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  Redemption: Lily’s Surrender

  Redemption:Lily’sSurrender

  REDEMPTION 3:

  LILY’S SURRENDER

  Liz Andrews & Lena Matthews

  www.loose-id.com

  Warning

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  Redemption: Lily’s Surrender

  Liz Andrews & Lena Matthews

  This e-book is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  Published by

  Loose Id LLC

  1802 N Carson Street, Suite 212-2924

  Carson City NV 89701-1215

  www.loose-id.com

  Copyright © November 2005 by Liz Andrews & Lena Matthews

  All rights reserved. This copy is intended for the purchaser of this e-book ONLY. No part of this e-book may be reproduced or shared in any form, including, but not limited to printing, photocopying, faxing, or emailing without prior written permission from Loose Id LLC.

  ISBN 1-59632-183-0

  Available in Adobe PDF, HTML, MobiPocket, and MS Reader

  Printed in the United States of America

  Editor: Ansley Velarde & Karen Williams

  Cover Artist: Scott Carpenter

  Prologue

  Lily Weller quickly walked through the sliding doors, trying her best to blend in with the other patrons. If any of the Collingwoods knew she was in their store, they would think it was their duty to come and harass her. Hamilton especially. He followed her around the store, trying to “keep an eye on her,” or so he called it, and that made her madder than heck.

  Just because she was poor didn’t mean she was going to steal anything. Sometimes she liked to come in just to walk around and look at all the stuff she’d buy her mom one day if she had the money. Collingwood’s wasn’t just a grocery store, it also sold trinkets. Pretty necklaces and glass birds — things her mother would love to have if only they had the money.

  “If only” was a monologue eleven-year-old Lily knew like the Pledge of Allegiance. “If only” her dad could hold onto a job. “If only” Logan hadn’t left to move into town with the Grays, their mother wouldn’t cry for him because she missed him. “If only” Steven would stay home more and play with her instead of Sammy, who always seemed to upset her dad. “If only …” “If only” were two words Lily was really tired of hearing.

  Wandering down the candy aisle, Lily paused in front of the Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and reached out and caressed them. They were her absolute favorite candy in the entire world, but unfortunately, she didn’t have enough money to get any. Picking the orange packet up, Lily brought it to her face, inhaling the chocolate essence that made her mouth water.

  “What are you doing, Weller?” Junior Collingwood said from behind her, scaring her into tumbling face forward into the shelf and dropping the candy to the floor.

  Righting herself, Lily turned and frowned at the young man. Junior wasn’t much older than Lily. He was in her brother Steven’s class, but he was under the mistaken impression that he was the boss of everything just because his stupid last name was on the front of the store.

  “I asked you a question.”

  “I’m minding my business.” Junior didn’t scare her. He just pissed her off. The bully wouldn’t dare bother her if Steven or Logan were around. He only did it when she was by herself. “You should probably do the same.”

  “This store is my business.” Plucking at the red apron tied snugly around his plump waist, Junior peered down cockily at her with a smug expression on his fat face. “And unlike you, I have a right to be in here.”

  “I have a right to be here, too.”

  “No, this store is for paying customers, not for people who can’t buy things.”

  “How do you know how much money she has?” The voice speaking from behind them had Junior’s cocky grin turning into a pasty grimace, and Lily perking up.

  Junior spun around and frowned at Marc Gossnor, who was tapping his fingers casually on an empty shopping cart. “Those glasses must be thicker than I thought if you can see inside her pockets.”

  “What are you doing in here, Gossnor? I thought my dad told you not to come back in here.”

  Looking around them comically, Marc smirked. “I don’t see your daddy, Junior. So I guess if you want me out, you’re going to have make me leave.” Crossing his arms, he stood up straight and peered down at the puny kid. “Do you feel lucky, punk?”

  “You’re no Clint Eastwood,” Junior sneered.

  An amused look flitted across Marc’s face. “And you’re not your father. Something you really should keep in mind. Stop bullying people and stand up to your old man. You’ll turn out much better if you do.”

  “At least my old man is still alive.”

  Lily clapped her hand over her mouth in horror. How could Junior say something so mean? For that alone, Lily hoped Marc kicked his butt.

  Marc stopped smiling and stepped towards Junior, who had become pale. “You’re right, my dad is dead, but even in death he’s a better man than your father is.”

  Picking up the stocky kid, Marc dumped him face first into the shopping cart, much to Lily’s amazement. She didn’t think there was enough room in there for Junior’s big head, let alone his entire body.

  Over Junior’s struggling and loud yelps, Marc laughed, and grabbed hold of the handle of the cart and pushed with all his might, sending Junior soaring down the aisle and straight into a canned food display.

  Lily turned and watched in horror as the cans came crashing down onto Junior as he screamed at the top of his lungs. “Oh, my God. You’re going to get in so much trouble,” she whispered in awe, still staring at Junior, who had now attracted a large audience.

