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  Table of Contents

  Cover

  Synopsis

  Title Page

  Copyright Page

  Other Books by Riley Scott

  Acknowledgments

  About the Author

  Dedication

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Bella Books

  Synopsis

  When the brutal murder of the only known lesbian in town jolts the sleepy community of Knell, Texas, life is turned upside down for everyone.

  Amidst the scandal, turmoil and heartache over the loss of her friend and part-time lover, Amelia Brandt struggles to find her identity and voice in a town torn by discrimination.

  Meanwhile, Dominique Velez—the leader of Texans for Equality—is determined and poised to help mend hearts and change minds in a hurting town. Hitting the road and leaving the safety of Austin, Texas, Dominique takes a risk to help the community of Knell stand up for what is right—all while attempting to help Amelia come to terms with what has happened and move forward.

  In the fight for equality and justice, can there be a sufficient resolution? And, while she’s drawn to Dominique’s boldness and charm, can Amelia conquer the fears that have kept her identity concealed and her heart closed off from love?

  Copyright © 2017 by Riley Scott

  Bella Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 10543

  Tallahassee, FL 32302

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.

  First Bella Books Edition 2017

  eBook released 2017

  Editor: Lauren Humphries-Brooks

  Cover Designer: Micheala Lynn

  ISBN: 978-1-59493-556-5

  PUBLISHER’S NOTE

  The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

  Other Bella Books by Riley Scott

  Backstage Pass

  Conservative Affairs

  Small Town Secrets

  Acknowledgments

  For all of us, 2016 was a very difficult year, and that is putting it quite mildly. Many of the tragic events, the perpetuation of intolerance and hatred, and the impossible-to-swallow pills of 2016 inspired me to continue writing and to do so with more fervor than ever before. As a result, this story was born.

  It could not have come to fruition, however, without the love and support of my friends, readers, and the incredible team at Bella Books, whose continual encouragement and inspiration reminded me to keep writing. I would like to express my gratitude to the entire team of authors and the staff, as well as to Erica Abbott whose words of wisdom continue to flow and whose advice has helped me grow as a writer. Thank you as well to Lauren Humphries-Brooks for editing and helping to make my story stronger.

  Additionally I am grateful to my best friend and new fiancée, as she is the one who has to put up with me on a day-to-day basis and off whom I bounce story ideas. To my sweet Heather, thank you for listening to my ramblings and for helping me choose the good ideas. Thank you for lightening up even the most difficult days, for laughing with me often, for making dinner on the nights when I hole up in my ‘writing cave,’ for inspiring me to create (and endlessly encouraging me when I do), for bringing new adventures into my life, and especially for saying “yes” to doing life with me.

  About the Author

  In addition to having published poetry and short stories, Riley Scott has worked as a grant and press writer and a marketing professional. She holds a degree in journalism. A chunk of life spent in the Bible Belt has given her a close-up look at the struggles facing the LGBT community in Small Town, America, and she strives to bring these to light through her writing. Riley’s love for fiction began at a young age, and she has been penning stories for over a decade. Of the things she holds dear to her heart, the dearest is her fiancée (who, if you’ll note, is listed ahead of green chile), green chile, coffee, humor, dogs, and lively literature. Living in Florida with the love of her life and three beloved dogs, she is well on her way to becoming the crazy dog lady.

  Dedication

  For everyone struggling to find and use their voice, may you be empowered and emboldened to add love to the world and fight for good. And of course, for the one who reminds me of the beauty of the world even in times of darkness, my fiancée.

  Chapter One

  AC/DC blared through her speakers as Chloe Stanton raced home after work. Her old Ford truck let out a bellow as she stomped on the gas, thankful no one was in sight. This was what she loved about Knell, Texas—it was quiet, peaceful and, in this neck of the woods, looked a bit like an undiscovered gem, with its wide open fields and houses set so far back from the main road that they weren’t even visible on her drive.

  Her windows rolled down, the sweet Texas air blowing in, she let the worries of the day fade into the passing distance. A day of hard physical labor sure paid off, even if it was exhausting.

  She thought of how today had become so dangerous in a second, when the latest hire of her dad’s ranch, Ryan Walden, had made the rookie mistake of spooking a large herd, causing them to run amok, through and over the fences. The angry words they had spat back and forth at each other filled her memory.

  She had threatened to fire him on the spot, despite the fact that it was her father’s operation. Anyone who couldn’t take feedback and coaching didn’t have a place on this ranch.

  “You can’t fire me. I quit!” He had shouted at her, throwing his hat in her direction. “I’ll make sure you and this entire operation pay for this shit!”

