Love Lock (The Love Lock Duet Book 2) Read online

  LOVE LOCK

  The Love Lock Duet Book 2

  S.M. West

  Contents

  PLAYLIST

  Prologue

  1. Drew

  2. Pippa

  3. Pippa

  4. Drew

  5. Pippa

  6. Drew

  7. Pippa

  8. Drew

  9. Pippa

  10. Drew

  11. Drew

  12. Pippa

  13. Pippa

  14. Pippa

  15. Pippa

  16. Drew

  17. Pippa

  18. Pippa

  19. Drew

  20. Pippa

  21. Drew

  22. Pippa

  23. Pippa

  24. Drew

  25. Pippa

  26. Pippa

  27. Drew

  28. Pippa

  29. Drew

  Epilogue

  Note to Readers

  Other Books by S.M. West

  About the Author

  Copyright © 2019 by SM West

  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, distributed, stored in or introduced into any information storage or retrieval system, in any form or by any means, whether electronic, photocopying, mechanical or otherwise, without express permission of the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, storylines, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners. Any resemblances to actual persons, living or dead, locales or any events or occurrences are purely coincidental.

  This book is for your personal enjoyment only. Please respect the author’s work by not contributing to piracy and purchasing a copy for those you wish to share it with.

  Cover Design by:

  PopKitty Design

  Edited by:

  Leanne Rabesa

  Proofed by:

  Melinda Utendorf

  Cover Photo:

  Lindee Robinson Photography

  Cover Models:

  Brian Boynton

  Krista Lauren

  PLAYLIST

  Listen On Spotify (https://spoti.fi/2zfefZV)

  “The Girl” – City and Colour

  “Need You Now” – Dean Lewis

  “Lost on You” – Lewis Capaldi

  “We Found Each Other in the Dark” – City and Colour

  “Better” – Declan J Donovan

  “Lost Together” – Blue Rodeo

  “Love Me Two Times” – The Doors

  “Stay” – Zedd, Alessia Cara

  “Here” – Alessia Cara

  “Mercy” – Lewis Capaldi

  Find some inspiration for LOVE LOCK on Pinterest

  (https://www.pinterest.ca/smwestwrites/love-lock-duet/)

  “Love is the whole thing. We are only pieces.” - Rumi

  Prologue

  Drew

  Eighteen months ago

  The room is teeming with women and no one notices me as they fuss with their elaborate hairstyles or delicate bouquets.

  My eyes lock on her instantly; some would argue she’s easy to spot, being the only one in white, but I never have to search for her. I’d find her in any crowd. She might as well be the only one in the room.

  My other half.

  Shimmering curls cascade down her back like a golden waterfall and miles of airy iridescent fabric wrap her slender frame. She’s on a cloud. A breathtaking cloud sprinkled with luminous diamonds.

  My breath stalls and my knees weaken. It’s been too long since I had her in my sight. I could cry and I don’t even care how much of a pussy I’m being.

  “Pippa,” I wordlessly mouth her name, needing to feel her on my lips.

  She’s surrounded by women primping and prodding her while she gazes dreamily into the full-length mirror.

  Devastatingly beautiful.

  How on earth did I walk away from her?

  “Drew?” Paige, my sister, wrinkles her pert nose, and walks toward me in an off-the-shoulder dusty rose gown. “What are you doing here?”

  The women she was with turn in my direction, and judging from their expressions, a man amongst them isn’t welcomed.

  Pippa stills, her spine straightening at my name—my eyes are glued to the mirror, locking with hers—and she slowly glances over her shoulder.

  Ocean blue eyes rake my body and my heart stutters at the force of her gaze crashing into me like a rogue wave onto the sandy shore. Am I imagining the flare in her eyes—there and then gone—and the subtle licking of her bottom lip?

  “Drew.” Paige is more insistent, deliberately blocking my view of the bride. “What in the hell are you doing here?” she whispers under her breath.

  “Drew?” My mother comes to stand by Paige.

  Both glance skittishly at Pippa and then back to me. They should be nervous. Join the club. The only difference is they have no clue why I am here.

  If they could read my mind, they wouldn’t bother with questioning me, instead they’d be hauling my ass outside. Paige would want to kill me.

  We’ve had our fair share of disputes, it’s just one of the many ways we show our love, but I haven’t been in her good books for some time now. If I wasn’t her brother, I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t be talking to me.

  “You were looking for this.” I hand over a small tube and sneak a sideways glance at Pippa, who’s watching us as if we’re the hottest show on Netflix.

  Last night Paige searched my rental car for her lip balm and by chance, I found it this morning. I took it as a sign from Cupid, despite the fact I don’t believe in classic mythology, to use the lipstick as my excuse for intruding on the bride’s pre-wedding activities.

  Paige visibly relaxes, her shoulders loosening on the exhale. “Silly, I don’t need it now but thank you.”

