SNEAK PEEK: OBSESSED, CHAPTER ONE

OBSESSEDCHAPTER ONE: AGAINST HER BETTER JUDGEMENT
CHAPTER 1 Cover art by
SelfPubBookCovers.com/Daniela That Christmas evening in rural New York State could not have been more perfect for Liz Bertelli, enjoying a holiday celebration at best friend, Rosa Ramirez’s old farmhouse. Its big, drafty rooms with their high ceilings, vintage light fixtures and crown molding, lent a rustic charm.Liz and her fiancé, Carlos Martin, cuddled on a loveseat by a living room window. Even with snow falling outside and the Christmas tree twinkling nearby, the couple sat lost in each other’s gaze.Liz had thought she could never love again after her ex-husband, Steve, left her for another woman. Carlos had proven her wrong and just that afternoon, he surprised her with a proposal, slipping a diamond and emerald ring on her finger. She gladly accepted and seemed to enter a fabled world of knights and romance, she never thought existed; now it had become real.Rosa and Carlos’ brother, Jack, helped make the engagement a reality. It involved an elaborate ruse and Liz smiled to herself, remembering how it unfolded. The guys flew here from Florida and hid in Rosa’s house for three days. They hiked a mile through the forest, then waited for me near the old stone wall—hiding there too. It was sooo romantic when Carlos came out to propose. The location was chosen for its significance. One day I walked there to forget my troubles, but soon I was running from a bear. Escaping its clutches, Liz discovered an old locket and mysterious love letter hidden in the wall.Solving their mystery put her and Rosa on the trail of star-crossed lovers that led to Florida, a castle and the strong arms of the lovers’ sons, Carlos and Jack.“Best wishes! That’s some big rock! We love you and hope to see you soon.”Tony added a postscript. “Steph and I are looking forward to closing the deal on Carlos and Jack’s family home and making it a bed and breakfast here in sunny Florida.”The camera panned to Liz’s beloved granddaughter, Ashley. To Liz’s delight, the video captured the happy child playing with her Christmas toys. She stopped to point at her mother’s swollen stomach. “Baby brother in there!”However, Steve and his wife Gloria had made their way into some of the frames, especially when Ashley scampered over. She waved at the camera. “Hi Gwamma!”Someone offered Steve a piece of cake.“I’ll pass, thank you,” he said. “The holiday food is great. But it goes straight to the thighs.”He snickered as his cold, blue eyes looked directly into the camera. “You know what I mean.”Knowing that calculated remark was meant for her, it stabbed at Liz’s heart, dredging up memories of the criticism Steve had leveled at her post-baby body, throughout their marriage. But his words also ignited Liz’s anger. She could have jumped through the phone and smashed the cake into his smirking face. Still, her eyes misted.The hatred Liz felt for Gloria when Steve left, had long since dissolved into pity. That poor woman. Steve’s an idiot. I’m glad to be rid of him. Yet, Liz could not shake the hurt. It hung over her like a cloud when Rosa called everyone into the dining room for the meal, which began with salad, followed by the main course and warm bread. Carlos offered Liz a crispy piece of meat.“This is the cuerito (skin) my favorite part. You can taste the spices in which the meat was marinated. My father used garlic, oregano, cilantro, salt, pepper and lemon.”

Liz took a bite, chewing it slowly, letting the perfect blend of crunch and spice, caress her taste buds.Drinks flowed. They included apple cider and coquito; an eggnog-like drink made from rum, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. For dessert, apple pie was topped with vanilla ice cream and served with café con leche.Even in the festive glow of the holiday and with Carlos at her side, Liz could not get Steve’s steely blue eyes and critical remark out of her head. She pasted on a smile, but Carlos knew something was wrong.“What’s the matter?” he asked. “You look sad and disconnected.”Leaning close to keep the conversation private, Liz told him what Steve had said.She saw the anger boil in Carlos’ face.“Don’t pay any attention to that imbecile. Your curves are gorgeous and so are you.” Snow crunched under their boots as they walked across Liz’s back porch to the kitchen door, where King was waiting just inside. Hearing Liz’s voice, he issued a few whiney barks.Unlocking the door, she gave him a quick petting and released him into the yard.She motioned to Carlos. “Come in. I’ll make coffee so you can thaw out.”For a while, the two chatted over coffee. Carlos warmed his hands on the cup and breathed-in the steam.Once back inside, King fell asleep on a throw rug.After Liz brought out snacks, she and Carlos talked and laughed for a couple of hours.Finally, he noticed the time. “I guess I should be getting back up the road.”“I’ll drive you,” she offered, reaching for her coat. “I know how much the cold hurts your injury.”He drew her into a deep kiss, and then searched her eyes with his. “Well, we can go back out in the cold—or I can stay ….”That frank statement caught Liz by surprise. She almost could not speak, but finally managed. “Wouldn’t that create an awkward situation for Rosa and Jack?”He brushed her lips with a kiss that tickled like a feather. “I discussed the possibility with them and they wouldn’t mind. Let’s just say they have been very chummy since Jack and I arrived. I think they might appreciate some time alone before Jack flies home. He’ll be starting a job, moving into his new condo and representing our family at the sale of our parents’ home.”“Aren’t you returning with him?”“That depends on you.”Liz hesitated. In her heart she wanted to say “stay,” but there were so many reasons she should not. She thought of the moral implications, wondering what her sons would think—especially “born again” Stevie. Then there were her late parents, who would be turning in their graves. And Steve? His snide remark still ached in her bosom and his icy glare had left her with a sense of foreboding. Yet she would not let him intimidate her.Against her better judgment, she tried to set aside her concerns and made what would prove to be a fateful decision. She tilted her face up for a kiss. “So, what would you like for breakfast?”