  Marc just laughed and grabbed her hand. Lily didn’t want to leave, but she reluctantly let Marc maneuver her through the aisles and out the door. The image of Junior’s legs kicking in the air like a crab on its back would stay with her forever.

  By the time they had made it out of the store and halfway down the street, she was finally able to close her mouth. Turning to Marc, who was leaning against the side of the library, Lily stared at him in amazement. “You must really hate him.”

  “Junior? Nah, he doesn’t faze me. I just don’t like seeing him bully people; and besides, I couldn’t let him treat a pretty lady like that.”

  A pretty lady. Lily’s eyes widened at the implication. “You mean, you did that just for me?”

  “Do you see another pretty blonde anywhere?” Marc asked with a wink.

  “I … I guess not.�
�� He had called her lady. Marc Gossnor had called her pretty. Oh, boy.

  “I didn’t think so.” Reaching into his back pocket, Marc pulled out an orange packet bearing the name of Lily’s favorite treat. “I think this belongs to you.”

  Lily looked from the candy to Marc’s grinning face. She hadn’t seen him pay for it. How did he … “You stole that.”

  “Steal is such a strong word.” Opening up the package, Marc slid out a cup and pulled back the black wrapping. “Besides, this is the least you deserve.”

  Holding it out to her, Marc waited patiently. “Take it, Lily.”

  Stunned he even knew her name, Lily automatically took the chocolate, missing the look of pleasure that flashed across Marc’s face. “Now what do you say?” he chided.

  Lily looked down at the candy and then back up at him. “Thank you.”

  “You’re very welcome.” Marc handed her the package containing the other cup, and ruffled her hair softly. “If I were you, squirt, I’d stay out of Collingwood’s for awhile.”

  “You don’t have to tell me twice,” Lily said, mouth full of peanut buttery goodness. For some reason the candy tasted better than it ever had before.

  “Enjoy your candy.” Marc smiled one final time before heading down the street.

  Lily stared after him, watching him leave, understanding for the first time why girls giggled over boys. With his one single rebellious gesture, Marc had stolen Lily’s heart.

  Redemption: Lily’s Surrender

  Chapter One

  I feel like an idiot, Lily thought as she tapped her finger against the plastic wrap surrounding the basket she had made. What had originally seemed like a really good idea was now beginning to seem like the stupidest thing she’d ever done, and there was a list of things to compare it to. Her nails scraping against the cellophane seemed like a roar in the quiet outer area of the office, but she couldn’t help herself. She was nervous. Giving in to the anxiety ripping her in two, Lily stood up and quickly walked across the room, trying to make a break for it.

  “Excuse me, miss,” the secretary called, breaking Lily’s stride across the carpeted floor. “Mr. Gossnor can see you now.”

  Turning slowly, Lily looked back towards the hallway leading to Marc’s office. It was only a few feet away, but from where she stood, it seemed like an ocean. “This is a really bad idea,” she mumbled out loud.

  “Excuse me?” The secretary looked confused and perhaps a bit annoyed. Tossing the woman a faint smile, Lily just shook her head.

  Taking a deep breath she strode over the plush carpet and down the long hallway. It seemed a bit odd walking to the rear of the building that had most recently housed River Bend Federal Trust. Or had, anyway, until Grossman Corp shut it down. They had negotiated another national chain bank to come to town, but it was no longer under the control of Mr. Cortez, which, as far as Lily was concerned, was a good thing. That man had no business being in charge of other people’s money. It was probably mean-spirited, but Lily was glad he had been thrown out on his ass. She suspected Marc and his family weren’t the only people who had suffered under Mr. Cortez’s ruthless business practices.

  Butterflies slam-danced in her stomach, a condition always present where Marc was concerned. Who would have ever thought a silly childhood crush would last this long? Lily had intentionally worn her long, ash-blonde hair down today, wanting to garner Marc’s favor. It was actually quite sad how they had barely exchanged dialogue, and she was going out of her way to please him. Maybe she was as much of a doormat as her mother.

  Knocking tentatively on the huge oak doors, Lily jumped back with a squeak when they swung open almost immediately. Coming face to face with a complete stranger, she stepped back in surprise. The man in front of her was tall and imposing, with graying temples and a face that seemed as if it had seen too many wars. A weary smiled graced his lips as he held the door open for her. “Ms. Weller, I presume?”

  Blinking in surprise that this man knew her name, Lily nodded and followed him into the office.

  “Don’t mind him, Lily.” Marc stood up from behind his large oak desk and walked around it, coming to a stop directly in front of her. “Griffin likes to make an impression.” Lily felt slightly flustered. Marc’s eyes seemed to spear into her very soul, seeing all of her secrets, dreams, and fantasies, with one probing stare.

  “I brought you a basket,” she blurted out nervously, saying the first thing that came to mind. Oh, my God, Lily thought, slightly hysterically. Why didn’t I just say I carried a watermelon?

  “A basket, huh?” He peered into the wicker container with a devious smile. “That’s a first.”

