Giving My All to You Read online

  A hero’s touch

  Faith Alexander’s guardian angel has a body built for sin. Ever since she woke up in the hospital after a car crash, her rescuer, Brandon Gray, has been by her side—chivalrous, caring and oh-so-fine. Faith came to Los Angeles to find her long-lost father, only to learn that he’s a partner in Brandon’s family business. How can she reveal that her inheritance stands in the way of Brandon’s career dreams?

  All Brandon’s focus is on his long-coveted role as CEO—until he stops to help a mysterious beauty. With chemistry this irresistible, he’s ready to share a future with Faith, but he feels beyond betrayed to discover what she’s been hiding. If desire and trust can overcome pride, he’ll realize he’s found the perfect partner in the boardroom and the bedroom...

  Brandon reached for her hand and pointed toward the water.

  They sat in silence, watching as the sun set in a blaze of orange and reds across the sky. “It’s amazing.” And so was he. How many men would be content to sit and enjoy the simple pleasure of a sunset?

  “I agree.” Their eyes met. “Stunning.”

  The intensity of his stare told her he meant more than the sunset. She gently withdrew her hand and resumed eating.

  When they finished, he settled the bill and asked, “Would you like to take a walk?”

  “I’d love to.” Because they were close to the water, the temperatures had dipped and a slight breeze had kicked up.

  He entwined their fingers and they strolled off. He stopped a ways down the path and faced her. For a moment, he said nothing, seemingly struggling with what he wanted to say.

  “What is it?”

  “I can show you better than I can tell you,” Brandon whispered and lowered his head.

  Dear Reader,

  I hope you have enjoyed reading about the Gray siblings as much as I have writing them! Many of you have asked when will Brandon Gray’s story be told and here he is. You know how intense he is and how often he sticks his foot in his mouth. Well...nothing has changed, lol. Only this time he’s met his match in a woman who might just make him want to readjust a bit. Faith Alexander has no qualms about sending Brandon packing, and I totally delighted in watching the sparks fly...in more ways than one. And I hope you enjoy the ride, as well.

  Up next is Khalil Gray—model turned fitness buff, and boy, do I have a lot in store for him! Stay tuned.

  As always, I so appreciate all your love and support. Without you, I couldn’t do this.

  Much love,

  Sheryl

  Website: SherylLister.com

  Email: [email protected]

  Facebook: Facebook.com/SherylListerAuthor

  Twitter: Twitter.com/1Slynne

  Sheryl Lister has enjoyed reading and writing for as long as she can remember. She writes contemporary and inspirational romance and romantic suspense. She’s been nominated for an Emma Award and an RT Reviewers’ Choice Best Book Award and has been named BRAB’s 2015 Best New Author. When she’s not reading, writing or playing chauffeur, Sheryl can be found on a date with her husband or in the kitchen creating appetizers and bite-size desserts. Sheryl resides in California and is a wife, mother of three daughters and a son-in-love, and grandmother to two very special little boys.

  Books by Sheryl Lister

  Harlequin Kimani Romance

  Just to Be with You

  All of Me

  It’s Only You

  Tender Kisses

  Places in My Heart

  Unwrapping the Holidays with Nana Malone

  Giving My All to You

  Visit the Author Profile page

  at Harlequin.com for more titles.

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  For the readers who asked for Brandon’s story.

  Acknowledgments

  My Heavenly Father, thank You for my life. You never cease to amaze me with Your blessings!

  To my husband, Lance, my children, family and friends. Thank you for your continued support. I appreciate and love you!

  To my critique partner, Leslie Wright. Girl, those phone calls are a lifesaver! Thanks, sis.

  A special thank-you to the readers and authors I’ve met on this journey. You continue to enrich my life.

  Thank you to my editor, Patience Bloom, for your editorial guidance and support.

  A very special thank-you to my agent, Sarah E. Younger. I appreciate you more than words can say.

  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

  Epilogue

  Excerpt from Always My Baby by Martha Kennerson

  Chapter 1

  “Hey, girl. You want to do lunch today?”

  Faith Alexander smiled. “Sure. I’m just working on one of my web designs.” Once or twice a month on a Saturday she and her best friend, Kathi Norris, met for lunch. “Hang on, Kathi. Someone’s at the door,” she said. She saved the page she’d been working on and left the spare bedroom in her town house that she had converted to an office. It contained a desk, two bookshelves, a file cabinet and a sofa for those times when she planned to work all night, but needed a place to nap. She crossed the living room, opened the door and saw the mailman standing there.

  He stuck a box into her hands along with a card and pen. “Just sign here, please.”

  She cradled the phone against her ear, adjusted the box and signed the receipt. “Thank you.” Faith closed the door and frowned, not recognizing the sender.

  “Helloooo.”

