Too Dangerous: The Lewis Cousins, Book 5 E-Book

Bethany Lopez

• Herausgeber: Bethany Lopez
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2019

Beschreibung

Jasmine Lewis has tried, and failed, to ignore local Australian bartender, Shane, who's in Cherry Springs while working on his master’s.

She’s kept him at arm’s length, fearing the passion he ignites when nearby, but he does his best to remind her of what she’s missing. 

Now school’s out and he’ll have to leave. Will a marriage of convenience give them what they both want?

Too Dangerous is the fifth and final book in the Lewis Cousins series by Bethany Lopez. Grab this sexy standalone romance today.

Leseprobe

Too Dangerous

The Lewis Cousins, Book 5

Bethany Lopez

Too Dangerous

Copyright 2019 Bethany Lopez

Published April 2019

ISBN - 9781092955508

Cover Design by Makeready Designs

Editing by Red Road Editing / Kristina Circelli

Proofreading by KMS Freelance Editing

Formatting by Bethany Lopez

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please don’t participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Want to learn more about my books? Sign up for my newsletter and Join my FB Group/Street Team! 

https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r7w3w5

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1443318612574585/

Created with Vellum

For Katie and Diego, for putting up for my long hours on this one. Thanks for your patience and support!

Contents

1. Jasmine

2. Shane

3. Jasmine

4. Shane

5. Jasmine

6. Shane

7. Jasmine

8. Shane

9. Jasmine

10. Shane

11. Jasmine

12. Shane

13. Jasmine

14. Shane

15. Jasmine

16. Shane

17. Jasmine

18. Shane

19. Jasmine

20. Shane

21. Jasmine

22. Shane

23. Jasmine

24. Shane

25. Jasmine

26. Shane

27. Jasmine

28. Shane

29. Jasmine

30. Shane

31. Jasmine

32. Shane

33. Jasmine

34. Shane

35. Jasmine

36. Shane

37. Jasmine

38. Shane

39. Jasmine

40. Shane

41. Jasmine

42. Shane

Epilogue - Jasmine

Thanks for reading The Lewis Cousins, Check out book 1 in my latest series!

Frat House Confessions: Ridge

Acknowledgments

About the Author

Also by Bethany Lopez

Jasmine

I was absolutely exhausted.

Tired.

Fed up.

I’d been burning the candle at both ends for over a year. Luckily, it looked like things would be settling down soon. Which was good, because otherwise I’d be facing a serious case of burnout.

My brother, Dillon, and I had successfully managed to expand Lewis Sporting Goods, our family business, to three major cities. Yes, there was still going to be tons to do in terms of getting the stores built, staffed, and opened, but my part in it was basically done.

I’d be spending my time back in the home office in Cherry Springs, my hometown, and I never thought I’d be so excited to be done traveling and ready to settle in the small town I’d grown up in.

I flopped onto my accent chair, glancing around the space I’d been calling home since I’d moved back from college ages ago.

It was a loft over the local coffee shop, Strange Brew, on Main Street, and looked basically the same as it had since I moved in. Same sofa and accent chair, same bedframe with mattress covered in the black-and-white comforter.

Same mis-matched dishes.

Same frayed towels.

Same ugly scuffed coffee table.

“It’s time to grow up,” I muttered, suddenly disgusted with myself.

Everyone else was living grown-up lives. My brother and my best friend, Laurel, were married, having a baby, and living happily in the house we’d grown up in.

My cousin Gabe and friend, Zoey, were married with a baby, and shared custody of his son with Zoey’s sister, Chloe … long story … who was married to my cousin, Reardon, and had a newborn son.

Finally, my cousin Serena and her sexy man, Jed, had just bought some land and were moving in together.

That left me.

The last single Lewis cousin, living alone in her sad little loft with not even a prospect in sight.

I pushed up off the chair and wandered into the kitchen.

“What are you waiting for?” I muttered to myself.

This was what I resorted to now, having conversations with myself out loud.

So sad.

