“Please don’t get involved, Hayden. I’m begging you. This is my mess, not yours. I’ll explain everything to you if you promise not to speak a word of it to anyone.”
He groaned, torn between standing by his friend’s side and doing the right thing.
“You’re killing me here. Don’t sleep with him again. Okay? It’s not right. You’ll get caught eventually,” he paused. “We’ll figure something out together. Until then, be smart, focus on your love of the sport, nothing else. Fuck him—not literally.”
A sad laugh escaped my throat. Easier said than done.
Truth was, I couldn’t stop.
I didn’t want to…and I wouldn’t.
To be continued . . .
Read other books by Lucia Franco
To my husband, Tony, who went into full attorney mode when I told him my idea for Balance. I’ll never forget your face, or the laws you started spouting off at the top of your head the night I told you what I was writing. Or when you pulled out one of your law school books and started flipping through it to answer my questions regarding the story. We both knew it was crazy from the get-go, but thank you for jumping on the bandwagon with me and allowing me to do my thing, and for the countless nights I spent sitting at the computer while you took over the family. Your support is most important and means everything.
Lisa Maurer. You are a rare gem. Words could not express how much I appreciate the time and effort you put into Balance. The way you pushed me to dig deep and bring this story to life was exactly what I needed and I could never, ever thank you enough. You went above and beyond and tackled this beast with me, and fourteen hundred comments later, you helped bring Balance to fruition. Balance came out just how I envisioned. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought asking you to beta, a virtual stranger at the time, would turn into an incredible friendship full of laughter and lifelong memories. Thank you for everything and more importantly, thanks for being my beta lifer.
Lori Scaman. If you hadn’t messaged me that one day, I don’t know if I would be writing my acknowledgements right now. I wanted Balance to be more about the sport, more than a romance story, and more about what goes on behind the scenes, but realizing how much it had changed since I was a gymnast was overwhelming. I’d reached my breaking point, but your encouraging words, knowledge of the gymnastics world, and unwavering support made all the difference. You’re like my fairy-gymnastics-godmother. You heard my cries and reached out, offering your assistance any way you could. Thank you so much for all your help, the countless rereads to make sure every gym term was correct, and putting up with the mountain of questions I asked you.
Nadine Winningham. I’m running out of ways to tell you how incredibly amazing you are as an editor. You’re a woman of many talents and never cease to amaze me. Thank you are two words that just aren’t enough for you, but I will continue to say them because I am so grateful to have you, not only as my editor, but as my very best friend. Thank you so much for the time you spent polishing up Balance and bringing out its true shine.
Alyssa West. One of these days you’re going to learn how to use Track Changes for feedback instead of voice messages. You’ve been by my side since the beginning, not only with Balance, but with all my books. You’ve rooted for me and supported me. You’ve listened to me vent and cry and have always been there when I needed you, and Lord knows I needed you while writing Balance. Thank you for your honest and humorous critiquing, and the endless hours of brainstorming you did with me.
Author Micalea Smeltzer. Your inspiring words about writing and not holding back helped push me to write Balance. You gave me hope, the courage to write this story how I wanted, and not how I was supposed to. I never forgot them, and I never will. You’re still my goal.
Author R.E. Hunter. I asked you many questions regarding the law and you were always so quick to research them. Thank you so much for your help and for being patient with me.
Authors Leddy Harper, Stephie Walls, and Gabbie Duran. I’m sorry my drafts were such a hot mess! Really, I’m so sorry, but thank you for not giving up on me and taking the time to critique Balance. I know it was a tough job and a daunting challenge, but you guys saddled up and took hold of the reins.
Author K.A. Linde. I still think about that late night, many years ago, when we were looking for forbidden books to read and the idea for Balance came to me. You were the first to know about the series and probably one of the most excited. Thank you so much for your help and feedback. By the way, I’m still waiting for you to write that dance book. No one could pull that off better than you.
Author Elizabeth Grace, my morning writing buddy. I’m so glad we found each other! But can we get on a better schedule once school starts up, please? We need each other!
Jessica Carnes and Jill Mac, thank you for your early feedback. I know it was a disaster at the time, but thank you.
Emily Smith-Kidman. Thank you for working so diligently on promoting Balance...and putting up with all my questions. Your selflessness does not go unnoticed, nor does all the hard work you put in for the book world. Thank you so, so much!
Cover Models Haley Scaman, Ethan Jose, and Madison Mooring of Madison Mooring Photography. Thank you for taking the time out of your schedules to do a photo shoot. I know it was a busy time of the year for you all, but thank you so much for making it work. I appreciate it more than words could ever express. My goal for all my gymnastics covers was for them to be authentic and match, and now they will, thanks to you guys. Madison, thank you for all the extra photos you gave me. So generous of you!
To my amazing cover designer, Letitia Hasser. You amaze me. I know I threw a mess of designs at you for the Off Balance covers. I almost want to say I’m sorry, but I won’t because it’s like you sifted through the haze and saw what I was going for. Seeing how you nailed all three covers on the first try was jaw dropping. They’re everything I thought they would be and more, and I have you to thank for that. Your talent knows no bounds.
E.M. Tippetts. Thank you for doing an incredible job formatting once again, and for all the questions I ask. Your excellent customer service and patience is what keeps me coming back.
To Lucia’s Luscious Ladies and all the avid readers and bloggers who’ve supported me from the beginning, thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you for being patient with the production of this book. I know it was a long time coming and I apologize for that, but hopefully the story made up for it. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys asking and pleading for it. So, thank you! <3
And last but not least, Marisa. Like Madonna, Cher, and Wynonna, no last name is needed. You work tirelessly behind the scenes and prefer to remain in the shadows. Thank you for all you do. You are amazing and I am so grateful for your support. Everyone should have a Marisa in their life.
A competitive athlete for over ten years, Lucia Franco currently resides in sunny South Florida with her husband and two boys. Paranormal romance was her first love, but she has a soft spot in her heart for small-town and reunion romance stories.
When Lucia is not hard at work on her next novel, you can find her relaxing with her toes in the sand at a nearby beach.
Find out more about Lucia at authorluciafranco.com. Make sure to join her newsletter to receive exclusive updates and more!
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