  Kathi’s voice drew Faith out of her thoughts. “Sorry. I just got a box from someone in Los Angeles named Thaddeus Whitcomb.”

  “Ooh, girl, you’ve got a man sending you gifts from California?”

  “No. I have no idea who this is.” She shook the box and heard a slight rustling.

  “What’s in it?”

  “I have no idea,” she said, walking back to her office and placing it on the desk.

  “Anyway, Cameron—the guy I’ve been dating—has a cute friend and I thought we could double-date,” Kathi said.

  “No.”

  “Come on, Faith.”

  “No. The last time I went on one of your little blind double dates it turned into the month from hell. You’re on your own this time.”

  “Grant wasn’t that bad.”

  “Hmph. You weren’t the one he was calling ten times a day asking when I was going to let him come to my house. I swear that man had octopus arms and was just as slimy. He made my skin crawl.” She shivered with the remembrance.

  “Okay, okay, I get your point. He did border on stalking.”

  “You think?”

  “But this guy is different—six feet, rich brown skin, fit and easy on the eyes.”

  “Doesn’t matter. I’m not interested.” After that fiasco six months ago, she had sworn off men a
nd was content with building her year-old web design business.

  “We aren’t getting any younger and I’d like to settle down and have a kid or two before my eggs shrivel up and die.”

  She laughed. “Kathi, you act like we’re pushing fifty. We’re only thirty.” She cut into the box, pulled back the flap and saw a stack of letters with a rubber band around them. All were addressed to her from Thaddeus Whitcomb and had “Return to Sender” written on them. She quickly flipped through them and noted the postmarks went back almost twenty-eight years.

  While half listening to Kathi list all the reasons why this guy would be different, Faith opened the gray envelope on the top that had her first name written in large letters and withdrew the sheet of paper. When she unfolded it, a photo of a man wearing an army uniform and holding a baby fell out. She didn’t know who he was, but she recognized the child. She quickly read the letter. Her eyes widened and her heart stopped and started up again. “It can’t be. He’s supposed to be dead,” she whispered in shock. “Kathi, I have to go.”

  “Wait...what? What about lunch?”

  “I need to take a rain check. I’ll call you later.”

  Butterflies fluttered in her belly as she picked up the photo again and studied it for a moment before rereading the letter. Tears filled her eyes and anger rose within her. She tossed everything back into the box, slid her arms into a light jacket and grabbed the box, her purse and keys, and left. Although the sun shone, there was a slight breeze and the early June temperatures in Portland hovered near seventy. Twenty minutes later, she rang her parents’ doorbell.

  “Faith,” her father said with a wide grin, “we didn’t know you were coming over. Come in, baby.” He kissed her cheek.

  “Hi, Dad.” Her mother had married William Alexander when Faith was eight and he had been the only father she’d known. “Where’s Mom?”

  “She’s in the family room working on one of those word search puzzles.” He placed a hand on her arm as she passed him. “Everything okay, Faith?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  His concerned gazed roamed over her face. “Well, let’s go talk about it.”

  Her mother glanced up from her book when they entered and lowered the recliner. “Hey, sweetheart.”

  “We need to talk, Mom.”

  Her mother’s brows knit together. “Something wrong?”

  Faith dropped the box on her mother’s lap.

  “What is this?”

  “You tell me.”

  Her mother lifted out the envelopes and quickly flipped through them. Her loud gasp pierced the silence. “Where...where did you get these?”

  “They were delivered to my house this afternoon. How could you do this to me, Mom?” She paced back and forth across the plush gray carpet.

  “What the heck is going on here?” her father asked. “Who are those letters from?”

  She stopped pacing and, not taking her eyes off her mother, Faith answered, “My father. The man she told me died while serving in the army.”

  His eyes widened and he dragged a hand down his face. “Francis? Is that true?” he asked.

  Her mother tossed the letters aside. “You don’t understand,” she snapped.

  “You’re right, I don’t.” Faith flopped down onto the sofa. “He’s been alive all this time and trying to contact me,” she murmured, tears gathering in her eyes. “Why, Mom? Why did you lie to me?”

  “I was trying to protect you.”

  “Protect me? From what?”

  “You were too young to know what it was like when he came home that last time—the crying out, the nightmares with him flailing around the bed, the flashbacks. I was worried he’d hurt you and me, and I didn’t want to deal with it every time he came home.” She sniffed. “So I left.”

  Faith couldn’t begin to imagine what her father had seen and experienced that would cause such nightmares, but she had a hard time believing that her mom hadn’t even tried to help him. Growing up, she’d always marveled at her mother’s compassionate nature and wanted to grow up to be just like her. Now she was learning that hadn’t always been the case. “That still didn’t give you the right to just erase him from my life.” Faith wiped away her own tears. “And how did you know you would have to deal with it every time?” She paused. “He’s invited me to visit him and I’m going.”

