Sweet Do-Over

Sweet Do-Over

Melissa McClone · Completed · 47.9k Words

1.1k
Hot
1.1k
Views
342
Added
Add to Shelf
Start Reading
Share:facebooktwitterpinterestwhatsappreddit

Introduction

A marriage proposal gone wrong—a second chance to get it right.When architect Marley Patterson goes out with Von Ryan, she never expects her practical, cautious life to be turned upside down by the handsome contractor. Von is the definition of fun, until his proposal sends her into a panic. Marriage is too serious a commitment to make after dating for only six months. Even though she cares for Von, they are too different, so she breaks up with him.Being rejected hurts, but Von blames himself for not reading the signs or Marley better. He finds solace in work; however, his construction company’s success isn’t enough. He wants to share his life with a woman who’ll love him as much as he loves her. She’s out there. All he has to do is find her and, this time, be patient for the relationship to develop on its own.After Marley is assigned to Von’s new project in Indigo Bay, he treats her the same as everyone else—professionally and with respect—though neither can deny a strong mutual attraction still exists. Soon Marley realizes she may have been the problem with their relationship, not just Von’s proposal. She wants a second chance, but after breaking his heart once, will he give her a do-over?

Chapter 1

CHAPTER ONE

“Coming into work on a Sunday afternoon is one more sign I need to get a life.”

Keys in hand, Marley Patterson entered RMF Architecture and Design. Fred Carlisle, a founding partner, had asked her to meet him there on her way to her parents’ house for their weekly family dinner. So here she was. Yawning, because Fred’s call had woken her up from a nap.

“Though sleeping the day away in my apartment isn’t much better than being at the office on the weekend.”

Way to go. Talking to myself. Someone besides my sister and brothers will think I’m crazy.

But she needed to do more than work, sleep and occasionally date.

With a flick of a switch, lights illuminated the office. The taupe color scheme appealed to business clients, but the flashes of teal accents drew in homeowners and more artsy types. In order to foster an open environment of community and teamwork, no cubicle walls were allowed. A desk and a drafting table defined each working space. The only offices belonged to the partners, financial staff, and HR department.

Making partner was her goal. Her dream. Her everything.

She’d been striving for that since she graduated college, completed the mandatory internship program, and passed the state’s architect registration examination. Each design gave her additional experience and brought her one step closer. Her family expected her to succeed and to do great things given her grades and test scores were the highest among her siblings. She wouldn’t let them down.

Marley only needed more projects that would bring the necessary visibility, but she could do it. Several women worked at the firm, so someone breaking the glass ceiling was only a matter of time. She would love to be the first female partner.

As Marley placed her keys and purse on her desk and then sat, footsteps sounded.

“Hope you’re enjoying the weekend, Patterson.” Fred wore shorts, a turquoise-striped polo shirt, and tennis shoes. For a guy in his early fifties, he looked younger. He’d never been in the military, but his father had and it had rubbed off on Fred, who wore a buzz cut and called everyone by their surnames. “Thanks for meeting me on such short notice.”

“Not a problem.” Even if she’d been distracted during her drive here and nearly missed a left turn because of worrying over the reason for the meeting. Clients praised her work, so she didn’t think she was in trouble. “So what’s up?”

There. She’d taken control. Well, as much as she could with an unknown situation.

Fred’s grin deepened the laugh lines around his mouth. “You’re a hard worker. Always willing to do extra for RMF.”

“Thank you.”

“You’ve been putting in long hours.”

Marley was dating but only casually—since she hadn’t met anyone she wanted to go out with more than twice—so she had the extra time to work. “Just doing what needs to be done.”

“Happy to hear that. Because we need more from you.”

“Okay.” Except it wasn’t. Marley balled her hands. She hated not knowing what he was talking about. That kind of uncertainty, what she’d been feeling since Fred’s phone call earlier today, made her jittery. She flexed her fingers. “Am I being assigned to a new project?”

Fred nodded. “Golden resigned. He’s accepted a position with Curb Appeal.”

