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    The Switch
    The Switch
    The Switch
    Ebook131 pages1 hour

    The Switch

    By Lisa Watson

    5/5

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    About this ebook

    Justin Langley’s best friend, Adrian, is determined not to be a pawn in his mother’s love matching scheme. When she sets up a blind date for him, Adrian decides to teach her a lesson; he stands his date up! Intent on doing the right thing, Justin goes to the restaurant to break the date for his friend, but gets more than he reckoned for.

    Coping with the recent death of her mother and being jilted by her fiancé leaves Sabrina Ridgemont emotionally fragile. At her family’s insistence, Sabrina agrees to go out on a blind date that will change her life forever.

    A chance meeting with Sabrina’s ex-fiancé causes Justin to make a rash decision and before the evening ends, he’s assumed his best friend’s identity, met the woman of his dreams, and felt the sparks being reciprocated. Now what?

     

    See where The Match Broker Series got started!

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherLisa Watson
    Release dateOct 16, 2014
    ISBN9781502274410
    The Switch
    Author

    Lisa Watson

    Lisa Dodson (formerly Watson), is a National Bestselling Author, and native of Washington D.C. She writes in the Multicultural & Interracial, Contemporary, Romantic Suspense, Sweet Romance, and Clean Read genres. Nominated for Best Contemporary Fiction, her debut novel, Watch Your Back, sparked Lisa’s desire to continue creating engaging storylines, strong characters with universal appeal, and a keen sense of humor. They are drawn together by love, respect, and strong family ties. Lisa loves traveling, so weaving beautiful destinations into the pages of her novels as lush backdrops, or the heritage of her characters is not uncommon.Her novels for Harlequin's Kimani line, The Match Broker series: Love Contract, Her Heart's Desire, and Love By Design, introduced readers to matchmaking guru, Norma Jean Anderson, aka The Love Broker. Each novel in the series hit the #1 spot on Amazon's Bestseller List.Lisa enjoys writing warm-your-heart stories. Her novellas, A Summer of Stars, her holiday-themed Sweet Romances, A Heart for Christmas, Two Hearts for Christmas, and A Fiancé for Christmas, make great reads no matter what time of the year.Her Romantic Suspense, Spicing Things Up, proves that there’s a time for playing it safe, but sometimes you need to spice things up!Danger doesn’t need an appointment...sometimes it just shows up! With an adoring assistant, an ambitious publicist, and jealous ex-lover vying for her attention, debut novelist, Sasha Lambert, soon finds herself at the center of a dangerous tug-of-war. Interview with Danger is a thrill ride that you’ll want to be on!Lisa is also a contributing author to the new novel, Kings of the Castle.Fate made them brothers, but protecting the Castle and the women they love, will make them Kings. If you like romance, suspense, or contemporary fiction, it's past time for you to visit ... The Castle.This world was brought to you by S.L. Jennings, Naleighna Kai, Martha Kennerson, J.L.Campbell, Lisa Watson, Karen D. Bradley, Janice M. Allen, London St. Charles, and MarZe Scott.Her latest novel is King of Hyde Park – Book 8 in the Kings of the Castle Series.Lisa works at a technology consulting firm and is a Co-Publicist for the BookLovers Con. She is the mother of two young adults, a Maltipoo, Brinkley, and lives in Raleigh, NC. She is avidly working on a new Romantic Suspense for her next series.Connect with Lisa on Facebook (authorlisadodson), Twitter(@LisaYDodson), Goodreads (Lisa_Watson_Dodson), Pinterest (LisaYDodson), Instagram (LisaYDodson), and www.lisawatson.comWant a FREE e-book? Sign up for my Newsletter and you’ll receive one of my e-books as a thank you! https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/y4o9u7

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      Book preview

      The Switch - Lisa Watson

      PROLOGUE

      ––––––––

      Norma Jean Anderson set the piping hot tray of biscuits on the trivet and took her place at the dinner table.  She looked across at her husband and only child, her heart swelled with pride, until her son opened his mouth.

      Mom, this dinner is delicious.  None of the women I date can hold a candle to your cooking, Adrian enthused.

      Humph, Norma Jean rolled her eyes and pointed a skinny finger in his direction.  I’d bet my favorite church dress none of those high fashioned hoes you dally with have ever been in a kitchen, much less cooked a meal. 

      Her husband, Heathcliffe, lowered his glasses and stared reproachfully at his wife.  He was a tall, broad man with stark white, curly hair and every bit as handsome as his son.  Though he towered over her; he usually gave his petite wife run of the house and steered clear of her machinations, unless she was going overboard.  Like now.

      Jeanie, he said reproachfully.

      She looked at her husband and glared.  What?  Don’t give me that look Heathcliffe, you know I’m right.

      Now darling, I think we should stay out of our son’s love life.

      Norma Jean usually softened when he used that tone but this was too important to just drop. 

      Cliff, our son is thirty-three years old and it’s high time he settled down.

      Adrian sighed loudly.  Starting a bit early this Sunday aren’t you, Mom? Usually you wait until dessert before I get the ‘When are you going to settle down and give me grandbabies’ speech.

      You bet I’m going to start up again.  Adrian, every woman in my bible study group has a wallet full of pictures of their grandchildren and what have I got?  Nothing, she snapped.  Just credit cards and pictures of you two.

      Gee, thanks, her husband said dryly.

      You know what I mean, Cliff.  Norma Jean redirected her efforts toward her insolent son.  Honey, it’s time you stop playing around and start looking for a nice woman to marry, settle down and have babies with.

