Lotus: Second Chance Love with Romantic Suspense

by Jennifer Hartmann

“Queen of the Lotus.”

Huhhhh

lotus will bloom into the most magnificent flower, even when its roots are in the murkiest of waters.

But his eyes nail me down, securing me in place, giving me away. I’m transported back in time to when we’d look at each other through this same window, smiles on our faces, stories on our tongues, and mischief in our eyes. He’s that same little boy, and I’m that same little girl, and we are untouchable. We hold our gaze for a long time, unable to break the invisible tether. I drink him in, from his tired eyes to his messy hair, to the rumpled clothing from the boxes in my attic. I try to pretend how things would

Sinfadet

when Bradford sets a stack of comics near the pile of books I’ve been devouring. “I love comic books,” I say, my insides spiking with eager excitement. I’ve been down here for months, and the boredom has finally managed to fade. I’ve done so much reading. I’ve learned lots of new things. The word collywobbles makes me giggle every time I think about it.

Was gw vebf druggedd

“You try being a female living alone after dealing with a stalker for three months.”

Its true as a womN its terrifuijg living alone

All I get are stalkers and guys named Milton. Oh, well.

always save you.”

Hmmmm

I can still hear her scream as I hold the ice cubes against my bruising knuckles. The last few days have been a whirlwind of flashing lights, law enforcement, questions, probing, statements, and a showering of gratitude for my heroic actions.

My giisness olivsr cabt catch a break

I feel like I should miss my mother, but it’s hard to conjure up genuine remorse for someone I can hardly recall.

Hard tuo mourn someone you werebt veveb vonnectedto

“Everything is all mixed up. My memories feel tainted. Poisoned, in a way.”

Trauna distirts

have a feeling Oliver Lynch is going to become my new best friend.

My lips press together to keep the emotions at bay as I observe this man, processing the realization that I was never far from his mind during those years he was locked away, lost and afraid, just as he was never far from mine.

He qjwars sdmkired gerrrr

guess. He’s all about money and status. My priorities are friends and fun.” “I can see where there may be a dissidence.”

Clementine has seemed happy the last few months while spending time with Gabe. I was even starting to wonder if this rebound situation was going to turn into something more. “Yikes.

Is she dsd

Sorry that my whore eyes just drank you up like a tall glass of water.

Pleaseeee

I’m running because I was unable to run for twenty-two years. Instead,

Me in hospuce

it feels like I’m running from all the things I cannot run from.

“Because we’re a fucked-up, complicated species prone to self-sabotage, baseless insecurities, and the notion that there’s always something better around the corner. We’re constantly chasing imaginary destinations, thinking we’re missing out, wanting more. We’re never truly present.”

guidance. Now I’m worried it’s going to be weird between us :(

Hell yeah its weitd

“Of Mice and Men,” she replies with a soft grin. “My friend

Grewt book

I told him we were just friends. Lying is a learned art, and I’m teaching him well.

My fqthe

“That’s because I ate my weight in candy canes tonight.”

Meee

“I can’t pretend to know what it’s like to a be a parent. We are protective of the ones we love.”

Sydney also wears a mask, much like my brother. She hides behind her humor and sarcasm, a defense mechanism, a strategy to cope with all the ghosts she keeps inside.

Defense mechanism

and then I broke his heart.

Well damn

“Why do you associate attachment with suffering and loss?”

The truth is, I didn’t have a heart to give. My heart was with a ghost.

You’re all I need, Oliver,” she whimpers. “You’re all I need.” We hold each

Is this why? How long was my sister being molested right under our noses?

Excuse me

“I’d like to tell you there’s an expiration date on your pain, but I will never lie to you,”

There’s not enough time, I don’t have the tools, and my mind is spinning, turning to fog. Coughing and sputtering, I lean in, pressing a kiss to his tear-glazed lips. “I love you, Oliver Lynch,” I squeak out, breathing the words of adoration against his mouth and reveling in the way he finally gives in, stops fighting me, and kisses me back. “I love you, Syd.”

Ohmy goodness my anxietyyyyy

Travis out of the bedroom in time to spare his life, as Gabe hadn’t even seen him through the thick veil of smoke, but Travis did suffer severe burns and is still in intensive care. If he makes it through, he’ll be going to prison for a very long time.

Ughh no he surcuved

We cannot change the past, but we can certainly shape our future, and Travis will have no part of it. We’ll rise from the ashes with smoke in our lungs and

sn + ol

Im dhing. This is too cute the combo of thei initials makingthr workd lotus km dead swoon gesrt broken cryung cuteaf

I know my sister will never completely recover from the trauma she endured, a trauma that stemmed from six years of sexual abuse and manifested into a decades-long domino effect of subsequent grief, but her progress is already inspiring. She’s my hero.

The Lotus will bloom into the most magnificent flower, even when its roots are in the murkiest of waters. I wrap my arms around Oliver Lynch, my forever best friend, burying my face against the comforting warmth of his chest. And it’s there upon our secret hill that we dance, we cry, and we fall in love all over again. It’s there we bloom.