Indelible
3/5
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About this ebook
Judd doesn’t fit the mold of a college ballplayer. His motorcycle and tattoos may fit the life he’s created for himself, but baseball is the one thing he takes seriously. When he meets Sam, he’s immediately drawn to her curves and refusal to put up with his crap. When Judd learns the truth, can he handle the responsibility that comes with loving a single mother?
Sam yearns for the fire Judd fuels in her, but her child’s needs have to come first. Can two people at different stages in their life find a way to make a life together?
*Want more? Read Karrie's story in Frat House Confessions: Ridge
Bethany Lopez
Bethany Lopez is a USA Today Bestselling author of more than thirty books and has been published since 2011. She's a lover of all things romance, which she incorporates into the books she writes, no matter the genre.When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with family and traveling whenever possible.Bethany can usually be found with a cup of coffee or glass of wine at hand, and will never turn down a cupcake!Sign up for her newsletter and get a free eBook! https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/r7w3w5
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Reviews for Indelible
7 ratings1 review
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5I really enjoyed Bethany Lopez's Friends and Lovers Trilogy, so when I found out she had written another new adult romance, I was anxious to read it. Samantha is in her last year of college. She is also a single mom with a beautiful little 2-year-old daughter that she is raising on her own, because the baby's father wanted nothing to do with her. She hasn't let this make her bitter, but it has made her better, as she is now focused on getting her degree and make life better for her and her daughter. She isn't looking for a relationship and in fact, tries to steer clear from getting involved with guys, then she meets Judd, and things quickly change. When Judd walks into the bar that Samantha is in, with his tattoos, long hair, and killer smile, he notices Sam right away. Judd is also in his senior year of high school, and though he rides a motorcycle and has the whole biker vibe thing going on, he is actually a baseball player, and a very good one. Judd doesn't do relationships, he does hookups. He has never been interested in a relationship with a girl, but with Sam doesn't fall prey to his charms, he is intrigued by her. Despite her best attempts to stay away from Judd, Sam isn't able to, and finds herself falling for him, and he is falling for her, which is completely new to him, but when she finally tells him about Karrie, will he run, or will he stay?Indelible is such a sweet and romantic story, and there isn't a love triangle - yeah!! Both Judd and Sam have gone through some hard things and have hurtful pasts, which have shaped their future. Their relationship can't be a normal one, because there is a 2-year-old involved. Judd turns out to be such an all around great guy, despite his past. There isn't a whole lot of conflict in the story, but they do deal with some things and have to make choices that are best for each of them, as well as Karrie, which are difficult. There is a bit of a twist at the end, which I suspected was coming. Judd and Sam are the kind of characters that you want to see things work out for and I liked both of them. There are a few steamy scenes also. Overall, I found Indelible to be a fun, enjoyable, feel good romance that left me smiling.
Book preview
Indelible - Bethany Lopez
tattoo.
One
Samantha
I’m twenty-two years old, wear a size twelve, and am a single mom – things that don’t make me the most popular girl on campus.
I live in family housing. It’s cheap, has a washer and dryer, and makes it a little easier to juggle going to school full-time while raising a two-year old daughter.
Her name is Karrie, and she’s the smartest, funniest and sweetest child I’ve ever met. I never imagined I’d be pregnant at nineteen, let alone raising a kid by myself. But I guess life doesn’t always go according to plan.
At least, that’s been my experience so far.
When I went away to school, I was your typical first-time-away-from-home, irresponsible and crazy party girl. I had a blast my first year. Didn’t go to many classes, and partied way too much. You’d think that was when I got knocked up.
Nope.
My sophomore year I straightened up. After a series of long lectures from my parents and the arrival of my final report card for my freshman year, I realized that I was making a lot of mistakes. I actually started going to my classes. I stopped partying every night and only went out with my friends on the weekends.
Things were going great, until one night I met this hot guy at a frat party and we hooked up.
That was all.
No great love story, no blossoming relationship.
Just a one-night stand.
When I found out I was pregnant, I was scared and devastated.
It had been six weeks since the party that changed my life. I’d been feeling nauseous and really tired. It wasn’t until I got lightheaded in the shower that I decided to go to the doctor and see what was wrong.
