An Exceptional Twist Read online

  Copyright © 2014 Kimi Flores

  Smashwords Edition 2014

  Photography by

  K Keeton Designs

  Cover Models

  Cameo Hopper & Eric Zeke Madden

  Cover Design by

  Cover to Cover Designs

  Editing by

  Story Girl Editing

  Interior Design by

  Bookmarked.Designs

  All rights reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the author or publisher.

  This book is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, or incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to the actual events, locales, and persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

  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 owner.

  Chapter One - My Best Friend's Wedding

  Chapter Two - Girls from Pasadena Just Seem Nicer

  Chapter Three - Latin Style

  Chapter Four - Pretty Pink Tootsies

  Chapter Five - California Wine Tasting

  Chapter Six - Bucketful of Wishes

  Chapter Seven - Do Vegetarians Eat Bacon?

  Chapter Eight - Roses, How Original

  Chapter Nine - What Comes Around Goes Around

  Chapter Ten - Good News Travels Fast

  Chapter Eleven - Sweet Home, Alhambra

  Chapter Twelve - Do You Trust Me?

  Chapter Thirteen - El Diablo’s Evil Spawn

  Chapter Fourteen - Aim for the Drain

  Chapter Fifteen - Just Keeping it Real

  Chapter Sixteen - The Friend Zone

  Chapter Seventeen - Yeah, but She’s Going Home with Me

  Chapter Eighteen - No Need to Sugar Coat Things

  Chapter Nineteen - She’s Lucky I Don’t Sleep Naked

  Chapter Twenty - Sexy in Any Language

  Chapter Twenty-One - But I'm Really Hot

  Chapter Twenty-Two - Trust is a Fragile Thing

  Chapter Twenty-Three - Poppin’ Bubbles

  Chapter Twenty-Four - That Wasn’t a Joke

  Epilogue

  Bonus Chapter - The Storage Room

  Author Preview - Melanie Dawn, Then There Was You

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  An Exceptional Twist Playlist

  This novel is dedicated to Jess, T and Megan, my critique partners and friends.

  I couldn’t have published Leah and Stefen’s story without the three of you incredible women.

  Leah sat at the large, linen covered table under a canopy of silk, poking away at her third piece of wedding cake. Yes, third piece. Briefly glancing around, she contemplated licking the plate. To her dismay, her sister, Dani, met her gaze and stifled a laugh.

  Leah paused, the dish already raised halfway to her mouth. “What?” She shrugged, irritated, considering that maybe she’d taken it too far, but it was mouthwatering and worth any stares she would get.

  Why can’t Dani find someone to gossip with and leave me alone?

  Her older sister’s eyes sparkled with humor. Leah wanted to slap that smug look off her face, until Dani said, “You’re so interested in your dessert that you haven’t even noticed Señor Caliente looking your way.”

  Leah’s head snapped up to catch the groom’s cousin, Stefen, staring at her, and Dani’s laugh finally broke free. Stefen pushed away from the bar and strode confidently toward her, never once breaking eye contact. Leah’s heart started to pound as she put the plate down and wiped the crumbs from her face.

  Becoming increasingly flustered by Stefen’s approach, she attempted to swallow down the lump of nerves in her throat. Oh god, he’s coming closer. This type of man was the last thing she needed in her life.

  Even his sister, Bri, had warned Leah about his cunning intentions when it came to females. But, damn, was he hot. She could feel the heat on her face and knew it was bright red. It didn’t help that the previous weekend he’d seen her stumbling into her best friend Abby’s living room the night after her bachelorette’s party. She was hung over, wearing only red lacy panties and a tiny white tank top.

  Leah cringed at the memory.

  Stefen stopped in front of her, grinning widely, as if he knew exactly what she was thinking. “You look stunning, Leah. I almost didn’t recognize you all dressed up.” His voice was smooth and deep, causing her skin to break out in goose bumps.

