Week #28: Showered by Love by Mary Manners

Showered by Love

 

 

 

Jessica Marlin comes to Honeysuckle Cove carrying a secret–she’s pregnant. Shamed by her indiscretion and the circumstances of a former way of life, she’s determined to make a home for her child in the quaint community—even if it means going it alone forever. But when her secret becomes too big to keep, she fears she’ll be forced to abandon her new role as kitchen manager at Honeysuckle Cove Inn. Will friendship—and God’s grace—prevail, or will Jessica be forced to uproot and move on once again?

Rogan Brooks has convinced both himself and his hometown of Honeysuckle Cove that he’ll never settle down long enough to embrace marriage, let alone fatherhood…until he sees the glow of pregnancy, along with the promise of a future, radiate from Jessica Marlin’s eyes. Can Rogan assure Jessica that his heart is true and he’s committed to being a daddy—complete with a happily ever after—for keeps?

 

 

~~~~~

 

 

Jessica Marlin hummed along to the radio as she whipped a pair of egg whites into a bowl of angel food cake batter. Now that she was in charge of food prep for Honeysuckle Cove Inn, she planned to add the sweet, airy confection to the dinner dessert menu. Topped with a handful of plump, wild blackberries that grew along the pathway at the inn’s rear garden as well as a generous dollop of whipped cream, the confection was sure to please even the most discerning patron.

Jessica had arrived in Honeysuckle Cove only yesterday to claim her position as head chef—which was actually more akin to chief cook and bottle washer—of quaint and cozy historic Honeysuckle Cove Inn. The move made her feel alive again, as if she breathed fresh air for the first time in months.

She’d returned home. For real. For good.

Forever.

She’d traveled a rough road to circle back ’round to the cove. Kurt had been gone nearly five months now, but bittersweet memories remained. She’d been convinced, despite all of the warning signs that said otherwise, that once they scaled a few hurdles his love for her would prove genuine and lasting. She’d been so sure of it. But his words at the end, just before the car accident stole his final breath, had cut through her heart like a rusty knife. Now all she had to show for the pair of years they’d spent together was the ridiculously-oversized diamond he’d insisted she wear—one that had constantly snagged on packages and utensils as she’d tried to prepare exquisitely garnished meals at the prestigious Chicago restaurant where they’d worked together. She’d finally, against Kurt’s demands, removed the cumbersome rock and tucked it into her jewelry box.

That’s not all you have, Jess. Shake it off…time to look forward, not back.

She swallowed hard and pressed a palm to her belly, letting it rest there for a moment or two before she turned her attention back to the mixing bowl. She whisked the batter, letting the action carry away a thrum of hurt. The past was done. There was no turning back. The future waited.

“Oh. My. Goodness.” Maggie O’Connor, owner and proprietor of the inn along with her husband, Dylan, strode into the kitchen. Her vibrant strawberry blonde hair bounced in a flurry of curls as she made a beeline to the cook island. Green eyes widened with delight as she peeked into the mixing bowl. “Whatever you’re whipping up, I want some. It smells like a slice of heaven.”

“I’m experimenting with a couple of recipes. The chocolate chip scones are ready. They’re cooling on the counter over there.” Jessica nodded and pointed with her elbow. “If you like them, I thought we’d serve a batch for breakfast tomorrow. I also threw together a platter of petit fours for the afternoon tea. They’re in the fridge. And this here is a batch of Grandma Sue’s angel food cake recipe that I plan to serve tonight as a special after-dinner treat.”

“Oh, then I have found heaven. It’s a proven fact that no one baked as well as your Grandma Sue—until you.” Maggie snatched a scone from the cooling rack and chanced a nibble. She closed her eyes on a sigh. “Oh, wow. This is definitely a yes for breakfast…or anytime. Yummy.”

“Thanks.” Jessica smiled…the first genuine smile that had touched her lips in weeks. From the first time she’d stepped into the inn as a child, when Maggie invited her to a sleepover the summer between sixth and seventh grades, she had always enjoyed the homey, welcoming feel of the inn. The two had remained close friends over the years…at least until they’d both gone their separate ways following high school graduation. The distance had caused them to lose touch for a few years but thankfully, they’d just recently reconnected.

She and Maggie had decided to serve family-style evening meals for the inn’s guests instead of cooking ala carte, extending that feeling to the dining area. It was up to Jess to finalize each day’s menu, and she was already having fun experimenting with all the hearty options.