Her mouth dropped open. Rhett Golden, a lead architect on partner track, defected to their biggest competitor? RMF was Charleston-based, while Curb Appeal Designs and Engineering had offices across the US and abroad, but the bitter rivalry was well known in local business circles. Shrewd clients often played the two firms off each other. But Rhett leaving...

“I’m shocked.” She forced the words from her tight throat. Rhett was as much a part of RMF as the three founding partners. He’d trained her. They’d worked together on projects. The guy talked about RMF as if he were a lifer. She hadn’t seen him around the office lately, but that was nothing new given the number of projects he worked on. “Rhett quitting makes zero sense.”

“We feel the same way, but the move was...a monetary one.”

Wait, what?

Rhett talked about being debt-free after paying off his college loans and mortgage. He’d mentioned saving money for his kids’ college funds and retirement. He didn’t seem the type to leave a stable and enjoyable position for a larger salary.

“I’m sorry.” She didn’t know what else to say.

“Rhett’s not the first to jump ship, but we hope he’ll be the last.” Fred leaned against her desk. “His departure, however, leaves a gap. One we want you to fill.”

Anticipation shot through Marley’s body to her fingertips. She’d been itching for more responsibility to help her get closer to her goal. “I’m ready.”

“Excellent, because tomorrow morning is the kick-off meeting for one of Rhett’s projects. That’s why I wanted to speak with you today. We need you to take over.”

Marley was known for being practical and cautious. She’d learned spontaneity and risk-taking could lead to disappointment and heartbreak. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d squealed or acted rashly, but she was wiggling her toes like crazy now.

Clasping her hands on her lap, she inhaled deeply. “I’m happy to do that.”

Her dad had told her hard work would pay off. It finally was. She couldn’t wait to tell her family about this over dinner.

“You’ll want to tour the site since you haven’t seen it before,” Fred said.

“I’ll be sure to dress appropriately.” An above-the-knee skirt, short-sleeved blouse, and low-heeled pumps should do for a client meeting. Since it was June, a matching jacket wasn’t required due to the heat and humidity. She would make sure to have an extra pair of shoes with her so she could explore the lot.

Somewhere in the office, a phone rang.

That seemed weird for a Sunday.

“There’s one more thing we need to discuss.” Fred’s tone matched the serious gleam in his eyes.

“About the project?”

Fred nodded. “Von Ryan is the contractor.”

Von.

Her pulse spurted, and her palms sweated. His name hadn’t been mentioned in months, but she’d been thinking about him, remembering his devastation the last time they’d spoken. Her breaking up with him two weeks after saying no to his marriage proposal had caught him off-guard. She’d never meant to hurt or embarrass him, but she had.

Badly.

Still, she stood by her decision because his over-the-top flash mob proposal in front of her family and his, complete with a camera crew, showed her Von didn’t know her at all. Not the way a man who wanted to spend the rest of his life with her should.

“If working with him will be an issue, I’ll find someone else to take over the project,” Fred said.

“It isn’t an issue for me.” A touch of emotion laced each word. She fought the urge to sigh. She couldn’t allow any personal feelings to come into this. “I haven’t spoken to Von in almost seven months, but he’s as professional as they come. One of the best contractors in the state.” She’d met him working on a project over a year ago, and they’d started dating. “I have no problem working with Von. I, however, can’t speak for

him

.”

Rumor had it that Von’s construction company hadn’t bid on any projects within the Charleston city limits. Had he been trying to avoid her?

Marley hoped not. She only wanted what was best for him. She wasn’t it. They were too different. Opposites, really. Even if she had yet to meet a man who treated her as well as Von had.

Fred’s posture relaxed. “If you’re okay working with Ryan, I’m sure he is, too, but I wanted to leave the choice up to you.”

“I appreciate that.” No one from the firm had known she’d been dating Von because she kept her business life separate from her private one. Her coworkers had only found out when the proposal video went viral. “What do I need to know about the project?”

“It’s a high-end remodel. Rhett’s plans are on his drafting table. They’re still waiting for approval from the county, but that should happen any day.”