  She shook her head, rubbing her temples as she tried to let it all fade. They’d need a new ranch hand, but they’d deal with being shorthanded. It was stressful being in charge, but the day was done.

  As she rounded the bend, headed toward her humble abode, she looked down at her dirt-streaked jeans and the tank top that was now torn after her day of jumping fences. She smiled, remembering her father’s praises and the pat on the back he had given her for getting the job done. She turned up the music, singing along to “Back in Black” as she
pulled into the driveway.

  She smiled as she spotted the sleek, red sports car, carefully hidden to anyone not looking for it, along the side of the house covered by trees. She parked in her driveway and bounded up the steps, badly needing a shower but looking forward to greeting her guest even more.

  “I see you finally used the key I gave you,” she hollered as she threw open the door.

  She heard a sweet laugh as Amelia peeked her head around the doorway to the kitchen. “I thought you could use a little dinner and maybe a little rub down after a long day of work,” Amelia said, her Texas drawl smooth as honey.

  “Ms. Brandt,” Chloe said, her smile turning devious. “You are quite the surprise, aren’t you?”

  “I aim to please.” Amelia shrugged and sauntered closer.

  Chloe’s heart raced as she took in the beautifully long and straight brown hair tumbling down over Amelia’s shoulders, her beaming smile, and her bright eyes. With her tanned skin and tall frame, Amelia could have passed for a model—yet here she was in Knell, Texas, the daughter of a strictly Baptist family, regularly fucking the local lesbian.

  “And please you do,” Chloe said. “Please and mesmerize in equal measure.”

  “What do you say we do with our evening?” Amelia asked, finally closing the distance between them and planting a slow, tender kiss on Chloe’s lips.

  Despite her need to wash off the day, Chloe’s skin tingled, her senses muddled with the sweet floral scent of Amelia’s perfume—the scent she had come to associate with mind-blowing sex and, of course, confusion over where they stood.

  She couldn’t form words. Instead, she pulled Amelia in closer, deepening the kiss. “I’d say this is just what I need.”

  “Good,” Amelia said and flashed Chloe the smirk that melted her heart. “After dinner, this is all I plan to do.”

  “It’s not all, right?” Chloe asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Of course not.” Amelia shimmied her shoulders. “I have other plans too, but we’ll get to those later. I know you probably want a shower. By the time you’re done, dinner will be ready. And so will I.”

  The wink she offered sent Chloe’s imagination into a tailspin. Wherever this was headed, Chloe was onboard. No one she had ever met had the power to undo her so completely, in such an innocent and unassuming manner. Wordlessly, she nodded and went to take a shower, completely willing to follow any timeline Amelia set before her, as long as it meant she had the chance to kiss those sweet lips again later.

  As the water cascaded over her body, her mind ran wild. She had tried to fight it, to stave off her curious heart. But four months into their little arrangement, she was failing, and more every day. She was falling in love, despite her best intentions. Outside the shower, she buried her head in her hands. There was no way this could work out. She had been stupid to let it get this far.

  She took a hard look in the mirror. She was a Stanton. Stantons didn’t back down from challenges. Amelia might actually be the death of her—or she might just be the challenge most worth taking. Chloe let out a laugh, still staring at her reflection. She was going to do this, just like she did everything in life—full throttle.

  An opportunity had presented itself. One of her childhood best friends, Katy, had relocated to Austin years earlier. She was Chloe’s favorite party buddy, and Chloe was going down to visit her again next month. Always one to be supportive no matter who Chloe wanted to date, hook up with, or bring home from a bar, Katy had told Chloe to invite whomever she wanted on the trip. Chloe wanted to invite Amelia. As the thought cemented in her mind, she let out a shudder. Shaking her head, she glanced down at her trembling hands. She gripped the bathroom counter and let out a deep breath. Full throttle or nothing, she reminded herself. She gritted her teeth and nodded to herself in the mirror as confidence filled her veins. Straightening her shoulders, she smiled. She could—and would—do this.

  Dressing quickly, no longer worrying about what the outcome might be, she bounded down the hallway, taking in the scents of the evening. Amelia’s perfume mingled in the air, meeting the mouthwatering scent of home cooked barbecue. Smells she loved. Smells she wanted to get used to.

  She rounded the corner of the dining room and paused, marveling at the sight in front of her. “Thank you, baby,” she said. She threw her arms around Amelia, who blushed in return.

  “You like it?”

  “Of course I do.” She kissed Amelia gently. “I love all the things you do.” She noted that Amelia stiffened slightly at the use of the word “love,” even when used benignly. But she didn’t let that stop her. “In fact, while I was showering, I did some thinking about how much you spoil me and how much I appreciate you.”

