Even Angels Fall (Love Prevails Book 1), page 1
Even Angels Fall
Elisabeth Garner
Copyright © 2021 Elisabeth Garner
All rights reserved.
ISBN-13: 978-1-7371122-0-4
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.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are being used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
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Credit to Katerina Holmes for the original photo used in creating the cover art.
Credit to Daniel Kelleghan and Kapow Headshots for the author headshot.
Created with Vellum
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Contents
Also by Elisabeth Garner
Content Warning
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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
Epilogue
Afterword
About the Author
My love - You always listened to me prattle on endlessly about my book and never complained. That in itself deserves the biggest thanks. Thank you for ‘giving me permission’ and encouraging me to follow my dreams and lock myself in my ‘fortress of solitude’ and type for hours on end. You are my everything.
Chickadee - Keep on reading and being inquisitive and amazing.
I’m so proud of you!
Mom and Dad - Where do I start? Thank you for buying me all those books growing up and then building me even bigger bookshelves when I ran out of room… and helping me with that whole ‘English Major’ thing - I think it paid off. ;) I love you!
“Levmya” - There aren’t enough Starbucks gift cards to thank you! You’ve been my editor, cheerleader, sounding board, plot hole finder, and have always answered the litany of questions I threw at you. Thank you!
“Annelise” - Thank you for being my living thesaurus and random idea generator! I’m so glad you found your ‘Charlie’.
Little one! - Thank you for letting me grill you for location details…and introducing me to so many of the places I used for location inspiration… And for letting me hide away and work in the chill zone. Bubble tea and lattes and tequila forever!
“Gwyn” - Thank you for all the caffeine you sent my way! Many, many days of writing relied upon it.
“Tenagra” - Thank you for cheering me on and writing with me.
My Chicago Buddy - Thank you for all the tea and the encouragement and for being my first reader and proofer!
Aunt Kelly - You’ve consistently inspired me to embrace my passion. I am forever grateful. Thank you for always encouraging my sparkles.
Beta Readers, ARC readers, and TikTok crew - YOU ALL ARE AMAZING! Thank you for helping ‘my book baby’ get polished and off the ground and for the constant hype party!
‘Gavin’ - Thanks for the memories and lessons.
Also by Elisabeth Garner
The “Love Prevails” Series (New Adult/Romance)
Even Angels Fall (#1)
Even Hearts Struggle (#2) - Coming November 2021
Even Love Reveals (#3) - Coming Spring 2022
Even Hope Returns (#4) - Coming Summer 2022
Content Warning
Even Angels Fall is a New Adult Romance with a happy ending, but there are elements that might be triggering to some readers. Examples of toxic, mildly abusive relationships, mild violence, and drinking are within this novel.
For readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.
“The most painful thing is losing yourself in the process of loving someone too much, and forgetting that you are special, too.”
― Ernest Hemingway
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Chapter 1
Christopher
She was stunning, and I couldn’t take my eyes off her since she’d accidentally bumped into me. The bouncy, golden blonde ponytail. Who has hair that shiny? Those dark jeans that hugged her long legs in all the right places. How tall is she? I know a lot of guys typically wanted to date a shorter girl, but one of my weaknesses was a girl who could look me in the eye without having to wear heels or stand on a step. Who is this vision in blue? She and the two other ladies she walked in with grabbed one of the last open tables.
I watched as the brunette of the group ordered their first round of drinks. It looked like a classic girls’ night out my sister would be part of. Stop staring like a creep. I glanced down at my drink and shook my head. Why am I even out tonight? Oh yeah, I promised my sister I would try having a social life. Laughter and a snort caught my attention. I glanced up at the table of three ladies and saw all of them cracking up over something. The blonde threw her head back as she laughed and wiped tears from her eyes. Her joy was infectious, and I found myself smiling. Should I go talk to her? I don’t want to be ‘that’ guy though. Ugh. I took a drink and tried to keep my eyes on the bar in front of me. That lasted a whole thirty seconds before I looked over at their table and found myself lost in sparkling blue eyes. My breath froze in my chest until I saw three guys walk past me. She and her friends were staring at them. Hell, most of the bar was. The trio of men grabbed three spots near my seat at the bar.
“Dude, did you see that table of three hot chicks totally checking us out?”
“Yeah, I did, but why wouldn’t they? Have you seen me?”
They all laughed, and I heard someone smack a shoulder or back.
“Who’s getting the first round?”