I wasn’t prepared for the diagnosis.
I felt a myriad of emotions that day: disbelief,
anger, sadness, and finally terror.
I worried about what I’d tell my parents, and what it would mean for my future. But first I had to share my terror with the one person that I assumed would feel my pain. I went to the frat house and told my hookup that he was going to be a father.
He laughed and said I was mistaken. He had no intention of being a father to anyone.
I had expected disbelief, and possibly anger, but I’d never expected that. He said no matter my decision, he didn’t want to be a part of the baby’s life. He told me not to even put him on the birth certificate.
I eventually told my parents and they were surprisingly supportive.
Don’t worry Sam,
my mother had said as she cradled me in her arms. Everything happens for a reason. Your father and I are here for you and our grand baby. You aren’t alone.
My mom took me to all of my doctor appointments and helped me get on the waiting list for family housing. By the time Karrie was born I had our small home in order and ready for her arrival.
I thought I was ready and knew what to expect.
I was wrong.
The past two years have been the most challenging years of my life. I’ve learned a lot and am a better mother and person because of it. But I’m tired… and lonely.
The friends I used to hang with are living the single life. I’ve made some new friends here, but we all have kids and they're our top priority.
About once a month my mom takes Karrie for the weekend, and I get the opportunity to have some alone time. I usually clean up the house and take advantage of the quiet to do homework, but sometimes I go out.
I learned my lesson though. I haven’t had sex since I found out I was pregnant with Karrie. Not only am I still carrying around some excess baby weight, but the thought of getting pregnant again is terrific birth control.
I’m not saying I never date or anything because I’ve gone on a few. But I never go past a couple dates with the same guy, and I’ve never introduced any of them to Karrie. No way am I bringing random guys into her life.
I’ll hook up. I love that feeling that comes from first kisses and anticipation, but any real satisfaction comes from my own hand. Unfortunately, I’ve gotten really good at pleasing myself.
I miss the touch of a man…
On the upside, I found my G-spot the other day.
This is one of the weekends where Karebear is with my mom. I’ve cleaned the house as much as possible and got caught up on all of my homework, so I have no excuse not to go out with my friend, James. Her parents wanted her to be a boy, hence her name, but it actually fits her perfectly.
I met James in my Religious Exploration class last semester. We sat next to each other on the first day and have been hanging out sporadically ever since. She’s a hard person to tie down. She doesn’t like making plans or having relationship ties. She’s my polar opposite, and that’s probably why I enjoy hanging out with her. She brings out a totally different side of me. When I’m with her I’m free of responsibility. It’s a nice feeling.
When I pull on my tight jeans and low-cut blouse, I smile at the way my assets are displayed. I certainly never filled out jeans this well when I was a size four. I kind of enjoy the ass and boobs that came from bearing a child. It was one of the perks I guess.
After my eyes were perfectly smoky and my hair was flat-ironed until it couldn’t get any straighter, I grabbed the keys to my old Ford Tempo and headed out the door to meet James.
Two
Judd
The first thing I noticed was her ass.
The bar was already pretty crowded considering it wasn’t even ten o’clock yet. I’d come in early to grab a bite before meeting the guys to shoot pool. I was about to put in my order at the bar when I saw her bend over to pick up something she’d dropped onto the floor. She didn’t bend at the knees, just straight over at the waist, giving me a perfect view and throwing my libido into fifth gear.
Damn, I needed to adjust my jeans.
I kept watching as she stood back up, interested enough to see if the face was as good as the body. I’ve always preferred them thick.
Women who were so skinny that their hip bones stuck out just pissed me off. If I wanted a bumpy ride I’d take my bike out to the train tracks.
Her hair was long and straight. I could tell it was dark, but it was hard to tell exactly what color because of the lights in the bar. Didn’t matter though.
She turned to put her purse on the back of her chair before she sat, and I saw enough of her face to know she’d still be pretty in the morning light.
I noted that she was sitting with James before I turned to order a burger and a beer from the bartender.
