Worth a Thousand Words

WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS LAWSON LOVERS BOOK TWO BRITT MCKENNA Copyright © 2023 by Britt McKenna Cover Design by Molly Phipps at We Got You Covered Book Design Edited by Ashley Olivier at Enchanted Author Services All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review. To Veronica, For hopping on this romance book train, providing so much support, encouragement, and enthusiasm. Everyone should have a friend like you. CONTENTS Preface Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Chapter 17 Chapter 18 Chapter 19 Chapter 20 Chapter 21 Chapter 22 Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Chapter 26 Chapter 27 Chapter 28 Chapter 29 Chapter 30 Chapter 31 Chapter 32 Chapter 33 Chapter 34 Chapter 35 Chapter 36 Chapter 37 Chapter 38 Chapter 39 Epilogue Thank You! Claimed by the Irish About the Author Also by Britt McKenna PREFACE While Worth a Thousand Words is a standalone novel, it does contain spoilers for book one in the Lawson Lovers series, Call It What You Want. To avoid ruining any surprises, readers may want to read book one, Avery and Adam’s story, before beginning book two. But regardless of your reading order, I’m sure you’ll enjoy Heather and Nero’s Hidden Identity love story in Worth a Thousand Words. <3 - Britt McKenna CHAPTER 1 Heather The Caribbean sun casts its warm midday glow over the five-star resort. I sit at the poolside bar and watch a trio of bikini-clad women with flawless makeup strut along the flagstone like they’re on the runway. A group of men in the water observe their progress with blatant interest. There’s good-natured jeering as one man pulls himself out of the pool and hurries after the women. “Would you like another smoothie?” A sultry voice catches my attention. I toss a strand of long blonde hair over my shoulder and turn on the barstool, returning the smile of the handsome bartender. “No, thank you. One is enough.” The man who looks like he isn’t hurting for female attention nods. “Let me know if I can get you anything.” A flirty wink accompanies his words. I maintain a friendly smile, but I make sure it’s not encouraging. If I were actually here for a vacation, I might follow up on his flirtatious offer. But this weekend isn’t about me. My attention is on my twin and her upcoming nuptials. Which reminds me, I really should text Avery and tell her I’ve arrived. But after my hellish week, I need a little time to decompress. Otherwise, I’m not sure I’ll be able to play the role of the happy, doting maid-of-honor like she deserves. So instead, I continue to people watch and sip my non-alcoholic pineapple and strawberry smoothie. An affectionate older couple sits along the edge of the pool, their feet dangling in the water. They hold hands and giggle like teenagers. They remind me of my parents and the type of relationship I hope to have one day. “Excuse me,” a deep voice says from behind me. I turn. My blue eyes lock onto a good-looking guy wearing a white t-shirt and short swim trunks holding a beer can. My lips begin to rise in polite greeting when his eyes widen with recognition. My stomach plummets. “Heather Leigh? No way. I thought it was you.” I force my mouth into a practiced smile. “Hello.” I hold out my hand. “And you are?” The guy takes my hand, slack-jawed. If I weren’t embarrassed by the attention, I might find his reaction endearing. But the truth is I hate this part of my job. I became a model because I love fashion and my Aunt Claire convinced me I could be successful. Eager to pursue something I thought I could finally be good at, I leapt at the opportunity to pursue the demanding career. I was too naïve to realize the success I longed for and inevitably achieved did not mesh easily with my desire for a private life. Don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful for my career and everything it’s provided me. But I miss anonymity more than I would’ve thought. As well as the sense that I have any control over my life or my career. I can’t remember the last time I did something just for me. This vacation is the first I’ve had in over a year, and isn’t even for myself. If it were, there’s no way I would be here. There are too many commitments waiting for me back in New York. When the guy doesn’t speak, I clear my throat. It jolts him out of his surprise. He squeezes my hand and gives it a firm shake before releasing me. “I’m Trevor. Wow. Sorry.” He shakes his head. “I just can’t believe it’s really you.” “Well, it’s me.” I release an awkward chuckle. “It’s nice to meet you.” “Yeah. You, too.” His eyes run over me. His endearing nervousness is replaced by subtle desire. It’s not an unusual reaction, but it’s unwelcome, nonetheless. I turn back to the bar without another word, hoping Trevor will take the hint and leave me to my own company. The bartender stands on the far end of the bar, drying glasses with his towel. He looks at me with a raised brow, and I shoot him a reassuring smile. He nods and turns back to his work. I bring my smoothie to my lips right as Trevor says, “Would you like to come have a drink with me and my friends at the pool?” I lower the sleek glass to the bar top and glance back at him. “No, thank you.” I face forward again, but