S is for Sister (The Sister Series Book 1) Read online

  S is for Sister

  by Tara Hart

  S is for Sister

  Copyright © 2019

  by Tara Hart

  Cover design by Bruno P Creative

  This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places and incidents are products of the writer’s imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locales or organizations is entirely coincidental

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, downloaded, distributed or transmitted, in any form, or by any means, whether electronic or mechanical, without prior written permission from the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.

  Table of 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

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Prologue

  Hands grab my hips, pulling me back against a rock hard torso.

  I open my mouth, but the gasp I intend doesn’t escape my lips. Pure shock paralyzes my body. I can’t react, I’ve forgotten how to.

  His fingers pull my sleek brown hair over my shoulder, revealing the bare skin of my collarbone and the nape of my neck. I feel his hot minty breath hit my skin, causing goosebumps to rise on the surface.

  I can smell his cologne. It’s strong and masculine and I recognize it instantly.

  My eyes shoot wide when I feel his crotch rub against the curve of my ass. The tips of his fingers dig into my skin, holding me in place. He rocks his hips from side-to-side allowing me to feel all of him. He’s aroused and ready.

  His lips press against the curve of my neck sliding downwards, his teeth gently graze my skin. I tilt my head back, giving him better access.

  I open my mouth and a gentle sigh escapes. I try to say something—anything—but his hand covers my mouth.

  “Shhh,” he whispers against the rim of my ear. “I could take you right here and now and no one would even know.”

  His finger slips inside my mouth and I suck it gently, biting the tip before he pulls it free.

  I don’t know what I’m doing. I’m confused and my judgment is clouded by my desire to pull up the hem of my dress and let him take me here against the kitchen bench.

  He spins me in his arms and that’s when he notices the expression of shock and embarrassment painted over my features.

  His icy blue eyes narrow on my face. He’s daring me to speak—to say the words he’s afraid to hear.

  “Jared,” I mutter softly. “I’m not Selina.”

  He pulls away, raking his fingers through his dirty blonde hair as he pushes the air from his lungs.

  His wide eyes find it hard to meet my face. I’m not his wife. Not even close. We just so happen to look the same.

  “Jared…” I start, but I can’t speak—words evade me at the time I need them most of all.

  “Savannah.” He hesitates. “Fuck, Savvy. I’m sorry.”

  I step forward, but he holds his hands out, telling me to stop moving—stop existing.

  “I didn’t mean for this,” he says. He looks torn. He’s apologetic, but guiltless. It’s as if he’s testing me. He knows right from wrong, but do I?

  The air whooshes from my lungs as I wait for him to speak again, but he doesn’t. Instead, he turns and walks out of the room as fast as he approached.

  I blink and then he’s gone.

  My hands grasp the edge of the counter, my knuckles turning white. I feel light-headed, nauseous, and confused beyond belief.

  Inhaling deeply, I attempt to shake the fogginess from my brain. I feel dirty and ashamed that I didn’t stop him sooner. I’d been so caught up in the moment. Why didn’t I stop him? Something happened between us. It felt like his hands knew my body intimately or at least they wanted to. It felt like it was meant to be.

  He apologized as if it were an honest mistake. But why does it feel like it was so much more?

  Chapter 1

  The table is dressed immaculately. Charcoal place settings with rose gold cutlery that only makes an appearance on special occasions. I count the place settings.

  One, two, three, four.

  It doesn’t take a genius to do the math. This is a set-up, plain and simple.

  When Selina invited me over for dinner and told me to dress in a presentable manner—her words not mine—I should have realized there was an ulterior motive. She’s been trying to couple me up for months. It has been weeks since she’s mentioned my single status, so I assumed the games were over. I assumed wrong.

  Even after counting four place settings and watching the flicker of the tall pillar candles, I stand in place with my hands on my hips, bracing myself for the inevitable encounter.

  I hear her heels hit the tiles, announcing her arrival before she’s in the room.

  “You’re early.” She states with a sigh.

  I spin around. “And…I’m an idiot.”

  I catch a glimpse of a smile. There she is. My sister. The carbon copy of myself who I barely recognize anymore. She’s dressed in a black jumpsuit. Her lips the same shade of red that she’s worn for the better part of a decade. She’s skinnier than the last time I saw her—her face less round.

  “Why are you an idiot, Savannah?” She pleads ignorance.

  “This is a setup, Selina. Don’t even bother denying it.”

  Apparently being twenty-eight and still single sets off alarm bells for everyone but me.

  She pulls her long ponytail over her shoulder, twirling the length of her hair around her index finger. Her brown locks shine, even in the dimly lit room.

  I pull out a chair at the dining table and sit down. Selina scowls when the tablecloth is pulled taut, causing the glassware to jingle.

  “Who is he?” The venom is clear in my voice.

  She rushes to the edge of the table, adjusting the place settings, ensuring nothing is out of place. She smiles slightly as she inspects the table. It obviously meets her approval.

  “OCD much?”

