Never Say Never (Resetter Series Book 2) Read online

  She had the insane urge to stop and sniff him. Instead, she concentrated on looking professional and followed him to the bank of elevators.

  His office was three floors up from where she met Mrs. Beckett. He stood apart from her in the elevator and stared at her as if he wanted to say something. Sky felt a little bit self-conscious. She suffered through his silent regard and then followed him through the carpeted hallway and into his office.

  Up here in the hallowed hallways of richness was obviously where the executives resided. Every door had a name embossed in brass, each of which had a VP of whatever on it.

  His door was wider than the rest. The office was large and tastefully done. There was a stonewall with little flowerpots filled with live plants at one corner. It had a small conference table at one end and his desk in the middle. There was a patio filled with plants and a view of the mountains in the distance.

  "Nice." Sky looked around.

  Travis indicated for her to sit in a seat across from him and then he leaned over the desk smiling. "I have been keeping track of your educational pursuits, Miss Porter."

  "You have?" Sky was trying not to act surprised.

  But he could see that she was. He scratched his head and then laughed. "My God, it is going to take time explaining this to you."

  "What are you going on about?" Sky asked frowning. "Do you know me from somewhere?"

  He smiled. "I believe I do Miss Porter. Not from some other place but some other time."

  "Some other time?" Sky raised an eyebrow.

  "I am ridiculously pleased to meet you in person." Travis continued. He could hardly believe that she was here. He had waited for her for over twenty years. He would never wish this kind of wait on anyone.

  "We should have lunch together. Talk a bit." Travis suggested gently. He was trying so hard not to stare but good lord she was the most beautiful woman in the world to him.

  "Oh," Sky opened her mouth in awe, "Well I er, I sort of have a lunch appointment with er..." She swallowed. "Of course Mr. Jefferson we can er have lunch."

  "That is the last time you call me Mr. Jefferson," Travis grinned at her, "I am just plain old Travis or TJ but only in private. I actually dislike the moniker TJ but for the purposes of getting in touch with you, it had to do."

  Sky squealed. "What? No!"

  "Yes." Travis laughed at her.

  "But..." Sky swallowed, "but TJ went to Mount Faith. He knew things about me!"

  "As did I. I went to Mount Faith in the other timeline. You were my student and I was your teacher. I was in a wheelchair and we fell in love.

  You were the one who told me about resetters, I had that 't' in my palms. You took a bullet for me, I was so grief-stricken I went back to reset things. 1975 was the year to do it because I wanted to save my brother from being a murderer.

  I met Gwen Fisher Campbell, the very day after she wrote her diary and your stepmother Monica. I wonder if she will recognize me now?"

  Sky was looking at Travis transfixed. "I...what."

  "Go slower?" Travis asked gently.

  "Yes." Sky nodded.

  "Well it's a good thing I arranged to take the rest of the week off." Travis stood up, let's go.

  ****

  They had lunch at Travis' apartment, which was a revelation to Sky. Her pictures were everywhere.

  "You are the friend that Amelia was going on about?" Sky asked as she walked slowly through the passageway. "How did you get my graduation picture? How did you know I had this dress?"

  She moved on to another picture and gawped at them.

  "Garfield gave me your grad picture and that gray dress was something you wore in the other timeline."

  "My creepy next door neighbor?" Sky grimaced, "that guy was always watching me."

  "Sorry, my fault," Travis murmured.

  They headed back to the living room. Sky was feeling a little bit overwhelmed. This was her TJ? This gorgeous guy? She told him everything. The Internet had made her a bit more liberal than she would have been otherwise in a relationship. She reflected on all the things that they had shared.

  She looked away from Travis in embarrassment. The time travel bit was an extra dimension she couldn't even handle right now

  Travis walked closer to her and stood in front of her. "I told you everything too. Well most things."

  Sky groaned. "This is hard."

  "No." Travis smiled. "This is exactly how it should be."