I hated eavesdropping, but it wasn’t like I was trying to. Even with the general noise of the dimly lit bar, they weren’t exactly being quiet. I was trying not to roll my eyes as they discussed which craft beer they were going to order when my phone buzzed in my pocket.
Ivy: < Please tell me you are not hiding in your apartment tonight. >
I shook my head. Sisters.
Christopher: < No. I’m actually out at a bar, as promised. >
Ivy: < I don’t believe you. Pictures, or it didn’t happen. >
I rolled my eyes and sent her a selfie of me looking annoyed at her shenanigans.
Christopher: < Satisfied? >
Ivy < Holy crap. I’m so proud of you. Now, go be social. I want to hear all about it later. >
I slipped my phone back into my pocket and sighed. Maybe I should go talk to that woman.
“Bro that blonde with the fine ass and the ponytail hasn’t taken her eyes off you. You gonna go after that?”
The Neanderthals regained my attention, and I wondered what unsuspecting woman was at the receiving end of their attention.
He made a non-committal sound. “I might. I mean, she's pretty hot. Did you see what else comes with that ass? I’d love to get my hands on a piece of that. Maybe I’ll buy them a round of drinks and see how that goes. If she’s not interested, which is highly unlikely, maybe the other blonde will be.”
“Gav, you on blondes now?”
He snickered. “Rumor has it they have more fun. I’d like to test that theory.”
I rolled my eyes. These guys sounded like complete pigs.
Another Jack and Coke later, I had just about talked myself into walking over to the table she was sitting at, I glanced over and saw the blonde guy from the Neanderthal group approaching them. Great. There’s no competing with that cocky over-confidence. I should have gone over there earlier. Too late now. I couldn’t help but watch for her reaction. She jumped at his arrival...they all did. There was a conversation, and the brunette sitting next to her had a smug and mischievous look on her face. There was something about her grin and that wicked gleam in her eye that screamed ‘I dare you’. If I had to guess, she’s probably the overprotective best friend. There was always one in every group. My sister filled that role in her circle of best friends.
By the time I finished my drink, I saw that guy and the blonde beauty at the bar looking extremely cozy. Ugh. I hope she’s smarter than that. He looked like the classic one-night-stand heartbreaker. I paid my tab and left before he could return to the table and report back to his friends. Some things I just didn’t want to know.
Evie
Tonight is going to be amazing. I can just feel it! I was out with my girls tonight. My besties. The ones who have always been by my side. Now, I was hoping they could help me out in the wing woman department, but that wasn’t the goal of tonig
“What’s got you thinking so hard over there?”
I glanced up and saw Kathryn’s amused smirk. “Hmm?” How long was I checked out?
“You zoned out, hard and have been stirring your ice for two minutes. Everything okay in that pretty little head of yours?”
Bernie snickered and flipped her glossy, dark brown hair over her shoulder. “If she’s thinking that hard, we haven’t had enough to drink yet. Next round is on me, ladies.”
I wanted to stop her and offer to pay, seeing as she was no longer employed, but I didn't. No sense in hurting her pride. She needs this night out as much as I do.
Bernie was halfway to the bar when Kathryn slid over to the stool next to me, leaning close to me so we could talk without having to shout. “Did she actually leave that hellhole of a job?”
I nodded while watching my best friend lean on the bar and flash a flirty smile to the bartender. “I was outside waiting for her when she put in her notice. I don’t think I've ever been so proud of her.”
“What’s the plan now?”
“I told her to take a couple weeks to reset and then I’d help her find another job. One that won’t try to consume or destroy her soul.”
Kathryn narrowed her eyes and watched Bernie for a few seconds. “I think she needs a fling or a someone in her life.”
A dry chuckle bubbled out of me. “She and I both, though I’m not sure how hard either of us are willing to try to ‘land’ someone right now.” I glanced at my petite, blonde friend. “Are you wanting everyone to find someone now that you’ve found Eric?”
“Isn’t that part of the reason you wanted me here tonight? To play wing woman? Also, I wouldn’t be sad if I had someone to double date with.”
Three Amaretto Stone Sours hit the center of our small table. “I had the bartender sugar the rim of the glass and add a splash of Prosecco. It’s going to blow your minds. Drink up, ladies, Evie’s getting the next round.” Bernie winked at me. She’d barely sat down and taken two sips when her perfectly shaped eyebrows shot up. "Something even better than these drinks just walked in."