“You’re a successful business woman with money in the bank. You can afford to buy a house you’ll love, decorate, and live the rest of your life in.”

I’d gotten complacent. Used to living in this loft where it was safe and there was no risk involved.

“That’s not the only reason…”

It was even worse when I argued aloud with myself.

But, it wasn’t a lie … When I’d decided to rent the loft, I’d always viewed it as a temporary arrangement. Figuring I’d live here until I found the man of my dreams, fell in love, and got married.

That hadn’t happened.

I had a couple failed relationships in my past, but had found out early on that most men, and women, wanted to use me for things they thought I could give them.

Whether it was a place in the family business, access to my ex NFL player cousin, Gabe, or my hot twin brother.

Because of this, I was pretty guarded and wary of relationships, and kept my circle tight.

So, it was time for me to grow up and get started with my life, rather than living on pause, waiting for Mr. Right to show up and press play.

“I’m gonna do it.”

I grinned and did a little jig. Tomorrow I’d find a realtor and start looking for a house of my own.

Feeling lighter than I had in months, I opened my refrigerator, and shut it again.

It was empty.

Travel and late nights at the office meant I hadn’t been grocery shopping in who knew how long.

My stomach growled as I crossed to the front door to put on my shoes.

Living on Main Street meant, although I didn’t have access to twenty-four-seven restaurants as I would in a big city, I was within walking distance to Lewis Bar & Grill, my Aunt Annabeth’s place.

I’d eaten many a meal and drunk many a cocktail there over the years, and I knew I’d probably miss the convenience of it when I moved. But, the thought of having a nice big kitchen, and possibly a basement with a stocked bar of my own, had me smiling happily as I let myself inside.

The bar had low lights and deep, rich wood surfaces. Half sports bar, half biker bar, it was a place where you could sit down and watch the game, or be social and play pool. It was one of my favorite spots in the world.

I surveyed the area, checking to see if any of my family members happened to be around. It wasn’t unheard of for me to pop in and find Gabe, Reardon, Dillon, and Shane enjoying beer at the bar, or Laurel and Dillon eating quietly in the corner booth.

Unfortunately, lately, it seemed more often than not the bar was void of Lewis cousins. They were all at their own homes, happily living their lives.

I was suddenly overcome with loneliness, and I longed for the days when Laurel, Selena, and I would come here for dinner together.

Just then, a tall, handsome man with dirty-blond hair and striking blue eyes walked in from the backroom, intent on the bar. Shane had been working here for over a year. A friend of Gabe’s from college, the man was a walking billboard for sex and he knew it.

As if his looks weren’t enough, he came packing an Australian accent that made women all over Cherry Springs, and beyond, lose their panties with one word.

He spelled trouble with a capital T, and although there was no denying I was very, very attracted to him, I avoided him like the plague. I’d seen too many women fall over themselves to try and earn a word or smoldering grin.

I’d vowed pretty early on not to be one of them.

Who needs a sexy Aussie, who makes a mean drink, smolders in his sleep, and can make a woman come at twenty paces? Not me.

Shane

I was so tired of feeling stressed.

First there’d been the late nights and hard work that had gone into finishing up my Master’s Degree.

Now, I was worried about the fact that I had no job offers and my visa was about to expire.

I’d hoped to stay on in America, eventually meet a woman and fall in love, and work toward my citizenship so I could stay here forever. My friends were here, I loved the country, and, most importantly, there was nothing left for me in Australia.

I kept a pretty tight lid on my emotions, never letting on at work that I was freaking out over my future.

The Lewises were my mates and I didn’t want to burden them with my problems.

“Hey, Shane, how’s it going?”

I moved my gaze from the barroom floor to find Becs, one of the servers, and someone I considered a friend, smiling at me.

“Evenin’, Becs. I’m a bit stuffed, but I’ll get through. How ‘bout you?”

“Can’t complain,” she said, rocking back on her heels like she always did when she was excited. “The blind date I had last night was actually really nice. I think I’ll see him again.”