“Wait until you taste the roast and baby potatoes that I tossed together and slipped into the oven.” She motioned with the whisk. “The mushroom gravy is a top-secret recipe and definitely to die for.”

“Ugh.” Maggie splayed a hand along her midsection. “I can already feel the waistband of my slacks constricting.”

The comment brought reality crashing down. Jessica’s slacks snugged tight as well, but not for the same reasons as Maggie’s.

Ready or not, you’re going to have a baby, Jess. Motherhood looms. Are you going to be able to handle all of your responsibilities for the inn and a baby?

The words niggled. When Maggie had called with the offer of a job, Jessica had had no idea what events the coming days would bring. As far as she knew, the run-down feeling that dogged her was a direct result of the aftermath of her blow-up with Kurt and, on the heels of that, his unexpected death. The pair of events had taken the wind from her sails and plagued her with flu-like symptoms that she couldn’t seem to shake.

So she’d trekked to the doctor in search of antibiotics, and had instead received the shock of her life.

She was pregnant.

Thankfully, the nausea had passed. But that merely meant her due date closed in.

“I’m so sorry, Maggie.” Jess frowned, remembering how she’d broken the news to Maggie soon after leaving the doctor’s office. “I would have told you about my…my situation sooner if I’d known. If you want to find a replacement chef, I completely understand. I’ll just pack up—”

“Hold it right there.” Maggie turned to face her with flashing green eyes. “Not another word about replacing you. That’s nonsense. This job is yours, Jess, and it will remain yours for as long as you’d like. When the baby comes, we’ll all pitch in and work it out. It’s the way we do things around here. No one gets left behind. Dylan and I are here for you, and Cameron’s happy to roll up his sleeves, as well. You’re not alone in this. The inn is your home now, for as long as you want to stay. End of discussion…end of story.”

Or just the beginning, Jess thought. A wonderful, bright beginning. If nothing messed it up. But something always managed to find a way. She forced the thought aside. Not here…not now.

Jessica fought back tears as she continued to work the whisk. Things felt so perfect here in the cove that it was hard to imagine she’d ever fought so hard to escape the close-knit town. Maggie and Dylan’s tireless renovations had renewed the inn to its original beauty and then some. Jess’s room right off the kitchen welcomed with bright and cheerful décor. She smiled as she thought of waking that morning to sunshine dancing over a sprawling bed of wave petunias and whimsical honeysuckle bushes coming into bloom. The scent had drifted through an open window, bringing a sense of contentment and a feeling of belonging that she hadn’t felt in months.

How fortunate she was to have a friend like Maggie. Her phone call had bridged the time and distance gaps, reminding Jess she was someone to be counted on when times were smooth as well as when the road proved rough.

Like now. Jessica splayed her free hand protectively over her belly. How was it possible to be gripped by doubt while also feeling such a sense of peace? A gentle warmth coursed through her as she thought of the life growing inside her. Life might have dealt her a disheartening blow, but nothing would stand between her and her baby.

“I’m so happy to be here.” Jess dropped the whisk and wiped her hands on her apron as she took a step toward Maggie. “Coming home again was meant to be. It’s simply perfect…a dream come true.”

“Oh, Jess.” Maggie threw her arms around Jessica and squeezed hard. “I’m happy, too. I’ve missed you so. Honeysuckle Cove is where you belong…where you’ve always belonged. It just took you a while to figure it out.”

“I know that now, but I definitely traveled the long road back. Just call me stubborn and hardheaded.”

“Well, if the shoe fits…”

They both laughed, because it was true. Jessica’s stubborn streak was known far and wide throughout the cove. It had ramped up in the years following her parents’ divorce when her mother took off, causing Jess and her father to lock horns continually during her high school years.

Except now Jessica’s laughter sounded hollow in her ears. This particular lesson had brought her life full circle. Where would she go from here and what did it all mean?

“Coffee?” Maggie asked, reaching into the cabinet beside the deep, double-basin sink for a pair of mugs and then for the carafe.

“Decaf if you have it.”

“Of course.” Maggie quirked an eyebrow. “Nothing but the best for your little guy.”

“Or girl.” The baby was going to be a girl. Jessica couldn’t explain the feeling of simply knowing, but she felt so sure. She’d know for certain in a few weeks, when she went for an ultrasound. She’d made an appointment with Doc Hutchins, who’d delivered just about every baby born in the cove over the past three decades.

