The Relationship Pact(85)
I march to the cabinet where I think the trash bags are kept. There’s a broom and a mop and a basket full of batteries. It raises a lot of questions that I force out of my mind.
I’m about to give up anyway when a slight rasp on the door leading to the side yard distracts me.
“Who is that?” I mumble as the faint knocking sounds again.
My family would use the garage door. If any salespeople manage to get by the neighborhood’s gated entry, they’d knock on the front door. The only people who would use the side door would be my dad if he’s coming in from grilling out … so twice a year at best, and this isn’t one of those two occasions.
I run my hands down my jeans—the same ones I slept in last night—and head to the door. There’s an outline of someone shorter than me by a good bit through the thin cream-colored curtain.
“Hang on,” I say, fiddling with the lock.
It takes a few seconds to figure out the fancy new combination lock that wasn’t here the last time I visited. Lucky for me, my parents’ choice of numbers was predictable.
I open the door.
“Hello—fuck!” I shout as I’m hit in the side of the face.
Hard.
It feels like I was smashed by a large man or attacked by a swarm of bees. My eyes go blurry from the pain radiating through the side of my face.
“Oh, my gosh! I’m so sorry,” a voice squeals in front of me.
“Did I kill him?” another voice asks from farther away.
“No,” the person in front of me says. “Just … sit down, Bree. Please. Right there. Sit still.”
I struggle through the wetness building in my eyes to see. I work my jaw back and forth to try to loosen the stiffness already settling in my face.
Finally, I get my bearings and open my eyes.
Through the blurry haze, I think I see heaven. And a little piece of hell.
Reputation releases on January 5th. Preorder HERE.
Books by Adriana Locke
The Exception Series
The Exception
The Connection
The Perception
Landry Family Series
Sway
Swing
Switch
Swear
Swink
Sweet—coming soon
The Gibson Boys Series
Crank
Craft
Cross
Crave
Crazy
Dogwood Lane Series
Tumble
Tangle
Trouble
Mason Family Series
Restraint
Reputation
Honey Creek Series
Like You Love Me
Cherry Falls
608 Alpha Avenue
907 For Keeps Way
Standalone Novels
Sacrifice
Wherever It Leads
Written in the Scars
Lucky Number Eleven
Battle of Sexes
For an email every time Adriana has a new release, sign up for an alert here: http://bit.ly/AmazonAlertAddy or text the word adriana to 21000
Acknowledgments
I would like to take a moment and acknowledge the incredible people that have supported me and stood by my side as I wrote this book.
No one comes before the Creator. Thank you for your infinite blessings and patience as I learn to be the person you designed.
My husband, Saul, is my everything. You’re my best friend. I love you.
My children, Alexander, Aristotle, Achilles, and Ajax are the reason behind everything I do. I’m your mother before I’m anything.
My parents are with me in spirit every day. I could not be the person I am had I not been born to them.
Peggy and Rob are the people that pick up all the pieces I drop. I love you two more than I could ever express.
Meghan Quinn and Ilsa Madden-Mills are truly the best teammates in this process. I adore you both and am humbled to work with you.
Kari March is my first friend in this world. She sets an example in professionalism and friendship.
Tiffany Remy is my right hand. Without her, everything falls apart. We did it again.
Mandi Beck is the Bellamy to my Larissa. She’s the best friend a girl could want.
S.L. Scott makes my life better. I’m beyond lucky to call her one of my best friends in the world.
Jen Costa and Susan Raynor are the original beta readers that have been with me since my first book. I can’t do this without you.
Jenn Wolfel answered my plea for help. Your insight made this book better. Thank you.
Anjelica Grace was my cheerleader and sounding board. I’m in awe of your insight and can’t wait to repay the favor.
Kristi Lynn picked up the phone when I needed her. Thank you for going on this journey with me.
Chelle Sloan is my go-to for all things sports. She probably regretted that this time. Thank you for always being willing to help me out.
My editors, Marion and Jenny, are true professionals in every sense of the word. Thank you for being all you are to me and the book community.
Michele Ficht never turns me down when I ask her to proofreads. I’m so honored to work with you and for your friendship.
Letitia Hasser’s patience and kindness blew me away when designing this cover. I adore you.