Chapter Reveal: Whiskey Undone by Carrie Ann Ryan: Whiskey and Lies
Two Friends. One Nights. One shot of whiskey before they risk it all. Read the first chapter of WHISKEY UNDONE by Carrie Ann Ryan below before it releases November 13th!
About WHISKEY UNDONE
Available November 13th, 2018
Two best
friends follow a dangerous and seductive path in the final standalone novel of
the bestselling Whiskey and Lies series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann
Ryan.
Ainsley
Harris has always kept a secret from her best friend. She’s stood by his side,
helped him raise his daughter, and tried to keep her distance even though she’s
been in love with him for years. She knows he has secrets of his own and she’s
not willing to chance what they have on a possibility.
Loch Collins has hidden
himself and his past from the world for good reason. Darkness always comes back
to haunt those who fight against it, and he knows better than most. One night
of temper, however, forces him to realize his true feelings for Ainsley—for
better or worse.
But Loch’s former allies
aren’t on his side anymore, and now not only is his life and the life of his
daughter on the line, but Ainsley is in the crosshairs, as well. Together, two
best friends must fight for each other and their small town, because Whiskey
has never burned brighter. And danger, it seems, is ever lurking.
WHISKEY UNDONE releases November 13th - preorder your copy now!
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Read the
first chapter of WHISKEY UNDONE now!
Loch Collins knew the night wasn’t going to end anytime soon, but
the pounding in his head wished it would. He’d been up most of the night
dealing with paperwork and his daughter. Misty’s nightmares had forced him to
wake up earlier than usual to open his gym since his morning rotation crew had
called in sick. To say he was exhausted, irritated, and not in the mood to deal
with people was an understatement. But even though he wanted to walk out of the
bar and head to his bed for eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, he knew he
would never be able to, not with his mother giving him looks over her shoulder
as he casually crept to the other end of the bar nearest the door. The woman
seemed to have eyes in the back of her head, and ever since he was little, she had
been able to figure out what he was doing before he even had a chance to
attempt it. Today was the engagement and new baby celebration for his brother
Fox and his fiancée Melody at Loch’s other brother Dare’s whiskey bar and
restaurant. He knew there was another name for the event, but for the life of
him, he couldn’t think of it. They’d closed down this part of the bar for an
hour just for family, and it would open up soon for the rest of the town and
the tourists. Each of the family members had homes large enough for a party,
but Dare’s bar was a great place for them all to congregate and not have to
drive after a few glasses of whiskey. “Why are you sulking over in the corner
while the rest of the family is smiling and drinking?” Loch looked down at his
best friend and raised a brow. Ainsley just rolled her eyes and elbowed him in
the gut. He didn’t move, but he did have to hold back a wince. He’d taught her
enough self-defense lessons over the years that those bony elbows of hers did
real damage—not that he wanted her to know that he’d felt the impact. “I’m not
sulking.” He folded his arms over his chest but didn’t turn to her since he
didn’t want his family to notice that he wasn’t really paying attention. He was
usually better at family gatherings, but today just wasn’t his day. Apparently,
both his mother and Ainsley
had noticed. “You’re sulking. And don’t give me another eyebrow raise. You
might have perfected that for everyone else, but I can always see through it.
You don’t intimidate me.” Ainsley folded her arms right under her breasts and
glared at him, though he saw the humor in those hazel eyes. She’d let her hair
down tonight, and the long, brown waves with honey-colored highlights flowed
over her shoulders. Loch always liked it when she wore her hair down, but she
didn’t do it as often as he might like. Whether she had it up in a high
ponytail or down like it was now, her hair always brought out the sharp
features of her face. His mother had once said that Ainsley’s cheekbones could
cut glass, and he supposed he agreed with her. He glanced down at his best
friend’s lips and noticed she wore gloss today with no color, something she
often did since she’d once told him that she didn’t like how thin her lips
were. When he’d said that he liked them just fine, she’d just rolled her eyes
and huffed something about being a man and not knowing what good lips looked
like. He hadn’t responded, but he figured since he was the one looking at her,
he should know what he liked in lips. Not that he’d ever say that to Ainsley
since talking about his best friend’s lips or any other part of her body was
definitely off-limits. As it should be. “You’re staring at me. And still
sulking. Perhaps even scowling. What is up with you tonight?” “Nothing is up
with me. Go bother Dare or Fox and leave me be.” He hadn’t meant to snap at
her, but he was in a shitty mood, and thinking about Ainsley’s lips hadn’t
helped matters. “You’re an idiot,” she whispered under her breath. “And an
asshole. So, get your head out of your ass and go hug your brother. Because
he’s engaged and happy and he’s allowed to be.” This time, Loch turned to her,
frowning. “I’m not an asshole.” Yes, he
was. “And I never said Fox shouldn’t be happy.” “You’re sure acting
like you think that. You’re over here in the corner while your brother and his
woman are celebrating a new baby and the fact that Melody will soon be family.