I knew James from way back. We’d grown up in the same part of town. She’d always kept the neighborhood guessing with her string of partners, male and female, and I’d always kept them guessing with the late night visits from the cops. I guess you could say we were destined to become friends, if you could call us that. James was very careful not to let anyone get too close. That had always been the case.
I figured I’d enjoy my meal and give them a chance to have a few drinks before I asked James who the great ass belonged to, unless something changed between now and then. I didn’t like to put too much pressure on myself.
I downed a couple beers with my burger before I headed to the back to put some quarters on the pool table to secure my spot. The crowd was a mixture of biker types and college kids because that’s what happened when you had a college in a town like this. Some of the kids found out right away that this wasn’t the type of bar they should be hanging out in, but the ones that stayed usually became regulars.
It was low key with sturdy pool tables, a jukebox that played a fantastic mix of seventies rock, and hot waitresses. What more could a guy ask for?
I noticed James was sitting by herself at the table, throwing back a shot of God knows what, and I figured the chick with the ass had gone to the bathroom or something. I walked over to James and pulled out a chair.
What’s up?
I asked as I sat.
Same old,
James replied with a smirk. How ‘bout you, Judd? Haven’t seen you in a minute.
I’ve been around.
I looked down at her arm as she played with the empty glass. Without thinking, I reached over and ran a finger along the spot I’d noticed. Got some new ink?
Yeah.
James looked pointedly at my finger, then back at me.
Sorry,
I said, putting my hands up as if I was surrendering as I smiled down at her. Force of habit.
You just hangin’ out tonight?
James asked.
Yeah, meeting some of the guys to shoot pool,
I said. What about you? That your new old lady?
Who, Sam?
James asked, pointing at the seat the girl had been sitting in. Nah, man. We just hang. She’s straight. Why the interest?
Just gathering intel,
I said with a smile. She looked in my eyes and knew exactly what I meant by that. I smiled wider. That a problem?
Nope. She’s not with anyone,
James replied, signaling to the waitress to bring her another drink. But I have to warn you, she’s not really the type you usually go for.
How’s that?
I asked, curious.
Let’s just say she’s not going to scratch that itch in your pants.
My smile turned wicked at that. James knew me pretty well; hell, we were cut from the same cloth, but we’ve never been together sexually. Not that she wasn’t attractive because I had no problem with ink, piercings, and blue hair, but we’d come to a mutual understanding early on that our pseudo relationship would only last if we kept it platonic. Not to sound cocky or anything, but if I wanted to sleep with a woman, I didn’t have a problem making it happen. I had a one-hundred percent success rate, and I was confident enough to believe it when I replied, Challenge accepted.
James smirked back at me as she accepted her drink from the waitress. She gave the waitress a smack on the ass and said, Thanks, babe. Put it on my tab.
I nodded to James as I got up to return to the pool tables. I passed Sam on the way. I tried to get her attention and give her a smile, but she kept her gaze forward and never looked in my direction.
Looked like it may really be a challenge after all, I thought with a smile.
Three
Samantha
It didn’t take long before the bar was packed with a mixture of horny co-eds and bikers of all ages. I was glad I’d paired a tank top with my jeans; at least the top half of me was somewhat cool.
James was talking up one of the waitresses that she often hooked up with, so I grabbed my beer and made my way back to the pool tables. If I was lucky maybe I’d have a shot at picking up a game.
I said hello to a couple of the regulars as I scanned the room, my eyes skittering to a stop at the guy leaning in to take a shot at the corner table.
His hair was dark and long, longer than I usually liked. It was almost down to his shoulders. He had on a simple black t-shirt, which helped to display the tattoo sleeves he showcased on both arms.
What stopped me was the fact that he was looking right at me.
Staring straight at me as he took his shot.
I knew I’d never seen him before, but the heat radiating from his eyes was palpable. I felt it all the way down to my toes.
When he caught my gaze, the right side of his mouth came up in a smirk, making the fire that had lit in my veins turn cold. I hated that smirk on sight.
Why were guys so cocky?
Did they assume just because you came to a bar you were looking to get laid?
Okay, I’ll admit that in the past that was exactly why I went to bars…but whatever happened to romance?
Guys now seemed to think that buying a drink