Michele E. Gwynn's Blog, page 28
November 21, 2014
Unhinged psychosis
A day late, but never a dollar short. Unhinged takes a turn for the 'psychotic' as Jen is confronted with the real possibility that Aaron isn't dead after all. But she's up for a promotion, and isn't that more important?
CHAPTER 4
Finally, the posting went up for Jake's job! So much for company grieving time; someone has to step up to the plate and do the job, after all. I hand carried my resume to Jefferson's office that morning. His secretary, Nola, was a sweet old lady who'd been with the company (and Jefferson himself) since the depression! I kid, of course. But she and the company were pretty old even though they've both had a face lift.Nola patted my hand with sympathy for the loss of my former supervisor. Then she leaned over and whispered in my ear "Even though he was a cocky sonofabitch!" I like Nola. She's a pip. I gave her my best ‘I'm so sad but, yes, you're right, watery smile’ and handed over the resume. She took it and told me they would be reviewing mine, and a few others this week, and we should hear back by Friday. I thanked her kindly and turned to walk away. As soon as I was out of sight, I let a big, cheesy smile creep across my face. I knew who the other candidates were. One was Bob from senior level accounting. Bob was old and not long for the world by the way he kept drinking, and then there was Madeleine Hooks. Maddie had a great body which had gotten her this far in management, but she didn't know Jake's job like I did. Hell, I was the one who'd been doing it all these years anyway, and Jefferson knew it. I felt very confident that I had it in the bag.My day wore on with the usual stuff and by five; I was ready to get the hell out of there. But I didn't want to go home either. Still freaked out about last night's hallucination, or break-in, or whatever it was, I decided I wanted to go to a bar and celebrate my recent good fortune. I turned off my computer and headed for the elevators. I worked on the tenth floor, but the elevator stopped at the third floor. When the doors opened, a very handsome young man walked in. Wow! He was hot, tall, with broad shoulders, green eyes and dark brown hair. Nice teeth, too. I had a thing about guys with nice teeth! He looked at me and gave a little smile as he turned his back to the wall next to me. By the second floor stop, he had looked at me at least two more times in which I boldly smiled back. By the first floor, he asked my name and gave me his. His name was Luc. It was a French, family name, but it suited him. He was only twenty-six years old to my thirty-five but hey? Que sera, sera! He asked me if I'd like to join him for a drink and I said yes! We walked around the corner to Paddy's Irish Pub. It was more of a college crowd, but at this time of day, it was almost empty which suited me fine. We grabbed a back, corner booth and proceeded to get to know one another. We ordered a pitcher of beer and while we waited, I shrugged off my suit jacket. He eyes immediately went to my boobs. Good. I asked what he did on the third floor, and he said he worked in acquisitions, and had been there for almost a year now. He was hired straight out of grad school, and so far he liked it. Big deal, I thought. I noticed his hands. They were big and strong and well defined. I liked good hands on a guy. It was right up there with good teeth. I thought about how those hands would feel on my ass when I took him home later and rode him into the mattress like rodeo in Wyoming! He didn't know he was about to get lucky yet. Let him sweat it out a little while longer. Our drinks arrived and we continued with our inane conversation about work and shit. He looked in my eyes, I looked in his. We flirted. I started rubbing his leg under the table with the tip of my open-toed pump. His eyes lit up. He damned near came out of the booth when I had taken my shoe off under the table and rubbed his crotch with my toes. He was hard, I was tipsy, and we were ready! "Care to join me at my place for some wine"? We barely made it in the front door before clothes were flying off and he had me jacked up against my hallway wall. It was hot. It was hard. It was frantic, and we wet at it like rabbits. It felt so good to just do what I wanted, and it felt even better knowing I was in control of what happened to me. We hit the floor, the same floor where Aaron died, and that thought, the thought of Aaron somehow knowing that I was screwing someone else, made me so damn hot that I flipped Luc onto his back and rode him hard into the Berber carpet. He was going to have carpet burn for days! The idea that I'd leave marks on his gorgeous ass drove me wild. I came hard and he just kept mumbling "Goddamn, you are the hottest woman I've ever met" and "Oh yes, yes!”. After I got mine, I started really working my rhythm until he couldn't hold it anymore, and he grabbed my hips hard and slammed into me one last time. The look on his face was fantastic. He looked like he'd died and gone to heaven. I felt like the cat that just licked the cream. He was breathing hard when I leaned down, gave him a quick peck on the lips, and then got up and looked down at him. "Thanks for the ride, cowboy." I turned and started picking up his clothes and tossing them at him. He looked confused. "I thought we were going to have some wine and maybe more of this?" I laughed. "You thought wrong. Go home, Junior". And with that said, he took exactly one minute of staring at me stunned before he started putting on his clothes, grabbed his keys, looked at me all hurt and confused one last time, then left. I smiled, ordered some Chinese takeout, ate it and then slept like a baby until 2 a.m. when the phone rang. I looked at the caller I.D. It was Aaron's number, again, and again, only breathing on the line. Now I was really pissed off. Tomorrow, I was going over to his place to investigate. Tomorrow, I would put a stop to this crap because he is dead, dammit! And dead people don't place crank calls! ***The morning arrived rainy and gloomy. It sucked. I woke an hour earlier than usual so I could go by Aaron's place first before going to work. I showered and dressed in record time. I pinned up my hair and applied only the minimal amount of make-up necessary, and grabbed my overcoat going out the door. The drive was dark, darker than usual with low, heavy rain clouds. There weren't many cars on the road yet which made getting across town a lot easier. I pulled up and parked about three houses down from his place. No activity on the street yet, and there was a steady drizzle falling. Great! I got out of the car, leaving my purse behind the driver’s seat. I still had a key to Aaron's house. It made it a lot simpler than having to break in. I only wanted to see if there was any evidence of him being there recently. I didn't really know what I was looking for exactly, but hopefully, something would tell me one way or the other. I walked around the side of the house, through the wet grass to get to the back. The same key that opened the front door also opened the back door so I figured no one would see me that way. I slid the key in the lock and walked into the kitchen. It was dark, but there was just enough light to see by, and I knew my way around. It smelled musty, like no one had been here to air it out. I closed the door and walked slowly in. I didn't see anything left out on the counter which was unusual since Aaron was sort of a slob. His aunt must have come by last week and cleaned up for him. She usually did, and he usually messed it all up again afterwards. So that was my first clue that he hadn't been here. I went on through to the living room, and other than a TV guide and some newspapers on the coffee table, no sign of recent occupation. I walked to the hallway leading back to his bedroom and stood in the doorway looking in. His bed was unmade. Not unusual, but wouldn't his aunt have made it up for him? Maybe or maybe not. Not sure. I walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. I felt the sheets with both hands. Cold, just like he should be resting at the bottom of the lake. A small buzzing sensation tickled the base of my skull. I rubbed my neck and stretched it left and right, looking around the room I had spent many nights in. A pang of regret struck me, and I quickly reminded myself of the abuse I had suffered while with this man. Nothing seemed out of place. No sign of Aaron. For sure, he was dead, and those crank calls must be someone who got hold of his phone. Most likely someone stole his car and the phone was in it. I mean, where I left it was not a good neighborhood anyway so that must be it. I'll just change my number and things will be fine. Time to go, but I needed to pee before I left. Damn rain...makes you need to go a lot. I walked into the bathroom and unbuttoned and unzipped my pants, pulling them down as I sat on the commode. I let loose a stream of pee that sounded loud in the otherwise silent house. I wiped and stood up to re-fasten my pants. Leaning over the sink, I put my hands on either side and peered into the mirror. There was something wet under my right hand. I looked down. Whatever it was looked dark, and I hadn't turned on the light. I reached for the light switch and flipped it on. It was blood...and mud and grass. It was still wet! I immediately washed my hands with soap. When I looked back down, there was only a smidgenof it left on the sink. My mouth dropped open. It couldn't be! I ran out of the bathroom, turning off the light as I went. I got out as quickly, and as quietly as I could manage, shaking like I was. He can't be alive. There's no way. He’s dead! I know he is. I must be freaking hallucinating. I need to calm down. I need to get a grip. I'll just drive to Starbucks, get my mochachino and figure this out. It'll be okay. I spun my tires on the wet road before they gripped the asphalt, and the car took off. Back inside Aaron’s the house, around the corner, and in the dark bathroom, a pristinely clean sink gleamed in the early morning light. No sign of any blood, or mud, or grass. Just drops of water on the sink. Dust particles floated around in the recently disturbed air falling on the well-made bed. A floorboard creaked with the wind, and a silent house kept its secrets.
Read the entire saga of Unhinged here. [image error]
CHAPTER 4
Finally, the posting went up for Jake's job! So much for company grieving time; someone has to step up to the plate and do the job, after all. I hand carried my resume to Jefferson's office that morning. His secretary, Nola, was a sweet old lady who'd been with the company (and Jefferson himself) since the depression! I kid, of course. But she and the company were pretty old even though they've both had a face lift.Nola patted my hand with sympathy for the loss of my former supervisor. Then she leaned over and whispered in my ear "Even though he was a cocky sonofabitch!" I like Nola. She's a pip. I gave her my best ‘I'm so sad but, yes, you're right, watery smile’ and handed over the resume. She took it and told me they would be reviewing mine, and a few others this week, and we should hear back by Friday. I thanked her kindly and turned to walk away. As soon as I was out of sight, I let a big, cheesy smile creep across my face. I knew who the other candidates were. One was Bob from senior level accounting. Bob was old and not long for the world by the way he kept drinking, and then there was Madeleine Hooks. Maddie had a great body which had gotten her this far in management, but she didn't know Jake's job like I did. Hell, I was the one who'd been doing it all these years anyway, and Jefferson knew it. I felt very confident that I had it in the bag.My day wore on with the usual stuff and by five; I was ready to get the hell out of there. But I didn't want to go home either. Still freaked out about last night's hallucination, or break-in, or whatever it was, I decided I wanted to go to a bar and celebrate my recent good fortune. I turned off my computer and headed for the elevators. I worked on the tenth floor, but the elevator stopped at the third floor. When the doors opened, a very handsome young man walked in. Wow! He was hot, tall, with broad shoulders, green eyes and dark brown hair. Nice teeth, too. I had a thing about guys with nice teeth! He looked at me and gave a little smile as he turned his back to the wall next to me. By the second floor stop, he had looked at me at least two more times in which I boldly smiled back. By the first floor, he asked my name and gave me his. His name was Luc. It was a French, family name, but it suited him. He was only twenty-six years old to my thirty-five but hey? Que sera, sera! He asked me if I'd like to join him for a drink and I said yes! We walked around the corner to Paddy's Irish Pub. It was more of a college crowd, but at this time of day, it was almost empty which suited me fine. We grabbed a back, corner booth and proceeded to get to know one another. We ordered a pitcher of beer and while we waited, I shrugged off my suit jacket. He eyes immediately went to my boobs. Good. I asked what he did on the third floor, and he said he worked in acquisitions, and had been there for almost a year now. He was hired straight out of grad school, and so far he liked it. Big deal, I thought. I noticed his hands. They were big and strong and well defined. I liked good hands on a guy. It was right up there with good teeth. I thought about how those hands would feel on my ass when I took him home later and rode him into the mattress like rodeo in Wyoming! He didn't know he was about to get lucky yet. Let him sweat it out a little while longer. Our drinks arrived and we continued with our inane conversation about work and shit. He looked in my eyes, I looked in his. We flirted. I started rubbing his leg under the table with the tip of my open-toed pump. His eyes lit up. He damned near came out of the booth when I had taken my shoe off under the table and rubbed his crotch with my toes. He was hard, I was tipsy, and we were ready! "Care to join me at my place for some wine"? We barely made it in the front door before clothes were flying off and he had me jacked up against my hallway wall. It was hot. It was hard. It was frantic, and we wet at it like rabbits. It felt so good to just do what I wanted, and it felt even better knowing I was in control of what happened to me. We hit the floor, the same floor where Aaron died, and that thought, the thought of Aaron somehow knowing that I was screwing someone else, made me so damn hot that I flipped Luc onto his back and rode him hard into the Berber carpet. He was going to have carpet burn for days! The idea that I'd leave marks on his gorgeous ass drove me wild. I came hard and he just kept mumbling "Goddamn, you are the hottest woman I've ever met" and "Oh yes, yes!”. After I got mine, I started really working my rhythm until he couldn't hold it anymore, and he grabbed my hips hard and slammed into me one last time. The look on his face was fantastic. He looked like he'd died and gone to heaven. I felt like the cat that just licked the cream. He was breathing hard when I leaned down, gave him a quick peck on the lips, and then got up and looked down at him. "Thanks for the ride, cowboy." I turned and started picking up his clothes and tossing them at him. He looked confused. "I thought we were going to have some wine and maybe more of this?" I laughed. "You thought wrong. Go home, Junior". And with that said, he took exactly one minute of staring at me stunned before he started putting on his clothes, grabbed his keys, looked at me all hurt and confused one last time, then left. I smiled, ordered some Chinese takeout, ate it and then slept like a baby until 2 a.m. when the phone rang. I looked at the caller I.D. It was Aaron's number, again, and again, only breathing on the line. Now I was really pissed off. Tomorrow, I was going over to his place to investigate. Tomorrow, I would put a stop to this crap because he is dead, dammit! And dead people don't place crank calls! ***The morning arrived rainy and gloomy. It sucked. I woke an hour earlier than usual so I could go by Aaron's place first before going to work. I showered and dressed in record time. I pinned up my hair and applied only the minimal amount of make-up necessary, and grabbed my overcoat going out the door. The drive was dark, darker than usual with low, heavy rain clouds. There weren't many cars on the road yet which made getting across town a lot easier. I pulled up and parked about three houses down from his place. No activity on the street yet, and there was a steady drizzle falling. Great! I got out of the car, leaving my purse behind the driver’s seat. I still had a key to Aaron's house. It made it a lot simpler than having to break in. I only wanted to see if there was any evidence of him being there recently. I didn't really know what I was looking for exactly, but hopefully, something would tell me one way or the other. I walked around the side of the house, through the wet grass to get to the back. The same key that opened the front door also opened the back door so I figured no one would see me that way. I slid the key in the lock and walked into the kitchen. It was dark, but there was just enough light to see by, and I knew my way around. It smelled musty, like no one had been here to air it out. I closed the door and walked slowly in. I didn't see anything left out on the counter which was unusual since Aaron was sort of a slob. His aunt must have come by last week and cleaned up for him. She usually did, and he usually messed it all up again afterwards. So that was my first clue that he hadn't been here. I went on through to the living room, and other than a TV guide and some newspapers on the coffee table, no sign of recent occupation. I walked to the hallway leading back to his bedroom and stood in the doorway looking in. His bed was unmade. Not unusual, but wouldn't his aunt have made it up for him? Maybe or maybe not. Not sure. I walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. I felt the sheets with both hands. Cold, just like he should be resting at the bottom of the lake. A small buzzing sensation tickled the base of my skull. I rubbed my neck and stretched it left and right, looking around the room I had spent many nights in. A pang of regret struck me, and I quickly reminded myself of the abuse I had suffered while with this man. Nothing seemed out of place. No sign of Aaron. For sure, he was dead, and those crank calls must be someone who got hold of his phone. Most likely someone stole his car and the phone was in it. I mean, where I left it was not a good neighborhood anyway so that must be it. I'll just change my number and things will be fine. Time to go, but I needed to pee before I left. Damn rain...makes you need to go a lot. I walked into the bathroom and unbuttoned and unzipped my pants, pulling them down as I sat on the commode. I let loose a stream of pee that sounded loud in the otherwise silent house. I wiped and stood up to re-fasten my pants. Leaning over the sink, I put my hands on either side and peered into the mirror. There was something wet under my right hand. I looked down. Whatever it was looked dark, and I hadn't turned on the light. I reached for the light switch and flipped it on. It was blood...and mud and grass. It was still wet! I immediately washed my hands with soap. When I looked back down, there was only a smidgenof it left on the sink. My mouth dropped open. It couldn't be! I ran out of the bathroom, turning off the light as I went. I got out as quickly, and as quietly as I could manage, shaking like I was. He can't be alive. There's no way. He’s dead! I know he is. I must be freaking hallucinating. I need to calm down. I need to get a grip. I'll just drive to Starbucks, get my mochachino and figure this out. It'll be okay. I spun my tires on the wet road before they gripped the asphalt, and the car took off. Back inside Aaron’s the house, around the corner, and in the dark bathroom, a pristinely clean sink gleamed in the early morning light. No sign of any blood, or mud, or grass. Just drops of water on the sink. Dust particles floated around in the recently disturbed air falling on the well-made bed. A floorboard creaked with the wind, and a silent house kept its secrets.