“You little ripper,” I said jokingly. Becs and I got through many shifts by teasing each other.

It was easy to shake off the worry when I was at work, surrounded by people like Becs and Annabeth, who was the owner and my mate, Gabe’s, mother. They were good people. The best.

I started behind the bar. Something had me looking up over toward the entrance, and I knew what it was when I saw Jazzy standing just inside the door.

I was drawn to her.

Had been since the weekend I’d come home with Gabe in college and he’d introduced me to his feisty red-haired cousin.

That was almost twenty years ago, but I’d never forgotten the way my normally wary heart had skipped a beat when my gaze had first landed on her face.

When I’d decided to move to Cherry Springs for my Masters, I can’t deny that Jasmine Lewis had popped up on the pro side of my pro and con list. When I’d found out she was still single, focused more on her job at Lewis Sporting Goods than men, I was rapt.

Unfortunately, she’d made it clear pretty early on that she had zero interest in me.

Turned out, the only woman I wanted, was the one woman I’d encountered in America who was immune to my charms … and my accent.

Still, I shot her a grin and kept walking until I was in my safe place, behind the bar.

I braced myself and waited for her to come up and grab a seat.

We were friends, or at least friendly. I was mates with her cousins, her brother, and their women, and had always got on with her. It wasn’t her fault that every time I saw her, I had a swelling in my heart and a stiffy in my pants.

She was gorgeous.

All that luscious fiery hair and green eyes would bring the devil himself to his knees.

Add to that she was funny, sarcastic as hell, could pull a mean prank, and was a smart businesswoman able to hold her own in a family full of entrepreneurs.

“What can I get ya, Jazzy?” I asked once she was seated.

“Hey, Shane. Can I get the nachos and a draft?”

“Sure thing,” I replied, moving to put in her order before pulling her beer.

“How’s everything going?” I asked.

Jasmine came in a few times a week at least, usually meeting a friend or family, but lately she’d been in alone. She never seemed upset about it, but that was my girl, independent and strong.

Not to say she didn’t have a temper. She did. But she’d run hot and quickly burn out. Quick with forgiveness and generous to a fault.

“Pretty good. It’s slowing down now that the expansion is underway, which is nice.”

“That’s good. And, Dillon and Laurel? I haven’t seen them in here in a while.”

“They’re good,” Jazzy said, giving me the first genuine smile since she’d entered. “Laurel is due in two months. Dillon keeps trying to get her to slow down, but business is picking up for her. She’s gonna give him gray hair.”

She laughed lightly, always happy to rib her twin, even if he wasn’t around.

“Next time you see them, tell ‘em hey from me, and let Laurel know I’m always available if she needs a back rub.”

Jazzy rolled her eyes, which I loved, and said, “Dillon will love that … so, I’ll definitely pass it along.”

I chuckled and moved to take another customer’s order. When I got to the other end of the bar, Becs was standing there waiting to pick up a drink order.

“What a ya need?” I asked her.

“Two drafts and a Crown and coke,” Becs said, before moving closer to me and adding in a whisper, “She’s the one missing out. You know that, right?”

I’d told Becs about my infatuation with Jazzy a couple months ago after too many shots of tequila.

“Thanks, sweet girl.”

I leaned down and bussed her cheek, then smacked her lightly on the ass and said, “Now get back to work.”

“Yes, sir,” Becs said smartly with a wink before taking her drinks and heading to deliver them to her customer.

I turned to see Jasmine’s eyes narrowed on me before she quickly lowered her gaze and picked up her beer.

Looked like I’d once again managed to fit the image she’d pigeonholed me into decades before … What else is new?

Jasmine

“I was gonna hit the diner for lunch, see if Rear’s free to join. You wanna go?”

I looked up from my desk to see Dillon, my twin, leaning against the door to my office. We weren’t identical, but had similar features and red hair, although his had more auburn tones than mine.

“I’d love to, but I’m actually supposed to be meeting a realtor in…” I looked at the clock on my computer. “Fifteen minutes. I should probably get going myself.”

