Her Perfect Rebound: Love and Lust Series Book One Read online

  Her Perfect Rebound was the second of E.R. Knight’s books that I read, and I instantly loved the characters. Even if it’s a little bit taboo...it’s just the right amount to make the story be so good that

  you can’t put it down until you get to the final page.

  Also, I love all the books I have read so far by E.R. Knight. They all keep you wanting to stay up till 3am to just finish them. :)

  – Andrea Holliday, Goodreads

  One word: Awesome.

  When I read the title, I thought “It was gonna be your typical rebound love story” but it wasn’t. I was on the edge of my seat every chapter and loved every second of it.

  – Aya Batista, Goodreads

  This book is adorable-y, toe curling-ly and fascinating-ly out of this world. It is one of those books where once you have gotten a taste - you just can’t let go. Emily has such a personal journey, that is has me following behind. I love Gage and I want him for myself. I think Parker is a jerk (he should rot in hell, bastard.)

  Rose Fernandes is without a doubt one of my favourite authors, and everyone should dive into the universe of love, heartbreak, confusion, feelings, hate, revenge but most of all - self growth.

  I have so much more to say - But I think that I’ve made it pretty clear that I believe that everyone should read this book.

  You won’t regret it. ;)

  – Laura Emilie Jørgensen, Goodreads

  Copyright © 2019 by E.R. Knight

  All rights reserved. No part of this text may be reproduced, transmitted, downloaded, 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, hereinafter invented, without express written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.

  Typewriter Pub, an imprint of Blvnp Incorporated

  A Nevada Corporation

  1887 Whitney Mesa DR #2002

  Henderson, NV 89014

  www.typewriterpub.com/[email protected]

  ISBN: 978-1-64434-056-1

  DISCLAIMER

  This book is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents, and dialogue are drawn from the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. While references might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places, and incidents are either products 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.

  Love and Lust Series

  HER PERFECT REBOUND

  BOOK ONE

  E.R. KNIGHT

  Table of Contents

  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

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Epilogue

  To the ones that dream of lasting love

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  er-knight.awesomeauthors.org

  Chapter 1

  Emily threw her phone on the covers of her bed. It bounced once and then lay still.

  She was pissed.

  Parker hadn’t been answering her calls for the past hour. He was still monkeying around with the football team, hours after the end of their practice session.

  Emily prided herself on not being the nagging and needy girlfriend, but this was taking things too far. Parker had promised to be early today because she really didn’t want to be late for the musical this evening that was going to begin in exactly an hour.

  Emily was a theatre buff. She had saved up for three entire months so that she could get not one but two tickets for the musical. She had wanted to spend time with Parker. With all the running about due to the midterm examinations, they hadn’t gone out for a long time.

  She had wanted today to be special, just the two of them, but it looked like Parker had other plans.

  Emily turned to the mirror. She had taken efforts today. Her hair was curled up in a loose bun at the back of her head and showcased her slim neck. She had worn a sleeveless navy-blue dress with a sweetheart neckline that showed off her curves and completed the outfit with a pair of black sandals with high heels. Her makeup was minimal and consisted of a tinge of blush on her cheeks, eyeliner that highlighted her olive-green eyes, and a dab of lip gloss on her full lips.

  She wrung her hands while she stared at her reflection.

  This was the second time Parker had stood her up. The last time was when they had decided to go to his house to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family. More like with his uncle and guardian, Gage.

  Parker was an only child. His parents owned their own company in Greece and lived there most of the time. Since they couldn’t be around that much for Parker, they had sent him to America to live with his mom’s younger brother.

  He and Emily had met in college. She had been pursuing her medical degree at MSU and was in her second year while Parker was a third-year student.

  She was an orphan and had grown under the care of her housekeeper who had chosen to look after her after she lost her dad due to cancer. Her mom hadn’t survived after giving birth to her.

  After six months of knowing each other, Parker asked her out, and they began dating.

  They had been together for a year now. Emily still remembered her first kiss with him and also, the night she lost her virginity. It had been their eighth-month anniversary. Parker had taken her out for dinner that day and told her that he loved her. Emily had felt like the luckiest girl.

  He dropped her off at home that evening. But when he kissed her goodnight, they had suddenly found themselves inside her dorm room, tearing each other’s clothes off. They had slept together that night, and Emily couldn’t help feeling that everything had turned out perfect for them.

  The musical that she had bought the tickets for was based on a famous movie, Mamma Mia, and was going to be held at the Orpheum Theatre.