  Yeah, he definitely knew what was on her mind. Leah would have to find a way to take back the upper hand, or she was going to have a difficult time with him later.

  Lifting her eyebrow, she replied, “I'm not surprised Stefen, considering I'm upright and clothed, not the typical woman you're used to.”

  “The night is young still.” His cocky smile and retort came even quicker than hers.

  Avoiding his intimidating stare, she scanned the backyard, which had been turned into an elaborate wedding reception. Her best friend, Abby, was swaying to the music on the dance floor with her new husband, Caleb, and step daughter, Madison. The three of them made such a beautiful family, all moving together.

  Leah stood up, sauntering around him. Her long black hair cascaded down her tanned back as she peered over her shoulder, and smirked. “In your dreams, Stefen. I’m not that kind of woman, but I wouldn’t mind a dance.”

  Confident that he would follow, she made her way around the pool and headed toward the make shift dance floor. The candles that floated on the water reflected all around her as she soaked in the romantic atmosphere. Approaching the crowd, she was momentarily distracted by Abby’s new happy little family.

  Leah couldn't help but wonder if it was in the cards for her, to find someone who could love her as much as Caleb loved Abby. It wasn't as though Leah was an old hag or anything. Her twenty-sixth birthday was a few months ago, but something about being at weddings brought doubts to the surface. Being a florist, she had to attend these damn things a couple times a month.

  She stifled a gasp as Stefen took her into his strong arms and held on tight, instantly pulling her out of those depressing thoughts. Damn, he can move. It wouldn’t surprise her if he’d taken dance lessons.

  Completely in her element, Leah’s nerves dissolved, and she matched him step for step. This was something she was very comfortable with, since she taught dance classes at a local studio a few times a month.

  With complete conviction, she lost herself in the rhythm, swaying her hips to the slow melody. Stefen’s hands slid around her back as he pulled her in closer and she smiled up at him. He was gorgeous, in that naughty boy attempting to appear honorable way. Stefen had the whole wicked hot vibe going for him—perfectly styled dark hair, devious look in his dazzling hazel eyes, crooked smile, and attitude to match. His slight overbite drew her eyes to his full kissable mouth.

  “I’m impressed. Your moves are flawless,” he complimented, running his hand down her lower back until it rested on the very top of her behind. He gave her a suggestive smirk. “And extremely sexy.”

  Caught off guard, she lost the rhythm and almost stepped on his foot. It would do her good to remember what Abby had warned her about the first night she’d laid eyes on him, back at the engagement party. Hot men always caused trouble, something she definitely didn’t need.

  When Abby told h
er that he was taking some time away from his office and would be in Santa Barbara while she and Caleb were on their honeymoon, Leah volunteered to show him around town. Now, she wondered if that was such a good idea.

  She sighed in resignation. I offered. Too late to take it back now. She would just have to be careful not to fall for his charm. Making their outings minimal would help.

  To keep things light, she twirled out of his arms and created some much needed distance between them. She looked back up to give a sassy response but found herself caught in his hazel eyes, and she was lost for words.

  Oh yeah, without a doubt, he’s trouble.

  At the same time, she saw a spark of something deep within him that he kept trying to mask—a longing in his eyes that had nothing to do with his obvious lust. What that was, Leah had no idea.

  Stefen pulled her close once more. “We’re definitely doing this again while I’m here. When can I see you again?”

  His hands glided up her hips and lingered at her waist, once more leaving the skin underneath tingling at his touch. His words and mere presence overwhelmed her senses, making her just a little lightheaded.

  She took a deep breath. “I have to work most days, but I’ll try to make some time to show you around. I wouldn’t want you to have to fend for yourself the whole time,” she teased, forcing herself to look away from his blazing gaze.

  Leaning in, Stefen spoke softly into her ear, and a shiver ran down her spine. “I’m sure we’ll spend plenty of time together, but I need to work on a handful of things myself. Even though I can’t be in the office, I’m the only one that knows how to handle these cases. But let me know when you’re free, so I can get that tour.”