“A realtor? You thinking about buying a place?” he asked, stepping into the office. “You haven’t said anything.”

“I’ve been thinking about it for a while, but we’ve been so busy. Now that I’ll be home for a while, I figured it was time to stop stalling and go after what I want.”

“That’s great, Jazz. I’m sorry if I’ve been preoccupied,” Dillon began, looking guilty.

“Hey, it’s fine. You and Laurel both have a lot going on, I know that. I literally just contacted the realtor this morning and told her what I’m looking for. She said she has a few listings that fit the bill and had time to show me at lunch. I haven’t been holding out on you, promise.”

“Do you want me to go with you?”

I shook my head.

“No, that’s okay, it’s only my first time out. Go ahead and have lunch with Reardon.”

“Okay, but make sure they don’t take advantage, there’s always room for negotiation.”

I rolled my eyes at my brother.

“I’m pretty sure I know how to negotiate,” I said sarcastically, throwing my arms out to indicate the office we were in.

I had just landed us two new deals for the expansion.

“I know, I know,” he replied with a gentle smile. “You can’t fault me for looking out for you.”

I stood and rounded my desk.

“I do know, and I appreciate it.”

“So, what are you looking for?”

“Something like your place. A great home to grow up in, like we had, with some land, but still close to town.”

“I didn’t know you wanted the house,” he began, guilt crossing his features. “I never should have assumed you didn’t want it. I kinda just swooped in and took it over when Mom and Dad said they wanted something smaller.”

I reached out and put a hand on his arm.

“Hey, no, don’t even worry about it. I always knew you’d get Mom and Dad’s house, we all did. It was yours long before they decided to move. And, Dillon, back then moving into a big old house like that wasn’t even on my radar. I wanted to have fun, be single … work hard and have little responsibility when it came to bills and a mortgage.”

“And, now you want a mortgage?” He looked at me like I was a little nuts.

“Well, yeah, I guess,” I said with a laugh. “Although it’s not the mortgage so much as I want a place of my own. A home. Somewhere I can eventually have a family and live out the rest of my life.”

Dillon nodded and pulled me in for a hug.

“I think it’s great.”

“Thanks, bro. Now, I’d better get going. I don’t want to be late for our first meeting.”

“Okay, but, come over for dinner tonight, yeah? Laurel’s missing you.”

“Sure, I can do that. Let her know I’ll bring the wine.”

I said, “Goodbye,” and headed out, excited to look at a couple houses on my break.

I put the first address into my GPS and felt a ripple of happy nerves. Turning onto the lane off of the main road, you couldn’t see the house from the street, which I liked. The road was paved and lined with trees, and when it opened up, I could see a beautiful white colonial home, with a manicured lawn, blooming flowers, and a little shed out back.

It was perfect.

Complete with a white picket fence, a long porch with rocking chairs and more flowers, and a swinging bench hanging from a tree in the front yard.

I told myself not to fall in love …. Not only was it the first house, but I hadn’t even seen the inside yet. But, I was afraid it was too late. My heart tripped in my chest and landed right at my feet on the pretty green grass.

The sound of a door opening had me swinging my gaze to the front of the house.

“You must be Jasmine,” the pretty blonde said as she stepped onto the porch. “I’m Gloria.”

I walked to the house and up the steps to shake the realtor’s outstretched hand.

“This is gorgeous,” I told her, taking it all in.

“Isn’t it? I just love it.”

Gloria held the door open, indicating I should go inside.

“This house has only had one owner, Imogene Rankle. Sadly, she passed away a few months ago.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Open floor plan, with new appliances in the kitchen. Now, the bathrooms could stand some updating, and the shed outside needs reinforcement, but those are things that could be done over time. Go ahead and look around. Let me know if you have any questions.”

As I moved through the rooms, I fell harder.

