Lotus: Second Chance Love with Romantic Suspense

by Jennifer Hartmann

The lotus flower is an emblem for rebirth in an assortment of cultures, as well as eastern religions. It has attributes that correlate perfectly to the human condition: the lotus will bloom into the most magnificent flower, even when its roots are in the murkiest of waters.

“I wanted to see you.” I’m startled by the sound of my own voice as I turn to look at her through a jagged swallow. “I just didn’t want to be seen.”

Maybe my expectations live between the pages of books involving heroes with ten-inch schlongs and magical tongues, performing grandeur gestures to sweep their heroines off their feet.

Gabe ordered me new clothes all the way from the Amazon, and they fit remarkably well. And they arrived much quicker than one would anticipate for such lengthy travel.

“One person’s suffering shouldn’t take the joy out of something others may find pleasure in,” I tell her. “It would be a very sad world if that were the case.”

“There is beauty to be found everywhere…even in the things that scare us.”

“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.”

“Like every star in the galaxy tumbled to earth and crawled beneath my skin.”

I have an assortment of burning questions to match the burning of my cheeks, but one, in particular, stands out: What is a moist muffin?

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

“I’m right here, with you, and I’m still holding on to your heart. Please don’t ask me to give it back.”

“I want you to teach me everything. How to touch you, taste you, worship you.”

“I love you, Syd. I loved you then, I love you now, and I’ll love you until my dying day.”