“Sounds easy enough.”

Fred nodded. “You may need to be on site more with this one. Randall Starling is the homeowner. We need this project to go smoothly.”

Randall Starling was a local, successful businessman with the Midas touch. “Is this a pet project of his?”

“His new vacation home, but bids are due in August for a multimillion-dollar commercial project. RMF wants that contract. It’s our top priority this summer. You need to show Starling we’re the only firm he should consider.”

She assumed Curb Appeal would bid, too. Did having Rhett on their staff give them an advantage, since he’d created the plans for Mr. Starling’s vacation house? That might make her job harder.

Her confidence wavered, but she kept a smile on her face. “I’ll do my best.”

“We have faith in you,” Fred stated.

She hoped so. “Where is the project located?”

“Indigo Bay.”

Where Von lived. “Close to Charleston.”

“It’s not that far, but if you have early meetings, go ahead and expense a room and meals, so you don’t get caught in traffic and show up late.”

Marley straightened. “I will.”

She’d never been offered that kind of compensation. Granted, her projects had been in Charleston, but the offer told her how important the upcoming Starling commercial project must be to the firm. If she succeeded, she might find herself on partner track sooner than expected.

Fred glanced at his phone. “Review the blueprints tonight. If you have questions, see Ron or Todd before you head to Indigo Bay in the morning.”

The other two partners. She’d had fewer interactions with them since they focused on the commercial side of the business. “Got it.”

“The meeting starts at nine at the house. Leave enough travel time so you’re not late. Starling is a stickler for punctuality. That’s all I have for you.” Fred straightened. “Good luck, Patterson.”

As he made a beeline for the lobby, she headed to Rhett’s drafting table. “Let’s see what you left me, Golden.”

Then she was going to stop by the store to buy champagne on the way to her parents’ house. This was worth celebrating.

Even if it meant seeing Von again, and all the trouble that might bring.

Last Chapters

You Might Like 😍

Letting Go

Letting Go

363.6k Views · Completed · Becky j
Molly's life was perfect. She was married to her high school sweetheart, surrounded by her friends and family and she was looking forward to the future. But that all ends one tragic night when her whole world is turned upside down.
That fateful night leads to Molly and her best friend Tom holding a secret close to their hearts but keeping this secret could also mean destroying any chance of a new future for Molly.
When Tom's oldest brother Christian meets Molly his dislike for her is instant and he puts little effort into hiding it. The problem is he's attracted to her just as much as he dislikes her and staying away from her starts to become a battle, a battle that he's not sure he can win.
When Molly's secret is revealed and she’s forced to face the pain from her past can she find the strength to stay and work through the pain or will she run away from everything she knows including the one man who gives her hope for a happy future? Hope that she never thought she would feel again.
From Substitute To Queen

From Substitute To Queen

272.8k Views · Completed · Hannah Moore
For three years, Sable loved Alpha Darrell with everything she had, spending her salary to support their household while being called an orphan and gold-digger. But just as Darrell was about to mark her as his Luna, his ex-girlfriend returned, texting: "I'm not wearing underwear. My plane lands soon—pick me up and fuck me immediately."

Heartbroken, Sable discovered Darrell having sex with his ex in their bed, while secretly transferring hundreds of thousands to support that woman.

Even worse was overhearing Darrell laugh to his friends: "She's useful—obedient, doesn't cause trouble, handles housework, and I can fuck her whenever I need relief. She's basically a live-in maid with benefits." He made crude thrusting gestures, sending his friends into laughter.

In despair, Sable left, reclaimed her true identity, and married her childhood neighbor—Lycan King Caelan, nine years her senior and her fated mate. Now Darrell desperately tries to win her back. How will her revenge unfold?