  Arrogant much? Then again, he was a lawyer which, in Leah’s book, just added to his egotistic character.

  Pulling back, she snuck a glimpse at the mouth responsible for sending her into a spin before reminding herself how self-centered he was. Her sister, Dani, and she had always said that a guy’s lips and eyes had the same effect on women that boobs and behinds had on guys.

  Leah cleared her throat, attempting to appear unaffected by his proximity. “I was planning on coming back here tomorrow to make sure everything is in order after the cleaning crew takes the tents, tables, and chairs. Afterward, I have some time.”

  “What time is that?” Stefen cocked his eyebrow.

  “Abby has them scheduled to show up at ten, so I'll be here by then.” She glanced around at everything in the yard, dreading how long it would take them to finish in the morning while she waited.

  He grinned. “Not soon enough, I don’t know if I can wait that long to have you all to myself.” He was trying to make her melt, and damn if it wasn't working. His statement made her pulse race, and she cursed herself for the way her body reacted.

  Taking a deep breath to regain control, she asked, “Are you still staying here?”

  “Of course.” A pompous attitude rolled off of him like she should know better than to ask such an absurd question. But the one-eighty in his demeanor was just what she needed to cool her attraction to him.

  Jackass.

  She raised her chin, keeping her wits and her polite manner. I’m just keeping a promise. “I can bring breakfast if you like.” Placing her hands on his chest to put some space between them once more, she felt his chest muscles constrict under the soft material of his tailor-made suit.

  “I’ll take anything you’re willing to give me, Leah.” He winked.

  Leah’s tanned face turned crimson, partly from annoyance at his boldness, but mainly from the heat that coursed through her.

  Give him? What did he expect me to give him?

  She panted a little, hating that he noticed.

  Smirking, he looked toward her family members. “Who’s the woman standing by your sister? Relative of yours?”

  Leah glanced over to see her cousin pointing at her and checking Stefen out. “Oh yeah, that’s my cousin.” Leah’s female family members were constantly trying to embarrass her. Then again, she had no right to complain because she did the same to them.

  A broad grin broke out on his face before drawing her body even closer. “So she’s trying to figure out who the hot guy is that looks like he wants to ravage her little cousin, huh?”

  Hot? Did he just call himself hot? And ravage me? What. The. Hell?

  If she hadn't shown her uneasiness before, she wasn’t able to conceal it now. And there was that damn smirk again. He knew he was getting to her.

  “Why don't we give them something more to talk about?” His lips were suddenly an inch from hers as he dipped her backward.

  “Wh—what?” she stammered breathlessly, her heart pounding in her throat.

  “Relax...I'm kidding, Leah. You’re easy to mess with. I'm going to have fun with you.” He waggled his eyebrows as he lifted her onto her quivering legs.

  She tried to gain some control. Smiling, she shot back, “Mr. Hunter, you sure are a tease, aren't you? I'm going to have to keep my distance.” Then she turned in an attempt to walk away.

  But Stefen caught her hand, possessively wrapping his arms around her lower back as he growled, “Oh, no you don't. I've been told that I'm irresistible, and I don’t tease. You’re welcome to any part of me that you can handle.”

  They were eye to eye, and she was unable to control her heavy breathing when he unexpectedly released her. She couldn’t tell why at first, until she saw Caleb was standing next to them with his arm around Stefen, practically digging his fingers into his cousin's shoulder as he squeezed.

  “Enjoying the reception?” Caleb glared at Stefen, then smiled at Leah in an attempt to hide his gritted teeth.

  Leah shifted uncomfortably, wondering what his problem was. Caleb was normally such a nice guy. She’d never seen him like this before. “Uh, yeah. It's a great party.”

  Stefen no longer looked so arrogant. With Caleb still gripping his shoulder, he was retreating like a misbehaving little boy who got caught doing something he wasn’t supposed to.

  “Leah,” Caleb said through his teeth, “do you mind if I talk to Stefen for a minute?”