Jessica sipped the coffee Maggie poured as she peered out the window overlooking the vast expanse of deck and the gardens beyond. Dylan had been hard at work all morning laying a stone walkway with the help of his nephew Cameron and another guy. The mystery man’s long limbs were clad in faded denim, and the shirt pulled taut across a terrain of muscles said he was no stranger to hard work. Something about the curve of his jaw and the way he moved with an easy, graceful ease seemed vaguely familiar. But he stood too far into the distance and shielded by a century-old willow for a clear view.

“Who’s that?” Jess strained for a better look, but a tousle of chocolate-colored hair hid his eyes.

Maggie peered over the rim of her coffee mug. “You don’t recognize him?”

“There’s something...” Jessica leaned toward the window and squinted into the sunshine. “I can’t quite put my finger on it. Should I recognize him?”

“Of course. We all went through school together.” Maggie gave her a knowing look. “Third period lunch, Saturday night bonfires on the hill overlooking Wanderlust Lake, mad scientist moves…”

“Rogan Brooks…from chemistry class?” Jessica tried to wrap her brain around the thought. “Rogan, who built a greenhouse from scratch for his mom for his senior honors project, and then nearly blew up the high school lab in his quest to concoct a fast-acting recipe for plant food?”

“Yep. Uh huh.”

“The same Rogan who earned me a three day suspension because I had this misfortune of pairing up with him as a lab partner on the day he pranked Miss Gilliam by letting one of the lab rats run lose in her desk drawer?”

“Yes, that Rogan. And even though Miss Gilliam had it in for him back then, I don’t think placing the rat in her desk was great idea.”

“What clued you in? The fact that she screeched like a banshee when it burrowed beneath her sleeve and crawled up her arm, or the wail of an ambulance as it arrived to transport her to the hospital for x-rays because she cracked her skull on the corner of her desk when she passed out cold?”

“Well, then there’s that. But I suppose the plant food recipe paid off, despite the damage to the lab. Rogan owns his own landscaping company now—Rare Earth Designs.” Maggie gestured toward a van parked at the side drive, emblazoned with the company logo. “And he’s filled out nicely, hasn’t he?”

“I’ll say.” Mud-splattered jeans and a mucky—was it once pale green—T-shirt merely served to enhance his looks. Eyes the color of rich, dark soil were framed by generous waves of hair. Jess imagined a spatter of stubble accentuated his jawline. “What happened to those horn-rimmed glasses he used to wear?”

“Oh, he retired those from everyday use years ago when he had eye surgery. I think he still dons a pair sometimes when he drives, though.” Maggie chuckled and then added, “And, despite the best efforts of all the bachelorettes around the cove, he’s still single.”

“Well, no surprise there.” Jessica’s belly gave an odd little flutter. Was it a touch of nervous anticipation…or the baby kicking? “He always said he’d never marry.”

“And I said I would never return to Honeysuckle Cove for anything more than a quick visit, let alone manage this inn. But now I cannot imagine sharing my life with anyone besides Dylan. I love the idea of returning the inn to its original beauty as we build our future together here in the cove.” She pursed her lips on a sigh. “People change, Jess.”

“My life has certainly taken its fair share of unexpected detours.” Jessica’s laugh rang high-pitched and just a bit shaky. “So I’m not looking for any more surprises—especially if Rogan Brooks is involved.”

“Sometimes even when you’re not looking, those surprises have a way of finding you and latching tight.”

“Regardless, I’m not interested in rekindling anything with Rogan…not that there were any sparks to begin with.”

“That’s not what you said when we were in high school.” Maggie waggled a finger. “You were over the moon for him.”

.

“And all he ever did was get me into trouble.”

“So, he was a little bit rowdy and sort of shy.” She eyed Jess over the rim of her coffee mug. “I think he’s gotten over both of those traits.”

“It’s a moot point. High school was a long time ago…another lifetime.” She shook her head, refusing to allow her gaze to drift toward Rogan again. “And even if I still harbored an interest in him—which I’m not saying I do—Rogan’s sure to sprint away as if his life depends on it when he learns I’m expecting another man’s child. I told you, he said he’d never get married and that he’d only have kids if and when that unmentionable, vast depth below our feet freezes over.”

“In that case, I’m feeling a little chill.” Maggie glanced down at her wedding band with a wistful smile. A soft breeze carried the fragrant scent of honeysuckle through the open window over the sink. “Never say never around here, Jess. Take it from me…wonderful, unexpected things have been known to happen to those who venture along the grounds of Honeysuckle Cove Inn.”

 