Read the entire saga of Unhinged here. [image error]
Unhinged psychosis
A day late, but never a dollar short. Unhinged takes a turn for the 'psychotic' as Jen is confronted with the real possibility that Aaron isn't dead after all. But she's up for a promotion, and isn't that more important?
CHAPTER 4
Finally, the posting went up for Jake's job! So much for company grieving time; someone has to step up to the plate and do the job, after all. I hand carried my resume to Jefferson's office that morning. His secretary, Nola, was a sweet old lady who'd been with the company (and Jefferson himself) since the depression! I kid, of course. But she and the company were pretty old even though they've both had a face lift.Nola patted my hand with sympathy for the loss of my former supervisor. Then she leaned over and whispered in my ear "Even though he was a cocky sonofabitch!" I like Nola. She's a pip. I gave her my best ‘I'm so sad but, yes, you're right, watery smile’ and handed over the resume. She took it and told me they would be reviewing mine, and a few others this week, and we should hear back by Friday. I thanked her kindly and turned to walk away. As soon as I was out of sight, I let a big, cheesy smile creep across my face. I knew who the other candidates were. One was Bob from senior level accounting. Bob was old and not long for the world by the way he kept drinking, and then there was Madeleine Hooks. Maddie had a great body which had gotten her this far in management, but she didn't know Jake's job like I did. Hell, I was the one who'd been doing it all these years anyway, and Jefferson knew it. I felt very confident that I had it in the bag.My day wore on with the usual stuff and by five; I was ready to get the hell out of there. But I didn't want to go home either. Still freaked out about last night's hallucination, or break-in, or whatever it was, I decided I wanted to go to a bar and celebrate my recent good fortune. I turned off my computer and headed for the elevators. I worked on the tenth floor, but the elevator stopped at the third floor. When the doors opened, a very handsome young man walked in. Wow! He was hot, tall, with broad shoulders, green eyes and dark brown hair. Nice teeth, too. I had a thing about guys with nice teeth! He looked at me and gave a little smile as he turned his back to the wall next to me. By the second floor stop, he had looked at me at least two more times in which I boldly smiled back. By the first floor, he asked my name and gave me his. His name was Luc. It was a French, family name, but it suited him. He was only twenty-six years old to my thirty-five but hey? Que sera, sera! He asked me if I'd like to join him for a drink and I said yes! We walked around the corner to Paddy's Irish Pub. It was more of a college crowd, but at this time of day, it was almost empty which suited me fine. We grabbed a back, corner booth and proceeded to get to know one another. We ordered a pitcher of beer and while we waited, I shrugged off my suit jacket. He eyes immediately went to my boobs. Good. I asked what he did on the third floor, and he said he worked in acquisitions, and had been there for almost a year now. He was hired straight out of grad school, and so far he liked it. Big deal, I thought. I noticed his hands. They were big and strong and well defined. I liked good hands on a guy. It was right up there with good teeth. I thought about how those hands would feel on my ass when I took him home later and rode him into the mattress like rodeo in Wyoming! He didn't know he was about to get lucky yet. Let him sweat it out a little while longer. Our drinks arrived and we continued with our inane conversation about work and shit. He looked in my eyes, I looked in his. We flirted. I started rubbing his leg under the table with the tip of my open-toed pump. His eyes lit up. He damned near came out of the booth when I had taken my shoe off under the table and rubbed his crotch with my toes. He was hard, I was tipsy, and we were ready! "Care to join me at my place for some wine"? We barely made it in the front door before clothes were flying off and he had me jacked up against my hallway wall. It was hot. It was hard. It was frantic, and we wet at it like rabbits. It felt so good to just do what I wanted, and it felt even better knowing I was in control of what happened to me. We hit the floor, the same floor where Aaron died, and that thought, the thought of Aaron somehow knowing that I was screwing someone else, made me so damn hot that I flipped Luc onto his back and rode him hard into the Berber carpet. He was going to have carpet burn for days! The idea that I'd leave marks on his gorgeous ass drove me wild. I came hard and he just kept mumbling "Goddamn, you are the hottest woman I've ever met" and "Oh yes, yes!”. After I got mine, I started really working my rhythm until he couldn't hold it anymore, and he grabbed my hips hard and slammed into me one last time. The look on his face was fantastic. He looked like he'd died and gone to heaven. I felt like the cat that just licked the cream. He was breathing hard when I leaned down, gave him a quick peck on the lips, and then got up and looked down at him. "Thanks for the ride, cowboy." I turned and started picking up his clothes and tossing them at him. He looked confused. "I thought we were going to have some wine and maybe more of this?" I laughed. "You thought wrong. Go home, Junior". And with that said, he took exactly one minute of staring at me stunned before he started putting on his clothes, grabbed his keys, looked at me all hurt and confused one last time, then left. I smiled, ordered some Chinese takeout, ate it and then slept like a baby until 2 a.m. when the phone rang. I looked at the caller I.D. It was Aaron's number, again, and again, only breathing on the line. Now I was really pissed off. Tomorrow, I was going over to his place to investigate. Tomorrow, I would put a stop to this crap because he is dead, dammit! And dead people don't place crank calls! ***The morning arrived rainy and gloomy. It sucked. I woke an hour earlier than usual so I could go by Aaron's place first before going to work. I showered and dressed in record time. I pinned up my hair and applied only the minimal amount of make-up necessary, and grabbed my overcoat going out the door. The drive was dark, darker than usual with low, heavy rain clouds. There weren't many cars on the road yet which made getting across town a lot easier. I pulled up and parked about three houses down from his place. No activity on the street yet, and there was a steady drizzle falling. Great! I got out of the car, leaving my purse behind the driver’s seat. I still had a key to Aaron's house. It made it a lot simpler than having to break in. I only wanted to see if there was any evidence of him being there recently. I didn't really know what I was looking for exactly, but hopefully, something would tell me one way or the other. I walked around the side of the house, through the wet grass to get to the back. The same key that opened the front door also opened the back door so I figured no one would see me that way. I slid the key in the lock and walked into the kitchen. It was dark, but there was just enough light to see by, and I knew my way around. It smelled musty, like no one had been here to air it out. I closed the door and walked slowly in. I didn't see anything left out on the counter which was unusual since Aaron was sort of a slob. His aunt must have come by last week and cleaned up for him. She usually did, and he usually messed it all up again afterwards. So that was my first clue that he hadn't been here. I went on through to the living room, and other than a TV guide and some newspapers on the coffee table, no sign of recent occupation. I walked to the hallway leading back to his bedroom and stood in the doorway looking in. His bed was unmade. Not unusual, but wouldn't his aunt have made it up for him? Maybe or maybe not. Not sure. I walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. I felt the sheets with both hands. Cold, just like he should be resting at the bottom of the lake. A small buzzing sensation tickled the base of my skull. I rubbed my neck and stretched it left and right, looking around the room I had spent many nights in. A pang of regret struck me, and I quickly reminded myself of the abuse I had suffered while with this man. Nothing seemed out of place. No sign of Aaron. For sure, he was dead, and those crank calls must be someone who got hold of his phone. Most likely someone stole his car and the phone was in it. I mean, where I left it was not a good neighborhood anyway so that must be it. I'll just change my number and things will be fine. Time to go, but I needed to pee before I left. Damn rain...makes you need to go a lot. I walked into the bathroom and unbuttoned and unzipped my pants, pulling them down as I sat on the commode. I let loose a stream of pee that sounded loud in the otherwise silent house. I wiped and stood up to re-fasten my pants. Leaning over the sink, I put my hands on either side and peered into the mirror. There was something wet under my right hand. I looked down. Whatever it was looked dark, and I hadn't turned on the light. I reached for the light switch and flipped it on. It was blood...and mud and grass. It was still wet! I immediately washed my hands with soap. When I looked back down, there was only a smidgenof it left on the sink. My mouth dropped open. It couldn't be! I ran out of the bathroom, turning off the light as I went. I got out as quickly, and as quietly as I could manage, shaking like I was. He can't be alive. There's no way. He’s dead! I know he is. I must be freaking hallucinating. I need to calm down. I need to get a grip. I'll just drive to Starbucks, get my mochachino and figure this out. It'll be okay. I spun my tires on the wet road before they gripped the asphalt, and the car took off. Back inside Aaron’s the house, around the corner, and in the dark bathroom, a pristinely clean sink gleamed in the early morning light. No sign of any blood, or mud, or grass. Just drops of water on the sink. Dust particles floated around in the recently disturbed air falling on the well-made bed. A floorboard creaked with the wind, and a silent house kept its secrets.
Read the entire saga of Unhinged here.