  She ignores my comment, instead continuing with her sales pitch. “His name is Corey. He’s a photographer...and a total babe,” she adds the last comment as if it’s a game-changer.

  “Do you know him through work?” I ask, trying not to sound too interested.

  Selina’s a part-time model—I use that term loosely. She’s a new breed of model that they now refer to as social-media influencers. I would never say that to her face though. She hates the term just as much as she hates the fact that there are hundreds of thousands of other women in the exact same position as her. Every post has the same glowing filter applied. Every day of her life is documented as if she is on one long, never-ending vacation filled with croissants, freshly brewed lattes, and dusty pink roses.

  Selina is a woman of class and style and being married to one of Seattle’s wealthiest entrepreneurs hasn’t hurt her cause by any means.

  “Corey’s photographed me once or twice.” She grins deviously. “But he’s down to earth too and
he’s artistic. I know how you like your artsy types.”

  I furrow my brow. “He’s a fashion photographer.” It’s a statement, not a question.

  “Photography, art…” She waves her hand in the air. “Same difference.”

  Selina has no idea what I do for a living and she just made that abundantly clear, but I don’t have the energy for a lecture that she won’t pay any attention to.

  I hear him clear his throat and then his deep voice reverberates through my body. “Wine, Savvy?”

  It’s as if he whispered the words to me in another language. My skin heats as I find it hard to form a response. My embarrassment intensifies when I set eyes on him. He has a look upon his face that’s pleading with me to keep our early encounter a secret.

  I brush my hair behind my ear as I feel the red creeping across my cheeks. “Sure.”

  He walks toward me, a bottle of wine in one hand, a glass in the other.

  “Good.” Selina glares at me. “Have a drink and loosen up. Corey will be here any minute.”

  And then, as if on cue the doorbell rings. “Hah, how about that, he’s here,” Selina springs into action, her red heels springing into action, clacking loudly as she makes her way to the door.

  Jared hands me a glass of wine, his eyes narrowing on my face. “Savvy…”

  I hold out my hand to stop him. “Forget it.”

  I draw in a large mouthful of wine. It burns as it slides down my throat, but I welcome the warmth as it rushes through my body.

  I don’t want to talk about what happened between us. Nothing can make it more awkward than having to rehash the entire incident.

  He shakes his head. “I thought you were Selina.”

  My heart starts racing from the memory. I can still feel the pinch of his fingers as he pulled me tight against his body. I close my eyes and exhale. Fuck.

  Opening my eyes, I force a smile. “I understand, Jared. We’re twins after all.”

  My mouth obeys me, but in truth, I don’t understand anything. I don’t understand the tension between us, but something tells me it’s completely one-sided.

  He crosses his arms over his chest, his biceps bulging as he does so. His shirt is folded at the sleeves, to reveal his forearms. They’re tanned and strong, only a sprinkle of light hair covering his skin. For the first time, I notice his fingers. They’re long and…Fuck.

  Something’s wrong with me.

  “Savannah, I’d like you to meet Corey.” Selina’s says, her tone smoother than usual.

  My attention turns from Jared to the tall man now standing behind him. He’s dressed in a crinkled white shirt and beige jeans that look one size too small.

  My gaze travels over his face. Olive skin, dark hair, brooding brown eyes and an overgrown beard.

  He steps forward, a cloud of drug store aftershave overwhelming my senses.

  “Savannah.” He holds his hand out and I take it.

  “Corey.” I smile. “Nice to meet you.”

  His hands are soft and his skin the perfect temperature against my clammy palm.

  I pull my hand away and subtly wipe it against my dress.

  Corey is handsome without a doubt. He has a rugged, hippie vibe, which is far from my usual type.

  I notice his eyes travel over my body and I wonder if he likes what he sees. The short dress isn’t my usual attire, white a color I don’t often wear.

  “Sit down, Corey.” Selina gestures toward the table. “Dinner will be ready in just a moment.”

  For the first time, I notice the smell coming from the kitchen. The familiar smell of wholesome home cooking, courtesy of Jared and Selina’s maid no doubt.

  Selina and Jared leave me alone with Corey, and all of a sudden I feel unsure of myself. It’s been such a long time since I’ve dated and I’m rusty at best.

  Corey seems nervous too, which immediately makes me like him.

  “Where are you sitting?” he asks.

  I walk to the table where my wine glass sits.

  “Here.” I pick up the glass and down another generous mouthful.

  Corey rounds the table and pulls out the chair next to mine. “I’ll sit here then.” He smiles warmly. “That way I get to talk to you all evening.”

  I giggle. “Well isn’t that kind of the point?”

  Jared walks into the room carrying two beers, hands one over to Corey before turning his attention on me. “You need a top up, Savvy?” he asks

  How can one ordinary question make my cheeks warm?

  Jared is powerful—his presence commanding the attention of the entire room. I’ve never noticed that about Jared before.