~~~~~

 

 

Thanks for visiting! I hope you've enjoyed this visit to Honeysuckle Cove. Please leave a comment to be entered into the drawing for a copy of Showered by Love. Winner will be announced Monday, July 17.

 

 



 



Week #24: Amish Brides by Molly Jebber, Jennifer Beckstrand, and Amy Lillard

Amish Brides

 

 

THE RELUCTANT GROOM
Jennifer Beckstrand
Spirited Suvie Newswenger has three marriage proposals—but not from the man she truly loves. No matter how lonely widower Aaron Beachy is, he seems determined to stay that way forever. Now, with help from his matchmaking great-grandparents, Suvie will do whatever it takes to rekindle Aaron’s hope—and spark happiness for a lifetime.

JOSHUA’S BRIDE
Molly Jebber
Madeline Lehman fears her fiancé’s family will never accept her because of her rebellious sister. She’s postponed her wedding to Joshua Stutzman until they see the truth. But when Maddie adopts her sister’s abandoned baby, can she and Joshua find a way to unite their families through forgiveness as well as love?

A SUMMER WEDDING IN PARADISE
Amy LillardReba Schmucker longs to be a bride. And she knows her mischievous nieces just wanted to help when they “chose” Abel Weaver for her. But he’s the last man in the world she’d ever marry. There’s no way her independence and his stubbornness could ever get along—unless a sudden crisis somehow leads to understanding . . . and love.
 

 

Chapter 1 (Joshua's Bride, by Molly Jebber):

 

1885, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

 

Madeline grinned, put a finger to her lips, and pointed to her daed in his plain coat and snoring on the front porch in his favorite rocking chair with a blanket half covering him. His straw hat lopsided on his head, and his brown hair covering his right eye. She pointed to the back door.

 

Joshua grinned and went outside with her. He clasped her hand. “Let’s go behind your daed’s shed by the weeping willow trees.”

 

She squinted and shielded her eyes shivered. She was tired of cold weather and anxious for spring to arrive. Anytime she was with Joshua, she was happy. He had a lilt in his step, smiled most of time, and didn’t let much get him down. He tackled his problems, and had faith they would work out fine with God’s help no matter how long it took. He’d been quiet and fidgety today at the church meal, and he hurried to their shady spot. Something was on his mind, but what? She stood in the shade. “What is wrong? You’re acting odd.”

 

He held both her hands and stared into her eyes. “Everything is fine.” He cleared his throat. “Beautiful Madeline, love of my life, will you marry me?”

 

She clapped her hands and jumped for joy. “Jah! Jah! Jah! I’d love to marry you!” She’d found the perfect husband, and they would be together forever. She’d tuck this eighth day of March in her mind as a special day to remember. “I’m so happy, Joshua.”

 

Joshua picked her up and twirled her around. “I love you, Madeline Lehman, soon to be Mrs. Stutzman. He set her on her feet. “Your daed granted me his permission the other night.”

 

Her daed loved Joshua, as if he were his son. He’d said so more than once. The two men had become fast friends. Her mamm would’ve loved Joshua. She could envision her mamm and her getting ready for the wedding. They’d have planned, cooked, and sewed to prepare for the special day together. Her mamm had been a strong women of faith and brought so much joy to their lives with her cheerful outlook on life and compassionate heart. She’d been patient with Catherine’s quick temper and curiosity about the world. Madeline was glad Mamm hadn’t known about Catherine’s leaving her Amish life behind for good.