CHAPTER 4
Finally, the posting went up for Jake's job! So much for company grieving time; someone has to step up to the plate and do the job, after all. I hand carried my resume to Jefferson's office that morning. His secretary, Nola, was a sweet old lady who'd been with the company (and Jefferson himself) since the depression! I kid, of course. But she and the company were pretty old even though they've both had a face lift.Nola patted my hand with sympathy for the loss of my former supervisor. Then she leaned over and whispered in my ear "Even though he was a cocky sonofabitch!" I like Nola. She's a pip. I gave her my best ‘I'm so sad but, yes, you're right, watery smile’ and handed over the resume. She took it and told me they would be reviewing mine, and a few others this week, and we should hear back by Friday. I thanked her kindly and turned to walk away. As soon as I was out of sight, I let a big, cheesy smile creep across my face. I knew who the other candidates were. One was Bob from senior level accounting. Bob was old and not long for the world by the way he kept drinking, and then there was Madeleine Hooks. Maddie had a great body which had gotten her this far in management, but she didn't know Jake's job like I did. Hell, I was the one who'd been doing it all these years anyway, and Jefferson knew it. I felt very confident that I had it in the bag.My day wore on with the usual stuff and by five; I was ready to get the hell out of there. But I didn't want to go home either. Still freaked out about last night's hallucination, or break-in, or whatever it was, I decided I wanted to go to a bar and celebrate my recent good fortune. I turned off my computer and headed for the elevators. I worked on the tenth floor, but the elevator stopped at the third floor. When the doors opened, a very handsome young man walked in. Wow! He was hot, tall, with broad shoulders, green eyes and dark brown hair. Nice teeth, too. I had a thing about guys with nice teeth! He looked at me and gave a little smile as he turned his back to the wall next to me. By the second floor stop, he had looked at me at least two more times in which I boldly smiled back. By the first floor, he asked my name and gave me his. His name was Luc. It was a French, family name, but it suited him. He was only twenty-six years old to my thirty-five but hey? Que sera, sera! He asked me if I'd like to join him for a drink and I said yes! We walked around the corner to Paddy's Irish Pub. It was more of a college crowd, but at this time of day, it was almost empty which suited me fine. We grabbed a back, corner booth and proceeded to get to know one another. We ordered a pitcher of beer and while we waited, I shrugged off my suit jacket. He eyes immediately went to my boobs. Good. I asked what he did on the third floor, and he said he worked in acquisitions, and had been there for almost a year now. He was hired straight out of grad school, and so far he liked it. Big deal, I thought. I noticed his hands. They were big and strong and well defined. I liked good hands on a guy. It was right up there with good teeth. I thought about how those hands would feel on my ass when I took him home later and rode him into the mattress like rodeo in Wyoming! He didn't know he was about to get lucky yet. Let him sweat it out a little while longer. Our drinks arrived and we continued with our inane conversation about work and shit. He looked in my eyes, I looked in his. We flirted. I started rubbing his leg under the table with the tip of my open-toed pump. His eyes lit up. He damned near came out of the booth when I had taken my shoe off under the table and rubbed his crotch with my toes. He was hard, I was tipsy, and we were ready! "Care to join me at my place for some wine"? We barely made it in the front door before clothes were flying off and he had me jacked up against my hallway wall. It was hot. It was hard. It was frantic, and we wet at it like rabbits. It felt so good to just do what I wanted, and it felt even better knowing I was in control of what happened to me. We hit the floor, the same floor where Aaron died, and that thought, the thought of Aaron somehow knowing that I was screwing someone else, made me so damn hot that I flipped Luc onto his back and rode him hard into the Berber carpet. He was going to have carpet burn for days! The idea that I'd leave marks on his gorgeous ass drove me wild. I came hard and he just kept mumbling "Goddamn, you are the hottest woman I've ever met" and "Oh yes, yes!”. After I got mine, I started really working my rhythm until he couldn't hold it anymore, and he grabbed my hips hard and slammed into me one last time. The look on his face was fantastic. He looked like he'd died and gone to heaven. I felt like the cat that just licked the cream. He was breathing hard when I leaned down, gave him a quick peck on the lips, and then got up and looked down at him. "Thanks for the ride, cowboy." I turned and started picking up his clothes and tossing them at him. He looked confused. "I thought we were going to have some wine and maybe more of this?" I laughed. "You thought wrong. Go home, Junior". And with that said, he took exactly one minute of staring at me stunned before he started putting on his clothes, grabbed his keys, looked at me all hurt and confused one last time, then left. I smiled, ordered some Chinese takeout, ate it and then slept like a baby until 2 a.m. when the phone rang. I looked at the caller I.D. It was Aaron's number, again, and again, only breathing on the line. Now I was really pissed off. Tomorrow, I was going over to his place to investigate. Tomorrow, I would put a stop to this crap because he is dead, dammit! And dead people don't place crank calls! ***The morning arrived rainy and gloomy. It sucked. I woke an hour earlier than usual so I could go by Aaron's place first before going to work. I showered and dressed in record time. I pinned up my hair and applied only the minimal amount of make-up necessary, and grabbed my overcoat going out the door. The drive was dark, darker than usual with low, heavy rain clouds. There weren't many cars on the road yet which made getting across town a lot easier. I pulled up and parked about three houses down from his place. No activity on the street yet, and there was a steady drizzle falling. Great! I got out of the car, leaving my purse behind the driver’s seat. I still had a key to Aaron's house. It made it a lot simpler than having to break in. I only wanted to see if there was any evidence of him being there recently. I didn't really know what I was looking for exactly, but hopefully, something would tell me one way or the other. I walked around the side of the house, through the wet grass to get to the back. The same key that opened the front door also opened the back door so I figured no one would see me that way. I slid the key in the lock and walked into the kitchen. It was dark, but there was just enough light to see by, and I knew my way around. It smelled musty, like no one had been here to air it out. I closed the door and walked slowly in. I didn't see anything left out on the counter which was unusual since Aaron was sort of a slob. His aunt must have come by last week and cleaned up for him. She usually did, and he usually messed it all up again afterwards. So that was my first clue that he hadn't been here. I went on through to the living room, and other than a TV guide and some newspapers on the coffee table, no sign of recent occupation. I walked to the hallway leading back to his bedroom and stood in the doorway looking in. His bed was unmade. Not unusual, but wouldn't his aunt have made it up for him? Maybe or maybe not. Not sure. I walked in and sat on the edge of the bed. I felt the sheets with both hands. Cold, just like he should be resting at the bottom of the lake. A small buzzing sensation tickled the base of my skull. I rubbed my neck and stretched it left and right, looking around the room I had spent many nights in. A pang of regret struck me, and I quickly reminded myself of the abuse I had suffered while with this man. Nothing seemed out of place. No sign of Aaron. For sure, he was dead, and those crank calls must be someone who got hold of his phone. Most likely someone stole his car and the phone was in it. I mean, where I left it was not a good neighborhood anyway so that must be it. I'll just change my number and things will be fine. Time to go, but I needed to pee before I left. Damn rain...makes you need to go a lot. I walked into the bathroom and unbuttoned and unzipped my pants, pulling them down as I sat on the commode. I let loose a stream of pee that sounded loud in the otherwise silent house. I wiped and stood up to re-fasten my pants. Leaning over the sink, I put my hands on either side and peered into the mirror. There was something wet under my right hand. I looked down. Whatever it was looked dark, and I hadn't turned on the light. I reached for the light switch and flipped it on. It was blood...and mud and grass. It was still wet! I immediately washed my hands with soap. When I looked back down, there was only a smidgenof it left on the sink. My mouth dropped open. It couldn't be! I ran out of the bathroom, turning off the light as I went. I got out as quickly, and as quietly as I could manage, shaking like I was. He can't be alive. There's no way. He’s dead! I know he is. I must be freaking hallucinating. I need to calm down. I need to get a grip. I'll just drive to Starbucks, get my mochachino and figure this out. It'll be okay. I spun my tires on the wet road before they gripped the asphalt, and the car took off. Back inside Aaron’s the house, around the corner, and in the dark bathroom, a pristinely clean sink gleamed in the early morning light. No sign of any blood, or mud, or grass. Just drops of water on the sink. Dust particles floated around in the recently disturbed air falling on the well-made bed. A floorboard creaked with the wind, and a silent house kept its secrets.
Read the entire saga of Unhinged here.
November 18, 2014
All About Those Books!
From time to time, we just need a bit of fun. It can't be ALL about those books, now, can it?
Yes! Yes, it IS all about those books! Cue music and break out dancing.
Yes! Yes, it IS all about those books! Cue music and break out dancing.
November 14, 2014
Author Terri Carle issues a Blizzard Warning!
Cold winter nights make us all want to curl up with a good book, and what better way to keep warm than with a hot romance? From the Storm of Love Series from author Terri Carle (
Storm Warnings and Taken
) comes book two,
Blizzard Warning
. (Some brief adult content - Oh, yeah!)
Carley's return from college, although a happy event for the family, does not come without problems. She must find a job, she must protect her heart, and she must not let anyone close to her, or at least not close enough to touch. Carley is running from something or someone. Chad is determined to find out who or what has her so scared. Just when all looks positive and good for Carley, an emergency sends the entire family whirling in a life storm together; but there is strength in unity and faith. Christmas snow turns into a blizzard, and catches Carley and Chad way off guard. Their new relationship will have to learn a whole new faith of it's own. Chad will have to depend on Carley to save him.
Life is sometimes Beautiful; but sometimes storms catch us off guard. It is through those love storms that we grow stronger and closer, or we fall apart. Can love and life be saved when these storms hit the Shelton family?
Teaser Chapter
Chapter 1 I’m lying in bed, daydreaming about this hot dude I saw last night, when I hear mama call from downstairs. “Carley, you have to get up if you are going for that job interview!” I jump out of bed and bolt for the bathroom. I can’t believe I forgot about the interview. My mind was certainly not on the bald little man I was supposed to see this morning, that’s for sure. Rummaging through my closet, and tossing clothes all over my room, I search in vain for something decent to wear wishing I’d had the foresight to be, at least, somewhat prepared. Mama comes in and looks at my bed and floor covered with clothes. I’m still in the closet tossing stuff out and she yells, “Carley, what in the devil do you think you’re doing?” “I can’t find a single decent dress, skirt or pair of slacks. I must own more than jeans! I can’t go to a job interview dressed like a bum.” Mama shakes her head. “Get showered and dressed. We’ll stop by Jamison’s Department Store on the way so you can buy something nice to wear, but get going. You don’t want to be late!”Mama to the rescue once again. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I’m twenty three and out of college, but she still does so much for me. Like the good daughter that I am, I do as I’m told and within minutes we’re out the door. Jamison’s has everything, there’s nothing they don’t carry. I dash in and suddenly feel like someone is watching me. I look up, ever so slightly, and see... Oh my gosh, it’s him! The guy I saw last night, and the one I can’t stop dreaming about. I can’t believe he’s here! He walks up to me and my heart pounds in my chest. “May I help you find something ma'am?” he asks. “What? Oh, ummm... no... I am just looking, thank you.” I sounded like a complete idiot. He responds with a grin to my half-witted reply. “If you need any assistance, feel free to ask. I will be happy to help.” He works at Jamison’s Department store? So much is going through my head that I feel all nervous and weird. I grab a cute, little black, simple dress and a pair of black pumps in my size. As an afterthought, I also grab a pair of pantyhose and rush to the register. “Don’t you want to try those things on before you buy them?” Mr. Hottie asks. “I’ll try them on after we are done; I’m in a big rush today.” I reply. I look at his shirt and finally have a name to go with is handsome face. His name is Chad. “Thank you,” he glances down at my mom’s credit card and continues, “Mrs. Shelton, come back again.” “Oh no, Mrs. Shelton is my mom. I mean, this is her card. I am Carley. Carley Shelton, but I’m not married.” Crap that sounded stupid! “Thank you Chad.” I flash a wide grin hoping to distract him from my obvious blunder. He smiles back and hands me my bag. “Come back to see us soon, Carley.” I jog to the ladies dressing room and change. The dress fits perfectly, but I picked up queen-sized pantyhose. I don’t have time to exchange them so I rip open the package and pull the pantyhose on figuring they’d do for an hour or so. After a quick fix to my make-up and hair, I give myself an admiring turn in the mirror and walk out hoping to impress Mr. Chad Hottie. His eyes turn towards me and his mouth drops, and suddenly so do my hose, straight to the floor. Talk about embarrassing! I want to die. I turn and scurry back into the dressing room. When I come out, the pantyhose are in my bag and my shoes are on my bare feet. I try to avoid making eye contact, but Chad runs to get the door for me. “Come back real soon, Carley.” He grins. My red face gives him a slight nod and I keep walking straight out to the car where my mother is waiting. “What’s wrong with you?” Mama asks after I slam the door. “You look flush, and sweetie you should have picked up some pantyhose to wear with that dress. I have plenty of money on that card. It would have looked much more professional.” “Mama stop,” I snap. “I have hose, but they are stuffed in my purse because I accidently picked up the wrong size. I didn’t have time to go back. This will just have to do.”The rest of the ride was pretty quiet. I got to my job interview and I thought it went well. After mama drove us home, I changed and spent the rest of the day watching soap operas and cartoons. At a quarter past five I realized I didn’t have my pocketbook. Just as panic was about to set in, I figured I must have left it at the department store. I dug the receipt out of the Jamison’s shopping bag and found the telephone number. Just my luck, Chad answered. “Hello, this is Jamison’s Department store, my name is Chad. How may I help you?”It was a well prepared greeting, and Chad’s voice sounded hot. “Chad, this is Carley. I hate to bother you, but I have misplaced my purse. I was wondering if you might have found it. It’s small and tan and has a long strap.” “Yes, we have a purse matching that description locked up in the safe. I can run it by your house on my way home if you’d like.” “I don’t want to be any trouble. I can come get it tomorrow.” “No trouble. I live right down the road and you’re right on my way, so I don’t mind at all.” Warning flags began waving furiously in front of my eyes. “How do you know where I live?” I screeched. “Have you been checking up on me?” I narrowed my eyes and glared at the phone. “Did you Google me?” “Of course not. I know where you live because your mom shops with us often and I’ve dropped off some deliveries at your house. Google was not necessary.” Wow, once again I feel like an idiot. “I’m sorry. I just got home from college where all I heard were pick-up lines. Everywhere I turned some guy was trying to get into my pants. I just assumed you were the same. Please forgive me.” Chad’s voice lowered and he whispered, “I never said I didn’t want to get in your pants, but since I’m at work I have to act with professionalism.” “Ha, ha, very funny. Has anyone told you that you are a riot Chad?” “I’d much rather have you laughing than yelling at me.” “I wasn’t yelling.” Chad chuckled. “I have to wrap up this conversation, but I’m almost off work. I’ll be over in about an hour, and we can discuss how you weren’t yelling at me when I get there. How’s that sound?” “Just about perfect, Chad.” “See you soon, Carley.” I hurried up the stairs to change. I can’t let Chad see me lounging around in my pajamas. He would probably laugh at my bunny slippers and my Mickey Mouse pjs, but I would rather he didn’t see the juvenile side of me just yet. I look in the mirror and see my make-up is nearly all gone and that my hair needs washing. I figure I have just enough time for a bath. I dash a few handfuls of luxurious bath salts under the faucet hoping the soothing aroma will help me relax... just for a minute. The next thing I know I’m waking up to the sound of someone pounding on the front door.I throw on my robe and wrap my head in a towel. Once again, this is not the impression I wanted to make. Trying to appear cool and collected, I walk casually to the door to greet him. Chad is standing there. He looks exhausted. He hands me my purse and smiles his sexy half smile. “Here you go, Ms. Shelton,” he teased. “Why thank you Mr. Hottie.” Dear lord could this day get any worse? I stumble and fumble with yet another apology. “Crap, I mean Mr. Chad. I’m so sorry. I was just watching a show on television….. Oh never mind.” I could tell my huge blunder amused him. He stood there looking quite pleased with himself and the half-naked girl who just answered the door. I led him into the den where some silly old love movie was playing on the television and pretended not to notice. I excused myself for a few moments and hustled myself back to my bedroom to get dressed. I put on some light make-up and quickly blow dried my hair. When I looked halfway presentable I went back to the den where Chad was waiting. Mom, Dad and my three little brothers had gone to bed early so we were by ourselves. Chad and I talked easily with each other. We discovered we actually went to school together. “I’ve changed a great deal since those days,” I explain. “In school, I had braces and was skinny as a bean pole. I wasn’t popular at all. I was shy and never hung out with the in crowd.” Chad laughed and caressed my hand. “Yeah well, I wasn’t much of a prize back then either. Picture me with long hair and a goatee. I was probably skinnier than you. My own folks called me a loner. I was extremely insecure and never thought I was cool enough to fit in with the popular kids.” I nodded knowingly. “It’s a small world. I’m glad we’re getting to know each other now.”Time slips away as we talk, and too soon we realize how late it’s getting. Chad has to be at work early. I have to let him go, but I’m really enjoying our time together. I’ve never had a boyfriend before, but Chad makes me want to reconsider living my life alone. There are so many secrets I keep to myself, and having to explain why I’ve never been in a real relationship isn’t something I share easily. I know I’m jumping the gun, but if Chad keeps hanging around I will eventually have to unbury the past and that scares me to death.
