leaves my heart beating fast, and the fire of prickles are replaced by tingles which leave me hot and bothered. Something else I’ve never felt before.

Who is this man?

Hello, Rick. My name’s Emily. He lets go of my hand.

Pleasure to meet you, Emily. May I? He gestures to the seat opposite me.

Yes, I answer as he places his suit jacket on the back of the chair and slips into the seat.

What are you reading? He nods, as he settles in his seat.

Now, the heat crawls along my face.

Oh—um, just a romance novel, I state in a loose term. I’m embarrassed because the heat is flaring in his eyes, and his smile.

Rick is playing with me. I snap the book shut with the bookmark firmly inside the spine of the book, so I can resume reading it later. I pick up my coffee to take a sip and let the same sweet taste settle on my tongue.

Has anyone told you that you’re naturally beautiful? I raise my eyebrow. This playboy knows how to stir me up, pulling at my heartstrings. I can’t let him, or any other man, near my heart.

Are you coming on to me? I snap back at him, but he only chuckles, and that infuriates me. He’s bloody cocky.

No, Emily. I’m just stating a fact. Yep, I was right before. He has an air of confidence about himself. Do you always come here? Rick asks.

Yes. My answer is clipped because he’s asking me too many questions. I wish he’d leave me alone. When I notice the time on the clock on the wall behind Rick, I take in a sharp breath. It’s almost two o’clock in the afternoon, and I’m late. I have deadlines to complete before my usual afternoon meeting. I must get back to work.

I’m sorry, but I have to go, I fluster as heat rises on the skin of my face. I push my seat back to stand, and grab my bag for a quick exit, but Rick’s magnetic glare brings that to a halt. His eyes should come with a warning sign—look at your own risk—I may cause your heart to accelerate, and leave you with shortness of breath—then, a smile dances on his lips. His smile is too distracting. He knows he’s good looking. But I need to move it; I’m looking forward to my meeting with the chief of staff this afternoon.

It was nice to meet you, Rick. I smile at him. As I make a move, my breath quickens when I pass him. The heat of his touch spreads like wildfire over me.

Emily, here, you almost forgot your book. Our gazes meet, and he winks. When I remember he’s aware of the type of romance I read, after his quick glance at the black silhouette of a couple in a passionate embrace on the cover of my paperback, it only makes me warmer on the inside. I snatch it out of his hand before he sees more than he should.

Thank you. His blue eyes set on mine, again, sending a shiver of warmth all the way down to my toes.

When can I see you again, Emily?

Why do you think I want to see you again? I respond with my sassy tongue. It does me well in times like these. When he returns with a wink, desire flickers to life inside me. I might as well melt into a puddle where I stand. Like I said earlier; I can’t get involved with any man. Rick is getting too close for comfort.

I love a woman who speaks her mind. It’s a rarity in my circles. Women, generally, say what I want to hear, but you don’t. I nibble on the corner of my bottom lip, trying to grasp this man’s unapologetic manner. The trouble is, my body is humming for more of his heat, and fire, that has my heart racing, but we’re two different people. Nothing will come of it, so I end it the best way I know how.

Rick, it’s been great meeting you, but I’m not interested.

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I flop onto my comfortable corner sofa, and drop my head back on the armrest. I’m relieved to shut my eyes, and the weight of the day slowly starts to drift away. Friday’s kill me. It’s always hectic. My day starts early with a production team meeting. Our main topic today was to do with the recent backlash of the Stratton government. There are leaked documents out on the internet, providing evidence of mismanagement. I found out, yesterday, an inquiry into how the funds were mismanaged will begin on Monday, and last over five days.

I believe this event will have tongues wagging for days. That’s why, using my quick thinking this morning, I put forward my idea. I want Prime Investigation Limited to stand out from the rest of the media organization. We can have our Daily News department handle the news coverage of the inquiry, and Prime Investigates, our current affairs program in my department, can provide a follow-up story, the following week.

After our meeting, I spent the day chewing the inside of my cheek wondering if Sean Broderick, our chief of staff, will approve it. It’s my first big real story as a production team member, so when he told me it was approved in our usual afternoon meeting to discuss completed stories to be aired on Monday night, I screamed for joy.

After I came down from my high, I was able to start immediately, and assign a reporter, with a camera crew, to cover the inquiry. I went to the Prime Daily News department on the level below me, to organize it.

I arrive home later than normal. Today, I got in the door after eight. Sean will let me know on Monday when our current affairs program will do a follow-up story.

Other thoughts intruded my mind. The interesting lunch I had at Milly’s. I don't want another relationship after my failed one with a man who I would rather forget, Scott Evans. He’s the reason I don't want to date anymore. I don’t need the heartache, but something tells me, Rick, the handsome man I met, isn’t the type to be in a relationship anyway. He’s more of a player; the type who seduces, then leaves you the next morning.

He’s got the confidence of a lion, and as much as he’s handsome—oh, who am I kidding?