From substitute to queen—her revenge has just begun!
To protect what’s mine

To protect what’s mine

243.5k Views · Ongoing · Winter Rowe
Amalie is more special than she ever thought possible. Why would the twenty-two-year-old think any different after she has been told she’s nothing for her whole life by her family? Adoptive mother of a three-year-old, Ama has been locked up by her family for the past seven years. But everything changes when her old friends, the Alpha twins, Markus and Calyx, take over the Moonstone pack. Finding out that the twins are her mates, she is a white wolf, and has a connection to the Moon Goddess, is just icing on the cake of her life is a huge mess. Ama just wants a normal life with her mates and protecting her pup, but life rarely gives us what we want. She is thrust into world that she no longer remembers and has forgotten her. Amalie is charged with protecting those closest to her. But she has her own past to overcome as she heals and attempts to move forward. Will she come out alive or lose herself along the way? After all, someone has to be pulling the strings, why not pull her along for the ride?
The Badass Mafia Princess and Family

The Badass Mafia Princess and Family

184.5k Views · Ongoing · Tonje Unosen
Betty have been living a lie for as long as she can remember. She have been abused by her parents her whole life, even though she is a broken and abused girl in her own home. Outside of those four walls she is a force to be reckoned with! She is not afraid to do what she need to stay alive!
Surrendering to Destiny

Surrendering to Destiny

337.3k Views · Completed · Allison Franklin
Catherine is not only a rogue half-breed, she is also the result of mate-bond infidelity, was abandoned as a baby and, to top it off, she can only shift during the full moon. When Catherine left the only pack she'd ever known in order to escape the new alpha, the last thing she expected was to find her mate... let alone for him to be the mouth-watering, heavily tattooed, lead warrior of the most feared lycan pack on the continent.

Graham MacTavish wasn't prepared to find his mate in the small town of Sterling that borders the Blackmoore Packlands. He certainly didn't expect her to be a rogue, half-breed who smelled of Alpha blood. With her multi-colored eyes, there was no stopping him from falling hard the moment their mate bond snapped into place. He would do anything to claim her, protect her and cherish her no matter the cost.

From vengeful ex-lovers, pack politics, species prejudice, hidden plots, magic, kidnapping, poisoning, rogue attacks, and a mountain of secrets including Catherine's true parentage there is no shortage of things trying to tear the two apart.

Despite the hardships, a burning desire and willingness to trust will help forge a strong bond between the two... but no bond is unbreakable. When the secrets kept close to heart are slowly revealed, will the two be able to weather the storm? Or will the gift bestowed upon Catherine by the moon goddess be too insurmountable to overcome?
Fangs, Fate & Other Bad Decisions

Fangs, Fate & Other Bad Decisions

175.6k Views · Ongoing · Elizma Du Toit
Some bad decisions come back to bite you. Literally.

After finding out her boyfriend cheated, the last thing she expected was to stumble across a wounded man in an alley. And definitely not one with fangs. But thanks to a mix of cocktails, shame, and her questionable life choices, she takes him home. Turns out, he’s not just any vampire—he’s a king. And according to him, she’s his fated mate.

Now, she’s stuck with an overprotective, brooding bloodsucker who keeps rescuing her, a growing list of enemies who want her dead, and an undeniable attraction that’s making it very hard to remember why falling for a vampire is a terrible idea.

Because if she’s not careful, she won’t just lose her heart—she’ll lose her humanity.
Goddess Of The Underworld.

Goddess Of The Underworld.

175.5k Views · Ongoing · sheridan.hartin
Left at a pack border with a name and a stubborn heartbeat, Envy grows into the sharpest kind of survivor, an orphaned warrior who knows how to hold a line and keep moving. Love isn’t in the plan…until four alpha wolves with playboy reputations and inconveniently soft hands decide the girl who won’t bow is the only queen they’ll ever take. Their mate. The one they have waited for. Xavier, Haiden, Levi, and Noah are gorgeous, lethal, and anything but perfect and Envy isn’t either. She’s changing. First into hell hound, Layah at her heels and fire in her veins. Then into what the realm has been waiting for, a Goddess of the Underworld, dragging her mates down to hell with her. Then finally into lycan princess, stronger, faster, the moon finally answering back, giving her exactly what she needs to protect her family.