Buy Link on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Blizzard-Warning-Storm-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B00P06TFLY/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1415919303&sr=1-3&keywords=marissa+storm
.jpeg)
Carley's return from college, although a happy event for the family, does not come without problems. She must find a job, she must protect her heart, and she must not let anyone close to her, or at least not close enough to touch. Carley is running from something or someone. Chad is determined to find out who or what has her so scared. Just when all looks positive and good for Carley, an emergency sends the entire family whirling in a life storm together; but there is strength in unity and faith. Christmas snow turns into a blizzard, and catches Carley and Chad way off guard. Their new relationship will have to learn a whole new faith of it's own. Chad will have to depend on Carley to save him.Life is sometimes Beautiful; but sometimes storms catch us off guard. It is through those love storms that we grow stronger and closer, or we fall apart. Can love and life be saved when these storms hit the Shelton family?
Teaser Chapter
Chapter 1 I’m lying in bed, daydreaming about this hot dude I saw last night, when I hear mama call from downstairs. “Carley, you have to get up if you are going for that job interview!” I jump out of bed and bolt for the bathroom. I can’t believe I forgot about the interview. My mind was certainly not on the bald little man I was supposed to see this morning, that’s for sure. Rummaging through my closet, and tossing clothes all over my room, I search in vain for something decent to wear wishing I’d had the foresight to be, at least, somewhat prepared. Mama comes in and looks at my bed and floor covered with clothes. I’m still in the closet tossing stuff out and she yells, “Carley, what in the devil do you think you’re doing?” “I can’t find a single decent dress, skirt or pair of slacks. I must own more than jeans! I can’t go to a job interview dressed like a bum.” Mama shakes her head. “Get showered and dressed. We’ll stop by Jamison’s Department Store on the way so you can buy something nice to wear, but get going. You don’t want to be late!”Mama to the rescue once again. I don’t know what I’d do without her. I’m twenty three and out of college, but she still does so much for me. Like the good daughter that I am, I do as I’m told and within minutes we’re out the door. Jamison’s has everything, there’s nothing they don’t carry. I dash in and suddenly feel like someone is watching me. I look up, ever so slightly, and see... Oh my gosh, it’s him! The guy I saw last night, and the one I can’t stop dreaming about. I can’t believe he’s here! He walks up to me and my heart pounds in my chest. “May I help you find something ma'am?” he asks. “What? Oh, ummm... no... I am just looking, thank you.” I sounded like a complete idiot. He responds with a grin to my half-witted reply. “If you need any assistance, feel free to ask. I will be happy to help.” He works at Jamison’s Department store? So much is going through my head that I feel all nervous and weird. I grab a cute, little black, simple dress and a pair of black pumps in my size. As an afterthought, I also grab a pair of pantyhose and rush to the register. “Don’t you want to try those things on before you buy them?” Mr. Hottie asks. “I’ll try them on after we are done; I’m in a big rush today.” I reply. I look at his shirt and finally have a name to go with is handsome face. His name is Chad. “Thank you,” he glances down at my mom’s credit card and continues, “Mrs. Shelton, come back again.” “Oh no, Mrs. Shelton is my mom. I mean, this is her card. I am Carley. Carley Shelton, but I’m not married.” Crap that sounded stupid! “Thank you Chad.” I flash a wide grin hoping to distract him from my obvious blunder. He smiles back and hands me my bag. “Come back to see us soon, Carley.” I jog to the ladies dressing room and change. The dress fits perfectly, but I picked up queen-sized pantyhose. I don’t have time to exchange them so I rip open the package and pull the pantyhose on figuring they’d do for an hour or so. After a quick fix to my make-up and hair, I give myself an admiring turn in the mirror and walk out hoping to impress Mr. Chad Hottie. His eyes turn towards me and his mouth drops, and suddenly so do my hose, straight to the floor. Talk about embarrassing! I want to die. I turn and scurry back into the dressing room. When I come out, the pantyhose are in my bag and my shoes are on my bare feet. I try to avoid making eye contact, but Chad runs to get the door for me. “Come back real soon, Carley.” He grins. My red face gives him a slight nod and I keep walking straight out to the car where my mother is waiting. “What’s wrong with you?” Mama asks after I slam the door. “You look flush, and sweetie you should have picked up some pantyhose to wear with that dress. I have plenty of money on that card. It would have looked much more professional.” “Mama stop,” I snap. “I have hose, but they are stuffed in my purse because I accidently picked up the wrong size. I didn’t have time to go back. This will just have to do.”The rest of the ride was pretty quiet. I got to my job interview and I thought it went well. After mama drove us home, I changed and spent the rest of the day watching soap operas and cartoons. At a quarter past five I realized I didn’t have my pocketbook. Just as panic was about to set in, I figured I must have left it at the department store. I dug the receipt out of the Jamison’s shopping bag and found the telephone number. Just my luck, Chad answered. “Hello, this is Jamison’s Department store, my name is Chad. How may I help you?”It was a well prepared greeting, and Chad’s voice sounded hot. “Chad, this is Carley. I hate to bother you, but I have misplaced my purse. I was wondering if you might have found it. It’s small and tan and has a long strap.” “Yes, we have a purse matching that description locked up in the safe. I can run it by your house on my way home if you’d like.” “I don’t want to be any trouble. I can come get it tomorrow.” “No trouble. I live right down the road and you’re right on my way, so I don’t mind at all.” Warning flags began waving furiously in front of my eyes. “How do you know where I live?” I screeched. “Have you been checking up on me?” I narrowed my eyes and glared at the phone. “Did you Google me?” “Of course not. I know where you live because your mom shops with us often and I’ve dropped off some deliveries at your house. Google was not necessary.” Wow, once again I feel like an idiot. “I’m sorry. I just got home from college where all I heard were pick-up lines. Everywhere I turned some guy was trying to get into my pants. I just assumed you were the same. Please forgive me.” Chad’s voice lowered and he whispered, “I never said I didn’t want to get in your pants, but since I’m at work I have to act with professionalism.” “Ha, ha, very funny. Has anyone told you that you are a riot Chad?” “I’d much rather have you laughing than yelling at me.” “I wasn’t yelling.” Chad chuckled. “I have to wrap up this conversation, but I’m almost off work. I’ll be over in about an hour, and we can discuss how you weren’t yelling at me when I get there. How’s that sound?” “Just about perfect, Chad.” “See you soon, Carley.” I hurried up the stairs to change. I can’t let Chad see me lounging around in my pajamas. He would probably laugh at my bunny slippers and my Mickey Mouse pjs, but I would rather he didn’t see the juvenile side of me just yet. I look in the mirror and see my make-up is nearly all gone and that my hair needs washing. I figure I have just enough time for a bath. I dash a few handfuls of luxurious bath salts under the faucet hoping the soothing aroma will help me relax... just for a minute. The next thing I know I’m waking up to the sound of someone pounding on the front door.I throw on my robe and wrap my head in a towel. Once again, this is not the impression I wanted to make. Trying to appear cool and collected, I walk casually to the door to greet him. Chad is standing there. He looks exhausted. He hands me my purse and smiles his sexy half smile. “Here you go, Ms. Shelton,” he teased. “Why thank you Mr. Hottie.” Dear lord could this day get any worse? I stumble and fumble with yet another apology. “Crap, I mean Mr. Chad. I’m so sorry. I was just watching a show on television….. Oh never mind.” I could tell my huge blunder amused him. He stood there looking quite pleased with himself and the half-naked girl who just answered the door. I led him into the den where some silly old love movie was playing on the television and pretended not to notice. I excused myself for a few moments and hustled myself back to my bedroom to get dressed. I put on some light make-up and quickly blow dried my hair. When I looked halfway presentable I went back to the den where Chad was waiting. Mom, Dad and my three little brothers had gone to bed early so we were by ourselves. Chad and I talked easily with each other. We discovered we actually went to school together. “I’ve changed a great deal since those days,” I explain. “In school, I had braces and was skinny as a bean pole. I wasn’t popular at all. I was shy and never hung out with the in crowd.” Chad laughed and caressed my hand. “Yeah well, I wasn’t much of a prize back then either. Picture me with long hair and a goatee. I was probably skinnier than you. My own folks called me a loner. I was extremely insecure and never thought I was cool enough to fit in with the popular kids.” I nodded knowingly. “It’s a small world. I’m glad we’re getting to know each other now.”Time slips away as we talk, and too soon we realize how late it’s getting. Chad has to be at work early. I have to let him go, but I’m really enjoying our time together. I’ve never had a boyfriend before, but Chad makes me want to reconsider living my life alone. There are so many secrets I keep to myself, and having to explain why I’ve never been in a real relationship isn’t something I share easily. I know I’m jumping the gun, but if Chad keeps hanging around I will eventually have to unbury the past and that scares me to death.
Buy Link on Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Blizzard-Warning-Storm-Love-Book-ebook/dp/B00P06TFLY/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1415919303&sr=1-3&keywords=marissa+storm
November 13, 2014
Tropical Nightmares Debuts
From the bestselling author of
Tropical Dreams
, Kelly Cozzone, comes the next installment in her high-suspense and mystery novel series,
Tropical Nightmares
.
Surviving numerous attempts on their lives including the explosion that rocked Tropical Dreams, David Murphy and Tiana Alexander started to rebuild their lives. Living on the beautiful and tranquil island of St. Lucia, they tried not to let the ugliness of Robert Dubose invade every aspect of their lives. They knew he was coming and wouldn't stop until someone was dead.
Robert Dubose planned every second of his revenge against David and Tiana down to the littlest detail. This time he was leaving nothing to chance. Bringing a partner in on the plan almost guarantees his success.
Can David and Tiana once again defeat Dubose or will he finally get his revenge? Will Dubose and his hidden partner finally succeed in killing them? Can David forgive himself for failing Tiana or will their love be another casualty?
Teaser Chapter
Entering the small pathway through the dense foliage, David held Tiana’s hand as he pulled her along behind him. With one arm out to protect his face, he held onto her hand tightly so she didn’t fall behind. He let go of her hand and reached back for the gun he slipped into the waistband of his shorts. He moved as quickly and as silently as he could down the path carefully watching where he put his feet. As he finally reached a clearing, he stopped. Meeting her eyes, he whispered, “Stay right here while I check it out. I mean it Tiana, no matter what, stay here. Do not come into the clearing.”
“David, please be careful.” Tiana whispered frantically afraid he’d be shot the minute he peeked his head out into the clearing. Her stomach rolled as fear and adrenaline coursed through her body. No matter how hard she tried to calm her nerves, her hands still shook and her heart continued to beat rapidly. What was once an area she had explored alone was now a place she feared.
Slowly approaching the edge of the cover the foliage provided, David peered through the opening looking for any sign someone was waiting on them. When he didn’t sense anything, he picked up a stick and threw it into the clearing.
He heard nothing in response to the noise the stick made as it hit the ground. David hesitated waiting to see if anyone jumped at the noise. Seeing nothing, he took a cautious step into the open spot in the forest.
Once he was completely out in the open, David relaxed a little bit sure that there was no one there waiting to ambush them. He slipped his gun back into his small of his back and turned to Tiana. Extending his arm, he said, “its safe sweetheart. Come on.” He smiled hoping to reassure her and wiggled his fingers to get her to take his hand. “I promise, there isn’t anyone here.”
Tiana walked to where David stood and grasped his outstretched hand. “Are we going to be okay?” She asked forcing herself to smile.
When he realized she was still shaking, David pulled her into his arms. “Yeah, I think the shooter is long gone by now. He may be back at some point so we need to make sure we take extra precautions.” He placed his finger under her chin and tilted her head back until his eyes met hers. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, just scared.” Peering into his face, Tiana looked for any sign he wasn’t telling her everything.
“I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.” David said bringing his lips down to hers. Softly kissing her, he tried to reassure her. “Come on, let’s go home.”
She inhaled deeply and let his words comfort her. Nodding her head, she let him know she was ready.
When they arrived back at their bungalow, David stopped her at the back door. “Stay here while I check out the house. It will only take a minute.”
“I’m getting tired of being told to stay like a dog.” Tiana grumbled as he shook his head at her.
“Sweetheart, will you please wait outside while I make sure there aren’t any murderers waiting to ambush us the minute we walk inside?” He asked sarcastically.
Giving him her one finger salute, Tiana watched as he snickered before he quietly entered the house. Making his way down the hall, he slowly entered the bedroom. Finding nothing out of place, he continued his search clearing every room. Once he was sure the house was empty, he opened the back door. “It’s all clear. You can come in.”
Get your copy, and then leave a review on Cozzone's Amazon page!