      Adrian arched his eyebrow at his mother.  Ever since her fiftieth birthday three years ago, she’d stepped up the campaign to get him settled down with any woman breathing and to impregnate her as soon as humanly possible.  He would have laughed if she weren’t serious. 

      Look Mom, I appreciate the concern, but we’ve beat this dead horse enough, don’t you think?  I’m not looking for a wife right now; I’ve just gotten my business off the ground and I need to devote all my energy to making a name for myself.

      Norma Jean slammed her fork down on the table and began clearing the dinner dishes.  Oh Adrian, please, she said derisively and then grabbed his plate.  Your business has been off the ground for three years now; you’ve got one of the most successful real estate companies in Chicago.  Besides that, it’s making money hand over fist.  How many more names do you need?

      She went to seize her husband’s plate but he refused to relinquish his hold.  Oh no you don’t, he said quickly.  I’m still eating this.

      In a huff she walked into the kitchen.  Seconds later the two men heard pans banging loudly.

      Adrian rubbed his temples in an effort to alleviate the pounding behind his eyes.  Dad, are you going to help me on this?

      His father beamed proudly.  Nope, you’re doing just fine son. 

      When Norma Jean returned, she tried a different approach.  Darling, I wish you’d reconsider.  My friend Hazel has a niece who’s perfect for you.  She’s smart, hard working...

      Does she have all her teeth, Mom?  Years of conditioning had made Adrian immune to his mother’s charm.  Because the last ‘nice girl’ you set me up with didn’t.  You remember that wonderful woman that was so into the church?  I doubt she mentioned the reason she was so dedicated was because she’d been sleeping with the deacon, he replied.

      Norma Jean put up her hands to halt his tirade.  Okay, I get the point, but honey this one’s different. Just let me do this for you—

      Adrian shook his head.  No, Mom.  And that’s final. His tone was adamant.

      He struggled to regain his composure.  He didn’t revel in hurting her feelings, but she needed to back off.  After a few moments of awkward silence Adrian spoke.  Mom, I know you mean well, but I don’t need you playing matchmaker.  He rose from the table and kissed his mother’s cheek.  Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to go.  Dinner was great.  Mind if I take home the leftovers?

      Norma Jean realized it was time to drop the subject.  Nodding, she went back in the kitchen and silently packed food in the ‘expendable’ Glad Tupperware. 

      Mark my words my darling boy, she whispered in a voice only she could hear.  When all this is said and done you’ll be thanking me for my interference.

      1 CHAPTER ONE

      ––––––––

      This is all Adrian’s fault, Justin Langley complained into the silence.  Why do I bother trying to keep him from looking bad?  He doesn’t even appreciate my efforts. 

      He stopped at a red light and tried to calm himself.  His mind vividly recalled the night before and the events that had gotten him into this mess in the first place.

      Hey, the light’s flashing on your voicemail, Stanley Bryant observed.

      Must be my flavor of the month, Adrian called to his three friends from the kitchen.  Someone hit play for me.

      Dwayne Kendall pressed the message button and a woman’s voice resonated through the room.

      Hi honey.  It’s Mom.  I haven’t heard from you since you came over for dinner last week.  I hope you’re not still upset about our little disagreement.

      What disagreement? Justin whispered.

      Adrian waved his hand in dismissal.  Long story.

      Anyway darling, I just wanted to let you know that I’ve arranged a date with you and Sabrina Ridgemont.

      Adrian choked on his beer, but was shushed by his friends, whom were paying close attention to Jeanie Anderson.

      It’s set for tomorrow at eight o’clock at Catch 35.  I know it’s one of your favorite restaurants so you should have a wonderful time. 

      A horn blared behind him, effectively snapping Justin out of his reverie.  It was a moment before he’d realized the light had turned green.  He glanced at his watch and pursed his lips.  If she were there, she’d be waiting almost fifteen minutes by now.  Why should I care if I’m late?  He shouted at the steering wheel.  It’s not like it’s my date.  If Adrian wants to be a player and dog every girl he comes in contact with, who am I to interfere?" You’re a nice guy.  His conscience reminded him.

      You the man.  No matter what, you always have my back, Justin mimicked Adrian’s tone.  I guess tonight’s no exception. 

      Catch 35 was close to downtown Chicago’s finest theatres.  That, combined with its impeccable reputation, guaranteed a constant throng of patrons.  Finding a parking space during dinnertime on a Friday night was practically unheard of.  Justin didn’t even bother trying; instead he left his car with the valet parking attendant.  After all, he was only going to be there a few minutes.  Silently, he hoped the black slacks and sweater he wore to work would be adequate.  This was Adrian’s stomping ground not his.

      Justin paused short of the front door and stepped to the side so he wouldn’t be seen.  What the hell am I doing? He asked himself.  This is crazy.  Why should I give a damn if he stands her up?  It’s not my problem.  I’m not the one being a dog.  Suddenly their previous conversation surfaced again.  You aren’t going to stand her up are you?  Justin asked incredulously. 

      Adrian picked up the remote and aimed it toward the entertainment center.  He shrugged not bothering to look up.  My mother took it upon herself to set this up so she can deal with the fallout.  I’m going to show her once and for all that I don’t need her interfering in my love life!  Adrian threw the remote on the couch and said dismissively.  Look man, I’ll see you at the gym tomorrow.

      Justin blinked to clear the image from his mind.  I guess you don’t need me interfering either, he said aloud.

      He turned on his heel and went to retrieve his car.  Justin got two steps when he stopped and stifled a curse.  Indecisiveness battled with his conscience until finally, the decision was made.  He strode to the door and wrenched it open.  Once inside, he shrugged out of his black leather jacket and tossed it over his arm.  Taking a calming breath, he approached the hostess desk and asked to be

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