Krissy

by Alexis Philippi

Overview

We tell lies because the truth is too dark. Too revolting. Too painful to bear. We tell lies because it’s easier to invent reality than to accept it. It’s easier to pretend we’re fine. Easier to keep the skeletons in the closet. We lie to cover-up the past, to delete the mistakes, eradicate the memories. But all too often, the lies come back at us and we’re left with nothing but the unbearable truth all over again.

Kristina Charleston is your average woman; she is a high school English teacher and she coaches mock trial. She’s dated men throughout her life but all of her past relationships have ended in her heartbroken. The only constant positive male in her life is her best friend John Grissom. But what happens when Kristina finally meets the man of her dreams, Aaron Birdwell? As the story unfolds it’s revealed that Aaron is not the man he claimed to be. With time running out for Kristina...there’s only one person who can save her. The question is does he love her enough to rescue her despite everything that has happened?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781456742980
Publisher:	AuthorHouse
Publication date:	02/15/2011
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	509 KB

Read an Excerpt

Krissy

---

By ALEXIS PHILIPPI

AuthorHouse

Copyright © 2011 Alexis Philippi
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-4567-4300-0

---

Chapter One

Meeting Aaron

It was a Saturday; I remember this because it was cooler than normal for being a summer in California. I was running errands around town, hands filled with bags, as always, it really should be outlawed for me. I had always been a klutz, tripping over everything including my own two feet. It was my normal routine, same thing every Saturday and that's when it happened. I bumped right into him and fell, which in turn caused him to fall and if that wasn't awkward enough I landed right on top of him. I pulled myself up, my face was beat red filled with total embarrassment.

"I'm sorry mam I really should watch where I'm going," He stated.

"No ... it was all me I have always been this klutzy and apparently today its in full effect."

"Where exactly are you going with all these bags anyway? You're liable to put someone's eye out!

I laugh at his cheesy joke, its adorable.

"I was running errands and once again I overloaded myself. It happens. I'm sorry ..."

"It's rather cute actually."

"Thank you. I didn't hurt you did I?"

"Not at all, I'm more worried your hurt."

"You definitely lessened the pain of the fall. "

"It was my pleasure ... ummm its funny we have been in close proximity and I don't even know your name"

"It's Kristina Charleston. And yours?"

"Aaron ... Aaron Birdwell"

"It's nice to meet you Aaron. I hate to be rude, but I have to go."

"Well can I at least help you with your bags? I wouldn't want you to injure more helpless men"

"Well if you insist ... I'm taking these to my house down the street."

"It would be my pleasure Kristina."

The way he said my name ... even then almost took my breath away. He was so poised for a man, a total and complete gentleman. I had never met a guy like Aaron before; he was very intriguing and captivating. His eyes, his smile, the way he talked, for some unknown reason it lured me in, leaving me wanting more.

He carried all of my bags 10 blocks to my house and even helped me unload everything

"I think I got it all. While I'm here is there anything else you need?"

"I think I got it from here. Thank you so much. I am sure you saved a lot of people from the tragic wrath of my klutziness."

"I don't mean to be forward in any way, but would you like to have dinner some time?"

"I would love to."

We exchanged numbers and parted ways. I sat down on my couch with a glass of wine reviewing today's events in my head again and again. I couldn't believe what had just occurred. I wasn't asked out very often and certainly not by a guy of Aaron's caliber. I spent the rest of the day giddy and glowing I was so happy. That night while I was in the bath, my phone rang.

"Hey Kristina ... It's Aaron Birdwell."

"Hey Aaron! What's up?"

"Well I was wondering if maybe you wanted to do dinner this Friday?"

"I would love to."

"Great, I'll pick you up at 7pm, bring a shawl it will be cool."

"Can't wait."

"Me either. I have a feeling this is the start of something beautiful."

I hung up the phone and set it down as I screamed in excitement! This was it; this could be the guy for me. He is so dreamy and sexy and perfect, and he wanted to date me.

That day was the beginning of what would transpire into literal hell for me. It didn't take him long to call, that should have been a sign to me. I should have known then, something was off with him. Maybe it was his smile, maybe it was his laugh, or maybe it was the fact that a very cute guy was paying attention to me in the first place.

Chapter Two

First Date

Friday arrived before I knew it. I spent everyday dreaming of this date and was so excited I could barely stand it. He arrived at my house promptly at 7pm. He was dressed in this beautiful suit with a single red rose in his hand and a breathtaking smile upon his face. The way he looked at me made me weak in my knees. The first date was so elaborate and extraordinary, what girl wouldn't have fallen for him right then and there. He planned this entire romantic picnic on the beach. It was definitely one of the most gorgeous things I have ever seen. We ate food by candlelight and spent the night talking. It was apparently obvious that we had a lot in common. I had been on dates in my life, but never one like this. He took my hand in his and smiled softly.

"So Kristina ... what do you do for a living?"

"I'm an English teacher and you?"

"I'm in the business industry, you could say. I'm a Corporate Raider."

"Mmmm ... lots of money, check. Very cute ... double check.... Romantic.... check. Well you pass!"

He laughed and said, "Your adorable!"