 

She’d never forget the day she found mamm on the floor. She’d shaken her to rouse her to no avail. Mamm’s body was cool and her eyes blank and wide open. Her older schweschder, Catherine, had screamed and ran to fetch their daed. He’d rocked her mamm in his arms, and then carried her body to the wagon and drove to Dr. Wilson’s office. He came home and said the doctor didn’t know what took her life. It’d been over five years ago when they lived in Shipshewana, Indiana. She laid her hands in Joshua’s. “I wish Mamm were here to share in the most wonderful day of my life.”

 

“From what you’ve told me about her, she sounds like a loving and wise mamm.  I’m sorry I didn’t get to know her.” Joshua gently squeezed her fingers.

 

Two cats a few feet away meowing and chasing each other brought a smile to her lips, as she gathered her thoughts. She tilted her head and stared at their hands. “Did you tell your parents you were going to ask me to marry you today?”

 

“I did.” He dropped his eyes from hers.

 

“Please tell me what they said.” She frowned and stared at her hands.

 

“They asked me not to marry you.” Joshua gently lifted her chin until her eyes met his. “They’re afraid you’ll leave Lancaster like Catherine. As time passes, I’m certain my parents will grow to love you.”

 

“Joshua, maybe we should wait to wed.”

 

He swiped sweat from his brow with his shirt sleeve. “You are the fraa for me, Madeline. I won’t let them ruin this important time in our lives.” He tapped a finger to his chin and stared at the sky for a moment. He smiled. “Let’s ask the bishop to schedule a date in June. It’s not too far away, but we’d have enough time to invite everyone and plan the day.”

 

She sighed. “Joshua, we have to consider your parents request we not marry.”

 

He kissed her cheek. “As time goes on, mamm and daed will understand we are committed to each other forever, and they will regret wrongfully judging you because of Catherine’s decisions. I’m hoping Nathaniel will fall in love with a sweet Amish woman someday soon and take his mind off his past with Catherine. Then we can be one happy family.”

 

The love of her life had a positive outlook for problems. She’d be sad to delay their wedding. She’d throw caution to the wind and have faith everything would work out well. It was unfortunate Joshua’s bruder, Nathaniel, had fallen in love with Catherine, and she’d left without a word to him. But she wasn’t to blame for Catherine’s choices, nor would she do the same to Joshua. Mr. and Mrs. Stutzman were wrong. She just hoped Joshua was right.

 

“I’m going to visit the bishop tomorrow. I’d like to get on his schedule as soon as possible. I’m ready to start building our haus.”

 

Her heart swelled with joy. “You are a good provider. I’m blessed Daed moved us to Lancaster three years ago. I had prayed moving from Shipshewana, Indiana and kumming here would be a fresh new start for us.  I’m blessed to have met you, and your friendship with daed has helped him through his grief with Mamm and Catherine’s departure from us. I thought her meeting Nathaniel had turned her life around. I’m so sorry she hurt your bruder, Joshua.”

 

“It’s not your fault.  I’m confident my bruder will recover. He loved her, and he needs time to get over her. He’s burly, and because of his large stature, he’s mistaken for a hard man, but he’s a softie inside.”

 

“His soft voice amazed me the first time he spoke. You two don’t look anything alike, but your voices are similar. I’m surprised Nathaniel is two years younger than you. He looks older. Catherine is two years older than I am, but I always felt like the responsible one.” Joshua had average height and thin frame. Nathaniel towered over Joshua with his broad shoulders and muscular arms.

 

“You and Catherine couldn’t be more opposite. You’ve got blonde hair, and she’s got dark red hair. Your eyes match a dark blue sky, and hers match a green pasture. She’s always looking for adventure, and you’re calm, content, and enjoy the simple Amish life. My parents will kumme to realize what a faithful and loving Amish woman you are once we’re married and show them we are committed to each other.”

 

“I’m fearful they won’t accept me before the wedding. If they don’t, we must reconsider. It wouldn’t be proper for us to go against their wishes.”

 

He hugged her. “We’ll treat them with respect and pray to God to change their minds. At the same time, we’ll look forward to our wedding day.”