I know I like the man. It was obvious the way I was staring at him. When I started to envision his blue glaciers, how they mesmerize you—pull you in—leave you spellbound, I knew I was in trouble. I would sit there all day, if it wasn't rude to stare.

I don’t even know why I’m entertaining the thought of him. I’ve always had a dislike for men who are players, and I think I did myself a favor by flicking him off. My smartphone begins its dance on the coffee table. I roll over to my side to reach for the phone and press the call button.

Hello, Emily Moore speaking.

Loud music playing in the background comes through the speaker, and I pull the earpiece away from my ear. Looking at the screen, I see Liz’s name and smile, putting the phone back to my ear. I have to raise my voice to be heard over the background noise.

Hey, Em, Liz shouts back down the line.

Where are you, Liz? It honestly sounds like she’s at Lou’s.

I should ask you. Did you forget where you’re supposed to be? There's a sting as she lashes those words through the speaker. I suck in a deep breath. How could I forget about meeting her there tonight? We haven’t been out together for ages.

Oh, Lizzie, I’m sorry. I forgot, I admit, honestly.

Emily, I don’t care. It’s been too long since we went out to Lou’s. Get your sorry ass down here, pronto. I laugh when Liz hangs up on me. I understand why she did; our girl time is precious to us both. I better move it, otherwise she’ll come here, and drag me down to the nightclub.

Forty-five minutes later, I arrive out the front of the venue. It covers a whole block. I make my way up the concrete steps, where I’m met by security.

Hey, Bobby. I smile at him as he towers over me, perched in his spot at the top of the steps. He’s one of the bodyguards, and the brother of Lizzie’s current boyfriend, Justin, whose family owns the nightclub. Both of us get VIP access into Lou’s. It’s one of the most popular clubs in the heart of London. Who’s who of the rich and famous are known to visit here.

Hey, gorgeous. Liz told me to tell you to make your way to your usual spot in Ruby’s Bar.

I nod as he removes the gold barrier for me to go through. Hot glares from patrons waiting in the long line to enter the building throw daggers into my back.

Thank you, Bobby, I answer, as I take the top step where he’s standing and walk through the open doors. A tingle of goosebumps run along the surface of my skin when Robbie Williams’ classic dance version of Let Me Entertain You, plays loudly.

I love the atmosphere of nightclubs. The dark and sensual vibe, combined with the dance music, is addictive. Both Liz and I live for it, and I believe that’s the reason why she was crabby on the phone because we haven’t been here recently. My hips move to the beat of the drums as I stride up the concrete steps. It’s quicker than getting an elevator in this place.

I make it to level two in record time as the music gets louder. I stride through the dark arch as little strokes of light, triggered by the beat of the music, light up the crème, carpeted floor. I smile at the regular faces I see when I’m here, passing them in the hallway. I come to the sign welcoming me to our favorite bar, Ruby’s, which is named after Justin’s mother, flashing in red neon.

We always hang out here. It’s laidback in this area, not too many people, whereas most people come here just to dance in the mosh pit with the DJ on the ground level. Liz and I venture down there all the time, but we like to gossip first, and have a couple of drinks. Robbie Williams’ voice croons, making my heart flutter. I can never get enough of his voice. I follow, lip-syncing to the words of his song.

My eyes find Liz, dressed in her favorite colorful rainbow sequin dress which matches mine, except mine is purple. She has her blonde hair pulled back in a bun, as per usual. Justin is there, too. They’re sitting in our favorite spot in a dark corner. I didn’t recall her saying he will be here. Not that it matters. The music continues to beat the ground I walk on, and when Liz turns her head, her eyes widen.

Hey, Emmy, Liz shouts my childhood nickname.

Hey, Lizzie, I respond back as she pushes to her feet to hug me. I turn to Justin, who is dressed in his usual gray t-shirt and jeans. His dark hair is messy, as usual.

Hey, Justin. I smile at him over Lizzie’s shoulder.

How are you, Em? he shouts across the table.

I’m good, thanks, I shout back, and Lizzie turns back to her boyfriend.

Justin. Em and I will be back soon. We’re going to the ladies. He nods as one of his friends joins him at the table.

Liz pulls me into the ladies’ room not far from where we were. I know she wants to have a good chat with me, and it's the only place in Lou’s where you can hear yourself speak. She takes a seat on the white leather sofa in the corner of the pink pastel powder room, adjacent to the toilet area. When a group of three women pushes the heavy white door open, the noise of the music rushes in. But as soon as it closes, there’s silence once again, and Liz faces me, head on.

What's going on? she whispers, and my heart begins to race knowing I need to confess what happened today.

I met this man today. Nothing will come of it. When Lizzie raises her smile, I know she understands the meaning behind what I said. I try in vain to convince myself that nothing will happen with Rick, while his blue eyes are pictured perfectly in my head.

Really? she asks, in a curious voice. It’s about time you met someone after what Scott did to you. I never thought you’d ever look at another man again. I shake my head.

As I said, nothing will come of it. I flicked him off. She half tilts her head to the side, not convinced.

