Jaded by Love: A Single Parent Romance (Written in the Stars Book 8) Read online

  Jaded by Love

  A Written in the Stars Novella

  AJ Alexander

  Copyright © 2020 by AJ Alexander. All rights reserved.

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the Publisher, except where permitted by law.

  Cover Design: Cover Me Darling

  Foreword

  Dear Readers,

  Do you believe in destiny? Or do you believe you drive your own fate when it comes to matters of the heart?

  The idea for the Written in the Stars series came about one afternoon as I was thinking about how intertwined we are with the universe and the cosmos—we’re made of stardust, after all. It got me thinking about astrology, and whether something as celestial as our Zodiac signs influenced how we behave in love. Some may call it pseudoscience, while others use their horoscopes daily to make major life, love, and career decisions.

  That’s how this series was born!

  Twelve months. Twelve wickedly talented romance authors. All coming together to answer the age-old question—Does your horoscope decide your fate in love?

  You’ll have to decide for yourself as you binge-read your way through twelve deliciously sexy and deeply romantic stand-alone novellas—one for each Zodiac sign. I can’t wait to start this journey with you. Personally? I think it was written in the stars!

  XO,

  C.M. Albert

  P.S. Please join us in our fun and interactive Written in the Stars readers’ group at where we discuss all things horoscope and love related!

  Contents

  Prologue

  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

  Epilogue

  Balanced in Love

  Written in the Stars Series

  About the Author

  Prologue

  Audrey

  My phone chimes with an incoming text from Bristol, meaning only one thing.

  Bristol: He’s on his way.

  Oh no, I was hoping I could avoid having this conversation, even if it was only for a few days. I place my phone on the counter and search for a way to busy myself. Anything to avoid having this conversation with Connor.

  As I turn toward the studio to get my cleaning done early, the bell over the door chimes. I mumble a quiet greeting, not bothering to look because I know who it is. I feel his eyes boring into my back, pleading with me to turn around and acknowledge his presence, but I cannot. Not now, I am not strong enough.

  “Are you going to ignore me? I at least deserve a reason for you bolting this morning.” His deep voice sends a shiver down my spine as I remember the memories of the time we spent together.

  “I told the girls I had to open the studio for Bristol this morning. She texted and said she wasn’t feeling well. I didn’t want to wake you.” As the words leave my mouth, I know I am full of shit. I ran away because, once again, the stars are against me.

  I hear his work boots as he crosses the floor, pulling the broom out of my hand. “Why did you leave, Audrey?” His eyes blaze with passion.

  “I told you, I had to work. Thanks for taking care of Love for me. I still worry when she is home alone,” I respond, looking everywhere but into his eyes.

  “You’re rambling,” he says as he grips my chin, forcing me to look at him, “why did you leave, Audrey?”

  “I told you…” Any answer I give him will not stop his insistence, not after everything we shared last night. When I was filled with nothing but hope for the future, that there could be something more between us. Connor continues to speak, but his voice is drowned out by the excuses filtering through my mind.

  “I refuse to be your replacement for Lydia,” I whisper, giving my biggest fear a voice.

  He inhales sharply as he releases my chin and takes a step back. I watch as the walls around his heart rebuild themselves. We exchange a few words, but I’m unable to process anything over the pain radiating through my chest.

  “If that’s how you feel, I won’t waste anymore of your time,” he says through clenched teeth before spinning on his heels and heading out of the door.

  I collapse to the ground, the tears I’ve been desperate to keep at bay fall, as uncontrollable sobs rack my body.

  The Devil is always right, I remind myself. Some people live happily ever after, but not me. I’m destined to have fate break my heart repeatedly. Usually I can get back up and move forward, but this time I don’t think I can.

  Chapter One

  Audrey

  This time will be different. A fresh start for both Love and me.

  The mantra has been running through my head since we set off for Dixie Point, Alabama on a whim. Not a whim exactly, more out of necessity.

  I have always been a free spirit, I blame my hippie parents, but I have always been happy. My mother read tarot cards for a living in New Orleans and my dad ran a food Co-Op inside the New Orleans Healing Center. Yes, that’s really a thing. I had a happy childhood. My mother showed me how to read tarot cards when I was fourteen and it became my passion. I used them to answer all my questions or determine what path I would take in life.

  Then I fell in love with Trey Leblanc, captain of the football team and every teenage girls’ fantasy. He gave me the time of day when everyone else treated me like an outcast, the weird girl that ate tofu instead of hamburgers. I thought he was the love of my life, handing over my virginity on prom night. I had planned our entire lives out, but then reality hit.

  After that he avoided me like the plague. I couldn’t understand why until I overheard him and some of his buddies joking around about how easily the weird girl gave it up. Two months later I discovered I was pregnant with the actual love of my life, Love.