  Her mother jumped up from the chair. “Why? It’s been twenty-eight years. What can you possibly gain by going to see him? Just let it be.”

  “He’s my father and I’m not going to let it be.” She caught her stepfather’s gaze. “I’m sorry, Dad. You know I love you.” She felt bad because he had always been there for her.

  He nodded. “I know, honey. You go do what you have to do. Francis, she has to find her own way.”

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  The two women engaged in a staredown for a full minute before her mother turned away. She had never been this angry with her mother. Sure, when Faith was a teen, they’d had their disagreements, but nothing like this.

  Her mother pointed a finger Faith’s way. “Nothing good can come from this. Nothing. I don’t know why he’s trying to disrupt your life after all these years.”

  Faith threw up her hands. “Disrupt my life? How is wanting to know your daughter a disruption?” She snatched up the letters. “He’s been sending letters for twenty-eight years and you sent them back without ever telling me. The only person who’s disrupted my life is you.” She put the letters in the box and stormed past her mother. “I have to get out of here.”

  At the door, her stepfather’s voice stopped her.

  “I know you’re pretty angry at your mother right now, but try to see it from her side. She was only doing what she thought best.” He gave her a strong hug, palmed her face much like he did when she was a child and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Whatever you decide, I’ll always be here.” Although approaching his fifty-eighth birthday, he didn’t look a day over forty. His walnut-colored skin remained unlined, his body was still trim and toned, and his deep brown eyes held the love he had always shown her.

  “Thanks, Dad.”

  “When are you leaving?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Call to let us know you’re safe.”

  “I will.” Faith kissed his cheek and slipped out the door.

  She drove home still in disbelief over what her mother had done and that her biological father was actually alive. Once there, she called Kathi and filled her in, then searched hotels and reserved a flight and car for the following Tuesday. Although she loved her stepfather, Faith had often imagined what kind of man her father had been. Now that she had his letters, she’d get her wish. But she wanted to know what he would be like in person. Guess I’ll find out soon.

  * * *

  “Are you ready to step into the CEO position, little brother?”

  Brandon Gray acknowledged a couple of people leaving the conference room after the Wednesday morning staff meeting ended. He then smiled at his older sister, Siobhan. “Been ready.” His father had started the company more than two decades ago after being discharged from the army. When he saw the difficulties his best friend, who had been wounded in combat, had trying to get services and accommodations, Nolan Gray decided, instead of waiting around, he would design them himself. What started in their home garage had now grown to be one of the largest in-home safety companies in the country. They provided everything from shower rails and specialized mattresses to custom-built ramps. Their father would step down at the end of the month, leaving Brandon as head of Gray Home Safety. His father’s best friend, Thaddeus Whitcomb, whom they affectionately called Uncle Thad, had joined the company shortly after it was formed and served as the company’s vice president. He planned to retire, as well. The two men had always said that the reins
would be turned over to their children, with a Gray in the CEO position and a Whitcomb as vice president.

  Siobhan stuffed some papers into a folder. “I wonder what Uncle Thad is going to do. Too bad he never got married or had kids. And as good-looking as he is, I’m surprised. I don’t ever remember seeing him date.”

  “I saw one woman coming around for a while when I was working in the warehouse that summer after junior year in high school, but I don’t know what happened to her.”

  “Well, with no one to step in as vice president, you’ll be in charge of everything.”

  “True.” Brandon actually preferred it that way, expected it after all this time. While the roles worked well for his dad and uncle, he’d much rather work solo.

  Their father came around the table. “Brandon, can you come by my office? I need to talk to you.”

  Brandon studied his father’s serious expression. “Sure, Dad. I’ll be right there.”

  His father clapped him on the shoulder and exited.

  Siobhan said, “I wonder what that’s about.”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “Well, let me know what happens.”

  “Okay.” Brandon left the room and started down the corridor leading to his father’s office. He spoke to the administrative assistant, who told him to go in.

  “I just hope this time you can get the answers,” he heard his father say.

  “Dad? Oh, hey, Unc. I didn’t know you were here.”

  “Hi, Brandon. I’ll talk to you later, Nolan,” Uncle Thad said. The two older men shared a glance that wasn’t lost on Brandon.

  He followed his uncle’s departure. Today Uncle Thad was on crutches. He’d lost the lower part of his left leg during Desert Storm and typically used a prosthetic. However, over the past year, he had taken to using his wheelchair or the crutches because of problems with the artificial limb.

  After Uncle Thad left, Brandon’s father said, “Close the door and have a seat, son.”

  He complied. “What’s going on, Dad?”

  “There may be a little delay in you taking my position.”