  "So what happened with Amelia?" Sky asked belatedly. She had forgotten about Amelia's bizarre lunch conversation two years ago. "Are you married to her?"

  Travis smiled. "How would that make you feel?"

  "Like crap." Sky's voice trembled, "betrayed, I fell in love with TJ. I mean, you. You could have told me that you were married."

  "I love you too, Sky. It feels as if I have for a very, very long time." Travis got up and walked to her side of the settee and pulled her into his arms.

  "Are you married to Amelia Perkins?"

  "Hell no," Travis whispered in her hair. "The lady confessed to trying to dupe me because I was a commitment phobe and I needed a gentle push. I broke up with her that very night."

  Sky hugged him to her. She didn't know how long they stayed like that.

  Travis was the one who finally pulled away and then cupped her cheek in his. "Sky will you marry me?"

  "Yes." Sky blinked. "Shouldn't we spend some time getting used to each other face to face first."

  "I guess we could do that. How does a week sound?" Travis asked. "You meet my family and I meet yours and then we get married, somewhere, anywhere, I don't care, I just want to make sure that you are mine and then we'll spend the next three or so weeks naked and horizontal. I don't care where, just that you are here with me."

  Sky leaned in to kiss him. "Sounds like a plan. A very good plan."

  The End

  Author's Notes

  Dear Reader,

  This book was a pleasure to write! I hope it was a good read for you. There are two books to follow this one, Addi and Randy's story- Now or Never and Josh's story- Almost Never.

  As usual, thank you for reading. Don't forget to leave a review. If you haven't done so yet you can subscribe to my newsletter here.

  Thanks again. All the best,

  Brenda

  Here is an excerpt from Now or Never

  Skyler's Wedding- July 2000

  "So we meet again, Addi."

  Addi knew it was Randy even before she turned around. She had been aware of him through the whole service and then the reception. In a room full of good-looking men he was a standout so she was sure that she was not the only female ogling him.

  She turned around slowly to take him in fully and then just like that her once steady hands started to tremble on the glass of wine.

  "Randy! Didn't see you there." She was trying for nonchalant. She failed.

  "Liar!" Randy laughed. "It was a nice wedding. You made a beautiful maid of honor."

  "Thanks." Addi nodded. "I almost didn't show up. Sky and Travis were crazy enough to plan a large wedding in a mere two weeks."

  "But you did come. It's nice to see you again." Randy cleared his throat. "Can we go somewhere quiet and talk?" He looked around the crowded poolside of the Jefferson mansion. "Maybe to the gardens?"

  Addi bit her lip and then shook her head. "I don't think so. I meant what I said, Randy. I can't have a relationship with you."

  "Yes, I remember," Randy nodded. "Oh I remember. Last year in New York you said I was a past mistake and that I had no place in your life this time around."

  "That's right." Addi nodded. "I am glad you got the message."

  "I did." Randy shrugged. "I just don't get the reason for the message."

  Addi put the drink on a table and then turned round again. "Okay, come on."

  Randy raised an eyebrow but did not argue. He followed her as she headed down a cobbled stone walkway and all the way to a mini bridge where there was a pond and an u
noccupied gazebo.

  It was quite picturesque. There was koi in the pond there little colorful bodies glinting in the six o-clock sunlight. Addi stood in the gazebo, her hands braced on the railing, her long curly hair in a half up half down do. Her filmy long pink dress floated around her. She looked like a princess waiting for her loyal subject.

  "Can I take your picture?" He asked taking out his camera. This is too lovely a moment not to capture.

  Addi seemed like she thought about it for a moment and then she nodded. "Go ahead."

  He snapped several shots of her and then smiled. "I guess you are used to this, you being a model."

  "That was last year." Addi sat down in one of the chairs in the gazebo. "This year I am writing a novel."

  "That's quite a departure from what you said you were doing before." Randy stepped up into the gazebo and sat before her.