  I kept my head down, graduated, and got a job at a local yoga studio. Being the outcast helped me blend in, not alerting Trey or anyone else about my pregnancy. Yoga instruction wasn’t what I planned for my future, but it came with a flexible schedule. I needed that flexibility to take care of Love and keep a roof over our head.

  We didn’t have everything we wanted, but we had everything we needed. Until the unthinkable happened - Hurricane Katrina. It ravaged the entire town, leaving me without a home and both my parents gone. I was all alone, barely old enough to take care of myself at eighteen, let alone an infant.

  Having a tiny human to care for should have kept my head out of the clouds, but my worn deck of tarot cards became my compass. We have moved around for the last fourteen plus years, following the path the cards laid out for me. The idea of deciding without consulting the cards brings my anxiety to a different level. ‘The cards are always right’ has been my motto for my entire life.

  Now we are on the road once again heading to a small town in Alabama called Dixie Point. My only friend growing up, Bristol, spent most of her childhood there before her father’s military career brought them to New Orleans. When she decided to open a yoga studio, she couldn’t imagine it being anywhere else. Now she is eight months pregnant and it’s hard for her to handle a full class schedule. She knew I needed a change, so she gave me a call, and the rest is history.

  “Are we there yet? I’m over being in the car,
” Love asks, pulling her headphones out of her ears. I smile at my little girl, although she isn’t so little anymore. She has bright green eyes and long, dark brown, curly hair, exactly like her father.

  “We’re almost there,” I point toward the old-fashioned wooden sign on the side of the road, reading it aloud. “Dixie Point, Alabama. Population 7,256. Bristol said there’s a ballet studio in town. The owner graduated from Julliard.”

  At that, Love perks up. “Really?” I stifle my laugh with a cough.

  “Yup. She moved back to town a few months ago and opened it.”

  “I guess we can check it out.” Love mumbles before stuffing her headphones back into her ears.

  Focusing on my surroundings, I drive down the main street taking in the town we now call home. Dixie Point is your typical small town, Mom and Pop shops lining the street and no major chain stores in sight. Bristol said the closest chain Walmart was about ten miles outside of town.

  Bristol’s yoga studio comes into view, Nurture Space. “Finally, we made it.” I smile at Love in the rearview mirror as I pull into a parking space. We quickly climb out of the car, Love heading directly for the dance studio a few doors down while I head for the front door of the studio. A small bell chimes as the door opens, signaling my arrival.

  “You’re here!” Bristol squeals, waddling toward us. Her bright red hair glistens in the sun as it filters through the large front window. “I’m excited you are finally here.”

  I laugh at her as I wrap my arms around her, careful of her adorable baby bump. Bristol is about an inch taller than me with curves for days. She was always gorgeous, but pregnancy has made her even more beautiful. “Only you could make pregnancy look good. If I didn’t love you so much, I’d get back in the car and turn around.”

  “Shut your mouth. You have a fourteen-year-old daughter and don’t look a day over twenty-five. I pray my genes are half as good as yours. Now where’s my girl?” She asks before looking over my shoulder at the door.

  “You know teenagers, she was sulking in the car until I mentioned the dance studio in town.”

  “Love doesn’t sulk,” she deadpans before we both bust out laughing. “I already told Selina you guys were coming, she said she’d love to have Love be a part of her classes.”

  “Are there no secrets in this town?” I ask as I take in the studio. The front and back of the studio are covered in windows, the natural light reaching almost every corner of the room. The main studio has a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico. There are two doors off to the right leading to smaller studios, were I am sure the view is just as incredible.

  “Let me show you around. I promise you’ll love it here. Sorry it’s so hot, I need to call someone to check the air conditioner,” Bristol grips my hand; I guess saying no is not an option.

  I tour the studio and talk about my schedule with Bristol before going in search of Love. Bristol shot her friend Selina a quick text, confirming Love was there and has apparently made a friend.

  “I better get down there. She’s probably chomping at the bit to get signed up for classes.” I wave at Bristol over my shoulder as I head out the door toward the dance studio. It doesn’t take long to find it and I head right inside. I search the small waiting room, but don’t see Love anywhere.

  “Can I help you?” I turn, noticing for the first time a tall woman with beautiful golden-brown skin and a tight bun on top of her head sitting at the front desk. She looks just like Misty Copeland, what the hell is in the water in this place? All these gorgeous people in one town can lead to nothing but trouble.

  “My daughter Love was here looking into signing up for classes.”

  “Selina invited her to sit in on the beginner’s pointe class, it started a few moments ago.”

  I sigh in relief as I walk toward the desk, “Oh, thank goodness.”

  She gives me a small, “Dixie Point is a great place to live. We take care of each other.” She giggles quietly before holding her hand out toward me, “I’m Emersyn.”