So, are you saying you haven't thought about this man since you met him? Which I know is bollocks, considering you’re talking about it. I'm about to tell her it’s not what it seems, when my face betrays me as I remember the way Rick’s glacier blue eyes made me feel; the heat which pricked my skin when he focused on me. I sigh, realizing how much I enjoyed meeting him. Meanwhile, Liz throws her head back, laughing, and returns with elation in her eyes.

Holy shit, Em! You really do like this man! I squeeze my eyes shut, not wanting to agree with her. Liz can read between the lines so well. Emily, it's wonderful you like him. Why did you flick him off? I open my eyes to answer her.

Because he’s a player. I go to say more, but no words come out as heat stirs through me, making butterflies play havoc with my stomach. I’m still wary of men in general, and even though he made my heart spark to life, I’m too afraid to risk it.

I’m sorry, Em, but you need to be honest with yourself, Liz comments in a low, soft voice when she notices I’m deep in thought. I glance back at her; the small smile on her face shows sympathy. You’re attracted to him, and there’s nothing wrong with that. You’ve suffered long enough. I still think you should see a professional about your anxiety. I shake my head, furiously. No, Emmy, Liz snaps, her voice sharp. You’ve been this way since the summer we lost our best friend, Pamela, and it escalated when you met that asshole, Scott. I know she cares, but if she knew what I did, I don’t think she will ever speak to me again.

Liz, please, I butt in.

No, Em. It’s time. You still carry a heavy burden on your shoulders. You won't open up about everything, and it makes you anxious. Like you are now, she sighs. Look, I’ll always support you, even if I don't agree with you sometimes. I will always love you. Can you try and live a little? Don't let that asshole win. Yes, he made parole seven days ago, but you already took steps to make sure he never physically abuses you again, and you know he can't contact or come near you, otherwise he’ll be back in jail. So, you’re going to stop this nonsense, and if a man pays you attention, flirt back. Not all men are the same. She then hugs me, and whispers into my ear. You deserve happiness, Liz says before she sits back so she can see my face. Liz doesn’t need to say anything. She shows the way she cares when she wipes the tears away from my cheeks.

This conversation has made her eyes wet, too. I’ve ruined our fun night out when we’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves. It’s then I remember what Liz said just before; live a little.

I’ll do my best to try, and I smile at her.

Thank you, Liz.

You're welcome. Now, let’s go back, and join Justin.

Chapter Two

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I shove the sports car keys in the deep pocket of my dark charcoal coat. The chill in the air hits me, and I pull on the lapels of my coat with my fingers, close to my throat, buttoning myself when I leave my car on Thorney Street. It’s been a regular spot for the past two weeks. I make my way to Milly’s on the corner of Millbank in Westminster. I came back to see Emily, although she wasn’t here every day. But when she did come, I spent time getting to know her. I’ve only managed to learn she loves to read books on her lunch break. She has a strong head on her shoulders, and I’ve tried every damn trick I know to make her speak more, but at least I made her smile with my jokes.

I push the heavy glass door of the café open, and make my way to the front counter to order my coffee. I take a quick glance to see if Emily’s here. My eyes spark wide and a smile rises. There she is, immersed in a book.

Oh, hello. You’re back! Would you like to order the usual?

I turn back to face the bright-eyed cashier behind the register with a red flush branded on her face like before when I raise a smile at her. I’ve got to know Sarah in the short time I’ve been coming here.

At first, she thought I was an asshole, which is true. I can be when it’s warranted. But she’s just a woman who loves to talk.

Yes, Sarah. Can I have an espresso, please? She writes down the order, and grins at me when glancing back.

Your order won’t be long. One pound, thirty, please, she sweetly voices, and I pass her a fiver from my black leather wallet.

Keep the change, I remark. She smiles warmly, taking the money as she taps on the register.

Thank you. Your coffee will be ready shortly. When I turn back, I can’t help but stare at Emily’s dark brown, luminous hair cascading over her slim shoulders. She’s dressed elegantly in a light purple blouse, and a long, black skirt, completely fixated on the book she’s reading in front of her. I take a hard swallow, drawing in close to her. Her blouse is conveniently left unbuttoned at the top, showing her cleavage. I shake my head at myself when dirty thoughts immediately appear in my mind.

I need to remain professional, and focus on the task, even though Emily is the most unique woman I’ve ever laid eyes on. I admit, deep down, if I had met her in another circumstance, I would wine and dine Emily, with her ending the night in my bed. However, I’m trying to convince her to accept my dinner invitation, to see if being in a different setting will make her chat, which, so far, I’ve had no success with.

When I learned nine months ago about what happened to Emily, I made it my mission to protect her from becoming another statistic, by keeping a watch from a distance. But recently her scum bag of an ex-boyfriend, my former friend, was released from jail.

I took the matter into my own hands, because men who physically abuse women make my skin crawl. There’s a secret I’ve buried deep inside my memory, and I never want to live through that pain again. It took almost fifteen years for me to become the strong and confident man I am today. I refuse to repeat