  She giggles nervously at either my foolishness or what she now thinks of as unfounded jitters. If anyone knows what my being here could mean, it’s Paige. She had a backstage pass to the devastation I caused by leaving Pippa. I wasn’t stingy with spreading the pain, laying waste to not only her best friend’s heart, but also our families and my life.

  That all changes.

  Today. I’m getting back my girl.

  Yeah, my timing sucks. Pippa’s getting married, but I’m no longer sitting idly by and accepting my fate, even if I did have a hand in dealing it.

  I love her and she still loves me, I’ve no doubt.

  “Honey, why don’t you go to your seat?” Mom cups my elbow with a gentle squeeze and an uneasy smile.

  This woman is nobody’s fool and she isn’t buying the lipstick excuse. I should feel bad for the distress I’m causing her, but I can’t. I won’t. That’s what got me in this mess in the first place. Caring about someone else’s problem, making it my own and thinking I could fix things no matter the cost.

  “Drew.” Pippa finally speaks and everyone turns to the bride.

  “Hi,” I rasp, raking my fingers nervously through my already messy hair. “Sorry for breaking tradition and seeing the bride before the ceremony.”

  An edginess grows within, prodding and pricking at my insides. Curious stares from the women, most of whom I know, add to the awkwardness.

  My sister hits my arm and rolls her eyes. No matter how old she gets, she ha
sn’t stopped that childish gesture.

  “That’s for the groom, dummy.”

  Like a vacuum sucking all the air out of the room, there’s a collective holding of breaths and silence descends.

  “Oh,” my sister moans painfully, clamping her hand over her crimson lips at putting her foot in her mouth.

  “Paige, it’s okay.” A tinge of disappointment cloaks the bride’s response. Her hands glide lightly down the bodice of her gown, and I’m stunned.

  She’s fucking getting married.

  Suddenly, there’s a ringing in my ears and I feel like my head has disconnected from my body. Why reality decides to hit me now is anyone’s guess—I’ve had the wedding invitation for weeks, but the painful reality of what that truly means bowls me over.

  She’s getting married.

  Today. To another man.

  My stomach lurches.

  “Damn, Pip.”

  Her grandmother gasps at my blasphemy, in a church no less, and clutches at her chest. Pippa bites her painted bottom lip, stifling a laugh, and I smile; a tingling sensation skates up my spine.

  There she is, my girl.

  “You’re gorgeous.” It comes out gravelly, almost pained, and I don’t bother hiding my reverence.

  “Thank you.” A splash of pink colors her cheeks and the corners of her mouth tip upward, but it’s nothing compared to the countless smiles she’s gifted me throughout our lives.

  This smile is restrained, almost fake, and there’s no shine to her gaze. I can’t bear this anymore. It’s now or never.

  “I wanted to talk to you.” I cautiously step closer.

  “Could everyone please leave us alone,” she says, her eyes never wavering from mine.

  In a flurry of activity, the ladies vanish in seconds, leaving Pippa’s mother, my mom and Paige. They linger, glancing from Pippa to me anxiously.

  “Drew, now isn’t a good time,” her mom says, clasping her hands tightly in front of her.

  “Mom, please give us a minute. We won’t be long.”

  “Drew.” My mom lightly digs her fingers into my arm.

  “It’s okay. Like Pip said, we’ll be quick.” My tone is calm and my gaze is steady on the object of my desire.

  Both mothers reluctantly obey, leaving only Paige. I can almost see the commotion swirling within her mind. She’s been stuck in the middle this entire time. Even mad at me, she’s been an amazing sister to me and best friend to Pippa. This hasn’t been easy.

  “Are you sure?” she asks, worrying her bottom lip.

  Pippa nods, bestowing a dazzling heartfelt smile upon her best friend and Paige dips her head, turning to leave.

  “Don’t take too long,” she says, sounding like a drill sergeant and the maid of honor that she is. “We’re up in ten.” The door lightly clicks shut behind her.

  Finally, we’re alone.

  “You’re gorgeous.” I inch even closer.

  “You already said that,” she teases, gathering the copious amounts of air-like fabric and stepping off the one-foot dais in front of the mirror. “Why are you here, Drew? You should be sitting in a pew out there.” Her chin dips in the direction of the chapel where the ceremony will take place.

  “Pip.” I rub at the back of my neck. A nervous habit I’ve tried to break. “This isn’t the right time but—”

  “Drew,” she says, her voice soft and warm, but with an edge.

  It’s the intensity of her tone that causes my ears to perk up, to really listen. I’ve been focused on one train of thought and everything around me has been noise, but now it’s just us.

  She glides toward me, her unforgettable honeysuckle scent bombarding my senses, and I’m flooded with memories of her, of us.

  With her hand on my tux-clad arm, she stares intently at me. “I’m marrying Brock.”

  And there it is.

  Three little words say it all.