  “I’m Audrey, but you probably knew that already.” She gives me a slight nod before we both laugh. What they say about small towns is true. Everyone knows everyone’s business.

  Emersyn glances at the clock, “The class won’t end for another 30 minutes. There is a coffee shop nearby, you could grab a snack and maybe some coffee after such a long drive.”

  “Thanks.” I give her a slight wave before turning and heading out the door.

  Chapter Two

  Connor

  Today has been a shit day. All I want to do is head to the pub and throw back a few cold ones, but I can’t. I have responsibilities to take care of.

  I glance at my watch and curse. “Vance, I need to pick Jade up from dance class. I know I’m leaving a mess for you to clean up. I owe you one.”

  “Don’t sweat it, man. Go take care of my niece. But you’re right, you owe me.” Vance claps me on the shoulder as I grab my keys and head toward my truck.

  As I rush to pick up my daughter, I think back on a time when things were perfect. Lydia was my greatest love before Jade was born. We grew up in Dixie Point, and fell in love. People always said we were meant to be. Hell, I felt that same way.

  We graduated from high school and got married, neither one of us wanted anything fancy in life. I started up my construction business with my best friend Vance, while taking online business classes at night. Those early years were hard, but we made it through. Now Ace & Hammer Builders is one of the leading companies in the area. We do everything from regular handyman work to general contracting for everyone in Dixie Point and the neighboring area.

  About a year after we were married, Lydia discovered she was pregnant. I was over the moon, secretly wishing for a little girl that looked exactly like her mother. Lydia’s pregnancy was perfect according to the doctors, but things aren’t always as they seem.

  One night Lydia bolted straight up in bed complaining of chest pains, soon after she began vomiting uncontrollably. Not knowing what to do, we rushed to the hospital, but it was already too late. Lydia was dying from a severe allergic reaction to amniotic fluid. Doctors determined if she delivered soon, they could give her antibiotics for her condition and everything would be fine. I never imagined as they prepared for a c-section it would be the last time I saw my wife alive. Jade was born on the same day her mother died.

  That was fourteen years ago, give or take a few months. Since then, it’s been Jade and I against the world. People feared I would shun Jade, resenting her for her mother’s death, but I never did. It made me want to hold on to the last piece of Lydia I had, our little girl.

  The shrill ring of my cell phone breaks me from the painful memories, “Connor Bennet.”

  “Always so formal when you answer the phone.” I smile as Bristol’s voice filters over the line.

  “What can I do for you, Bristol? Are you having trouble with the new thermostat we installed a few days ago?”

  “Unfortunately, yes. It’s hotter than Satan's house cat in here. I followed all the instructions on how to turn it on, but it’s not cooling down.”

  I chuckle softly before responding, “Alright, I have to pick up Jade, but I’ll come over and look in a few days. I’ll call you first thing in the morning to give you a date.”

  “Thanks, Sugar,” Bristol pauses for a moment before continuing, “Audrey and her daughter arrived today…” Her voice trails off slightly as I shake my head.

  “I’m glad you finally have someone to help you at the studio.” I know a set up when it’s coming. I’m used to everyone in town trying to set me up. I can’t remember the last time I had a date, let alone a night on the town. I am thirty-three years old, but my only focus in my life is my daughter. I don’t have time for anything else.

  Bristol sighs, “There’s nothing wrong with finding someone to spend some time with, Connor.”

  “If I had time, I’d find someone. Jade is my number one priority, you know that.” My words are clipped, b
ut I know she means well. Everyone does. My friends and family only want me to be happy, but no one interests me. I gave my heart to Lydia when we barely knew what love was, I will not settle for anything less than that feeling again.

  “I’ll leave it, but you can’t forget to live your life. Lydia wouldn’t have wanted that.” She responds softly.

  “I’m living my life, Bristol. I’ll call you to set up a time to check out the unit.” I quickly say goodbye as I pull into a spot near the dance studio. I have a few minutes before Jade finishes, deciding to stop at the coffee shop for her favorite dessert. I have to work this weekend; I’m not above bribing her to gain forgiveness. We had plans to spend much needed time together, I hate disappointing her.

  I enter the shop and step right into a line, waiting patiently to order. As I look around it, my eyes lock onto a woman I’ve never seen before. My breath catches as I stare at her sipping her coffee. Her shoulder length curly hair is pushed back from her face by a headband as the sun casts an angel like glow across her profile as she brings her coffee cup up to her perfect lips. I want nothing more than to pull her into my arms and crash our lips together.

  I haven’t been filled with such a sense of purpose since the day I asked Lydia to be mine our freshman year in high school. It’s like she is a siren luring me to my demise. I step out of line and make a beeline toward her, stopping just short of colliding with her table, “Hello, beautiful. Please tell me your name,” the gravelly sound of my voice has me clearing my throat.