Growing Love

GROWING LOVE

Copyright © 2013, Lacey Wolfe

Publisher: Southern Girl Press

Edited by Tara Chevrestt

Proofed by Ella Jade

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

www.laceywolfe.com

Growing Love

The Brookefield Series

Lacey Wolfe

Back Cover Blurb

Resigned to raising her baby without the father, Diane has everything figured out—a substitute dad in place, a support system ready, and a new home to move into—at least until the day he knocks on her door.

Matt tried to let Diane go, tried to forget that she was carrying his child, but an ultrasound picture brings his walls tumbling down. He can’t stay away any longer. But he hasn’t always been perfect. Diane and he share a past full of deceit and lies and now they have only nine months to undo it all and become responsible adults. It’s not only about them anymore.

With complications in her pregnancy, Diane is forced to move back to Brookfield to be under the care of her family. All she has to do is keep her feelings for Matt in check and she can stick to her original plan—raise the baby with Tom.

But it seems Matt has a few choice words about that…

Other Books in the Series

Bed, Breakfast, and You

Finding Home

Bare Necessities

Not Just Friends

Acknowledgements

I have a wonderful team who helps me each step of the way. Starting with my family. My husband supports me a hundred percent with the journey I’m on. I’m so thankful for him. As well, my children are wonderful when I beg them for just twenty minutes to get an idea down…though sometimes I have to bribe them with ice cream.

I have a great team as well in the author community who are there to support me and listen to me when I need a set of ears. I have a great editor for this series, Tara Chevrestt. In fact, now she’s feeding me new ideas for the Brookfield Series. If you enjoy this town, don’t worry, there will be more—my editor says so!

To my readers, thank you so much for loving this series. Each comment and email I receive makes this all worth it.

Table Of Contents

Prologue

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Epilogue

About The Author

Preview of Not Just Friends

Prologue

Diane tapped on the door to her brother’s house and waited as patiently as she could. Finally, the wooden door swung open and Matt stood there, looking as rough as she’d expected.

What do you want? His tone told her he wasn’t happy to see her.

Is that any way to greet the woman carrying your child? She brushed past him, not caring if he wanted to see her or not.

Matt had been hiding out at her brother Cody’s house ever since he’d found out she was pregnant. He’d left their home in Alpine, Wyoming, came back to Brookfield, and had attempted to get back together with Diane’s sister Alyssa.

Thankfully, Alyssa was hopelessly in love with another man. But Diane wanted Matt home where he belonged, with her and their lover Tom.

I have no way of knowing if that baby is mine. The door slammed.

She shook her head as irritation rolled through her. It is yours. Quit being so damn stubborn.

I have no way of knowing that. You’ve been screwing both Tom and me.

Tom was back door only—except that one time. She and Matt had a fight over something stupid, as usual and she’d had sex with Tom, telling Matt he was the back entrance. Only he’d not played along and had left angry. She should’ve ended the fun that evening but decided to go ahead and have sex with Tom. Like always, Matt forgave her, until she learned she was pregnant a few weeks later. It was then the question of the fatherhood came in to the equation.

I came to talk, not fight. She reached out for him, hoping to soothe the tension between them.

Matt crossed his arms and stepped back. She could tell by his stance they weren’t going to get anywhere. Maybe she should scream at him for coming back to Brookfield and trying to hook up with her sister. But it was best to leave that alone. After all, they were having a kid together; it was time to learn to take the higher ground. Obviously she needed to be the adult here.

Tom isn’t the father. He can’t have kids.

Matt rolled his eyes. How convenient.

Please, come home. She didn’t want to beg.

He sighed loudly and rubbed his hands together. I’m not ready. You know, I have done so much for you. I never wanted another man in our relationship. But you were bored and wanted to spice things up. So I agreed to let Tom in but never intended for him to be there all the time. I thought it would be a one-time thing. Now you’ve practically moved him in.

It was true. Tom was practically her best friend. She could give up the sex with him. It had been fun, however she was over it. And Tom was too. At this point, they were really just hanging out for the companionship. We can go back to just us. That’s fine.

Tom has to go away completely.

No, no. She couldn’t be without Tom in her life at all. I’ve grown—

Do you have any idea how bad you’ve hurt me? His voice rose as he fisted his hands. And you stand here like you’ve done nothing wrong. As though your being here makes things all better. You’re sorry you fucked another man. You’re sorry you’re pregnant and I’m just supposed to believe that it’s mine. Who the hell knows who else you’ve been screwing.

That was it; she couldn’t bite her tongue anymore. How dare you, asshole! You’re the father. Why would I lie about that?

Matt grunted. Why wouldn’t you? Women lie about it all the time and you have a way of manipulating things and getting what you want. I’m proof of that and so is Tom.

She hated that he didn’t just believe her. What do you mean?

I dated your sister for a year. Throughout that year, you made eyes at me. And finally, you swooped in and stole me.

Oh, the nerve of this man. Was he serious? She wasn’t the only one to blame for that. You could’ve told me no. If you’d really wanted Alyssa the way you claimed, you’d never have strayed. She paused. And don’t forget I know your secret that Alyssa doesn’t.

The color from his face drained. You wouldn’t.

Oh, I might. She and I are working on our relationship. I could tell her about the countless affairs you had on her that weren’t with me. Diane placed her hand on her flat belly. Maybe I don’t want someone like you as the father. You’re the one who can’t be trusted.

I never cheated on you. Ever. What you and I had was different. Or so, I thought.

She tossed her hair behind her shoulder. How do I know that? If you did it to her, you might’ve done it to me too. Maybe I don’t want you in this kid’s life.

She was playing dirty and she knew it. But somehow she had to defeat him so he’d come home with her. She loved this man so much. Sure, she had a funny way of showing it, but not every relationship out there was all flowers and candy. Some people simple worked because they knew how to get the other one going—in more than one way.

They craved each other. When they connected, sparks flew. She needed him home. There was no way she could raise this kid alone.

I’m not ready to come back yet. I need more time, Matt said, his tone calmer, softer.

Please.

I can’t. I’m sorry. Unless you can choose to be with just me and let everything else go, then I’m staying put. He leaned against the wall behind him.

The thought of walking out of there without Matt made her body break out in a cold sweat. Let’s just go home and talk about this.

You heard me. Either we walk out this door as a couple—you and me. Or we don’t at all.

She sighed. You’re being ridiculous.

He cocked an eyebrow. And you’ve just chosen Tom.

I did not, she argued. She wanted Matt.

Leave.

He obviously needed more time. She walked over to the door and turned to him. I’ll be in Brookfield for a few more days. If you don’t come with me, then don’t bother ever coming back.

Diane walked out the door, certain Matt would follow. He didn’t.

Chapter One

A few months later

Matt set the glass of coke down on the dark counter at Swift Water Café. His plate of food sat untouched. The sadness he’d been feeling lately had overtaken him. He was lost.

Is this seat taken?

Matt glanced over his shoulder to see a very attractive young woman. She wore her light hair long and straight. He shook his head and she sat down. She kept herself turned toward him, her red fingernails resting on her trim thighs.

You look like you need some cheering up. I might be able to help with that.

He grunted. If only she knew. The woman wanted a good time. His gaze traveled over her figure. Big breasts, small waist, and red pouty lips. And if he wasn’t in the predicament he was, he’d be all over her. But his heart belonged to another.

I don’t think you can, he mumbled, looking away.

Oh, sugar. I can make you forget your problems for a few hours. She leaned close and whispered, No strings.

Matt chuckled softly. Thank you, but no thank you.

After a moment, she hopped down from her chair. Your loss.

Somehow he seriously doubted that. He already knew what