 

She blushed. “I love you, and I’ll be counting the days until my name changes to Mrs. Madeline Stutzman!”

 

Daed cleared his throat and came around the corner of the shed. “I thought I’d find you two here. By the glow on your face, Madeline, I assume Joshua proposed?” He grinned.

 

“He did! Oh Daed, I’m so happy!”

 

“I’m thrilled for both of you. I couldn’t ask for a better man to marry my dochder.” He slapped Joshua on the arm and kissed Madeline’s cheek. He chuckled. “Joshua, during the bishop’s message today, you couldn’t sit still. I had an inkling you were on pins and needles to ask Madeline to marry you this afternoon.” His eyes twinkled.

 

She smiled and nodded. “He took several bites of his food at the after service meal and pushed his plate away. He scrapes and devours every last bite of food on his plate at meals. I wondered why he didn’t have an appetite.”

 

“I waited a bit for my parents to change their minds, but I grew impatient and chose this afternoon to propose marriage to you. The minutes dragged by until after the church service and the trip back here to our special spot. Now we can tell everyone.”

 

“You must be hungry, Joshua. You barely touched your sandwich and beets. Kumme with me. I’ve got ham spread and apple tarts.”

 

Daed rubbed his slightly round stomach. “I wouldn’t mind a sandwich.”

 

They went inside, and the men sat and talked while she fetched the food. Setting plates and glasses of water in front of them, she sat at the round oak table next to Joshua. She loved listening to the two men discuss farming and life.

 

Knock. Knock.

 

“You two sit. I’ll find out who is here.” Madeline went to the front room across the wooden floor and opened the door. “Nathaniel, kumme in.” Mrs. Isabelle Stutzman often sent Nathaniel to her haus whenever Joshua was here. She concocted some excuse for him having to return home. It was a ploy to keep them apart.

 

Nathaniel avoided looking at her. “I’ll wait on the porch.”

