Always You: Prequel to Falling for Mr Wrong Read online

  Table of Contents

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Falling for Mr Wrong

  Books by Joanne Dannon

  Always You

  By

  Joanne Dannon

  Always You

  Copyright © 2017 by Joanne Dannon

  ISBN: 978-1-925450-12-5

  Dewey Number: A823.4

  Edited in UK/Australian English

  All rights reserved. By payment of the required fees, you have been granted the non-exclusive, non-transferable right to access and read the text of this e-book on-screen. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, down-loaded, decompiled, reverse engineered, or stored in or introduced into any information storage and retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, now known or hereinafter invented, without the express written permission of Clarendon 3 Publishing (www.clarendon3.com).

  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.

  Always You

  Joanne Dannon

  Can love work the second time around?

  Bea Morgan-Young always had excuses for her outrageous behaviour. In spite of Bea’s supportive brother and loving foster family, trouble just kept finding her. Even when Nigel Ashworth—Ash to his friends—had defended her, she’d only lashed out at him. When she runs into him ten years later, she’s settled down a bit, but still loves being the scandalous party girl, clubbing, and being the centre of attention. Though they’ve fallen in love, even his marriage proposal isn’t enough to make her compromise and move to Israel for Ash’s lucrative new job. Then one empowering weekend changes everything for Bea. Ash may be gone, but Bea’s determined to win him back.

  Ash is a master at solving problems for the hotels he works for, but he’s never solved the problem of Bea, the reckless wild child he’d fallen for. Now she’s back a year later, swearing she’s changed. Has the uncompromising party girl really grown up at last? Or is it just another lie when she tells him she wants a second chance at love?

  Table of Contents

  About the Author

  Acknowledgements

  CHAPTER ONE

  CHAPTER TWO

  CHAPTER THREE

  CHAPTER FOUR

  CHAPTER FIVE

  CHAPTER SIX

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Falling for Mr Wrong

  Books by Joanne Dannon

  About the Author

  Joanne Dannon has been living in the world of romance for as long as she can remember. From doodling hearts on her school notebooks to regularly reading romances, Joanne’s world has always been filled with the excitement of love stories. So it was just a natural for Joanne to begin writing the genre she’s always loved.

  Formerly a policy writer by day and romance writer by night, Joanne now works full time writing the books she adores. Creating heroes for readers to fall in love with and heroines to cheer on, her characters are people readers can identify with.

  Joanne writes to give her readers the experience she still loves to savour—indulging in a sigh-worthy happily-ever-after, being swept away from the everyday by diving into a delicious romance novel.

  Joanne Dannon is a happily married mother of two heroes-in-training who loves spending time with friends and family. She can be found on Facebook and her website www.joannedannon.com chatting about reading, writing, cooking, vintage-inspired dresses and all things romantic. She loves to hear from readers.

  Acknowledgements

  Dear Reader

  Writing Always You, a prequel for Falling for Mr Wrong has been a huge joy since I was able to visit some of my favourite characters and write scenes in one of the most beautiful places, the Dead Sea.

  This novella is in loving memory of my husband’s cousin, Monique, who was full of life and passion, devoting her time to helping the less fortunate and supporting Landmark Education.

  Thanks to Dr Esti Belleli who again helped me with my medical questions, and my awesome reading friends—Laini Bennett and Michelle Rabinov for their insights.

  As always, I’m thankful for the love and support of my friends and family.

  And thank you to you, my dear readers. I value every email or note on social media where you tell me you enjoy my books. Each one is a joy to read.

  With love, Joanne x

  For my awesome friends, who have supported and encouraged me as a romance writer. Love you gals, you’re the best x

  CHAPTER ONE

  Beatrice Morgan-Young, who only ever answered to Bea, stole a glance at her hard-working brother. No way had he brought her from London to Israel to relax. No, she told herself, there was a covert reason and she had every intention of finding out what her brother was up to.

  “Nate, I agreed to be your decoy, but I want to know why I’m here,” she insisted, using the voice that had always worked in the past to get her brother do her bidding. Unfortunately, this time it wasn’t working and her fingernails dug into her palms in frustration.

  “Just do this for me,” her older brother said, “I’ll tell you later.” His gaze remained firmly focused on his laptop, not even giving the stunning countryside around him a cursory glance.

  She, on the other hand, was fascinated to be in Israel, so different from England, and watched the changing scenery as their driver sped from the airport to the Dead Sea.

  Her heart thumped with nervousness against her chest because although she loved spending time with her brother, the truth was it was time to confront and bare her soul to Ash.

  Nigel Ashworth, who, like her preferred a shortened version of his name.

  Just saying his name made her nerves tingle and her tongue stumble over her words. He’d been the first bloke she’d had a crush on, the first bloke who’d given her flowers and the first bloke she’d teased and humiliated in front of a group of school friends.

