love surfaced
Michelle Lynn
contents
Love Surfaced
Dedication
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Books by Michelle Lynn
Love Surfaced
Copyright © 2015 by Michelle Lynn
All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce, distribute, or transmit in whole or in part by any means.
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and events portrayed in this book are the product of the author’s imagination or are either fictitious or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.
Developmental Editor:
Nichole Strauss, Perfectly Publishable
Copy Editor: Jovana Shirley, Unforeseen Editing
Proofreading: Indie Girl Proofs
Cover Design: Pear Perfect Creative Covers
Cover photo: © Shutterstock.com
Interior Design and Formatting:
Christine Borgford, Perfectly Publishable
Visit my website at www.michellelynnbooks.com
dedication
To my adorable, funny, loving, and joy-of-my-life twins.
one
“PIPER.” HE HESITATES BEFORE JOINING me down on the cement stoop. I question why he even searched me out, although it’s been his M.O. lately. Popping up wherever I am. He places his arm across my shoulders and pulls me into him, which only brings a ripple of warmth to the pit of my stomach. “Come here.” My head burrows in his strong chest and his hand soothingly roams up and down my back. I sink into him, the tension in my shoulders of placing fifth in my swim meet slowly releases with the comfort of his arms.
Refusing to let him make my mind race with his confusing affection, I sit up. Swiping the tears from my eyes, I honestly confess, “Tanner, it was my last shot.” He begins to shake his head, but I interrupt him, “No, I have to realize it, my dream of swimming in the Olympics is over.” I rise to my feet, and the heaviness in my chest sinks back into place now that I’m out of his embrace.
He follows me over to the oak tree, coming up behind me, and my pulse races into overdrive when his hot breathe tickles my neck. My body’s response only reminds me how bad I want him. Why does he keep leading me on? He continues to only toe the line between friendship and more, but never actually steps over it. Each time his hand brushes mine, or his eyes search me out, my heart stops beating for a moment, hoping this is it—until he crushes the fluttering butterflies and steps away. I close my eyes from the view of Michigan University’s football stadium because I need to calm my insides. “Why are you here?” He should be with my twin brother, preparing for their own meet. “You should be in warm-ups.” His hands land on my shoulders and he leans down, causing a tingling to spread across my body at our connection.
“I saw you leaving the pool house,” his voice cracks and I hear his deep intake of breath.
“That’s not what I’m asking, Tanner.” When I turn around, I almost collapse when I’m face to face with this gorgeous guy. Absolutely, one hundred percent, the perfect male. My perfect male. His brown hair is tucked away in his MU hat flipped backwards, his lips and cheeks are rosy from the early spring chill in the air. With only a sweatshirt and track pants on, he’s the epitome of a college student. His good looks remind me of the unbearable yearning that pulls me toward him.
His eyes are so transparent, I can see the torment of his inner turmoil from our situation, meaning nothing has changed for him. He’s as conflicted as ever because I’m his best friend’s sister.
“I don’t know.” His voice is soft, caressed with the sweetness he’s been with me the last few months. My stomach drops at his words. I want to grab his face with my hands and beg him to admit that the small seed of attraction has grown over the years and we can’t dodge around it any longer. But, I stand there, with my hands to my sides, silently pinning for the day he acknowledges our desire.
“Then that’s a problem.” My heart thumps as I side step him and weave through the clumps of snow that have yet to melt from the harsh winter. I hate seeing his genuine smile falter with my words, but I can’t idly stand around while he messes with my head any longer.
“SHIT,” SLURS OUT OF MY mouth as my foot misses the top step. I slide down the litter-covered staircase. Roars of laughter and murmurs of my name fade into background noise when I lock eyes on an emerald hue. “Tan—”
Falling into Tanner’s waiting arms, he grips me tight, and my eyes close as I smell the musky scent of his cologne. I’d never admit how many times I’ve taken a sample of the exact brand from the department store just so I could relive the moments when we’ve been this close.
“Thanks,” I mumble into his damp charcoal T-shirt.
The sweat is proof he’s been here for a while, and I half-wonder if he searched for me. My silly schoolgirl crush surfaces, wishing he felt the same as me.
“I’ll always catch you.”
His promise brings a flutter to my stomach.
“I mean, your brother would kick my ass otherwise.”
Then, my heart shrivels from his admission of consistently being there for me only to please my brother. When my head drops as I begin to pull away, his hand cradles my cheek, and he gently lifts my face up.
“What’s wrong, Piper?”
His concerned eyes searches mine, and I question my thoughts from seconds ago that he doesn’t have an interest in me as more than a friend.
“Nothing.” I bite my lip, afraid I’ll crack from the way his green eyes cling to my brown. If I don’t tear them away soon, I’ll confess the lurking love I’ve hidden for years.
A small smirk cracks his lips, and he shakes his head. “Okay.” He lets the fact that I’m lying go. “Well, let’s have some fun tonight then.”
His hand leaves my cheek and travels down my arm until his long fingers link with mine. I hold back my squeal of excitement and follow his broad-shouldered frame between the throng of drunken college students.