 

~~~~~

 

Thank you for joining us. I hope you have enjoyed this peek into Amish Brides...especially Joshua's Bride, by Molly Jebber. Please leave a comment to be entered into the drawing for a free copy!

 



 





Week #19: A Touch of Suspense by Kathryn J. Bain

A Touch of Suspense

 





The Visitor

(The First in the KT Morgan Series)

 

“The Tension builds on each page.”

 

When Christine Westman bumps against a stranger in a Jacksonville supermarket, the killer gives her only one month to live. He moves into Christine’s walk-in closet and watches her nightly preparing for the day of her death. Can Christine survive when midnight hits and The Visitor comes calling?

 

Small Town Terror

(The Second in the KT Morgan Series)

Winner of the 2016 Independent Digital Awards for Short Suspense

“This gripping story didn’t disappoint.”

 

Strangers are a rare commodity in Bisby, a small town fading away in a quiet corner of North Carolina. Liz Corman runs the town’s diner while her husband Billy tends to the auto shop next door. When KT Morgan’s vehicle breaks down, Liz reluctantly offers the intriguing stranger the use of their spare room. The drama that unfolds with KT’s arrival is nothing compared to what awaits Liz and the town folk, as three men head their way with revenge and murder on their agenda.

 

Reunion

 (The Third in the KT Morgan Series)

 

…another edge of your seat, hanging by your fingernails, suspenseful offering

 

Twelve-year-old Becky Sidleman thinks things might be looking up when she bumps into KT Morgan in the small town of Marshland, Indiana. However, two men on their way will show Becky that sometimes excitement isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.

 

1st Chapter:

 

 

The Visitor
 

March 31

11:56 p.m.

A sliver of the Dallas moonlight sliced across Suzie’s cheek. Such an image with her dark hair curled around her shoulder. I flexed my fist with visions of my fingers twisted through that thick mane.

Standing over her. Waiting. Always waiting.

Suzie reminded me of my first one. She too wore only a pair of panties to bed. As I recalled, her underwear read “Bite Me”. So I did.

Why do you smile, Suzie? Are you anticipating me? I often heard her moan out in her sleep. I pretended it was me she was thinking about. But deep down, I knew the truth. Maybe she was dreaming of a hero coming to save her. Then he made love to her with all the fury of a madman.

Too bad there’d be no heroes tonight. And the only fury would be mine.

I glanced at the clock. It was just a matter of minutes.

What could I expect? There would be promises made. Promises she’d never keep if I didn’t have the advantage. How much pleading would she do for me to stop? Did she honestly think I’d quit when I was having so much fun?

And like most of the stupid girls in the past, Suzie wouldn’t have the guts to fight back. I’d never be able to continue if she tried to stop me. With the thin walls between each apartment, it’d be too easy for the neighbors to hear. But little doubt, she’d never consider it.

That was par for the course with women like her. Never thinking of other options.

So many things she had never considered this past month. Not even the fact that someone could be so close, watching her. Pretty things just don’t know how to pay attention to anything but themselves. Too busy worrying about how they look to notice the dust on the floor beneath the attic access door.

The only thing that had garnered Suzie’s full attention this past month was the full-length mirror on the bathroom door. She couldn’t pass by without looking. Fools. All of them.

However, I should thank the person who created the walk-in closet. Such a wonderful room for watching you change your clothes. There’s nothing I like more than a girl with no tan lines. Each day for a month now, I had pretended Suzie was putting on a show just for me. Some evenings, it took all my power not to reach out and touch her skin.

I jerked my hand back before it reached Suzie’s bare leg. I was too close to mess up now. Within minutes, she would be mine.

What would be my favorite part? Feeling her tremble beneath me or the muffled cries? Would she whimper like the blond in Phoenix or lie there like that sweet Georgia peach? No matter. They were all the same with the tears raining down their cheeks as I stretched the duct tape over their mouths.

Look at her sleeping, like every night since I’d arrived. Thinking she was safely tucked away in her bed. Never realizing I stood over by, wanting her. Then I’d disappear into the closet to prepare myself with her panties in ways that would make her cringe if she knew.

And how did you enjoy our little game of hide-and-seek, Suzie dear? She never suspected someone actually had been moving her things around.

Such an idiot.

I couldn’t have been more obvious without stepping out of the shadows. If I opened her skull, would she even have a brain in there? Laughing and telling all her friends she had a ghost move in. Will you find me so humorous when you discover the truth?

The toy, sharpened and ready to play, was getting heavy in my hand. Anticipation chilled my body.

Tick. Tick. How irritating time was when it moved so slowly. But the longer I delayed my fun, the better it always was.

The glowing white numbers on the nightstand clock finally bounced over to twelve. Play time.

I leaned close to Suzie’s face. “Wake up, Sleeping Beauty.” Her breath caressed my lips.

“Hmm. What?” Her eyes popped open. From dream to nightmare in seconds. Her gasp turned me on even more. Her bare thigh was silky beneath my palm. The zipper on my jeans tightened.

“Now’s the time.” I stepped back and smiled down on her. Why hurry? I had all night to enjoy myself.

Suzie scooted up toward the headboard, causing the light through the curtain to move to her throat. She was pretty and knew she could have any man. And she didn’t want me. My grip tightened on the knife.

I swiped my hand over my mouth to keep from salivating, thinking about what I’d do to her. I walked over and turned on the light in the closet. A glow now framed her body.

She swallowed hard. Her hand reached over and pulled the extra pillow across her body.

I laughed. Like I hadn’t seen all she had to offer already.

“You won’t be needing that.” I tore her protection away and tossed it to the floor. My tongue stroked my lips. I spun the knife in my hand.

“Please. Don’t.” She bent her trembling legs up to her chest.

She would definitely do for now. Then in a month or two, I’d find another idiot to play with. And the police would never find me. I’d always be one step ahead. Fools. All of them.

“Who … who are you?”

I knew she wouldn’t remember. She shouldn’t have turned me down for a dance at the club. Too many others gave her their attention. But tonight I would get what I wanted.

Leaning to her ear, I whispered, “I’m your ghost.” I paused for effect. “Boo.”

Her arm trembled beneath my hand. Her hair smelled of apple shampoo.

“What do you want?” Her voice shook.

I chuckled. Why do they always ask when they already know?

~~~~~

Thanks for joining in the fun with this sneak peek of A Touch of Suspense. Check back on Monday, May 15th when we will announce the winner.