Dare and Kenzie are celebrating too since they’re also engaged. Everyone is
happy and starting a new life. And you’re glaring.” Loch didn’t like the fact
that she was calling him out but, frankly, he didn’t know why he had to be here
the whole night. This wasn’t the real engagement party, that would come later.
This was just a drink or two with the family while they talked about planning and
other things that had nothing to do with him. He wasn’t usually this
anti-social, but hell, he’d had a long day, a longer week, and an even longer
year, and all he wanted to do was sleep. It didn’t help that he knew his
daughter was at the babysitter’s at the moment and would be spending the night
with his parents for grandparent time. Therefore, the house would be empty for
him to just rest in peace. All he wanted was sleep, damn it. “I’m only glaring
at you right now, Ainsley. Get off my back and go join the family.” He had no
idea why the cutting words were slipping from his mouth like they were, but as
soon as he said them, he knew he couldn’t take them back. For a moment, he
thought he saw hurt in her eyes, but she quickly blinked it away as if it had
never been there at all. “Like I said. Asshole. What I don’t get is why
tonight, Loch? Why do you have to be an asshole tonight? I just don’t
understand you sometimes, and for being your so-called best friend, that’s
saying something.” Ainsley stormed off for a moment before slowing her steps
and brushing her hair over her shoulders so it fell down her back. He couldn’t
see her face, but he figured she’d put on a smile for Kenzie, Dare’s fiancée,
and Melody. Both women gave Loch a look over the top of Ainsley’s head, and he
figured his best friend’s smile hadn’t been good enough to mask her true
feelings. Well, fuck. Turned out he was an
asshole. But it wasn’t like he’d denied it before. At least to himself. While
his parents talked to Kenzie, Melody, and Ainsley, his brothers walked over to
him, whiskeys in hand, and a spare one in Dare’s grip for Loch. Loch gladly
took the glass from his brother and saluted them both before taking a sip. The
whiskey his brother had chosen wasn’t the one to knock back in one gulp but
rather take in slowly. No matter how much Loch needed the jolt to his system,
he took his time. The three brothers looked alike, and even their little
sister, Tabby, who lived out in Denver with her husband looked like them. They
all had dark hair and blue eyes, features which had come from their father.
There were subtle differences in each of their faces, and most of that came
from their mother’s side of the family. While Tabby was of average height and
slender of build, the rest of the siblings were all a bit taller than average.
Loch was not only the tallest and biggest of the bunch thanks to his career
owning a gym and his other job he didn’t much talk about, but he was also the
eldest of the four. And the only one who wasn’t married, engaged, or thinking
of having more children—not that he was complaining. He already had his one
perfect daughter. He didn’t need any more. Nor did he need a serious
relationship, or anything headed down that road. He’d thought he had that once
with Misty’s mother, but once the baby was born, Marnie, his ex, had signed
over legal rights to Misty and hightailed it out of town, never once looking
back. Loch had found himself alone in his hometown of Whiskey, Pennsylvania,
trying to figure out how to raise a little baby girl on his own. He hadn’t
exactly been alone, of course. His parents had stepped up, as did Fox and Dare
when Dare moved back to Whiskey after leaving the police force. Tabby had
already been living in Denver at that point, but she had made him countless
lists and charts so he could find his way while figuring out how to be a
parent. And, of course, there was Ainsley. She’d been his everything. His
babysitter. His friend. His protector from his darkest thoughts. His savior.
