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The past will always be between them
He swore he’d never return home. Then a flat tire lands Dean Presley back in Grass Lake, Tennessee, and he’s forced to confront the woman he left behind. Faith Stratton was once the love of his life. Now her gifted brother could be the rising Nashville star Dean needs for his struggling music label. But it means taking Sawyer away from the horse therapy farm that Faith’s so proud of. That won’t be easy, especially since those old feelings that started all the trouble... Well, let’s just say he can’t go back there, because he doesn’t want to relive the memories of the terrible accident that drove them apart.
Faith started to laugh, because it was that or cry.
“What are you laughing at?” Dean asked as he fought a smile.
Faith got up on her knees and lifted a muddy hand, smacking it down on his shoulder. “We’re hopeless.”
Dean stared at the new mud print on his shirt. “That’s going to cost you.”
“I’m not scared of you,” Faith said, making a second attempt at standing. “You look more afraid of getting dirty than I do.”
The challenge had been presented, and Dean Presley didn’t back down from a challenge. Faith wasn’t sure how she could have forgotten. Dean used both hands to grab fistfuls of slop.
“Not scared, huh?”
Faith’s heart beat a little faster. If she didn’t move, she’d be washing mud out of her hair for sure.
The twinkle in his eyes reminded her of the boy she once loved.
There is nothing more important to me than family. I have two younger brothers whom I have always felt the need to look out for, even as they have grown into men with their own families. So I can relate to Faith Stratton in so many ways. Faith and her brother, Sawyer, have relied on each other since they were little. When their father died and left them in charge of running his horse farm and equine therapy center, their need to watch out for one another only grew stronger.
Dean Presley understands the importance of being there for a sibling, as well. Only, he’s struggling with the guilt of not being there for his sister when she needed him. Twelve years ago, Dean left Grass Lake, Tennessee, with no desire to return. He’d rather stay away than face the reminders of what was lost there. His new responsibility is to his record company, Grace Note Records. And what Grace Note needs is some new talent. Talent that Sawyer Stratton has in spades.
The Girl He Used to Love is a story about knowing not only when to hold on and when to let go, but what to hold on to, as well. I love my brothers, but I know I have to let them make their own way in this world—even if I am the older and wiser big sister.
I hope you enjoy this first story in the Grace Note Records series. It’s bound to be a bumpy ride, but the happy-ever-after is always worth it!
xoxo,
Amy Vastine
The Girl He Used to Love
Amy Vastine
AMY VASTINE has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now she enjoys creating happily-ever-afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart turned husband, three fun-loving children and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog. Visit her at www.amyvastine.com.
To my brothers, Andrew and Adam. Always remember that I will be there to pick you up when you fall...but give me a minute to finish laughing!
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