On the Rocks, page 1
Table of Contents
Synopsis
Praise for the works of Riley Scott
Other Bella Books by Riley Scott
About the Author
Acknowledgments
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter Twenty-Two
Lennon and Alex's Playlist
Cocktail Recipes
Bella Books
Synopsis
If there was ever a good time and place for love to bloom between two reckless and broken hearts, it surely wouldn’t be in a bar. But for Lennon Willis and Alex Daniels, a passionate one-night stand just isn’t enough to quench their thirst for one another—however ill-timed.
A free-spirited artist determined to outrun the ghosts of her past in California, Alex flees to the sunny shores of Florida’s Gulf Coast seeking solace and healing. Instead, she finds hardheaded bar owner Lennon—and a connection she can’t seem to deny.
On a journey of self-discovery and healing, the two must determine their fate. Is chemistry enough to keep their inner demons at bay, or will their encounters only pour whiskey on the fires of self-destruction?
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Praise for the works of Riley Scott
A Time to Speak
This book is a romance, murder mystery, political statement, and family drama all rolled into one, and it pulls off all facets in fine style. Amelia is in the closet, so far back in it she could see Narnia. Dominique is a great blend of strong with a hint of vulnerable. Alongside the two leading women, Scott has also created portrayals of some key figures in the town. When I first started reading these multiple points of view I feared I’d get lost in all their stories, or that it would be spread a bit thin. Groundless fears, it turns out, as Scott’s masterful use of these points of view only adds delicious richness to the story. It is fantastic writing, brilliant weaving of a story, and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommended.
-Rainbow Book Reviews
I really liked the tone of the book. It would be too easy to have created a dark story of inner turmoil and grief, with negative emotions and a violent display of ignorance and discrimination. Riley Scott, however, tells the story with almost a confidence that, even if it is only possible to win the fight with one person, then that one person is important.
-The Lesbian Review
Backstage Pass
Backstage Pass is a celebrity romance with an out-of-control rock goddess and her new PR rep. It’s a little grittier than I’m used to seeing in celebrity romances, and it works well. Reading a new-to-me author is always an adventure because I never know if I’m going to like them, love them, or walk away and never look back. I had never read anything by Riley Scott before, and I was more than pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. It’s very well plotted and perfectly paced, and I found myself wanting to shut out the world so I could just focus on Backstage Pass.
-The Lesbian Review
This is a great read. Strong personalities, a solid and well-drawn setting and a plausible and well-constructed plot. Riley Scott fills in detail on a wide range of characters as well as Raven and Chris, creating a good grounding for the plausibility of their interactions. Their behaviours are believable, and even when Chris breaks her own rules we can see how she has been swept up in the rush of life on the road.
-Lesbian Reading Room
Other Bella Books by Riley Scott
Backstage Pass
Conservative Affairs
Small Town Secrets
A Time to Speak
About the Author
In addition to having published poetry and short stories, Riley Scott has worked as a grant and press writer and a marketing professional. She holds a degree in journalism. Riley’s love for fiction began at a young age, and she has been penning stories for over a decade. Her days and her writing alike are fueled by strong coffee, humor, people watching, and just enough daydreaming to craft imaginative novels. She lives in Pensacola, Florida, with the love of her life and their four beloved dogs.
Copyright © 2021 by Riley Scott
Bella Books, Inc.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental. The publisher does not have any control over and does not assume any responsibility for author or third-party websites or their content.
First Bella Books Edition 2021
Editor: Medora MacDougall
Cover Artwork: Heather Dickerman
Cover Designer: Judith Fellows
ISBN: 978-1-64247-183-0
PUBLISHER’S NOTE
The scanning, uploading, and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the publisher is illegal and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.
Acknowledgments
A story like On the Rocks can only come to life with the support of a team. I’m incredibly thankful to my therapist, whose insight and guidance has helped me to become a stronger and more open-minded human as well as a better and more authentic writer. I’m grateful for the advice that was utilized in illustrating the personal growth of these characters.
Additionally, thank you to the entire team at Bella Books. When you took a chance on a young author years ago, I couldn’t have imagined the support I would receive and the inspiration for growing and succeeding as an author. I’m thankful to the community of fellow lesbian authors for their encouragement and the openness with which we share our journeys. I’m especially grateful to the late Erica Abbott, whose belief in me came at a time when my imposter syndrome was at an all-time high and whose love and support helped to shape me as a writer.
Thank you to my Twitter family whose humor, advice, and support helps me get through each of my writing and editing days. I’m grateful for every once of you. Also, I’m incredibly grateful to Medora MacDougall, whose insight and wisdom in editing this story has strengthened not only this story, but future stories as well.