  “You think I should check for explosives, sir?” Griffin teased, coming up behind her.

  Lily froze. The two men surrounding her radiated so much testosterone she felt lightheaded. Even growing up with two rough and tumble brothers hadn’t readied her for so much power.

  “I don’t know.” Titling his head to the side, Marc lifted a brow questioningly. “Are you a Trojan horse, Lily? A pleasant package filled with devious designs, come to cause havoc?”

  Say something, damn it, she ordered herself, hating the vast, empty-headed idiot she had morphed into.

  “Of course not.” Yep, that was reassuring. And the winner for the most convincing denial uttered in a single breath is: Lily Weller. “I mean, I thought you might like it. But if you don’t want it …”

  “Oh, no, Lily. I want it.” His words were innocent enough, but for some reason Lily doubted he was just talking about the basket.

  “Is there anything in there for me?” Griffin asked, leaning over her shoulder.

  “I think this is one gift I won’t be sharing.” Marc’s possessive tone sent a shiver through Lily that she felt to her toes.

  “Enough said,” Griffin replied with a barely concealed smile. “I have a few phone calls to make. It was very nice meeting you, Lily.” Griffin left the room quietly, but Lily barely noticed, her eyes still on Marc.

  “So, are you going to let me have it or did you just bring it by to tease me with?”

  Flushing slightly, Lily stepped forward to hand him the basket and promptly tripped over her own feet, falling forward. Lily could feel her face flame with embarrassment. Why wouldn’t the floor open up so she could sink into its depths? This visit had gone horribly wrong. Her seductive plans were going awry. Instead of coming off like Marilyn Monroe she was acting more like Lucille Ball.

  Marc caught her by the arms, gently taking the basket out of her hands. Setting it on the desk, he leaned back, bracing his hip against the edge. Peering down into the basket once again, he gave a soft laugh as he looked back at her. “I have to say, this is a surprise. Pleasant as it is, it’s a surprise, nevertheless. I would have been willing to bet your brothers would have warned you away.”

  “I’m my own person, Marc. Way past the age when I need anyone’s consent for anything.”

  “But, Goldilocks, I’m the big bad wolf. The one all the villagers are sharpening their pitchforks to come after.”

  “That was Little Red Riding Hood. The Three Bears were after Goldilocks, thank you very much. And for the record, not everyone in River Bend is anxious to see you run out of town.”

  “Really? Name three.”

  “Samantha, Evelyn, and myself,” Lily rattled off in quick succession.

  Marc grimaced before replying. “Great, that’s really going to endear me to your brothers.”

  “Do you care what they think?” Lily asked, already knowing the answer. She could tell Marc didn’t care what anyone thought.

  “No, I don’t care. But I do wonder what you are really doing here, Lily.”

  “If I’m keeping you, I can leave.” Lily had known this was a bad idea. Feeling foolish, she turned to make her escape, halting only when Marc grabbed her hand and pulled her closer to him.

  “I didn’t say you should go. I’m just wondering why you came.”

  “Can’t I do s
omething nice, just to be nice?”

  “In my experience people don’t do something without expecting something in return.”

  “That’s awfully cynical.” And kind of sad, too, Lily thought.

  “I’m a cynical guy.”

  Her breath caught in her throat as Marc rubbed her wrist softly with circular strokes, enticing her senses. Her body tingled with an awareness she had never experienced before. She wanted to lean into him and rub her face against his chest like a cat. Shaking her head slightly, Lily tried to break this spell Marc seemed to have over her.

  “So, cynical guy, do you celebrate the holidays? In particular, are you doing anything for Thanksgiving?” Lily held her breath, waiting for his response.

  “Of course,” Marc replied and Lily let out her breath with a rush of disappointment. Of course he had plans. It’s not likely a man as good looking as he was would be alone.

  “What, finding other small towns to dominate and take over?” Lily replied sarcastically, pulling her wrist away from his hand.

  “No, I’m saving that for Christmas.” Marc seemed to be laughing at her and Lily felt as if he knew something she did not. “Actually, I’m going to be working. I get a lot done when there is no one else around. I often work late into the night.”

  “You can’t work on Thanksgiving!” Lily exclaimed in shock. “It’s a time to spend with your family.”

  “I don’t have any family in town. My mom is down in Florida with her new husband and kids. And I don’t have the time to fly down.”

  “Spend Thanksgiving with me. We would love to have you.” Lily crossed her fingers and prayed Evelyn would be a willing conspirator.

  “Who is we?” Marc asked suspiciously.

  “My family.” Lily knew she was being evasive and hoped Marc wouldn’t be too inquisitive. “It’s not like it’s a date or anything. Just think on it for awhile.”

  Marc cocked his brow at her. “I don’t need you to feel sorry for me, Lily.”

  “How could anyone feel sorry for you? You own the town. Everyone is kicking their own ass for the way they treated you and your family. It’s a friendly gesture from one outcast to another.”