Bernie typically went for the ‘tall, dark, and sinful’ vibe, and judging by the smolder in her eyes, someone fitting that description had entered the bar. Kathryn and I turned to see what the fuss was all about and were not disappointed. Three visions of classic male perfection had just walked into the bar, each one somehow more handsome than the next. Hello gorgeous. I turned back to Bernie and let out a low whistle. "Well damn, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of that in my life."
“Go talk to them, then. The odds are in your favor.” Her eyes were still focused on them.
I snickered and shook my head. Right. Like any of them are going to want to talk to my nerdy, bookworm self. The last time a guy found out about my immense love of books, he scoffed and told me to get a ‘real’ hobby. Why would these grown-up frat boys be any different? “I appreciate your confidence in me, even if it is slightly misplaced.” I turned again to find the trio settling in at a table on the opposite side of the ‘L’ shaped the bar. Where do guys like that even come from? There was one in particular who grabbed my attention. He was tall, had just the right amount of muscle, but it was those electric blue eyes of his that grabbed my attention. I’d love to get lost in those eyes.
I must have had a wistful expression on my face or let out a sigh or something because my 'viewing' was cut short by a snicker. "It’s obvious you’re enjoying the view, but could you try to not drool all over yourself and the table? I didn't bring any bibs tonight." Bernie was reaching over with one of the cocktail napkins. “Here. This is the best I can offer on such short notice.”
I threw my straw wrapper at her. "Oh, shut up! I'm not drooling, I’m admiring."
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, whatever helps you sleep at night. I still think you should talk to him instead of staring at him like a creeper.” Her eyes glimmered with mischief.
Maybe she’s right. I can talk to him...right? I couldn't help myself and turned to sneak another peek and stared straight into those electric blue eyes again. He winked at me, acknowledging he’d caught me checking him out. I bit my glossed lip and smiled sheepishly. Outright ogling was not something I did, and it was definitely not something I wanted to be caught doing. I turned back to the girls, trying to hide my face with my hand. "And I'm busted."
Kathryn giggled. “He saw you checking him out?”
“Yep.” I stifled a small groan.
“That’s great! You have the perfect chance to go talk to him now.”
Noticing our nearly empty glasses, I sat up a little straighter. “How about after another round of drinks? Maybe some more liquid courage will help me out.”
Bernie shot me a warning glance. “Maybe only one more drink before talking to him. You and I both know you get really honest and chatty after too many drinks.”
"You make it sound like being honest and chatty are bad things.” I rolled my eyes. “Well, ladies, what are we having this time? More Amaretto Sours or something else?"
“Can we try something new?” Kathryn wiggled on her stool, causing her blonde curls to bounce. “I heard one of my coworkers talking about a drink called a Cucumber Fizz. I think it's ginger ale, cucumber vodka, and a few other tasty things. She said it was amazing.”
“A Cucumber Fizz, you say?” All three of us turned, startled by the unfamiliar voice. And once again, I found myself caught in those piercing blue eyes. Did he just walk over to our table? There’s no way I’m this lucky.
Kathryn was the first to regain her ability to speak. "Yes? Have you had it before?"
He grinned at her. Holy shit, is that a dimple? I felt my pulse quicken.
"I can’t say I’ve even heard of it before. It sounds interesting, though. Would you ladies be interested in trying one? My treat."
"Well," Bernie smirked and cocked her head to one side in intrigue, "I would, but my mother told me to never accept drinks from a stranger."
"Your mother is a wise person." He paused and leaned on the table, facing her. "How about we make a deal?"
"And what would that be?" Now I was intrigued.
He shot me a grin, and my heart ceased functioning properly. “One of you fine ladies can join me when I go and order your drinks. You can watch the bartender make them and even help me bring them back to the table.” He leaned on the table and glanced toward Bernie, “Do you find this plan acceptable?”
She crossed her arms and stared up at him. "I suppose I do." A devious expression flitted across her face. "Who would you prefer to join you?"
"Well, you could accompany me since you seem to be the most concerned, or," he slid his gaze across the table to me, "you could join me, since you’re the one who initially caught my attention." He took a step back and offered his hand in a very gentlemanly fashion to help me off my stool.
Oh, my. Handsome and a gentleman? “I’d love to.” Not about to ignore the charming and chivalrous gesture, I linked my arm in his as we walked to the bar. Have I gone temporarily insane? What am I doing? Is this what's supposed to happen at bars? I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts that I missed the question he asked. I only knew he’d asked me something because he was looking at me expectantly. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