  She glanced at her phone again, willing it to ring, but it didn’t.

  She couldn’t believe Parker could be so inconsiderate. She had called him before she began to get ready to remind him to be there on time, but he told her off by saying that she was acting like his mom and was getting on his nerves. Emily had been hurt, but she excused him, thinking he was just tired and needed a bit of time to relax with the guys.

  The clock ticked by, and Emily tried calling Parker a few more times. But he didn’t answer.

  The show would begin soon, and she was sure th
e theatre would be full today. She was starting to get frustrated when suddenly, her phone rang. Startled, she grabbed it, expecting Parker’s face to flash on the screen, but it wasn’t him.

  Her hopes were shot down.

  Trying to keep calm, she took a deep breath and answered the call. “Hello?”

  “Emily?”

  She had heard that voice before.

  “Who’s this?” she asked.

  “It’s Gage.”

  Emily stared at the floor in confusion. Why was Gage calling her? Where the hell was Parker?

  Chapter 2

  Gage felt that familiar longing that he had failed to suppress rise up all over again when he heard Emily speak.

  Taking a deep breath, he pinched the bridge of his nose as Emily paused at the other end.

  “Hello?” he asked, unsure.

  Did she hang up on him?

  For a moment, Emily was too surprised to speak. Gage had never called her before.

  Gathering herself, she answered politely, “I’m here. Sorry. I, uh, dropped my phone.” Then she rolled her eyes.

  That was probably the lamest excuse.

  “How are you, Gage?”

  She heard an intake of breath.

  “I’m good. And how are you doing, Emily? How were your exams?”

  Emily was surprised at that. She didn’t think Gage was aware of it because it had been almost five months since the last time she had gone over to Parker’s place.

  “They were good. Thank you for asking.”

  “I’m glad to hear that.” He paused before continuing. “I’m afraid I have some bad news.”

  Emily’s eyes widened. It had to be Parker. Had he hurt himself? Was that why he wasn’t answering her calls?

  Her mind went into overdrive.

  What if he was injured? Why hadn’t he called her back?

  “Emily?”

  She heard the worry in Gage’s voice.

  “Yes. Yes, I hear you. What’s wrong? Is Parker alright? Did something happen?”

  Gage froze on his seat at the office. She cared about Parker so damn much.

  “Emily, calm down. Everything is fine,” he said soothingly.

  He couldn’t believe Parker would stand her up. Did he not realize how fucking lucky he was?

  He heard her breathing slow down, so he continued. “Parker is, uh, busy with something urgent at the moment. His friend, Noah, needed a favor so he won’t be able to make it for the musical. He asked me to let you know.”

  He didn’t want to lie to her, but he couldn’t tell her that Parker was at a party hosted by the football jocks and was already wasted from what he heard when he spoke to him.

  “Oh.”

  He thought he heard Emily’s voice quiver for a second.

  “That’s alright. Thank you for letting me know.” She sounded so dejected. “Have a good evening,” she murmured.

  Gage leaned forward in his chair, gripping the edge of the table. “Emily, wait.”

  He heard her pause.

  “Yes?”

  “I was headed for the musical. Would you mind too much if I accompanied you?”

  There was silence on the other end, and Gage thought she would turn him down.

  “Oh my God! I would love that!” she yelled excitedly.

  Gage relaxed in his chair, grinning to himself. This was one of the things he loved about Emily. She was very expressive, and he found that very rare, especially in women her age.

  After a moment, she said, “I’m sorry. I got a bit carried away.”

  But Gage just shook his head. “Don’t be. I was hoping you would say yes. I will pick you up in ten minutes. Is that alright?”

  “Yes! I have been ready for an hour now,” she muttered.

  Gage paused halfway through packing his briefcase due to her revelation. What the fuck was wrong with Parker?

  Suddenly glad he had decided to take her to the musical, he said, “Good. That will save time. Just hold on a second.”

  He dialed a number on his office phone and once his secretary answered, he said, “Harmony, could you please tell John to get the car around? I’m leaving for the day.”

  He waited for a second before nodding.

  “Emily, what’s your dorm room number?” he asked.

  “510.”

  “Okay. I will see you soon.” He ended the call.

  Gage slumped back against the chair. He was going to be alone with her—with Emily.

  The thought hit him like a sack of bricks on the head.

  What was he doing? She was Parker’s girlfriend, and she loved Parker. He was risking too much, and he knew it, but he was already way too deep in this. He had promised himself that he wouldn’t contact her at all.