When the veil between the Divine, the Living, and the Dead begins to crack, Envy is thrust beneath with a job she can’t drop: keep the worlds from bleeding together, shepherd the lost, and make ordinary into armor, breakfasts, bedtime, battle plans. Peace lasts exactly one lullaby. This is the story of a border pup who became a goddess by choosing her family; of four imperfect alphas learning how to stay; of cake, iron, and daylight negotiations. Steamy, fierce, and full of heart, Goddess of the Underworld is a why-choose, found-family paranormal romance where love writes the rules and keeps three realms from falling apart.
Mr. Ryan

Mr. Ryan

121.1k Views · Completed · Mary D. Sant
"What things are not under your control tonight?" I gave my best smile, leaning against the wall.
He came closer with a dark and hungry expression,
so close,
his hands reached for my face, and he pressed his body against mine.
His mouth took mine eagerly, a little rudely.
His tongue left me breathless.
“If you don't go with me, I'll fuck you right here.” He whispered.


Katherine kept her virginity for years even after she turned 18. But one day, she met an extremely sexual man Nathan Ryan in the club. He had the most seductive blue eyes she has ever seen, a well-defined chin, almost golden blonde hair, full lips, perfectly drawn, and the most amazing smile, with perfect teeth and those damn dimples. Incredibly sexy.

She and he had a beautiful and hot one-night stand...
Katherine thought she might not meet the man again.
But fate has another plan

Katherine is about to take on the job of assistant to a billionaire who owns one of the biggest companies in the country and is known to be a conquering, authoritative and completely irresistible man. He is Nathan Ryan!

Will Kate be able to resist the charms of this attractive, powerful and seductive man?
Read to know a relationship torn between anger and the uncontrollable desire for pleasure.

Warning: R18+, Only for mature readers.
I Am His Wolfless Luna

I Am His Wolfless Luna

331.1k Views · Completed · Heidi Judith
Ethan's fingers kept rubbing back and forth on my clitoris, while his penis kept jumping inside my body. Every joint on my body is sore and screaming for the next orgasm. All too quickly, I feel that electric tension winding tighter, a mounting pressure that threatens to shatter me. My hips lift involuntarily, urging him to continue his exploration, silently pleading for the release I’m so close to tasting.

Ethan also kept emitting deep roars in my ear, 'Damn... I'm going to cum... !!!' His impact became more intense and our bodies kept making slapping sounds.

"Please!! Ethan!!"


As the strongest female warrior in my pack, I was betrayed by those I trusted most, my sister and my best friend. I was drugged, raped, and banished from my family and my pack. I lost my wolf, my honor, and became an outcast—carrying a child I never asked for.

Six years of hard-won survival turned me into a professional fighter, fueled by rage and grief. A summons arrives from the formidable Alpha heir, Ethan, asking me to return as a wolfless combat instructor for the very pack that once banished me.

I thought I could ignore their whispers and stares, but when I see Ethan's emerald-green eyes—the same as my son’s—my world tilts.
Healing His Broken Luna....

Healing His Broken Luna....

102k Views · Completed · Jcsn 168
Do you believe in Myths? Just when she thinks it can't get any worse, it does. Lucy lost everything four years ago in a rogue attack. She's been abused, starved, rejected, and broken. As her eighteenth birthday approaches, strange things start to happen, things that only happen once every century. She finds friendship in the most unlikely place and escapes to find her true self with the help of the most dangerous Alpha. Warning: This werewolf trilogy is not intended for anyone under the age of 18 or anyone who doesn't enjoy a good spanking. It will take you on adventures around the world, make you laugh, fall in love, crush your heart and possibly leave you drooling.
The mafia princess return

The mafia princess return

113.9k Views · Ongoing · Tonje Unosen
Talia have been living with her mother, stepsister and Stepfather for years. One day she finally get away from them. Suddenly she learn she have more family out there and she have many people that actually love her, something she have never felt before! At least not as she can remember. She have to learn to trust others, get her new brothers to accept her for who she is!