She’d been the person up late at night, pacing with him when Misty’s cholic had
kept her up for hours in pain and crying. She’d been the one helping him cook
meals so he could work the hours he needed to. Though neither of them was the
best of cooks, they’d made do. She’d stepped in when Loch hadn’t been able to
ask for help, and she hadn’t requested a thing in return. Honestly, she was
more of a mother to Misty than Marnie ever was, and he’d never be able to find
the words to tell her how truly thankful he was—even if he hated himself a bit
more each day for relying on her as much as he did. She was his everything, and
yet…his nothing. Nothing more than she should be anyway. Snapping back to the
present, Loch saw his brothers giving him curious looks, and realized he’d been
staring at Ainsley rather than talking to them. Who knew how long he’d been
standing there looking like an idiot. And his headache certainly hadn’t gotten
any better in the time being. “You going to keep glaring, or are you going to
act like you’re a Collins and get your ass in gear and celebrate?” Dare stared
at him, and Loch flipped his brother off. “Aw, family love right there,” Fox
drawled. “I hate you both sometimes,” Loch said quietly. “We know,” they said
in unison. “What’s up with you, really?” Dare asked, leaning forward and
lowering his voice. Loch shook his head. “Nothing. Just didn’t get enough sleep
and, according to Ainsley, I’m an asshole.” “Well…she’s not wrong,” Fox added.
Loch flipped his other brother off before taking another sip of his whiskey. He
let the smoky taste settle on his tongue before swallowing. Dare’s bar had a
variety of whiskeys like most bars around the world, but Loch preferred Dare’s.
The bar had been renovated a few times over the years from back when it was
part of a small and illegal distillery during the era of Prohibition, but Loch
figured Dare’s twist on the historic bar and restaurant with its wide array of
delicious spirits was by far the best. Not that his judgement was biased or
anything when it came to his family. “You don’t have to stay,” Dare said
quickly. “I mean, you showed up, we ate, and now you’ve had a drink. You can
walk home and just be by yourself. No one is going to care.” “Mom and Ainsley
will.” “If Mom knew you were tired and had a headache, she wouldn’t.” At Loch’s
look, Fox added quickly, “I know you have one because you keep touching your
temple. Maybe drinking isn’t the best thing for you right now. Whiskey doesn’t
always lead to the best decisions.” “Considering you’re marrying the woman you
had too much to drink with and are having a baby with her thanks to said
whiskey, I don’t know if you’re the best person to comment on that. Seems to
have worked out for you,” Loch said dryly. “True enough.” Fox looked over his
shoulder and smiled at Melody, who grinned right back. Loch was only just
getting to know his future sister-in-law, but he liked her. Loch knew she’d
been through hell and back—a few times—but she had come out stronger for it.
Fox loved the woman, and anything or anyone that made his brother smile like
that was perfect in his book. He shook himself from his thoughts and focused on
his brothers again. “I can’t leave now without annoying Ainsley, and since I’ve
been pissing her off more often than not recently, I don’t plan to do it
again.” “Good man.” Dare snorted. “Now, come over here and finish off the cake
with us then head home. You’re tired, we get it. Don’t overwork yourself trying
to do it all.” “I don’t.” Another lie. “Yeah, you do. We’re all like that, but
I’m pretty sure you do it the most.” Fox sipped from his glass, meeting Loch’s
gaze. “True enough. Let me get some cake, and then I’ll head out. Sounds like a
plan.” Dare gripped Loch’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze before the three of
them made their way over to the others. His mother did indeed give Loch a look,
but he sidled up next to Ainsley and sipped his drink—just one since he already
had a headache—and ate the cake Ainsley handed to him. Eventually, he had more
fun than he thought he would and was glad his brothers had pulled him over. He
loved his family, liked spending time with them, but he sometimes forgot not to
live in his head, constantly dealing with his own problems. By the time they
parted ways, each of the siblings and their women going to their own houses,
and Loch’s parents off to pick up Dare’s son and Misty for a slumber party,
Loch was ready for bed. “Mind if I go with you to your house?” Ainsley asked.
“I know you’re tired, but I left my laptop there earlier like an idiot, and I
need it for tomorrow morning.” Loch took his best friend’s hand and gave it a
squeeze. He’d been a jerk all night and hated that he’d acted like he had.
Ainsley froze and gave him a weird look but didn’t react otherwise. “Of course.
You need me to drive you home after? Your car is at your house, right?” They
waved at everyone as they left, but Loch kept his hand on hers, wanting to make
sure she knew he was sorry for being an asshole. “I can walk easily enough.