  The conversation has ended before it even begun.

  She might as well be speaking to a stranger for the lack of emotion. Anger and hurt bubble within my gut. This isn’t my Pippa.

  I’m too late.

  I drag my fingers through my hair and release a heavy breath, hating that I let this get so far.

  “I love you.” I clench my jaw at the strangled sound of my voice before forcing more words past my lips. “I wish you nothing but happiness.”

  1

  Drew

  A throng of laughing women, all dolled up, stand shoulder to shoulder as if in a police lineup. Except in this case, they are vying for the best spot to stand out. That’s the whole point of this foolish tradition.

  Guests circle the perimeter of the dance floor, and unluckily, I’m stuck among the single guys, another bunch thrust into the center. I tried to escape but failed.

  The synthesized sounds and pounding bass of “SexyBack” blare through the speakers and the crowd explodes with delighted screams when the newlyweds glide into the center of the mob. Cass, the bride, plants a high heel on the seat of a white-draped chair and Finn, the groom, drops to his knees, sliding seductively under the billowing dress.

  Whoops and hollers litter the air as he emerges with a frilly blue garter hanging from his mouth. The excitement continues as he springs to his feet, now twirling his prize high above his head.

  Laughter rumbles in my chest and warmth spreads outward at my best friend’s happiness on his wedding day. This is how it should be. Yet when his beaming gaze hits me, and only because I know him so well, I see the slight tension around his blue eyes. He’s battling sadness and regret because someone very important is missing. Not here to share their joy.

  I know how he feels.

  Like acid eating at our lives, Pippa’s absence corrodes everything good. And it’s my fault. I drove the wedge between brother and sister. I pushed her away.

  This day has been Finn’s dream since the moment Cassandra Donnelly first waltzed into Mr. Bosey’s grade eleven chemistry class. They belong together and will weather whatever comes their way. His recent and prolonged struggle is proof of that. After all, it was his turmoil that delayed their marriage for a few years, but today, they tied the knot.

  “All right, guys, get ready!” Finn yells over the music, poised to fling the tiny garter at the bachelors, whom I’m trapped amongst.

  With his back turned, I seize the opportunity to leave. Wedding traditions are inane. Marriage is no longer in the cards for me and some silly blue fabric isn’t going to change that.

  Ping. Something hits my ear.

  Guys yell “Drew!” and one even slaps my ass. What the—? The garter rests precariously on my shoulder. Fuck.

  “Wait up!” Finn cuts through the crowd.

  Not about to abandon my getaway, I push through the banquet doors into a brightly-lit reception area but make the mistake of looking over my shoulder where Finn is at my heels.

  “Hey, sucker.” His buoyant tone matches his playful smirk.

  “Whatever.” I thrust the garter toward him, but his hands rise, refusing to take it.

  “That’s yours, bro. You better get yourself a girl, you’re next down the aisle.”

  I huff. Absurd. We both know there’s only one woman for me. “This means nothing.” I shove the lace in my tux pocket, coveting the exit.

  “Where are you going?”

  “Home.” I’m ecstatic for my best friends, but my mood is miserable, and I don’t want to ruin their night.

  “Hey.” He grabs my shoulder, turning me to face him. “Stay, the party’s just getting started. You’re the best man, you have to stay and do some shots with me.”

  He’s chosen guilt to get me to stay, and it’s working. I feel it in the pit of my stomach. “Cass would kill me if I got you wasted on your wedding night.”

  “She’d forgive you. You’ve forgiven me for worse.” He rests his hand, heavy and steady, on my shoulder. “I miss her too. Today’s a bittersweet victory because I’ve wanted this for so fucking long, but Pippa isn’t he
re to celebrate with us.”

  “Yeah, it doesn’t feel right.”

  “Doc says it’s like losing a limb.” Finn pauses, his cheeks coloring as he averts his gaze.

  He’s still not quite comfortable with talking freely about his therapy even if it means he’s conquered his demons.

  “She says I’m learning to live without the limb—Pip’s the limb,” he says.

  “I get it, dumbass, go on.” I shove him playfully and he snorts out a laugh before sobering.

  “But without her, it isn’t the same and it sure as shit isn’t easy, and some days…” His voice cracks. “The pain is too great.”

  “Yeah, I know what you mean.”

  “You know how Doctor Rawson says I need to be accountable for all that’s happened over the years?”

  He’s now on a roll and I nod. Part of his healing means owning his actions and making amends with those he has wronged. Cass was first on his list, followed by his parents and siblings—sans Pippa.

  “I’m so fucking sorry, Drew. I should have said this sooner. I was a colossal asshole and manipulated you.”

  “What?” My brow creases in confusion. Manipulated me?

  “It wasn’t intentional and Doc Raw got me to see it.” He grips the back of his neck and smiles sheepishly. “I was a shit to everyone and don’t know how to make it up to you.”