  He loosened his bow tie and raised an eyebrow. "In the previous time you were a doctor in sociology. You should be pursuing a masters about now"

  "You remembered that?" Addi asked flippantly.

  "I remember everything you ever told me." Randy leaned forward and frowned. "I invested in those tech stocks you talked about."

  "Good for you." Addi smiled at him, the first genuine smile he was seeing in a while.

  "I invested some of my money in real estate. After the '96 melt down there were several places going for cheap."

  "And where are you working now, or are you just investing in property? Addi asked him.

  Interest. Finally.

  Randy relaxed somewhat. "I am working at Gordon and Fletcher, chief accounting officer for their telecommunications company. That's the reason I was at the tech summit in New York last year."

  "That sounds great." Addi looked at him and then away. "Really great."

  "I am still not married to any pastor's daughter or have any hopes of joining the ministry anywhere." Randy reminded what she said had happened to him in the other timeline.

  "And I am very much interested in knowing why we can't be together. You have written me off based on previous information from a timeline that I am not privy to."

  Addi sighed. "I don't remember much of what happened. I have this book and I wrote down stuff and I cautioned myself never to get involved with you."

  Randy leaned back in the chair and rubbed the back of his neck. "This is frustrating, Addison. You and I have chemistry. It is stupid for us not to explore that in the here and now. I am single. You are single. I have liked you since you were a kid. Now you are a grown, gorgeous woman. You have to give us a chance."

  "No." Addi stood up, "I have other plans."

  "You have a boyfriend?" Randy asked belatedly.

  "Yes." Addison nodded. "The timing for us is just off."

  "I'd say." Randy huffed. "I don't know why I assumed you were single. Josh never said you were dating anyone."

  He got up and stood beside her, looking down in the fish pond. "I guess we aren't meant to be after all."

  "I guess so." Addi looked at him and her lips had a slight tremor. "I am going back to the party."

  "You can break it off with him," Randy said holding her hand. "I'll wait."

  Addi looked down at their joined hands and then up at Randy the pulse in her palm was racing and she knew her voice would be breathless. "I don't think I should."

  "You should." Randy leaned toward her so close she could feel the heat from his face. She could feel his breath on her skin. "When you do, call me."

  Addi inhaled tremulously and then stepped away from him. "I don't think so. Goodbye Randy."

  "Never goodbye, not between you and me." Randy gave her a bitter half smile. "I have a feeling we were meant to be together..."

  OTHER BOOKS BY BRENDA BARRETT

  Resetter Series

  Never Too Late (Book 1)- Addi finds out she is a resetter and goes back to the summer of 92 to change her family's lives.

  Never Say Never (Book 2)- Skyler's handsome college lecturer, who happens to be her neighbor, has a T in his palms. Should she tell him the significance of it. If she does, would he believe her?

  Now or Never (Book 3)- Ten years later Addi and Randy meet again at Randy's engagement party. Why is it that the chemistry between them was still so potent? Can they ever have a future together? Would Randy choose her this time around?

  Almost Never (Book 4)- Tech genius Joshua Porter had all but given up on love. He then meets Portia, an escapee from the female penitentiary and his life takes a turn for the adventurous.

  The Scarlett Family Series

  Scarlett Baby (Book 1)- When the head of the Scarlett family died, Yuri had to return home to Treasure Beach for the funeral. What he didn't count on was seeing Marla, his childhood sweetheart and his best friend's wife. And when emotions overwhelm them and a few months later Marla is pregnant, Yuri wants the impossible: his best friend's wife and the baby they made together...

  Scarlett Sinner (Book 2)- Pastor Troy Scarlett realizes the hard way that some sins are bound to be revealed, like the child that he had out of wedlock with his wife's mortal enemy from college. His wife Chelsea was not happy with the status quo. She was not taking care of the son of the woman she had so despised from college. And she could not get over the deep betrayal that she felt from her husband's indiscretion.