Buy link: Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PCMVTLA/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=12DNPAZYW8RCVGGDVJVG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846[image error]
Surviving numerous attempts on their lives including the explosion that rocked Tropical Dreams, David Murphy and Tiana Alexander started to rebuild their lives. Living on the beautiful and tranquil island of St. Lucia, they tried not to let the ugliness of Robert Dubose invade every aspect of their lives. They knew he was coming and wouldn't stop until someone was dead. Robert Dubose planned every second of his revenge against David and Tiana down to the littlest detail. This time he was leaving nothing to chance. Bringing a partner in on the plan almost guarantees his success.
Can David and Tiana once again defeat Dubose or will he finally get his revenge? Will Dubose and his hidden partner finally succeed in killing them? Can David forgive himself for failing Tiana or will their love be another casualty?
Teaser Chapter
Entering the small pathway through the dense foliage, David held Tiana’s hand as he pulled her along behind him. With one arm out to protect his face, he held onto her hand tightly so she didn’t fall behind. He let go of her hand and reached back for the gun he slipped into the waistband of his shorts. He moved as quickly and as silently as he could down the path carefully watching where he put his feet. As he finally reached a clearing, he stopped. Meeting her eyes, he whispered, “Stay right here while I check it out. I mean it Tiana, no matter what, stay here. Do not come into the clearing.”
“David, please be careful.” Tiana whispered frantically afraid he’d be shot the minute he peeked his head out into the clearing. Her stomach rolled as fear and adrenaline coursed through her body. No matter how hard she tried to calm her nerves, her hands still shook and her heart continued to beat rapidly. What was once an area she had explored alone was now a place she feared.
Slowly approaching the edge of the cover the foliage provided, David peered through the opening looking for any sign someone was waiting on them. When he didn’t sense anything, he picked up a stick and threw it into the clearing.
He heard nothing in response to the noise the stick made as it hit the ground. David hesitated waiting to see if anyone jumped at the noise. Seeing nothing, he took a cautious step into the open spot in the forest.
Once he was completely out in the open, David relaxed a little bit sure that there was no one there waiting to ambush them. He slipped his gun back into his small of his back and turned to Tiana. Extending his arm, he said, “its safe sweetheart. Come on.” He smiled hoping to reassure her and wiggled his fingers to get her to take his hand. “I promise, there isn’t anyone here.”
Tiana walked to where David stood and grasped his outstretched hand. “Are we going to be okay?” She asked forcing herself to smile.
When he realized she was still shaking, David pulled her into his arms. “Yeah, I think the shooter is long gone by now. He may be back at some point so we need to make sure we take extra precautions.” He placed his finger under her chin and tilted her head back until his eyes met hers. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, just scared.” Peering into his face, Tiana looked for any sign he wasn’t telling her everything.
“I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.” David said bringing his lips down to hers. Softly kissing her, he tried to reassure her. “Come on, let’s go home.”
She inhaled deeply and let his words comfort her. Nodding her head, she let him know she was ready.
When they arrived back at their bungalow, David stopped her at the back door. “Stay here while I check out the house. It will only take a minute.”
“I’m getting tired of being told to stay like a dog.” Tiana grumbled as he shook his head at her.
“Sweetheart, will you please wait outside while I make sure there aren’t any murderers waiting to ambush us the minute we walk inside?” He asked sarcastically.
Giving him her one finger salute, Tiana watched as he snickered before he quietly entered the house. Making his way down the hall, he slowly entered the bedroom. Finding nothing out of place, he continued his search clearing every room. Once he was sure the house was empty, he opened the back door. “It’s all clear. You can come in.”
Get your copy, and then leave a review on Cozzone's Amazon page!
Buy link: Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PCMVTLA/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=12DNPAZYW8RCVGGDVJVG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846[image error]
Tropical Nightmares Debuts
From the bestselling author of
Tropical Dreams
, Kelly Cozzone, comes the next installment in her high-suspense and mystery novel series,
Tropical Nightmares
.
Surviving numerous attempts on their lives including the explosion that rocked Tropical Dreams, David Murphy and Tiana Alexander started to rebuild their lives. Living on the beautiful and tranquil island of St. Lucia, they tried not to let the ugliness of Robert Dubose invade every aspect of their lives. They knew he was coming and wouldn't stop until someone was dead.
Robert Dubose planned every second of his revenge against David and Tiana down to the littlest detail. This time he was leaving nothing to chance. Bringing a partner in on the plan almost guarantees his success.
Can David and Tiana once again defeat Dubose or will he finally get his revenge? Will Dubose and his hidden partner finally succeed in killing them? Can David forgive himself for failing Tiana or will their love be another casualty?
Teaser Chapter
Entering the small pathway through the dense foliage, David held Tiana’s hand as he pulled her along behind him. With one arm out to protect his face, he held onto her hand tightly so she didn’t fall behind. He let go of her hand and reached back for the gun he slipped into the waistband of his shorts. He moved as quickly and as silently as he could down the path carefully watching where he put his feet. As he finally reached a clearing, he stopped. Meeting her eyes, he whispered, “Stay right here while I check it out. I mean it Tiana, no matter what, stay here. Do not come into the clearing.”
“David, please be careful.” Tiana whispered frantically afraid he’d be shot the minute he peeked his head out into the clearing. Her stomach rolled as fear and adrenaline coursed through her body. No matter how hard she tried to calm her nerves, her hands still shook and her heart continued to beat rapidly. What was once an area she had explored alone was now a place she feared.
Slowly approaching the edge of the cover the foliage provided, David peered through the opening looking for any sign someone was waiting on them. When he didn’t sense anything, he picked up a stick and threw it into the clearing.
He heard nothing in response to the noise the stick made as it hit the ground. David hesitated waiting to see if anyone jumped at the noise. Seeing nothing, he took a cautious step into the open spot in the forest.
Once he was completely out in the open, David relaxed a little bit sure that there was no one there waiting to ambush them. He slipped his gun back into his small of his back and turned to Tiana. Extending his arm, he said, “its safe sweetheart. Come on.” He smiled hoping to reassure her and wiggled his fingers to get her to take his hand. “I promise, there isn’t anyone here.”
Tiana walked to where David stood and grasped his outstretched hand. “Are we going to be okay?” She asked forcing herself to smile.
When he realized she was still shaking, David pulled her into his arms. “Yeah, I think the shooter is long gone by now. He may be back at some point so we need to make sure we take extra precautions.” He placed his finger under her chin and tilted her head back until his eyes met hers. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, just scared.” Peering into his face, Tiana looked for any sign he wasn’t telling her everything.
“I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.” David said bringing his lips down to hers. Softly kissing her, he tried to reassure her. “Come on, let’s go home.”
She inhaled deeply and let his words comfort her. Nodding her head, she let him know she was ready.
When they arrived back at their bungalow, David stopped her at the back door. “Stay here while I check out the house. It will only take a minute.”
“I’m getting tired of being told to stay like a dog.” Tiana grumbled as he shook his head at her.
“Sweetheart, will you please wait outside while I make sure there aren’t any murderers waiting to ambush us the minute we walk inside?” He asked sarcastically.
Giving him her one finger salute, Tiana watched as he snickered before he quietly entered the house. Making his way down the hall, he slowly entered the bedroom. Finding nothing out of place, he continued his search clearing every room. Once he was sure the house was empty, he opened the back door. “It’s all clear. You can come in.”
Get your copy, and then leave a review on Cozzone's Amazon page!
Buy link: Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PCMVTLA/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=12DNPAZYW8RCVGGDVJVG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846
Surviving numerous attempts on their lives including the explosion that rocked Tropical Dreams, David Murphy and Tiana Alexander started to rebuild their lives. Living on the beautiful and tranquil island of St. Lucia, they tried not to let the ugliness of Robert Dubose invade every aspect of their lives. They knew he was coming and wouldn't stop until someone was dead. Robert Dubose planned every second of his revenge against David and Tiana down to the littlest detail. This time he was leaving nothing to chance. Bringing a partner in on the plan almost guarantees his success.
Can David and Tiana once again defeat Dubose or will he finally get his revenge? Will Dubose and his hidden partner finally succeed in killing them? Can David forgive himself for failing Tiana or will their love be another casualty?
Teaser Chapter
Entering the small pathway through the dense foliage, David held Tiana’s hand as he pulled her along behind him. With one arm out to protect his face, he held onto her hand tightly so she didn’t fall behind. He let go of her hand and reached back for the gun he slipped into the waistband of his shorts. He moved as quickly and as silently as he could down the path carefully watching where he put his feet. As he finally reached a clearing, he stopped. Meeting her eyes, he whispered, “Stay right here while I check it out. I mean it Tiana, no matter what, stay here. Do not come into the clearing.”
“David, please be careful.” Tiana whispered frantically afraid he’d be shot the minute he peeked his head out into the clearing. Her stomach rolled as fear and adrenaline coursed through her body. No matter how hard she tried to calm her nerves, her hands still shook and her heart continued to beat rapidly. What was once an area she had explored alone was now a place she feared.
Slowly approaching the edge of the cover the foliage provided, David peered through the opening looking for any sign someone was waiting on them. When he didn’t sense anything, he picked up a stick and threw it into the clearing.
He heard nothing in response to the noise the stick made as it hit the ground. David hesitated waiting to see if anyone jumped at the noise. Seeing nothing, he took a cautious step into the open spot in the forest.
Once he was completely out in the open, David relaxed a little bit sure that there was no one there waiting to ambush them. He slipped his gun back into his small of his back and turned to Tiana. Extending his arm, he said, “its safe sweetheart. Come on.” He smiled hoping to reassure her and wiggled his fingers to get her to take his hand. “I promise, there isn’t anyone here.”
Tiana walked to where David stood and grasped his outstretched hand. “Are we going to be okay?” She asked forcing herself to smile.
When he realized she was still shaking, David pulled her into his arms. “Yeah, I think the shooter is long gone by now. He may be back at some point so we need to make sure we take extra precautions.” He placed his finger under her chin and tilted her head back until his eyes met hers. “Are you okay?”
“Yes, just scared.” Peering into his face, Tiana looked for any sign he wasn’t telling her everything.
“I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.” David said bringing his lips down to hers. Softly kissing her, he tried to reassure her. “Come on, let’s go home.”
She inhaled deeply and let his words comfort her. Nodding her head, she let him know she was ready.
When they arrived back at their bungalow, David stopped her at the back door. “Stay here while I check out the house. It will only take a minute.”
“I’m getting tired of being told to stay like a dog.” Tiana grumbled as he shook his head at her.
“Sweetheart, will you please wait outside while I make sure there aren’t any murderers waiting to ambush us the minute we walk inside?” He asked sarcastically.
Giving him her one finger salute, Tiana watched as he snickered before he quietly entered the house. Making his way down the hall, he slowly entered the bedroom. Finding nothing out of place, he continued his search clearing every room. Once he was sure the house was empty, he opened the back door. “It’s all clear. You can come in.”
Get your copy, and then leave a review on Cozzone's Amazon page!
Buy link: Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PCMVTLA/ref=s9_simh_gw_p351_d0_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=12DNPAZYW8RCVGGDVJVG&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1688200382&pf_rd_i=507846
Is Aaron back from the dead in Unhinged Part IV?
Is Aaron back from the dead, or is Jen losing her mind? Unhinged part IV reveals a darkness that Jennifer can't hide from.