"What can I say? It happens. So Mr. Casanova what else do you got planned for the evening? Because if this is what you corporate raider types call wooing your failing."

"One minute I'm romantic and the next I'm failing, how is that possible Kristina?"

"You are romantic, you're just not Omg he is a keeper romantic."

"Who said I wanted to be yours to keep?"

"You did by calling the same DAY after getting my number. Desperate much?"

"Desperate? No. I just know a good catch when I see one, Kristina."

And that's when it happened. He was staring deep into my eyes, drawing me in breath after breath. He leaned in slowly, building the anticipation and longing ... and that's when he did it, he kissed me. Soft and sweet, no tongue, or make out session attempts. It was a sweet, gentle, breathtakingly amazing first kiss. I pulled away slowly still taking him in breath by breath.

"How's that for Mr. Casanova?"

"That ... was ... ummm"

"Do you need a minute?"

"Yeah...."

At that point I could barely catch my breath let alone speak. I had never in all my years been kissed like that. There was just something about him, about his kiss, his every move.

"Kristina.... calling Kristina? You still with me?"

"Uhhhh ... Yeah I'm fine, sorry."

"You look flustered ... why don't we call it a night?"

"I'm fine really Aaron ..."

"I just don't want you to pass out from all my amazingness."

"Omg. You're conceited."

"Totally ... so did I pass your Casanova test? Do I get the privilege of a second date?"

"That depends.... what do you have planned?"

"Oh I don't share.... you will see. So is that a yes or a no Kristina?"

"Hmmmm.... I don't know. Why don't you kiss me again?"

"Another test huh?"

"Maybe. Or maybe I just like the way your lips feel upon mine."

Aaron leaned and pulled me into another kiss, this one more passionate than the first but still very reserved. He pulled away first this time, while I was still trying to savor his taste.

"Well?"

"That's a YES!"

We walked back to my apartment, surprisingly enough I didn't fall or anything. We got to the door and he set the stuff down.

"I had a really great time tonight Kristina. "

"I had a really great time too."

"Kristina ... so I was serious earlier ... will you go out with me, again?"

"Yes! I would love to. Why do you keep saying Kristina so much?"

"I love the way your name rolls off of my tongue. You have a very beautiful name"

"Well in that case ... keep saying it"

"Well I better go."

"Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

He leaned in once more for a goodbye kiss. This one was longer than the first and the second, and it was filled with even more passion. But still none of that over the top tongue stuff. I pulled away just as my knees began to buckle.

"Goodnight Aaron"

"Goodnight Kristina"

He walked away, leaving me there alone, anticipating ... our next date, our next kiss, our next everything ...

Chapter Three

Our Next Everything's

It didn't take long from the end of the first date, to his next phone call. I laughed at this back then, his need to be in control, it was cute especially on him. I honestly don't know what it was about Aaron. But there something, something about him that I couldn't describe, couldn't put my finger on, but there was definitely something about Aaron that caught my attention and lured me in.

He wouldn't tell me where he was taking me, just be ready to go by 7:30pm on Friday. And if it weren't for his cute texts throughout each day, I don't know if I would have made it to Friday. The week seemed to drag on, and the anticipation only seemed to build even greater.

Friday 7:30 pm- Date # 2

Before I realized it, it was 7:25pm and I wasn't even dressed yet. I couldn't find a dress for the life of me. I went through ten of them, and still wasn't satisfied. I was in my bra, underwear, and leggings when the doorbell rang. Without even thinking about it, I walked downstairs and answered the door, it was Aaron.

"Kristina ... you do realize your not dressed."

"Shit. Let me grab my robe."

"May I come in?"

"Of course. I can't decide on an outfit. Care to help me?"

"You could wear that and I would be perfectly content."

He smiled at me softly, barely showing his dimples.

"I'm sure you wouldn't complain, and neither would the male population ... but everyone else might. So I better pick a dress out."

He had deserted me after dress number five; he said he was going to grab a beer while waiting on me. Finally, after another ten dresses, I picked one out. But I couldn't get the back zipped, so I called him up to help me. He strode into the room with a smile on his face, more than eager to help. He traced his hand down my back as his fingers clasped the zipper. My whole body began to tingle as his cold hands touched my back. I was at a loss for words at that point. He knew and enjoyed the effect he was having on me.

"Ummm ... Aaron we're going to be late."

"You're right, we should go."

I was breathless by his very touch even back then, and he knew it. From that point on Aaron did things, things he knew would drive me crazy. Not crazy as in mad, but crazy in a sexual way. That night I had almost hoped he would have kept touching me, even though I wanted to wait. But at the time, I was glad we did, the anticipation only made it better.

We left and headed out to dinner at this beautiful restaurant, we ate some of the best food I have ever tasted and drank the most expensive wine. The date was beautiful, filled with intriguing conversation and the occasional handholding. At the end of dinner, he took me to a park for a late night walk. The stars were bright and the moon was beautiful. We walked side-by-side, getting closer together the further we walked. We were nearing a bench when he did it. He slowly linked his hand with mine. It was an amazing feeling, like it was meant to be. We walked down the path and didn't say anything to each other we didn't need to. It was like our mere presence was enough, as if our minds knew what the other was thinking. We got back to the car and he walked me around to my side of the car, I smiled at him softly, gazing into his beautiful eyes.