It’s not that late, and it’s a decent night for a walk.” Ainsley didn’t move
her hand from his, and he took it as a sign that she forgave him. Or she’d
forgotten that she was holding his hand. Or was possibly chilled, since
it was the
end of winter in Pennsylvania. “Then let’s get out of the cold,” Loch said
quickly as they walked down the sidewalk, passing tourists and townsfolk, who
were on their way to other places along the main road of Whiskey. A lot of the
town’s income came from tourism, and while the weather might not be too cold at the moment, it was still their downtime. There was
snow coming, Loch could feel it. Once it stopped and stayed on the trees
surrounding the old buildings and landmarks, people would come in droves again
to take photos and buy trinkets. Some would stay longer for a meal at his
brother’s place, maybe rent a room at the family inn Kenzie ran. Others would
join a dance class at Melody’s studio or stop by Loch’s gym for a workout. They
would read the paper with Fox’s stories, and talk about what was going on in
the world as they strolled Whiskey’s streets. Those that lived locally would
send their children to Ainsley’s school. All of them were connected to the town
in some way. Even if they tried to get away, Whiskey was a part of them. “How
goes school?” He pulled Ainsley close as someone bumped into her, and she
leaned into him as they made their way to his house. “Tiring, but worth it. I
love my kids this year, even though I swear the grading is worse than ever. I’m
looking forward to spring break, and we’re only halfway there from winter break
as it is.” He smiled down at her. “I did the same when I was a student. Never
really thought of how the teachers felt.” She rolled her eyes and grinned up at
him. He swallowed hard, wondering why he couldn’t get his mind off her lips
tonight. “No one ever does. And, here we are. It’s chillier than I thought it
was.” He tugged her close as they made their way to the front of his house. “I
should have given you my coat.” She shrugged as she pulled away, letting him
open the front door. “I have my own on. I’m not that cold, Loch. Winter isn’t
over yet, but it’s not that bad at the moment.” “Bite your tongue, woman. Don’t
encourage Mother Nature. Now, where is your laptop?” “I’ve got it. Thanks for
this, Loch. I need to get a few things done if I want to make my date tomorrow.”
Loch froze. Surely, he’d heard her wrong. “Date?” Ainsley turned and gave him a
look that could have peeled paint off the wall. “Yes. A date. I haven’t
accepted as of yet, but a friend asked me out, and I said I’d let him know
tonight if I was free. Got a problem with that, Loch?” He stuffed his hands
into his pockets, wondering how he’d fucked everything up so badly again.
“Didn’t know you were dating.” “You never asked. I date, Loch.” “Not often.” He
winced as she punched his shoulder. “I didn’t mean it like that.” “You’re an
idiot. I’ve already told you that tonight, but I figured I’d say it again. I
don’t date often because I don’t have time, not because I’m not desirable.” His
brows shot up. “Whoa, I didn’t say that. I didn’t even mention anything like
that. Now, who is this guy? And why am I just now hearing about him?” “You’re
fucking kidding me right now. Seriously? Does it matter? I don’t tell you
everything, Loch. And don’t act so surprised someone actually asked me out.
Maybe if you actually saw me,
you wouldn’t be so surprised.” “I see you.” He whispered the words, but he
wasn’t sure she’d heard him. “Maybe if you saw me as someone other than your
friend, someone who isn’t just the one who’s always here, you’d actually see
that I’m dateable. I’ve seen the way you look at me when I’m near other men.
Like that one night when you thought I was with Fox. And yet you do nothing about it. You stand there and act surprised that I’m going
on a date, yet you won’t even look at me. You don’t see me.” Loch growled low before taking a step closer to her. “I
see you, Ainsley. That’s the fucking problem.” Then, he took her mouth with his
and knew he’d made a mistake at the first touch. But she didn’t back away. And
neither did he.
Want to catch up on the Whiskey and Lies series?
About WHISKEY SECRETS (Whiskey and Lies #1)
Sparks fly between a former cop-turned-bartender and his new innkeeper in the first installment of a Montgomery Ink spin-off series from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan.
Dare Collins is a man who knows his whiskey and women—or at least that’s what he tells himself. When his family decides to hire on a new innkeeper for the inn above his bar and restaurant, he’s more than reluctant. Especially when he meets the new hire. But he’ll soon find that he has no choice but to work with this city girl and accept her new ideas and the burning attraction between them.
Kenzie Owens left her old life and an abusive relationship behind her—or so she thought. She figures she’ll be safe in Whiskey, Pennsylvania but after one look at her new boss, Dare Collins, she might still be in danger, or at least her heart. And when her past catches up with her despite her attempts to avoid it, it’s more than her heart on the line. This time, it might mean her life.
Get your hands on WHISKEY SECRETS!
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