Unhinged Part IV
Image copyright M. Gwynn (Lake Amistad) Chapter 3
That evening, I had a visitor. It was a Detective James Monroe. He was investigating a missing person's report on Aaron. My name was written on the notepad next to his phone with about ten other names and addresses. His crazy Aunt Maggie had filed the report yesterday after repeated attempts to reach him by phone, and also knocking on his door. Seems he missed a Sunday dinner at her house without a phone call and she got worried. I let the detective in, offered him some coffee which he declined, and then calmly answered his question. No, hadn't seen Aaron in over a week (which was true). Yes, we dated. No, we hadn't had any fights and no, we weren't seeing each other anymore. Yes, it was a recent break up. Told him I had broken it off so it wouldn't seem like I had a grudge. Hell, Aaron wasn't around to contradict me anyway, and in a sense, I did actually end it. The detective thanked me for my time, gave me his card and asked me to call him if I heard from Aaron. I said okay and walked him out. I guess Tuesday is police investigation day.Other than that, my evening was rather quiet. I was actually bored. I looked out at the lake from my kitchen window. It was calm. The sun was setting. It really looked beautiful. I went to the pantry and pulled out a package of spaghetti noodles and a jar of Ragu. Then I put a package of Hamburger in the microwave to defrost. Spaghetti sounded good today. I pulled a red wine out of the rack and popped the cork. Pouring out a substantial glass, I thought about the changes in myself and my life recently. I was pretty happy about it. After about three glasses the Spaghetti was ready to eat and I was downright ecstatic. On my fourth glass, I realized I was drunk. Hell, I'm a real lightweight with alcohol. I hiccupped, laughed, and then looked around my kitchen. I downed a fifth glass and walked (stumbled) down the hall to my room. I went to the bathroom to pee, sat on the toilet seat, looked up and nearly shit! Aaron stood before me in the doorway dripping wet! Fuck! I screamed and passed out on the pot.I woke up with a bump on my head and my panties around my ankles. I was slumped between the toilet and the wall and I couldn't orient myself right away. Then I remembered! I turned my head and the world spun a little. I didn't see anyone standing in the door. I cleaned myself up carefully, felt the bump on my head and then stood up and pulled my panties back into place. I leaned over the sink, and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked like shit. I turned on the cold water and splashed my face. When I turned to grab a towel to wipe off the water, I saw them on the floor. Holy fucking shit! Muddy foot prints. I forgot to breathe.Slowly, very slowly, I walked out of the bathroom and looked down the hall. Nothing. I stepped around the footprints and kept my back to the hallway wall as I slunk quietly towards the living room. I kept looking behind me also. I reached the living room and peered all around. There was a heavy, silver candle holder on the hall table. I picked it up and hefted it in my hand. I applied a firm grip and tip-toed to the kitchen. The door to the patio was open. I walked to it, closed the glass, and slid the lock home. Then I looked out on the deck. I didn't see anything. I made the rounds quickly throughout the whole house, and made sure all doors and windows were locked, and that no boogey man was under my bed or in my closet. I was scared shitless, and just a little pissed off. If Aaron was alive and fucking with me then I was really going to kill him. But he was dead! I know this because he wasn't breathing and didn't have a pulse when I rolled him in hefty bags and sent his weighted ass to the bottom of the lake. There was no way he could have come back from the dead. Was there? Hell no, there wasn't. It must have just been some random intruder, someone who resembled Aaron, and was scared when he discovered me home. Hell, he could have harmed me but didn't. Must have been some kid that was out to just get what he could, and my drunken ass thought it was Aaron. Maybe I had a guilty conscience after all. I was still shaking when I realized suddenly that I was crying. I leaned against the wall for support as my whole body shook with sobs. I felt so much fear swamping me, and I didn’t have anyone to turn to. Aaron had been my world for so long. He had been there when my parents died in the auto wreck that injured my back earlier this year. Mom, Dad, and I were on our way to a family wedding when a drunk driver, going the wrong way on the road, slammed into my Dad’s Toyota Camry killing him and my Mom instantly. I walked away with minor injuries that included some cracked ribs, a broken finger, a sprained lumbar disc, and whiplash. I grieved for months, and although an asshole most of the time, Aaron had been there for me when no one else was, and now he was dead. I killed him for all his abuse before and after the death of my parents. I killed him for hurting my heart, my pride, and for making me love him all the same. It was during my recovery that the headaches had begun. Sometimes I lost whole days during those headaches. And now, he was trying to haunt me for killing him. Instead of being some kind of benevolent ghost, he was just causing me more pain and heartache, and it scared me - and really pissed me off. My anger started to override my grief and my tears dried. I stood there staring at the wall and composed myself. I cleaned up the mud the intruder tracked in and made one more round, checking locks before I went to bed. Just to be on the safe side, I pulled out my 9mm and, with the safety on, put her under my pillow. Just in case. Thinking that I should never drink again, I fell asleep with the light on. At two a.m., the phone rang. I reached out to pick up the handset and clicked answer. "Hello?" No answer, just some breathing. "Hello! Goddammit, who is this?" Click. The call ended. I looked at the handset, then looked at the caller I.D. I nearly fell off the bed when I read AARON DANIELS 555-4556. No fucking way! It can't be. Someone must have his cell, I was thinking. But wait, he's never without his cell. I'm sure it must have been on his body when I dumped it; reasonably sure. Or maybe it was in his car. Yeah, that must be it. Probably in his car when I left it parked downtown. There was no way it could have been him. But it was pissing me off. I put the phone down and tried to go back to sleep. I hugged my pillow, and kept my hand firmly on my 9 mm. Tomorrow better be a better day! If someone was messing with me, they surely didn't know who they were messing with!
Stay tuned for next week's installment of Unhinged.
Check out the first three chapters here.
Unhinged Part IV
Image copyright M. Gwynn (Lake Amistad) Chapter 3That evening, I had a visitor. It was a Detective James Monroe. He was investigating a missing person's report on Aaron. My name was written on the notepad next to his phone with about ten other names and addresses. His crazy Aunt Maggie had filed the report yesterday after repeated attempts to reach him by phone, and also knocking on his door. Seems he missed a Sunday dinner at her house without a phone call and she got worried. I let the detective in, offered him some coffee which he declined, and then calmly answered his question. No, hadn't seen Aaron in over a week (which was true). Yes, we dated. No, we hadn't had any fights and no, we weren't seeing each other anymore. Yes, it was a recent break up. Told him I had broken it off so it wouldn't seem like I had a grudge. Hell, Aaron wasn't around to contradict me anyway, and in a sense, I did actually end it. The detective thanked me for my time, gave me his card and asked me to call him if I heard from Aaron. I said okay and walked him out. I guess Tuesday is police investigation day.Other than that, my evening was rather quiet. I was actually bored. I looked out at the lake from my kitchen window. It was calm. The sun was setting. It really looked beautiful. I went to the pantry and pulled out a package of spaghetti noodles and a jar of Ragu. Then I put a package of Hamburger in the microwave to defrost. Spaghetti sounded good today. I pulled a red wine out of the rack and popped the cork. Pouring out a substantial glass, I thought about the changes in myself and my life recently. I was pretty happy about it. After about three glasses the Spaghetti was ready to eat and I was downright ecstatic. On my fourth glass, I realized I was drunk. Hell, I'm a real lightweight with alcohol. I hiccupped, laughed, and then looked around my kitchen. I downed a fifth glass and walked (stumbled) down the hall to my room. I went to the bathroom to pee, sat on the toilet seat, looked up and nearly shit! Aaron stood before me in the doorway dripping wet! Fuck! I screamed and passed out on the pot.I woke up with a bump on my head and my panties around my ankles. I was slumped between the toilet and the wall and I couldn't orient myself right away. Then I remembered! I turned my head and the world spun a little. I didn't see anyone standing in the door. I cleaned myself up carefully, felt the bump on my head and then stood up and pulled my panties back into place. I leaned over the sink, and looked at myself in the mirror. I looked like shit. I turned on the cold water and splashed my face. When I turned to grab a towel to wipe off the water, I saw them on the floor. Holy fucking shit! Muddy foot prints. I forgot to breathe.Slowly, very slowly, I walked out of the bathroom and looked down the hall. Nothing. I stepped around the footprints and kept my back to the hallway wall as I slunk quietly towards the living room. I kept looking behind me also. I reached the living room and peered all around. There was a heavy, silver candle holder on the hall table. I picked it up and hefted it in my hand. I applied a firm grip and tip-toed to the kitchen. The door to the patio was open. I walked to it, closed the glass, and slid the lock home. Then I looked out on the deck. I didn't see anything. I made the rounds quickly throughout the whole house, and made sure all doors and windows were locked, and that no boogey man was under my bed or in my closet. I was scared shitless, and just a little pissed off. If Aaron was alive and fucking with me then I was really going to kill him. But he was dead! I know this because he wasn't breathing and didn't have a pulse when I rolled him in hefty bags and sent his weighted ass to the bottom of the lake. There was no way he could have come back from the dead. Was there? Hell no, there wasn't. It must have just been some random intruder, someone who resembled Aaron, and was scared when he discovered me home. Hell, he could have harmed me but didn't. Must have been some kid that was out to just get what he could, and my drunken ass thought it was Aaron. Maybe I had a guilty conscience after all. I was still shaking when I realized suddenly that I was crying. I leaned against the wall for support as my whole body shook with sobs. I felt so much fear swamping me, and I didn’t have anyone to turn to. Aaron had been my world for so long. He had been there when my parents died in the auto wreck that injured my back earlier this year. Mom, Dad, and I were on our way to a family wedding when a drunk driver, going the wrong way on the road, slammed into my Dad’s Toyota Camry killing him and my Mom instantly. I walked away with minor injuries that included some cracked ribs, a broken finger, a sprained lumbar disc, and whiplash. I grieved for months, and although an asshole most of the time, Aaron had been there for me when no one else was, and now he was dead. I killed him for all his abuse before and after the death of my parents. I killed him for hurting my heart, my pride, and for making me love him all the same. It was during my recovery that the headaches had begun. Sometimes I lost whole days during those headaches. And now, he was trying to haunt me for killing him. Instead of being some kind of benevolent ghost, he was just causing me more pain and heartache, and it scared me - and really pissed me off. My anger started to override my grief and my tears dried. I stood there staring at the wall and composed myself. I cleaned up the mud the intruder tracked in and made one more round, checking locks before I went to bed. Just to be on the safe side, I pulled out my 9mm and, with the safety on, put her under my pillow. Just in case. Thinking that I should never drink again, I fell asleep with the light on. At two a.m., the phone rang. I reached out to pick up the handset and clicked answer. "Hello?" No answer, just some breathing. "Hello! Goddammit, who is this?" Click. The call ended. I looked at the handset, then looked at the caller I.D. I nearly fell off the bed when I read AARON DANIELS 555-4556. No fucking way! It can't be. Someone must have his cell, I was thinking. But wait, he's never without his cell. I'm sure it must have been on his body when I dumped it; reasonably sure. Or maybe it was in his car. Yeah, that must be it. Probably in his car when I left it parked downtown. There was no way it could have been him. But it was pissing me off. I put the phone down and tried to go back to sleep. I hugged my pillow, and kept my hand firmly on my 9 mm. Tomorrow better be a better day! If someone was messing with me, they surely didn't know who they were messing with!
Stay tuned for next week's installment of Unhinged.
Check out the first three chapters here.
Romance Author Ella Medler Presents Trial Run
There's a new addition to the Addicted to Love Romance Collection from UK author, Ella Medler.
Trial Run
has hit the stands, and it takes off running!
Description (for mature audience only): “Trust me, he says. You’ll be safe with me, he says.”
Amelie Watts is sick and tired of being treated like a child. She might be willowy and delicate, but she has strength of the kind that doesn’t show on the outside. Plus, she learned all she needed to know so she could cope on her own. Now, if only her big brother would finally release her inheritance! She would fly to the Bahamas and kiss the backwater she grew up in goodbye.
Jason Watts is fed up with picking up the pieces of his little sister’s life. If only she would grow up already and learn to live life without stabilizers! Her latest idea is insane, and bound to be her most enormous failure to date. But how to make her understand?
Enter Rob Tyson, incorrigible bachelor and Jason’s best friend. For a laugh, they make a bet. Two people, a hastily acquired boat, and a tropical paradise. What could possibly go wrong?
Teaser Chapter A Bit of Rain
“Don’t worry. We might get a bit of rain, but we’ll be okay.”
Rob’s words still rang in Amelie’s ears as she curled herself into a ball in the cabin entrance, praying she would survive being pelted by raindrops that felt the size of saucers. The wind was howling now and their boat felt miniscule in the stormy ocean.
She couldn’t understand what had gone so badly wrong. She’d checked the weather forecast herself, not that she expected any trouble. It was weeks before the hurricane season usually started.
Rob stood right in front of her, hanging onto the rail beneath the windshield, working desperately on keeping them on a stable course. They’d passed Bimini a while ago, when the wind and rain seemed like no more than a short but intimidating summer squall, a quirk of nature. If they stayed on course, they should hit New Providence soon, and then they would be safe.
Amelie peeked up at Rob, not daring to ask about time or place for fear of disturbing him at an inopportune moment. Her eyes lingered on his arms, his muscles corded as he fought for grip on the slick rail. His legs were strong and defined, like perfect stone carvings, yet when he darted from the rail to the back of the boat to check the engine, his steps were fast and agile, like those of an athlete.
The man was incredibly strong, under his air of casual indifference. She hadn’t quite expected that when she’d suggested he take her along for the trip. Maybe his job as stunt double had required him to be strong and fit. Not that he hadn’t been fit even as a teen. He was drool-worthy then, and the last ten years had only added another layer of masculine ruggedness to this already beautiful man. If she hadn’t made such a conscious, determined decision to ignore her former crush on him, she had to admit she might have just thrown caution to the wind and flung herself at him. He was exactly the kind of man that made her dreams of independence puff right out of existence and her resolve melt, alongside her heart, in a pool of lust at his feet.
Though she would have probably thought twice about getting on board a boat this fragile-looking.
The damned thing didn’t even have a proper cabin, and the small depression beneath the glass windbreaker, laughingly called cockpit, served merely as anchoring point as far as she was concerned. She hung with all her might onto anything solid – the edge around the entrance into the cabin, the floorboards, the rope tied around her middle. That had been the first thing Rob had done when the winds began rocking the boat, and she was grateful for his thoughtfulness. With her luck, she’d probably fly overboard at the first twist of the craft.
The boat bucked and shuddered, and Rob swore loudly.
She looked up at him intending to ask what happened, but his eyes met hers before she could speak. It was bad news; she could tell.
“The cable snapped. We have no steering.”
Yes, that was bad. Rob proceeded to adjust and finally shut down the engine. There was no need, no further use, to have an engine running, propelling them toward an unknown destination.
For an interminable amount of time, she concentrated on not screaming each time the boat jolted beneath her. The wind was getting worse, and the rain had turned cold and hard, denser and more painful than before. Rob planted his feet right in front of her crouched form, so even if she slipped out of her shelter, there would be one more barrier between her body and the sea.
At some point, after the darkness had become solid, like a physical wall they could smash against at any moment, Rob bent over and shouted at her something she could barely understand. It sounded like ‘land’ or ‘island’, but if that was the case, why was he scowling? He should be celebrating. She struggled to her feet, to have a look, but Rob pulled her tightly to his chest and spoke loudly right in her ear.
“I need your surfboard. It’s the only thing on this boat even vaguely useful. I just hope it’ll be long enough and strong enough to see us through the reef until we get closer to the shore.”
Amelie nodded and kneeled back down, feeling her way to the surfboard, and shielding her face from the pelting rain. She pulled it out with some difficulty, and in the process her perfectly ordered bags of provisions shifted and loosened. Now she would have to guard the entrance to the cabin for an entirely different reason.
Rob would do his best to get them to land, or at least past the worst of the jagged reef, with the boat intact. The job she took upon herself, therefore, was to keep as many of the belongings they’d packed in the boat, and preferably unspoiled. She was glad they were nearing land, ecstatic even, but she also knew there would be little chance to travel any farther than that using this boat.
For the first time in years, Amelie prayed. She prayed the cay was inhabited, or that it was close to a well-used travel route, at least. She hadn’t noticed any lights when she’d looked briefly that way, but surely they deserved that tiny shred of luck, after what they’d been through. She prayed she stayed alive, or that at the very least her body would be washed ashore and some kind soul might find it and send it home, to her brother. But most of all, she prayed for Rob. For him to stay alive, for him to stay healthy and strong… and for him to stay with her. Incomprehensible as her thoughts seemed to be at that moment, she didn’t stop to dissect their meaning. She simply closed her eyes and prayed.