  “Yeah?” Amelia asked. In place of the sweet blush that had adorned her face seconds before was a slightly guarded smile.

  “Yeah, but we’ll talk about it during dinner. I’m starving.”

  Amelia nodded too quickly, causing Chloe to bite her lip to keep from sighing. At even the slightest mention of feelings, Amelia turned into a deer in the headlights, ready to run at the drop of a hat.

  A situation this delicate required a gentle touch, something Chloe hadn’t quite perfected. But Amelia was worth the effort it would take to perfect it. She smiled sweetly and pulled out a chair for Amelia, gesturing for her to take a seat. “Let me take care of you a little and do the very least of serving you.”

  Amelia’s face softened into a genuine smile. “Thank you.” She took her seat, and Chloe tried to ignore the way her hands were shaking as she dished out two servings of the barbecued brisket. It wasn’t like she was offering a marriage proposal. There was no reason to be so nervous—no reason, aside from the fact that she was changing the rules mid-game. That was almost always frowned upon, but how could Amelia expect her to spend every night lost in this blur of passion and comfort and not feel anything?

  “What’s up?” Amelia asked, giving her the side-eye.

  “Nothing,” Chloe said, waving her hand through the air. “It was just a bit of a rough day. It was one of those that kind of sticks with you even after you’ve left the job. But tell me about your day. How was it?”

  “Quiet and slow, just like most summer days,” Amelia said with a shrug. “While you all are out there working with yearlings and the farmers are harvesting their fields, my little shop is pretty much forgotten. It’s our slow time, while it’s your busy time. We thrive in the early mornings and winters like, you know, when you and all your hard working buddies come in for a cup of coffee to warm up.”

  “You do make my winters a little warmer with that coffee you whip up,” Chloe said, winking. “But slow days can be good.”

  “They can.” Amelia looked away from the table.

  It was painful small talk. They both knew how each other’s days had likely been. Amelia, the owner of a small coffee shop in town, dealt with the summertime gossip of old women and kids running in and out of her shop, while Chloe had the busiest time of the year. It wasn’t something that should serve as their dinnertime conversation.

  Unsure of what, if anything, to say, Chloe stuffed a forkful of brisket into her mouth. The tenderness of the meat and its shock of flavors—spicy and sweet—tingled her senses, bringing her back into the moment. “This is really amazing,” she said and wiped her mouth as she swallowed.

  “Is that one of the things you appreciate about me?” Amelia asked, no doubt bringing the conversation full circle.

  Chloe nodded, her hands shaking again, this time forcefully enough to fling the brisket from her fork onto the floor. “Shit!” she exclaimed and reached for a napkin.

  “Just leave it for a second,” Amelia urged. “Talk to me. Clearly there’s something going on up there, and if it’s uncomfortable, I’d rather you just spill it and get it out in the open so we can deal with it.”

  Wiping her hands on her jeans, Chloe nodded and took a deep breath. “I just wanted to talk to you about all the things I appreciate about you
and let you know that you matter to me.”

  Amelia’s eyes narrowed and she sat straighter in her chair. She gave a curt nod, encouraging Chloe to proceed with caution.

  “I know what this is,” Chloe continued. “You made that clear, and we have an agreement. You visit when you can. We don’t go out in public. And this is never to be spoken of in front of anyone. That said, I’m not asking to change that too much.”

  “You’re not going to change that at all,” Amelia said, putting her hand up in the air.

  “Hear me out please,” she said quietly but firmly and placed her palms on the table for support. “I’m just saying that I’d like to do things with you. I’d like to go out dancing, have a drink, and just embrace some of the normal, but fun, day-to-day things we could do together.”

  “You know what they would call me.” Amelia recoiled as if she had been slapped.

  “Of course I do,” Chloe said, a sad smile playing on her lips. She pursed her lips and let out the breath she had been holding. “They’d call you the same things they’ve been calling me for the last decade—ever since I let it slip that I liked girls when I was fifteen. They’d call you the names and they might even make you the odd man out in certain circles. There’d be some sideways looks as you walked down the street, and people in the barbershop would talk about you behind your back. You wouldn’t be their golden girl, their little princess waiting on her prince. You’d be someone different, but at the end of the day, they’d embrace you like they’ve done with me. Sure, there are still plenty of whispers and the occasional insult or name. But around here, you make your own name for yourself. You’re strong enough to do that, just like I’ve been strong enough to do that.”

  “That’s not the life I want for myself. Aside from all that, you said you wanted normal. Normal isn’t an option for someone who lives the way you do. What you do isn’t normal.”