Most of all, thank you to my wife—the love of my life and my biggest supporter—for encouragement that never wavers, for dinners on nights when I’m holed up with a manuscript, for always inspiring me on my personal journey of growth and mental wellness, and for loving me through every step of this bumpy life.
Dedication
To my wife, who taught me firsthand that love doesn’t wait for a right time to shake up your life in the best possible ways. To my friends, who have supported me through every season in life—the hectic ones, as well as the amazing ones. To my readers, who allow me to continue sharing my stories and inspire me daily with their love for strong lesbian characters. And to everyone struggling with anxiety, depression, or mental illness—may we all seek the healing and support we need to keep going.
Chapter One
Hip-hop music thumped from the loudspeakers near her head, and Lennon closed her eyes. The music coursed through her as she danced unashamedly. Throwing her head back and forth with the rhythm of her circling hips, she loosened her shoulders and smiled, content with the daze swirling through her brain.
“Cheers!” She heard her best friend Grant’s voice boom through the crowd, as he approached and shoved another lemon drop shot in her direction.
Shaking her head, she grabbed the shot and raised an eyebrow. “You know I hate these fruity drinks.” She scowled but softened it to a smile and mouthed “Thank you,” so as not to appear ungrateful.
“I know,” he said, rolling his eyes. “But if you’d for once stop worrying about acting tough and just drink it, you’d find out it’s actually delightful.”
It was a conversation they’d had a hundred times, and given their propensity to go out on Tuesdays, when Lucky’s—the local gay bar—ran a special on lemon drops and Vegas bombs, it was one they’d likely have a hundred more. As she gulped down the shot and returned the plastic cup to him, the beginning notes of a Cher number came over the speaker.
Behind her, Grant and a dozen or so other gay men yelled and headed for the dance floor. Laughing, she beckoned him over to dance with her. As she turned to
Amidst the crowd of sweaty dancers, leather- or flannel-clad lesbians ranging in age from thirty to fifty, fit men in V-necks and tight jeans, and an array of partiers of all genders dressed casually as Lennon was in her jeans, Chucks, and a Halestorm concert tee, sat the tall, slender woman dressed in many colors. Her multicolor paint-splattered, light-wash jeans contrasted yet somehow worked seamlessly with a newspaper-printed shirt and a vibrant, yellow scarf. Lennon moved Grant out of the way, and as he bobbed his head sideways, he followed her glance.
His eyes danced, and he laughed. Grabbing her face in his hands, he directed her gaze into his eyes. “Don’t,” he said gently, leaning in to kiss her forehead.
He was right, she knew. But, nonetheless, she pushed his hands away gently. “I’m going to grab a drink,” she practically yelled over the loud music.
“No, you’re not,” he said, shaking his head, “but I’ll see you at home.”
She could see him mouthing the lyrics to Peaches’ “Fuck the Pain Away” but ignored him. It had been his latest go-to in his attempt to create a soundtrack to her life, despite the times she’d insisted she wasn’t in pain. She’d put that all behind her already. True to her word, she stopped by the bar first.
“Angel’s Envy, double, neat, with a splash of water,” she ordered when the bartender nodded in her direction. As he poured her drink, she glanced back to the seat where the woman sat. Finding the spot empty, she let out a sigh and reminded herself it was likely for the best—for both of them. Grabbing her whiskey from the bar, she made her way to the lounge chair in the corner and pulled out her phone. She heard a familiar ding and opened up Tinder.
“Shit,” she muttered, seeing a message from last night’s hookup asking for another date. A pang of guilt pierced her heart, but her fingers didn’t hesitate in pushing the Block button on the screen. Leaning back into the chair, she smiled, replaying the previous night’s encounter. It had been fun, wild even, but that didn’t mean it warranted a second night.
Work’s too busy right now, she thought, rehearsing the line she knew she’d give them if they happened to pop into her bar. It was busy, of course, but that wasn’t the reason. Even through a fog of alcohol, she couldn’t lie to herself.
As if on cue, her phone lit up with an incoming call—from her most recent ex. Seeing her name pop up on the screen sent a jolt through her. Too little, too late, Leigh. Too late. Shuddering, she hit Ignore.
She closed her eyes to ward off tears. She could call her back, get some answers to the questions she had, and find closure. Or she could do what she knew would feel better in the moment. Letting adrenaline fuel the willpower she’d been missing for too long, she swiped through her contacts to find her name, finally blocked the number, and then shoved her phone angrily into her pocket.
“Hard pass on that one, I see.”