  She nodded, not having the guts to ask what was going on. She would hate to be Stefen right now. “Sure, no problem.” Stepping back, Leah rushed back to join her relatives.

  Dani stood next to their table, pursing her lips. Grabbing Leah’s hands, she pulled her forward, sighing, “Hermana, Stefen is one fine ass man.” She picked up a napkin to fan herself. “And he sure can move on the dance floor.”

  “You’re right, he is an ass,” Leah said sarcastically, irritated with his cocky attitude, even though her body was still on fire from his touch. “Never gonna happen.” Though she wasn’t sure if she said it for her sister’s benefit or her own.

  Dani bumped Leah’s hip with her own curvy behind. “Never say never, baby sister.”

  “Stefen, I thought I told you that she was off limits,” Caleb snarled before releasing his vice grip.

  “Shit, that hurt.” Stefen rubbed his shoulder. It would be bruised by tomorrow, for sure. “I didn't do anything. We were just dancing.”

  Stefen frowned when he remembered. Back at the engagement party, Caleb had issued a warning. It still cut deep. It hurt that his cousin didn’t think he was worthy of Leah.

  Why the hell does Caleb feel like he has the right to decide who Leah can and can’t hang out with? We’re not in seventh grade anymore.

  “I saw how you were dancing with her.” Caleb lifted his arm and gestured to the crowd. “There are a crapload of women at this reception that are more your style. Why her?” He stood close to Stefen with his arms firmly across his chest. They hadn't fought in a long time, but Stefen wasn’t about to back down.

  “I don't know,” Stefen argued. “There’s just something about her I can’t shake.” He looked down, not believing the words that just came out of his mouth. “Why is she so special to you anyway? She's just another girl.” Although, the constant images of her tha
t ran through his mind ever since they first met contradicted his words.

  Her long thick black hair, lengthy, full lashes, chocolate brown, almond shaped innocent eyes, and soft tanned skin assaulted him nonstop. What baffled him the most was that her kind-hearted nature had gotten under his skin. The love she freely gave out to the people around her intrigued him.

  Caleb broke through his thoughts. “You’ve obviously figured out that she isn’t just another girl. Otherwise, you’d stay away from her.”

  Stefen rolled his eyes.

  Caleb threw his hands in the air, clearly exasperated. “I'm not kidding, Stefen. I care about her. Leah’s like a sister to me, and she’s an important member of my family now. I’m asking you to please stay away from her.”

  Stefen stepped back, trying to grasp what Caleb was saying. A sharp pain shot across his chest, knowing that one of the closest family member’s he had—other than his sister, Bri—had moved on in life. Now Caleb seemed more concerned about a girl he’d only known a short while, rather than helping Stefen get what he wanted.

  “What is your problem, Caleb? You used to be an even bigger player than me. I learned everything I know from you, remember?” Furious, Stefen stood his ground, fighting the need to pace back and forth. “How the hell can you stand there and judge me? Just because you’re living in fantasyland doesn’t mean that the rest of us want to. How do you even know what Leah wants, huh? Maybe she’s looking for something uncomplicated, too. Either way, it’s none of your damn business.”

  Caleb’s face softened as he placed his hand on Stefen’s shoulder, but Stefen instantly shrugged it off. “Stefen, you know how shitty I feel about everything I’ve done in my past. I’m sorry you learned all of those things from me, but I’ve changed and you know that’s what I want for you, too. You and Leah would probably make a fantastic couple, if you were the kind of guy that stuck around. I know you’re just looking for a piece of ass for now, though, and she’s not the girl for that. She’s a permanent part of Abby’s life, which means she’s in my life. I’m asking you to please leave her alone. If you don’t, then you’re proving that you couldn’t care less about my position here.” Caleb let out an aggravated sigh. “Listen man, she’s my wife’s best friend and you just don't screw with that. I know she’s going to show you around, but I'm begging you to leave it at that.” The concern that covered Caleb’s face stung even deeper.