Four bedrooms, three upstairs, with the master on main. Three and a half baths. The kitchen was beautiful, with stainless steel appliances and marble countertops that would make Laurel scream with excitement. There was also an unfinished basement and a two-car garage. Plenty of room to grow and the ability to make changes and updates to get it exactly how I wanted it, or eventually, how we wanted it.

I knew it wasn’t practical or necessarily advisable to go with the first and only house I’d seen, but I was a big believer in following my gut. And, my gut was telling me this was the house I was meant to own.

I went back into the kitchen, where Gloria was waiting, my eyes snagging lovingly on the fireplace in the den.

“It’s gorgeous, right?” Gloria said with a smile, but then her lips turned down as she looked at the paperwork in front of her.

“Yes, I love it,” I said, her expression causing my stomach to tighten.

“Now, I contacted the listing agent while you were looking around and she asked if I’d read over the stipulations in the notes … Since we moved so quickly this morning, I hadn’t noticed it.”

“Stipulations?” I asked warily.

“Mmmm,” Gloria said, her eyes on the papers. “Turns out Ms. Imogene had never been married or had any children. She’d been a businesswoman who bought this home in her early thirties, when she was engaged. The marriage never happened and she ended up living here alone until she suffered a heart attack thirty years later.”

“Oh, that’s so sad,” I said, looking around and sympathizing with Imogene.

“Apparently, she thought it was a disservice to the house and the land to not have children running the grounds … a family filling these walls.”

“I don’t understand,” I replied, totally understanding Imogene’s thoughts, since I’d had the same ones, but not getting what that had to do with the sale of the house.

“Her stipulation is that the house can only be sold to a married couple, or a family.”

“What?” I asked, my jaw dropping.

Gloria nodded.

“Imogene was a very successful woman and owned the house outright, so it isn’t owned by a bank or lender. She wishes the home to be on the market for ten years, during which it will be maintained by an agency, and if we cannot find buyers, it will be donated to the local children’s hospital.”

“That can’t be legal,” I protested.

“I take it you’re single?”

I gave a sharp nod.

“Well, not to worry, we still have a couple more houses to see, and, if you’re status changes, you can let me know.”

Shane

“Thanks for the invite,” I said, stooping to kiss Laurel on the cheek before handing her the flowers I’d brought.

It may seem silly to bring flowers to the woman who owned a flower shop and party planning company, but I was raised to never arrive at someone’s house empty-handed, and since I bought them at her shop, I figured I was safe.

“You’re welcome anytime, you know that.”

Laurel looked gorgeous, with her perfectly round belly and long blonde hair flowing and healthy around her shoulders.

I’d been resigned to another night off alone in my studio apartment, watching Rake on Netflix, when I’d run into Laurel in the market. I’d been picking up a few items to get me through the week and got behind her in line at checkout.

She’d taken one look at my basket and told me to come over for dinner. Being a single man who never turned down a home cooked meal, I’d happily agreed.

“Shane, how’s it going, man?” Dillon asked, coming up behind Laurel when we stepped inside. “Can I get you a beer?”

“Yeah, I could use a cold one, thanks,” I said with a grin.

I followed them into the kitchen and crouched down when their golden retrievers, Copper and Penny, came over for some attention.

I was rubbing them both down, telling them how beautiful they were and thinking how much I’d love to have a place that would allow dogs, when I heard the front door open and someone call out.

“You are not going to believe this…”

Recognizing the voice as Jasmine’s, I gave the dogs one last pat and stood, turning toward the entry to the kitchen so I could watch her walk in.

She did not disappoint.

“I saw the perfect house today, and … get this … I can’t buy it because I’m single. What is this, the fifties? How can it possibly be legal to say I’m not fit to buy a house because I don’t have a husband or kids? I’m so mad I could scream.”

I bit back a grin as I watched her.

Her cheeks were flushed, her green eyes sparkling with temper, and her fists were clenched at her sides.

She looked ready to take on the world, and I had no doubt she could do it.

She was magnificent.

“What? You’re buying a house?” Laurel asked, rushing over to her best friend and putting a soothing arm over her shoulder.