"Thank you for tonight, I'm glad it was nothing fancy. Gives me a chance to see the real you."

"Well Mr. Casanova decided to take a break for the night, Aaron wanted to show himself."

I laughed at his joke it was cute. Things were silent for a moment and then he leaned his head in slightly and placed his lips upon mine. We leaned against the car, as he slightly pushed himself upon me as we kissed passionately. This kiss was a bit more aggressive than the others; I could tell his need for me was growing rapidly. I pulled away slowly before it went any further; we were of course in public. And that would have been bad.... very bad.

"Umm...."

"You're right it's too soon, let me take you home."

"I'm sorry. I've been burned before and I just don't want to get hurt again. And this is only date number two. You have to make through a lot more than just two dates before you can even think of seeing me naked. And honestly, if sex is all you're looking for then, I'm not your girl. I want love and a relationship, sex will come when it's the right time."

"I agree completely, sex will come when the time is right. I don't want to get hurt either. I like you a lot Kristina, and after the way my last relationship ended I want to do it right this time around, leave no mess for someone to clean up. "So were on the same page?"

"Most definitely, now let's get you home beautiful."

As he finished his sentence, he placed a sweet kiss on my forehead before opening the door for me.

Aaron was a true gentleman.... on the outside. That was where I went wrong; I never bothered to look further than the "outside" because I thought Aaron Birdwell was the most perfect man. I see now my hypothesis was proven ... WRONG, so wrong. If back then, I had looked past the sexy body, his smile, his laugh, his money, his gentlemen like ways, and basically everything about him and really looked I would have seen the monster that lied inside of him, the one he kept hidden until the "time" was right. I see now why I stuck around, why I stuck through the hell and bullshit and the pain, Aaron was good at this, hiding his true self and displaying the image of the perfect guy. I sure as hell wasn't the first girl he did this too.... but you bet your ass I'll be the last ... that is if I live long enough to tell my story.

Chapter Four

Getting closer

The car ride back to my house was quiet, his hand rested gently on my knee. We pulled up to my house, he got out and walked over to my door and opened it for me. I took his hand as I got out of the car.

"Thank you for a lovely night."

"It was my pleasure Kristina. I have a business trip in six weeks to Montreal, how would you like to go with me?"

"I would love to go with you. Business trip huh? What exactly do corporate raiders do?"

"Well if I tell you what I do I'd have to kill you, company policy."

He seemed almost serious in that moment ... almost, but then he broke out in laughter.

"Just kidding. I'll explain on the way to Montreal. But in the mean time, pick you up tomorrow at 10:30ish for a day at the beach?"

"Sounds perfect."

"See you then. Goodnight"

He kissed my check softly, and we parted ways. At that very second I had almost contemplated inviting him in for coffee or a drink, but I knew what that would have led to, and I wasn't ready for that then.

If I knew then what I knew now, I never would have went to Montreal. That's where my downward spiral into his pool of lies began. And now.... now I'm scared to death, scared to death he'll wake up and want more. I've been here for what seems like an eternity, I cant take another round of this. This torture, this pain, this ever-lasting hell, I would kill myself. That is if he lets me live long enough to give myself a choice. If I try anything now, he will wake up, and him awake isn't what I want, hell I don't even think I could survive. Please god let him be dead.

I walked inside alone, and took my routine bubble bath while I drank a glass of my favorite wine. I was relaxing in the bathtub when my phone went off. It was a text from him, I knew before I even looked. He was becoming predictable. But did that ring a bell in my head, send of the psychopath alarm system? Nope. Just the Omg he's sooooo sweet, I'm falling fast and hard button.

(Continues...)

---

Excerpted from Krissy by ALEXIS PHILIPPI Copyright © 2011 by Alexis Philippi. Excerpted by permission of AuthorHouse. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

---

Table of Contents

Contents

Prologue....................xi
I. Meeting Aaron....................1
II. First Date....................5
III. Our Next Everything's....................9
IV. Getting closer....................13
V. John Grissom....................19
VI. The day I should have dumped him....................25
VII. The night I should have really ended it....................33
VIII. Protect Your Heart....................37
IX. Shirtless John....................43
X. Montreal....................47
XI. First Time....................51
XII. Late Nights With John....................53
XIII. State Mock Trial Competition....................57
XIV. I love you's....................63
XV. Birthday From HELL....................67
XVI. Six-Month Anniversary....................71
XVII. Round One-His rage begins....................75
XVIII. Round Two-The Promise....................77
XIX. Round Three-The belt....................81
XX. My Dad's Krissy....................85
XXI. Round Four-the alcohol and knife....................87
XXII. What Really Happened to Courtney....................89
XXIII. Round Five- Aaron's Hope....................93
XXIV. The letter....................97
XXV. The Hospital....................101
XXVI. My Hero John....................105
XXVII. Krissy....................109
XXVIII. Video Tape testimony....................113
XXIX. Falling Down and Getting Back Up....................121
Epilogue: ONE YEAR LATER....................127