  The guilt of her past behaviour was like a cloak of shame that heavily weighed on her, despite her apologising profusely last year. They’d reconnected, dated, fallen in love and everything had been perfect. But then she’d stupidly rejected him.

  She hadn’t compromised and he’d left her. What a fool she’d been.

  Ash was working in Israel and it was time to beg his forgiveness for her bad behaviour. She should’ve come sooner, but she’d been stalling, waiting for the right time.

  When was the right time to tell someone you were wrong?

  When Nate asked for her help, she’d agreed but only for her own reasons. She had to see Ash; it was time. Time to see him. Time to put her heart on the line.

  Would he find it in his heart to forgive her? She superstitiously crossed her fingers and hoped.

  She had one chance, one more chance to see if there was any hope of them having a future together. Despite twelve months having passed, him not returning her calls or messages, she was determined to try again. After a year of soul-searching and huge changes to her lifestyle, seeing Ash again was the final hurdle she needed to overcome.

  “We’re here,” she cried, excited to see the magnificent body of azure blue water that separated Israel from Jordan. The colour was the most stunning blue she’d ever seen and she itched to create a fashion line with a natural colour that was so stunning.

&
nbsp; Grabbing a notepad from her large tote, she sketched a summer dress that would be perfect for beach or leisure wear.

  “Don’t forget to have a facial or whatever, while we’re here,” Nate said, not even bothering to look up from his laptop.

  “Whatever.” She gave him a dismissive wave. They were only here for a short time, and she had every intention of enjoying being away from London and the work pressures that weighed so heavily on her.

  Tonight she was seeing Ash. She hadn’t warned him of her arrival but would call as soon as they arrived at the hotel.

  An urgency burned in her to see him and write the wrongs of the past. She was immensely proud of the woman she’d grown into, especially over the past year. She’d pushed aside her dreadful childhood, stopped the blame game and took responsibility for her actions.

  A niggle inside of her reminded her she hadn’t always been so kind and considerate to others around her, especially Ash.

  A few hours later, Bea was fiddling with her hair, pinning it up before her date with Ash. He was coming here, to her hotel, and she was running late, darn it. Over the past few months she’d made a huge attempt in being ready on time. Today punctuality had flown out the window.

  Unfortunately, knotted nerves had resulted in her being unable to decide on which dress to wear and she’d spent way too long on deciding whether she should dress up, or go casual? Hair up or down? Heels or flats?

  Her mobile phone pinged. Ash was here, and she wasn’t ready. Oh no. She replied to the message, Be there soon.

  Giving the messy room a cursory roll of her eyes, she stepped into one of her summery dresses that she’d designed and sewn, before jamming her feet into her favourite high-heeled wedges.

  Ash sat in the foyer, checking his emails. Bea was always late so he may as well use his time constructively.

  Bea. It’d been over a year since she’d broken his heart and he had no idea why he’d cancelled a work meeting so he could take her out for dinner. He should’ve ignored her message this afternoon. Just like he had over the past year. But no, fool that he was, it was like he was magnetically drawn to her, unable to say no.

  God, he was pathetic.

  Fairly sure she’d rip his heart in two and trample on it after, he decided to cancel his date. Right now. What good could come of seeing her again? One year ago, he’d bared his soul, dismissed his family’s concerns and offered her his heart. And her reply? A big, fat rejection.

  His family had been right and he should’ve listened to them and walked away from Bea and her inability to commit. At school, she’d humiliated him and ten years later she’d done it again. There was only so much rejection a decent chap like him could handle. The job here in Israel had meant he could emotionally and physically leave her.

  But now she was here. Here in Israel, here at the Dead Sea.

  This place had been his sanctuary, where he could mend his heart after she’d broken it. And now she was here.

  He couldn’t risk his heart again. Twice was two too many times. Best to cancel and not see her.

  Standing, he pocketed his phone and made his way to her room. Just get it over and done with, man.

  He stabbed the button in the lift many times before it whisked him skyward. A quick walk on the carpet and then he was in front of her door. A sharp rap of his knuckles had her answering it immediately.

  “Ash?” Surprise marred her perfect complexion. “Sorry, I’m late.”

  He was surprised to see she was genuinely concerned about promptness, which was a definite change from the past. His gaze devoured her slim curves in the pretty green dress she wore and he noticed she’d clipped her dark blonde hair up, showcasing her neck, just the way he liked it. A waft of her favourite scent teased his nostrils and his body hardened as memories of them together flooded his brain.

  “It’s too late, Bea,” he said in his gruffest voice. He wanted to be angry and hurt her, just like she’d hurt him over the years, but he couldn’t do that. He could walk away, though, just like she’d done.

  “Come in,” she opened the door, inviting him inside.