  He scoffed. Like that was even possible.

  He still remembered the first day he laid eyes on her.

  When Parker had told him that he was bringing a guest home for dinner, Gage hadn’t thought much about it at that time.

  His sister, Sarah, had sent Parker to America because she and her husband were too busy handling the issues of the company that they had founded together. Parker had rebelled against being homeschooled, and Sarah thought that America would suit him fine. Gage gladly agreed to help, and since then, Parker had been his responsibility. He tried his best to give him everything he needed, both monetarily and emotionally. He loved Parker like a son even though Parker was just twenty-three years old while Gage had just turned thirty that year.

  Now the CEO of Price Enterprises Ltd., he had successfully managed to reach the top of the business market after taking over the company from his dad. Gage Price was a revered name in the business world, and he had worked hard to earn that status.

  He had returned from a meeting that day and entered the house to find a beautiful girl seated in his library with her nose buried in a book. Gage halted in his tracks. He could only see the side of her face, but something about her struck him. When she lifted her head to look at him, he felt like he had just received a punch to his gut.

  She had olive green eyes that stood out against her skin. Her cheeks were stained with pink, and her hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders. Her skin looked soft and creamy. She was wearing a summer dress that highlighted her curves, and Gage instantly felt his body harden at the sight of her.

  Spotting him, she abruptly stood up, straightening her dress and hair. At that moment, Parker walked in and introduced the beauty as Emily Munroe, his girlfriend.

  Gage had tried very hard to keep his thoughts in check that day. But each time she spoke or laughed, he felt the blood rush to his feet. No woman had ever had such an effect on him. During dinner, he vainly fought against his desires. All he could do was stare at her. His mind had been conjuring up images about the two of them in bed throughout the meal. It got so difficult in the end that he had to excuse himself midway saying that he was unwell.

  Fortunately for him, Parker hadn’t noticed anything.

  After that day, Gage tried to avoid Emily as much as possible. He thought it was just lust that he felt. So, he had satisfied himself endlessly with different women, hoping he could get Emily out of his system for good. But every night, when he lay awake in bed, his thoughts strayed back to her.

  It took him a long time to realize he was in love with her.

  Each time she came home with Parker, he would come to greet her just to get a chance to look at her. And she only looked more beautiful each time he saw her.

  He had tried hard to erase her from his memory, but nothing helped. Sex was good. But Emily was better. And he wanted her.

  Gage sighed and glanced at his watch. Picking his briefcase, he exited his office and took the elevator down. Walking out of his building, he nodded to John as he held the door of the Mercedes open for him.

  Getting in, he told John the directions, and the car drove away from the curb.

  Chapter 3

  Emily stood up and went to the mirror. She checked her makeup for the
last time, elated that she could watch the musical after all. All her savings wouldn’t go to waste now.

  She glanced at the clock. Gage would be here at any moment. She placed the keys to the dorm in her purse along with some money. Taking her cell phone, she tried Parker’s number one more time, but he didn’t answer this time either.

  She was hurt. Why couldn’t Parker call her to say he wouldn’t be coming? Why did he have to call Gage and tell him to convey the message to her? Had she been too harsh? Was she demanding too much from him?

  She was caught up in her thoughts when the doorbell rang.

  Startled, she checked herself in the mirror before taking a deep breath and answering the door. Her breath caught in her throat. Gage was standing outside, and he looked incredible in his dark blue suit with a crisp white shirt. The top three buttons were left open and showed off his muscular physique.

  He smelled of aftershave and mint.

  Oh, God. What was wrong with her?

  He was staring down at her, amusement flickering in his eyes. She had forgotten how tall he was. Even in her heels, she only came up until his chin.

  “Hi,” he said.

  “Hi.” She tried to smile. Then realizing how foolish she must’ve appeared to him, she tore her gaze away from his body. “Thank you for coming,” she said as sincerely as she could.

  Gage let his eyes rake over her figure. She looked amazing. The dress she was wearing had a low neckline and showed a hint of her cleavage and the heels did wonderful things to her legs. Her hair framed her face and her eyes… God, her eyes. He could stare at them forever.

  She’s Parker’s girlfriend. Parker’s girlfriend.

  It was all he could do to stop himself from pushing her up against the wall and taking her right there.

  Shoving his hands into his pockets so that he didn’t do anything stupid like, touch her, he said, “You look beautiful.”

  She blushed, and Gage once again found himself staring at her. Before he could do something that he would regret, he turned his back to her and began walking down the stairs.