Lennon jumped and stood upright. Looking up, she gazed into the deep honey brown eyes of the woman she’d seen across the bar. Lennon forced a laugh, trying to catch her breath. “Uh…” she started. “I…just an old friend,” she said. “Well, former friend.” She cleared her throat. “I’m Lennon, and you’ve got to be new to the area.”
The woman leaned back, a mixture of surprise and arrogance dancing in her expression as the corners of her brightly painted red lips lifted into a slow, broad smile. “That I am,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “I take it you’re the welcoming committee. Do you serve the whole town or just the gay bar?”
Lennon raised an eyebrow. “What’s your name?” she asked, ignoring the question. She grabbed her whiskey and downed the entire glass.
“Alex,” she said, looking Lennon up and down brazenly.
“Well, Alex…” Her reply was cut off by Alex’s lips descending on her own. They were soft but she was anything but gentle as she pressed against Lennon’s mouth, dragging her teeth across Lennon’s lips. She felt the sigh escape her before she could stop it.
“Damn,” she said, pulling away. She leaned back, eyeing Alex sideways. Used to being in charge, she had been shaken by that display of confidence.
“Do I get the tour or not?” Alex asked, her eyes smoldering with passion from the kiss Lennon had cut short.
A little thirsty, Lennon noted, but with her arousal growing under each passing second of Alex’s gaze so was she.
“I suppose I’ve got the time,” Lennon said, winking as she signaled for Alex to follow her up to the bar. “What are you drinking?” she asked, looking back over her shoulder, taking in the long, dark hair cascading down around Alex’s full breasts, her high cheekbones, and her perfectly crafted smoky eye and winged eyeliner.
“Cab.”
The bartender in Lennon couldn’t help but analyze Alex’s simple answer. Good in bed. Artsy. Decent taste in music. Maybe just a touch crazy. The wine order, paired with their brief but telling physical interaction, told Lennon she was in for a fun night.
Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Alex while she ordered their drinks. Alex bit her lip, and Lennon shivered. She couldn’t wait to feel those full lips against every inch of her body. She was fairly certain she’d found someone with the force to make her relinquish control in the bedroom for once. The possibility both excited and scared her, as her mind momentarily raced back to summer days, too much beer by the pool, and the thrill of giving in.
She straightened her shoulders and smiled at Alex.
“Just Alex, or is it short for something?” Small talk was a risky game. If you talked too much, sometimes they got attached. Worse yet, sometimes she got attached. But she couldn’t help herself. Alex seemed just as ready as Lennon was for a drink, a quick fuck, and the parting of ways.
“Why do you care?” Alex asked, playfully running her fingers up and down Lennon’s arm and cementing Lennon’s assessment.
“Fair enough,” Lennon answered, handing the wineglass over to Alex before she paid the tab.
“I don’t usually accept drinks from strange women,” Alex said.
“Suit yourself,” Lennon said. “It can be risky, for certain, but I can assure you this one’s safe.”
Alex pressed the glass to her lips and smiled before taking a sip. “Alexandra.” Her eyes shimmered with glints of mischief. “Alexandra Daniels.” She ran her finger across her bottom lip.
“Well, Alexandra, where did you come from before you decided to pop into Lucky’s tonight?”
“California.” She sipped her wine and looked away.
“You’re a long way from home,” Lennon noted. “Vacation, business, or relocation?”
“We’ll see.” Alex shrugged. “Could be all three.”
It was a game. Lennon knew as much, but her body tightened each time Alex sipped her wine, each time she looked into Lennon’s soul with those brilliant eyes. She’d play the game, because she wanted…no, needed Alex’s touch.
She tried to focus on her drink. When she’d left the house this evening, this hadn’t been her intention. She glanced at Alex and ran her finger along the rim of her glass. Intentions be damned, because she wasn’t about to miss out on this adventure.
“Nice,” Lennon said after a moment. She nodded and sipped her whiskey.
“Lennon as in John Lennon?” Alex asked.
“The one and only.”
“You look a little more rock star than hippie,” Alex noted.
“Oh, a Beatles fan by birth. Lazy rock star vibes by choice,” she said, pointing at her clothing.
Alex laughed and set her now empty wineglass on the table. She pulled Lennon close. “Take me home,” she whispered in Lennon’s ear, her voice thick like honey, before biting her earlobe.
Her body tensed, and she could feel the wetness forming between her legs. She pulled back and downed her drink before leaning into the embrace. “I think I will,” she said, running her lips over Alex’s neck. She saw Grant watching and laughing in the background over Alex’s shoulder. “Told you so,” he mouthed.