  Scarlett Secret (Book 3)- Terri Scarlett had a soft spot for her friend, Lola. She was funny and sweet and they looked remarkably alike. But when Lola's Arab prince demands his bride, Terri foolishly exchange places with her friend and they meet up on a world of trouble.

  Scarlett Love (Book 4)- Slater always looked forward to delivering packages to the law firm where he could get a glimpse of the stunning female lawyer, Amoy Gardener. Unfortunately, for Slater a woman like Amoy would not take him seriously, especially when she found out that he could not read!

  Scarlett Promise (Book 5)- Driven by desperation Lisa Barclay decides to make some extra money by prostituting herself after being kicked out in the streets. Her first customer turns out to be a popular government senator and then to her horror he dies...

  Scarlett Bride (Book 6)- When Oliver Scarlett's missionary work in the Congo region was coming to an end, he had a decision to make, marry Ashaki Azanga and save her from being the fourth wife to the chief of the village or leave her to her fate and get on with his life...

  Scarlett Heart (Book 7)- After receiving a heart transplant shy librarian Noah Scarlett started to take on character traits that were unlike him and he kept dreaming of a girl named Cassandra Green...

  Rebound Series

  On The Rebound--For Better or Worse, Brandon vowed to stay with Ashley, but when worse got too much he moved out and met Nadine. For the first time in years he felt happy, but then Ashley remembered her wedding vows...

  On The Rebound 2- Ashley reinvented herself and was now a first lady in a country church in Primrose Hill, but her obsessed ex friend Regina showed up and started digging into the lives of the saints at church. Somebody didn't like Regina's digging. Someone had secrets that were shocking enough to kill for...

  Magnolia Sisters

  Dear Mystery Guy (Book 1)- Della Gold details her life in a journal dedicated to a mystery guy. But when fascination turns into obsession she finds herself wanting to learn even more about him but in her pursuit of the mystery guy she begins to learn more about herself...

  Bad Girl Blues (Book 2)- Brigid Manderson wanted to go to med school but for the time being she was an escort working for her mother, an ex-prostitute. When her latest customer offers her the opportunity of a lifetime would she take it? Or would she choose the harder path and uncertain love with a Christian guy?

  Her Mistaken Dreams (Book 3)- Caitlin Denvers dream guy had serious issues. He has a dead wife in his past and he was the main suspect in her murder. Did he really do it? Or did Caitlin for the first time have a mistaken dream?

  Just Like Yesterday (Book 4)- Hazel Brown lost six months of memory including the summer that she
conceived her son, and had no idea who his father could be. Now that she had the means to fight to get him back from the Deckers, she finds out that the handsome Curtis Decker is willing to share her son with her after all.

  New Song Series

  Going Solo (Book 1)- Carson Bell, had a lovely voice, a heart of gold, and was no slouch in the looks department. So why did Alice abandon him and their daughter? What did she want after ten years of silence?

  Duet on Fire (Book 2)- Ian and Ruby had problems trying to conceive a child. If that wasn't enough, her ex-lover the current pastor of their church wants her back...

  Tangled Chords (Book 3)- Xavier Bell, the poor, ugly duckling has made it rich and his looks have been incredibly improved too. Farrah Knight, hotel heiress had cruelly rejected him in the past but now she needed help. Could Xavier forgive and forget?

  Broken Harmony(Book 4)- Aaron Lee, wanted the top job in his family company but he had a moral clause to consider just when Alka, his married ex-girlfriend walks back into his life.

  A Past Refrain (Book 5)- Jayce had issues with forgetting Haley Greenwald even though he had a new woman in his life. Will he ever be able to shake his love for Haley?

  Perfect Melody (Book 6)- Logan Moore had the perfect wife, Melody but his secretary Sabrina was hell bent on breaking up the family. Sabrina wanted Logan whatever the cost and she had a secret about Melody, that could shatter Melody's image to everyone.

  The Bancroft Family Series