Rob darted to the side and plunged the board in the sea, pushing hard. She felt the boat scrape along sharp edges, but the foaming waves quickly twisted it around the rocks and away. Rob cursed. Did he want the craft to break into pieces on the reef? She didn’t understand his reaction.
She watched, wide-eyed, as he deftly maneuvered the boat back toward the reef, taking advantage of the direction of the waves in this fickle storm. After what felt like a hundred years, and after she’d taken an unexpected dunking when her grip hadn’t been strong enough to hold her in place, they passed the first line of rocks, and she understood Rob’s plan. Being inside the reef meant it would be harder for the storm to drag them back out into the open ocean. Rob had obviously relaxed, too, because he wasn’t paying attention as much as before. He leaned over the edge of the boat at the wrong time and in the next moment he disappeared.
Amelie shrieked and lunged for the spot where he’d stood last, not caring what happened behind her. Several breathless minutes later, when she was sobbing and praying anew – praying for the end, because there was no way she was going to survive this alone – Rob’s strong hand grabbed the edge of the boat and she shrieked again, with elation this time.
He dragged himself back on board and lay there, on his back, catching his breath, uncaring of the rain pelting down. Amelie dropped to the deck, by his side, her face on his chest, gave up all pretenses and sobbed. Just all-out, deep, heart-felt sobs that felt like they were coming from within her whole body, ripping her into pieces, bringing her to her knees in more ways than one. Even Rob’s arms around her shoulders hadn’t been able to stem the flow of tears, not really.
Eventually, he pushed her gently up, got up as well, then he did the most unexpected thing, the one gesture that had calmed her more than anything else could have done: he untied the end of her rope from the boat’s rail and tied it around his own middle. Now they were connected by the same rope. She would not lose him.
And she could weather any storm, Amelie realized, as long as she had Rob standing by her side.
Get your copy of this action-packed, sexy book here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/489564
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trial-run-ella-medler/1120687358
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/trial-run-3
http://www.amazon.com/Trial-Run-Addicted-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B00P4451LA/
https://www.createspace.com/5091022
[image error]
Description (for mature audience only): “Trust me, he says. You’ll be safe with me, he says.” Amelie Watts is sick and tired of being treated like a child. She might be willowy and delicate, but she has strength of the kind that doesn’t show on the outside. Plus, she learned all she needed to know so she could cope on her own. Now, if only her big brother would finally release her inheritance! She would fly to the Bahamas and kiss the backwater she grew up in goodbye.
Jason Watts is fed up with picking up the pieces of his little sister’s life. If only she would grow up already and learn to live life without stabilizers! Her latest idea is insane, and bound to be her most enormous failure to date. But how to make her understand?
Enter Rob Tyson, incorrigible bachelor and Jason’s best friend. For a laugh, they make a bet. Two people, a hastily acquired boat, and a tropical paradise. What could possibly go wrong?
Teaser Chapter A Bit of Rain
“Don’t worry. We might get a bit of rain, but we’ll be okay.”
Rob’s words still rang in Amelie’s ears as she curled herself into a ball in the cabin entrance, praying she would survive being pelted by raindrops that felt the size of saucers. The wind was howling now and their boat felt miniscule in the stormy ocean.
She couldn’t understand what had gone so badly wrong. She’d checked the weather forecast herself, not that she expected any trouble. It was weeks before the hurricane season usually started.
Rob stood right in front of her, hanging onto the rail beneath the windshield, working desperately on keeping them on a stable course. They’d passed Bimini a while ago, when the wind and rain seemed like no more than a short but intimidating summer squall, a quirk of nature. If they stayed on course, they should hit New Providence soon, and then they would be safe.
Amelie peeked up at Rob, not daring to ask about time or place for fear of disturbing him at an inopportune moment. Her eyes lingered on his arms, his muscles corded as he fought for grip on the slick rail. His legs were strong and defined, like perfect stone carvings, yet when he darted from the rail to the back of the boat to check the engine, his steps were fast and agile, like those of an athlete.
The man was incredibly strong, under his air of casual indifference. She hadn’t quite expected that when she’d suggested he take her along for the trip. Maybe his job as stunt double had required him to be strong and fit. Not that he hadn’t been fit even as a teen. He was drool-worthy then, and the last ten years had only added another layer of masculine ruggedness to this already beautiful man. If she hadn’t made such a conscious, determined decision to ignore her former crush on him, she had to admit she might have just thrown caution to the wind and flung herself at him. He was exactly the kind of man that made her dreams of independence puff right out of existence and her resolve melt, alongside her heart, in a pool of lust at his feet.
Though she would have probably thought twice about getting on board a boat this fragile-looking.
The damned thing didn’t even have a proper cabin, and the small depression beneath the glass windbreaker, laughingly called cockpit, served merely as anchoring point as far as she was concerned. She hung with all her might onto anything solid – the edge around the entrance into the cabin, the floorboards, the rope tied around her middle. That had been the first thing Rob had done when the winds began rocking the boat, and she was grateful for his thoughtfulness. With her luck, she’d probably fly overboard at the first twist of the craft.
The boat bucked and shuddered, and Rob swore loudly.
She looked up at him intending to ask what happened, but his eyes met hers before she could speak. It was bad news; she could tell.
“The cable snapped. We have no steering.”
Yes, that was bad. Rob proceeded to adjust and finally shut down the engine. There was no need, no further use, to have an engine running, propelling them toward an unknown destination.
For an interminable amount of time, she concentrated on not screaming each time the boat jolted beneath her. The wind was getting worse, and the rain had turned cold and hard, denser and more painful than before. Rob planted his feet right in front of her crouched form, so even if she slipped out of her shelter, there would be one more barrier between her body and the sea.
At some point, after the darkness had become solid, like a physical wall they could smash against at any moment, Rob bent over and shouted at her something she could barely understand. It sounded like ‘land’ or ‘island’, but if that was the case, why was he scowling? He should be celebrating. She struggled to her feet, to have a look, but Rob pulled her tightly to his chest and spoke loudly right in her ear.
“I need your surfboard. It’s the only thing on this boat even vaguely useful. I just hope it’ll be long enough and strong enough to see us through the reef until we get closer to the shore.”
Amelie nodded and kneeled back down, feeling her way to the surfboard, and shielding her face from the pelting rain. She pulled it out with some difficulty, and in the process her perfectly ordered bags of provisions shifted and loosened. Now she would have to guard the entrance to the cabin for an entirely different reason.
Rob would do his best to get them to land, or at least past the worst of the jagged reef, with the boat intact. The job she took upon herself, therefore, was to keep as many of the belongings they’d packed in the boat, and preferably unspoiled. She was glad they were nearing land, ecstatic even, but she also knew there would be little chance to travel any farther than that using this boat.
For the first time in years, Amelie prayed. She prayed the cay was inhabited, or that it was close to a well-used travel route, at least. She hadn’t noticed any lights when she’d looked briefly that way, but surely they deserved that tiny shred of luck, after what they’d been through. She prayed she stayed alive, or that at the very least her body would be washed ashore and some kind soul might find it and send it home, to her brother. But most of all, she prayed for Rob. For him to stay alive, for him to stay healthy and strong… and for him to stay with her. Incomprehensible as her thoughts seemed to be at that moment, she didn’t stop to dissect their meaning. She simply closed her eyes and prayed.
Rob darted to the side and plunged the board in the sea, pushing hard. She felt the boat scrape along sharp edges, but the foaming waves quickly twisted it around the rocks and away. Rob cursed. Did he want the craft to break into pieces on the reef? She didn’t understand his reaction.
She watched, wide-eyed, as he deftly maneuvered the boat back toward the reef, taking advantage of the direction of the waves in this fickle storm. After what felt like a hundred years, and after she’d taken an unexpected dunking when her grip hadn’t been strong enough to hold her in place, they passed the first line of rocks, and she understood Rob’s plan. Being inside the reef meant it would be harder for the storm to drag them back out into the open ocean. Rob had obviously relaxed, too, because he wasn’t paying attention as much as before. He leaned over the edge of the boat at the wrong time and in the next moment he disappeared.
Amelie shrieked and lunged for the spot where he’d stood last, not caring what happened behind her. Several breathless minutes later, when she was sobbing and praying anew – praying for the end, because there was no way she was going to survive this alone – Rob’s strong hand grabbed the edge of the boat and she shrieked again, with elation this time.
He dragged himself back on board and lay there, on his back, catching his breath, uncaring of the rain pelting down. Amelie dropped to the deck, by his side, her face on his chest, gave up all pretenses and sobbed. Just all-out, deep, heart-felt sobs that felt like they were coming from within her whole body, ripping her into pieces, bringing her to her knees in more ways than one. Even Rob’s arms around her shoulders hadn’t been able to stem the flow of tears, not really.
Eventually, he pushed her gently up, got up as well, then he did the most unexpected thing, the one gesture that had calmed her more than anything else could have done: he untied the end of her rope from the boat’s rail and tied it around his own middle. Now they were connected by the same rope. She would not lose him.
And she could weather any storm, Amelie realized, as long as she had Rob standing by her side.
Get your copy of this action-packed, sexy book here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/489564
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trial-run-ella-medler/1120687358
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/trial-run-3
http://www.amazon.com/Trial-Run-Addicted-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B00P4451LA/
https://www.createspace.com/5091022
[image error]
Romance Author Ella Medler Presents Trial Run
There's a new addition to the Addicted to Love Romance Collection from UK author, Ella Medler.
Trial Run
has hit the stands, and it takes off running!
Description (for mature audience only): “Trust me, he says. You’ll be safe with me, he says.”
Amelie Watts is sick and tired of being treated like a child. She might be willowy and delicate, but she has strength of the kind that doesn’t show on the outside. Plus, she learned all she needed to know so she could cope on her own. Now, if only her big brother would finally release her inheritance! She would fly to the Bahamas and kiss the backwater she grew up in goodbye.
Jason Watts is fed up with picking up the pieces of his little sister’s life. If only she would grow up already and learn to live life without stabilizers! Her latest idea is insane, and bound to be her most enormous failure to date. But how to make her understand?
Enter Rob Tyson, incorrigible bachelor and Jason’s best friend. For a laugh, they make a bet. Two people, a hastily acquired boat, and a tropical paradise. What could possibly go wrong?
Teaser Chapter A Bit of Rain
“Don’t worry. We might get a bit of rain, but we’ll be okay.”
Rob’s words still rang in Amelie’s ears as she curled herself into a ball in the cabin entrance, praying she would survive being pelted by raindrops that felt the size of saucers. The wind was howling now and their boat felt miniscule in the stormy ocean.
She couldn’t understand what had gone so badly wrong. She’d checked the weather forecast herself, not that she expected any trouble. It was weeks before the hurricane season usually started.
Rob stood right in front of her, hanging onto the rail beneath the windshield, working desperately on keeping them on a stable course. They’d passed Bimini a while ago, when the wind and rain seemed like no more than a short but intimidating summer squall, a quirk of nature. If they stayed on course, they should hit New Providence soon, and then they would be safe.
Amelie peeked up at Rob, not daring to ask about time or place for fear of disturbing him at an inopportune moment. Her eyes lingered on his arms, his muscles corded as he fought for grip on the slick rail. His legs were strong and defined, like perfect stone carvings, yet when he darted from the rail to the back of the boat to check the engine, his steps were fast and agile, like those of an athlete.
The man was incredibly strong, under his air of casual indifference. She hadn’t quite expected that when she’d suggested he take her along for the trip. Maybe his job as stunt double had required him to be strong and fit. Not that he hadn’t been fit even as a teen. He was drool-worthy then, and the last ten years had only added another layer of masculine ruggedness to this already beautiful man. If she hadn’t made such a conscious, determined decision to ignore her former crush on him, she had to admit she might have just thrown caution to the wind and flung herself at him. He was exactly the kind of man that made her dreams of independence puff right out of existence and her resolve melt, alongside her heart, in a pool of lust at his feet.
Though she would have probably thought twice about getting on board a boat this fragile-looking.
The damned thing didn’t even have a proper cabin, and the small depression beneath the glass windbreaker, laughingly called cockpit, served merely as anchoring point as far as she was concerned. She hung with all her might onto anything solid – the edge around the entrance into the cabin, the floorboards, the rope tied around her middle. That had been the first thing Rob had done when the winds began rocking the boat, and she was grateful for his thoughtfulness. With her luck, she’d probably fly overboard at the first twist of the craft.
The boat bucked and shuddered, and Rob swore loudly.
She looked up at him intending to ask what happened, but his eyes met hers before she could speak. It was bad news; she could tell.
“The cable snapped. We have no steering.”
Yes, that was bad. Rob proceeded to adjust and finally shut down the engine. There was no need, no further use, to have an engine running, propelling them toward an unknown destination.
For an interminable amount of time, she concentrated on not screaming each time the boat jolted beneath her. The wind was getting worse, and the rain had turned cold and hard, denser and more painful than before. Rob planted his feet right in front of her crouched form, so even if she slipped out of her shelter, there would be one more barrier between her body and the sea.
At some point, after the darkness had become solid, like a physical wall they could smash against at any moment, Rob bent over and shouted at her something she could barely understand. It sounded like ‘land’ or ‘island’, but if that was the case, why was he scowling? He should be celebrating. She struggled to her feet, to have a look, but Rob pulled her tightly to his chest and spoke loudly right in her ear.
“I need your surfboard. It’s the only thing on this boat even vaguely useful. I just hope it’ll be long enough and strong enough to see us through the reef until we get closer to the shore.”
Amelie nodded and kneeled back down, feeling her way to the surfboard, and shielding her face from the pelting rain. She pulled it out with some difficulty, and in the process her perfectly ordered bags of provisions shifted and loosened. Now she would have to guard the entrance to the cabin for an entirely different reason.