  He wanted to say no, slam the door in her face, but his pride was eating at his belly. Did she think she could turn up in Israel, in his place of preserve, and everything would be okay?

  Because it wasn’t.

  Over the last few months, he’d made a concerted effort to date and meet interesting women to forget her. He needed to put Bea in the past. . .where she belonged.

  Against his better judgement, he strode inside, shutting the door with a click. Facing her, he said, “Why Bea? Why after all this time, did you come here?”

  “I had to see you.” She looked up at him with those beautiful blue eyes that reminded him of the large body of water outside. Every time he looked at the azure blue of the Dead Sea, he was frustratingly reminded of Bea’s beautiful eyes. How cruel that he’d thought about them every day for the past year.

  “Ash, I had to see you. I’ve missed you,” she said. “Sorry about the mess.” Her arm swung around the room, indicating the clothes and personal belongings that had been strewn across the bed and sofa. “I was hoping we could do this properly, over dinner, so I could talk to you and explain.”

  “It’s been a year,” he said with a dismissive “pfft”.

  “I’ve changed,” she announced, and his belly hardened. Did she think she could just show up and say sorry? Sorry for the pain and anguish she’d inflicted, not once but twice.

  She struggled for words, and it gave him a smidgen of satisfaction that he’d momentarily thrown her into a fluster.

  “Bea, you’ve had an entire year. It’s too late.” He paused. “I-um, I’m seeing someone else.” He threw the lie at her, hoping he could end it now so he could get back to his hotel and have a whisky. He ran his fingers through his short hair before taking a step back from her.

  His fingers itched to trail along the soft skin of her shoulder and to nuzzle the sensitive spot behind her ear. Despite the time apart, he still remembered each pleasure point that had made her sigh in contentment or gasp in delight. They’d been dynamite together, both in bed and out.

  Watching the disappointment streak across her face, he had a sudden urge to confess that he still longed for her with every breath he took. But what was the use when she didn’t want a future with him?

  Her fingers fluttered to her throat before fiddling with the modern-looking necklace she wore. “Sorry Ash, I should’ve guessed you’d moved on, especially after how I behaved.” She swallowed with difficulty and he could see the façade of her self-assurance slipping. “I-I, I hoped but,” she shook her head. “I’m too late.”

  Not trusting himself to speak, he nodded, still hiding behind the lie. She was his weakness and he reminded himself to remain strong for a little longer. Then he could leave, yet again.

  Turning towards the door, he felt her hand on his shoulder.

  “Ash, wait,” she called out to him.

  Spinning around, he could see her eyes filled with tears and his heart plummeted towards the carpet. He hated himself for hurting her but he had to do it, to protect himself. It’d taken him months to recover from the pain of her refusal. A refusal that still stung.

  “I just wanted to let you know that I made a mistake. I was wrong and stupid and I wish I could go back twelve months and change my mind.” The pained look in her eyes tore through him and he stepped towards her and put his arms around her slim body, holding her close.

  Her arms came around his waist and he was transported back to a time when she was the woman for him, the woman he loved and wanted to marry.

  Holding her close, he could feel the pounding of her heart, or perhaps it was his. He didn’t want to let her go but knew he had to. Just a little more, he promised himself, and then he’d leave.

  It was comfort, that was all, nothing more than past lovers having a hug for old times’ sake.

  Feeling her warm skin against his and the way she fit perfectly i
n his arms, had his shoulders sagging with contentment.

  Snuggling in his arms, she turned to look at him and their lips brushed.

  The muscles in his neck tightened while his lips tingled. Just a soft touch had him aching for more.

  Unable to help himself, his lips brushed past her again and then again.

  A sigh murmured from her lips and before he knew it, his lips trailed along her neck and then to her ear. Sucking the lobe lightly, his teeth grazed the rim and he heard her breath quicken.

  In reply, her hands tugged at his shirt, freeing it from his cargoes. They then roamed his back before sliding around and touching his pecs. She traced the flat circles of his nipples before teasing them into tight buds.

  His breath caught as her hands lightly traced along the contours of his skin. He shivered, wanting more.

  Unable to help himself, his hands came and caught the sides of her face. Looking at her with want and need, his mouth came down on hers. He brushed his lips against hers, allowing himself a moment to enjoy the softness of her lips. And then he kissed her, firmly, just the way she liked it.

  Her hands came up and she held onto his neck, a sigh of contentment filled his ears.

  The kisses started off tentative and playful. A reunion of taste and pleasure, but within a minute, or maybe less, the kisses became more urgent, more needy.

  His tongue duelled with hers and he couldn’t get enough of her. His hands roamed over her back before settling on her buttocks so he could anchor her to him.

  The sound of rapid breathing and pleading for more spurned him on.

  “Oh Ash, I’ve missed you.”