  I shake my head, taking my seat next to Corey as Jared sits down at the table. He eyes Corey warily, running his fingers through his dark blonde hair, pushing it away from his face. His chin is lined by a days’ worth of stubble, which is made obvious as his jaw clenches.

  I tear my gaze away from Jared, my focus turning to Corey.

  “So, you’re a photographer?” I turn my attention to Corey attempting to make small talk.

  “Yes. Fashion mostly, but I do some portraits too.”

  I nod and take in another sip of wine.

  Corey’s takes me in, his eyes seemingly fascinated with my mouth. “Maybe I can show you some shots from my portfolio. Selina mentioned you own a gallery.”

  I hold back the urge to roll my eyes.

  Is this supposed to be a date or a business meeting?

  “Maybe.” I nod trying not to come off as too evasive. “My gallery showcases paintings from up and coming artists, some photography, mainly black and white street shots.”

  Corey nods. “I have some stunning black and white photos of your sister.”

  Jared snorts before chucking his head back and taking a long chug of beer.

  “You’ve seen the shots of Selina?” Corey asks, his attention turning to Jared, one eyebrow raised in the air.

  Jared leans back in his chair, one arm hanging over the back of the empty seat beside him.

  “I’ve seen them. Savvy too,” Jared takes the liberty of speaking for me. “Selina isn’t shy when it comes to sharing photos of herself.”

  Corey cocks his brow. Jared’s comments seemingly have him intrigued.

  “And what is that you do for a living Jared?”

  Jared clears his throat, his gaze not once leaving Corey’s face. “Property development mainly.” He pauses for effect. “I dabble in real estate and invest in start-ups, you know, just for fun.”

  It’s an impressive resume that leaves Corey speechless. To outsiders it may seems as though Jared is big noting himself, but I know that he’s well and truly playing down his accomplishments. He’s achieved a lot in his thirty years, and he has well and truly earned bragging rights.

  “Dinner’s ready.” Selina enters the room, carrying plates filled with generous portions of meat and vegetables. I breathe in the aroma when she places a plate in front of me, my mouth practically salivating.

  She graciously places a plate in front of Corey and he thanks her with a nod.

  “Please eat,” she says.

  I take my first mouthful of rosemary potatoes, murmuring my approval.

  “It’s lovely, Lina,” I say. “You’ve outdone yourself.”

  Jared and I look at one another, both smirking as we both know that Selina didn’t cook any of the food she’s serving. Selina would have gone as far as turning the oven on and piling the food onto our plates, but that doesn’t stop her from lapping up the compliments.

  She nods in agreeance. Her eyes travel to Corey and I watch the smug smile fall from her lips. “Is something wrong, Corey?”

  His olive cheeks flush. “I should have mentioned that I’m a vegetarian,” he starts. “I thought you knew.”

  Selina forces a smile to her lips. She stands from the table and snatches Corey’s plate from beneath his nose.

  “I’m sorry.” Corey’s olive skin turns a deep shade of red.

  He m
ay not realize it, but Selina is annoyed beyond belief. I can tell by the way her shoulders have tensed and the way she purses her lips.

  “It’s no problem.” She huffs. “I’ll fix you a plate of vegetables, shall I?”

  Corey toys with his fork. “Or I can just eat around the meat.” He eyes the plate that Selina holds in her hands cautiously.

  “Don’t be silly.” Selina shakes her head.

  Selina doesn’t like surprises, big or small. She has plans mapped out in her head and everything must go exactly as she anticipates or beware of the consequences.

  That’s the difference between Selina and me. She’s much more uptight and likes everything to go according to plan, whereas I’m able to roll with the punches

  “I don’t mean to be a pain,” Corey calls after her.

  Jared shakes his head. “Don’t worry about it. Selina has mountains of food prepared.”

  I pop another potato in my mouth and eye Jared intently.

  He starts to make small talk with Corey that I pay no attention to. I’m too distracted by his face. The way his forehead wrinkles when he speaks and the way his lips part as he listens intently. My eyes travel to his hands. The same hands that had explored my body less than an hour ago. My skin heats from the memory.

  “Savannah is a great cook.” Jared gestures towards me. “She bakes a mean apple pie.”

  I feel my cheeks warm as I try and digest the compliment. I nod idiotically and take a long gulp of my wine hoping the conversation will move away from me.

  Selina walks back in with her tail between her legs, plonking a huge plate of vegetables in front of Corey.

  “Take two.” She forces a smile to her lips.

  Corey leans back in his chair. “Thank you, Bella.”

  Bella. My eyes shoot wide and I squirm in my seat. He called another man’s wife beautiful right in front of him. And what’s worse, Jared doesn’t even notice. He’s too busy eyeballing me.

  When Selina sits down the mood around the table changes. It turns to talk of business and shameless self-promotion with a touch of overzealous flirtation by Corey. I can’t work out if he’s got the hots for Selina or me. Or perhaps he has one of those twin fantasies. He wouldn’t be the first guy to dream of having the two of us in his bed.