Rob would do his best to get them to land, or at least past the worst of the jagged reef, with the boat intact. The job she took upon herself, therefore, was to keep as many of the belongings they’d packed in the boat, and preferably unspoiled. She was glad they were nearing land, ecstatic even, but she also knew there would be little chance to travel any farther than that using this boat.
For the first time in years, Amelie prayed. She prayed the cay was inhabited, or that it was close to a well-used travel route, at least. She hadn’t noticed any lights when she’d looked briefly that way, but surely they deserved that tiny shred of luck, after what they’d been through. She prayed she stayed alive, or that at the very least her body would be washed ashore and some kind soul might find it and send it home, to her brother. But most of all, she prayed for Rob. For him to stay alive, for him to stay healthy and strong… and for him to stay with her. Incomprehensible as her thoughts seemed to be at that moment, she didn’t stop to dissect their meaning. She simply closed her eyes and prayed.
Rob darted to the side and plunged the board in the sea, pushing hard. She felt the boat scrape along sharp edges, but the foaming waves quickly twisted it around the rocks and away. Rob cursed. Did he want the craft to break into pieces on the reef? She didn’t understand his reaction.
She watched, wide-eyed, as he deftly maneuvered the boat back toward the reef, taking advantage of the direction of the waves in this fickle storm. After what felt like a hundred years, and after she’d taken an unexpected dunking when her grip hadn’t been strong enough to hold her in place, they passed the first line of rocks, and she understood Rob’s plan. Being inside the reef meant it would be harder for the storm to drag them back out into the open ocean. Rob had obviously relaxed, too, because he wasn’t paying attention as much as before. He leaned over the edge of the boat at the wrong time and in the next moment he disappeared.
Amelie shrieked and lunged for the spot where he’d stood last, not caring what happened behind her. Several breathless minutes later, when she was sobbing and praying anew – praying for the end, because there was no way she was going to survive this alone – Rob’s strong hand grabbed the edge of the boat and she shrieked again, with elation this time.
He dragged himself back on board and lay there, on his back, catching his breath, uncaring of the rain pelting down. Amelie dropped to the deck, by his side, her face on his chest, gave up all pretenses and sobbed. Just all-out, deep, heart-felt sobs that felt like they were coming from within her whole body, ripping her into pieces, bringing her to her knees in more ways than one. Even Rob’s arms around her shoulders hadn’t been able to stem the flow of tears, not really.
Eventually, he pushed her gently up, got up as well, then he did the most unexpected thing, the one gesture that had calmed her more than anything else could have done: he untied the end of her rope from the boat’s rail and tied it around his own middle. Now they were connected by the same rope. She would not lose him.
And she could weather any storm, Amelie realized, as long as she had Rob standing by her side.
Get your copy of this action-packed, sexy book here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/489564
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/trial-run-ella-medler/1120687358
http://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/trial-run-3
http://www.amazon.com/Trial-Run-Addicted-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B00P4451LA/
https://www.createspace.com/5091022
Description (for mature audience only): “Trust me, he says. You’ll be safe with me, he says.” Amelie Watts is sick and tired of being treated like a child. She might be willowy and delicate, but she has strength of the kind that doesn’t show on the outside. Plus, she learned all she needed to know so she could cope on her own. Now, if only her big brother would finally release her inheritance! She would fly to the Bahamas and kiss the backwater she grew up in goodbye.
Jason Watts is fed up with picking up the pieces of his little sister’s life. If only she would grow up already and learn to live life without stabilizers! Her latest idea is insane, and bound to be her most enormous failure to date. But how to make her understand?
Enter Rob Tyson, incorrigible bachelor and Jason’s best friend. For a laugh, they make a bet. Two people, a hastily acquired boat, and a tropical paradise. What could possibly go wrong?
Teaser Chapter A Bit of Rain
“Don’t worry. We might get a bit of rain, but we’ll be okay.”
Rob’s words still rang in Amelie’s ears as she curled herself into a ball in the cabin entrance, praying she would survive being pelted by raindrops that felt the size of saucers. The wind was howling now and their boat felt miniscule in the stormy ocean.
She couldn’t understand what had gone so badly wrong. She’d checked the weather forecast herself, not that she expected any trouble. It was weeks before the hurricane season usually started.
Rob stood right in front of her, hanging onto the rail beneath the windshield, working desperately on keeping them on a stable course. They’d passed Bimini a while ago, when the wind and rain seemed like no more than a short but intimidating summer squall, a quirk of nature. If they stayed on course, they should hit New Providence soon, and then they would be safe.
Amelie peeked up at Rob, not daring to ask about time or place for fear of disturbing him at an inopportune moment. Her eyes lingered on his arms, his muscles corded as he fought for grip on the slick rail. His legs were strong and defined, like perfect stone carvings, yet when he darted from the rail to the back of the boat to check the engine, his steps were fast and agile, like those of an athlete.
The man was incredibly strong, under his air of casual indifference. She hadn’t quite expected that when she’d suggested he take her along for the trip. Maybe his job as stunt double had required him to be strong and fit. Not that he hadn’t been fit even as a teen. He was drool-worthy then, and the last ten years had only added another layer of masculine ruggedness to this already beautiful man. If she hadn’t made such a conscious, determined decision to ignore her former crush on him, she had to admit she might have just thrown caution to the wind and flung herself at him. He was exactly the kind of man that made her dreams of independence puff right out of existence and her resolve melt, alongside her heart, in a pool of lust at his feet.
Though she would have probably thought twice about getting on board a boat this fragile-looking.
The damned thing didn’t even have a proper cabin, and the small depression beneath the glass windbreaker, laughingly called cockpit, served merely as anchoring point as far as she was concerned. She hung with all her might onto anything solid – the edge around the entrance into the cabin, the floorboards, the rope tied around her middle. That had been the first thing Rob had done when the winds began rocking the boat, and she was grateful for his thoughtfulness. With her luck, she’d probably fly overboard at the first twist of the craft.
The boat bucked and shuddered, and Rob swore loudly.
She looked up at him intending to ask what happened, but his eyes met hers before she could speak. It was bad news; she could tell.
“The cable snapped. We have no steering.”
Yes, that was bad. Rob proceeded to adjust and finally shut down the engine. There was no need, no further use, to have an engine running, propelling them toward an unknown destination.
For an interminable amount of time, she concentrated on not screaming each time the boat jolted beneath her. The wind was getting worse, and the rain had turned cold and hard, denser and more painful than before. Rob planted his feet right in front of her crouched form, so even if she slipped out of her shelter, there would be one more barrier between her body and the sea.
At some point, after the darkness had become solid, like a physical wall they could smash against at any moment, Rob bent over and shouted at her something she could barely understand. It sounded like ‘land’ or ‘island’, but if that was the case, why was he scowling? He should be celebrating. She struggled to her feet, to have a look, but Rob pulled her tightly to his chest and spoke loudly right in her ear.
“I need your surfboard. It’s the only thing on this boat even vaguely useful. I just hope it’ll be long enough and strong enough to see us through the reef until we get closer to the shore.”
Amelie nodded and kneeled back down, feeling her way to the surfboard, and shielding her face from the pelting rain. She pulled it out with some difficulty, and in the process her perfectly ordered bags of provisions shifted and loosened. Now she would have to guard the entrance to the cabin for an entirely different reason.
Rob would do his best to get them to land, or at least past the worst of the jagged reef, with the boat intact. The job she took upon herself, therefore, was to keep as many of the belongings they’d packed in the boat, and preferably unspoiled. She was glad they were nearing land, ecstatic even, but she also knew there would be little chance to travel any farther than that using this boat.
For the first time in years, Amelie prayed. She prayed the cay was inhabited, or that it was close to a well-used travel route, at least. She hadn’t noticed any lights when she’d looked briefly that way, but surely they deserved that tiny shred of luck, after what they’d been through. She prayed she stayed alive, or that at the very least her body would be washed ashore and some kind soul might find it and send it home, to her brother. But most of all, she prayed for Rob. For him to stay alive, for him to stay healthy and strong… and for him to stay with her. Incomprehensible as her thoughts seemed to be at that moment, she didn’t stop to dissect their meaning. She simply closed her eyes and prayed.
Rob darted to the side and plunged the board in the sea, pushing hard. She felt the boat scrape along sharp edges, but the foaming waves quickly twisted it around the rocks and away. Rob cursed. Did he want the craft to break into pieces on the reef? She didn’t understand his reaction.
She watched, wide-eyed, as he deftly maneuvered the boat back toward the reef, taking advantage of the direction of the waves in this fickle storm. After what felt like a hundred years, and after she’d taken an unexpected dunking when her grip hadn’t been strong enough to hold her in place, they passed the first line of rocks, and she understood Rob’s plan. Being inside the reef meant it would be harder for the storm to drag them back out into the open ocean. Rob had obviously relaxed, too, because he wasn’t paying attention as much as before. He leaned over the edge of the boat at the wrong time and in the next moment he disappeared.
Amelie shrieked and lunged for the spot where he’d stood last, not caring what happened behind her. Several breathless minutes later, when she was sobbing and praying anew – praying for the end, because there was no way she was going to survive this alone – Rob’s strong hand grabbed the edge of the boat and she shrieked again, with elation this time.
He dragged himself back on board and lay there, on his back, catching his breath, uncaring of the rain pelting down. Amelie dropped to the deck, by his side, her face on his chest, gave up all pretenses and sobbed. Just all-out, deep, heart-felt sobs that felt like they were coming from within her whole body, ripping her into pieces, bringing her to her knees in more ways than one. Even Rob’s arms around her shoulders hadn’t been able to stem the flow of tears, not really.
Eventually, he pushed her gently up, got up as well, then he did the most unexpected thing, the one gesture that had calmed her more than anything else could have done: he untied the end of her rope from the boat’s rail and tied it around his own middle. Now they were connected by the same rope. She would not lose him.
And she could weather any storm, Amelie realized, as long as she had Rob standing by her side.
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http://www.amazon.com/Trial-Run-Addicted-Romance-Collection-ebook/dp/B00P4451LA/
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November 11, 2014
Using your travels in writing novels
I'm a big fan of using what you know, and know well, when writing a story. My Harvest Trilogy books two (Celluloss, due December) and three (Census, due 2015) focus on my hometown and surrounding small cities. It's easy to describe places you've known all your life. It adds authenticity which pulls the reader into the story where they can clearly visualize the location.
But another element is using your travels to add punch to a story. I traveled to Europe in 2010 hitting Cardiff, Wales, and Berlin, Germany on my itinerary. I'll be using my visit to Cardiff for my new series, The Ghosts of Cardiff, in 2015, but I fell in love with Germany. Maybe it's because I was born in Wiesbaden. Maybe it's because I took two semesters of German and wanted to use my new linguistic skills where they'd get the opportunity to get polished. Maybe it was the food, the architecture, or the people who were incredibly friendly. I'm not sure, but it felt like home. Because of this, I began my first series, the Kriminal Erotic Series, in Berlin (where I stayed for over a week).
Exposed: the Education of Sarah Brown
takes place in a few locales, but primarily in Berlin. My main character, Sarah Brown, travels to Berlin after having her heart broken to pursue her personal quest in sexual self discovery. Unfortunately, she gets caught up in the lives of others, one of whom has a dark past that puts her in danger. Still, she's a gal from Texas, just like me. (
Order your copy from Amazon.de
)
I wrote about the very hotel I personally stayed in. I set up scenes in areas I'd walked or driven through. I described what I saw, and even depicted a restaurant where I ate dinner on my first night in that beautiful city. Man, I was tired. I'd been traveling non-stop for the four previous days by plane, train, and car. But I was so excited, we walked outside of the hotel and down the street and found a lovely Italian place. I really want to go back, but until then, I can relive that moment when I read Exposed, and you can, too.
So if you're writing a book, remember that places you've traveled make for colorful locations and descriptions for characters who are also first time visitors to that city or country.
Book two, The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss, takes off from where I left it all...in Berlin. The emergence of this character and the enigmatic Kriminalkommissar Joseph Heinz will take center stage in the this next installment of the Kriminal Erotic Series. Look for book two in December!
But another element is using your travels to add punch to a story. I traveled to Europe in 2010 hitting Cardiff, Wales, and Berlin, Germany on my itinerary. I'll be using my visit to Cardiff for my new series, The Ghosts of Cardiff, in 2015, but I fell in love with Germany. Maybe it's because I was born in Wiesbaden. Maybe it's because I took two semesters of German and wanted to use my new linguistic skills where they'd get the opportunity to get polished. Maybe it was the food, the architecture, or the people who were incredibly friendly. I'm not sure, but it felt like home. Because of this, I began my first series, the Kriminal Erotic Series, in Berlin (where I stayed for over a week).
Exposed: the Education of Sarah Brown
takes place in a few locales, but primarily in Berlin. My main character, Sarah Brown, travels to Berlin after having her heart broken to pursue her personal quest in sexual self discovery. Unfortunately, she gets caught up in the lives of others, one of whom has a dark past that puts her in danger. Still, she's a gal from Texas, just like me. (
Order your copy from Amazon.de
)I wrote about the very hotel I personally stayed in. I set up scenes in areas I'd walked or driven through. I described what I saw, and even depicted a restaurant where I ate dinner on my first night in that beautiful city. Man, I was tired. I'd been traveling non-stop for the four previous days by plane, train, and car. But I was so excited, we walked outside of the hotel and down the street and found a lovely Italian place. I really want to go back, but until then, I can relive that moment when I read Exposed, and you can, too.
So if you're writing a book, remember that places you've traveled make for colorful locations and descriptions for characters who are also first time visitors to that city or country.
Book two, The Evolution of Elsa Kreiss, takes off from where I left it all...in Berlin. The emergence of this character and the enigmatic Kriminalkommissar Joseph Heinz will take center stage in the this next installment of the Kriminal Erotic Series. Look for book two in December!
