Read Online Closely Guarded Secret by Natalie Money - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Natalie Money
Tags: Romance
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that first hurdle and this sounds like someone you might take that first step with. He’s there, and he’s obviously attracted to you. Men are simple creatures. As for love, we usually don’t over-think things, or create problems that aren’t there.”
Am I creating a problem that doesn’t exist? I’ve never had a man approach me like he has before or make me feel the way I do when I’m around him. Am I over thinking this? I ask Dr. Hunter, “What if I do give him my trust and he betrays it? What do I do then? I don’t know.”
“That’s just it. You don’t know and you will never know if you don’t at least try.” He continues, “You’re a strong, bright and confident woman who has taken charge of her own life and destiny. What you’re feeling now is normal. What matters is what you want in life and how you handle yourself to get the results you desire.”
“Thank you, Dr. Hunter. I do feel better now. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“I hope you’ll consider the benefit to yourself of taking this kind of chance.”
“I’ll give it some thought.” Those words scare the hell out of me.
#
It’s a cool, crisp evening, and we have all the windows open to let in the fresh air. Steven and Sampson are going out to dinner to talk since there’ll be fewer distractions that way. I’m looking forward to some quiet time, a good soak in the tub followed by curling up with a good book.
“Okay, Ali, I’m out.” Steven sounds hopeful and anxious.
“You’ll be fine and the two of you’ll work it out. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have called.”
“I hope so. I love him . . . ” He trails off, not needing to finish his sentence.
“I know you do and I hope those are tears of happiness I see in your eyes.”
“They’re tears of many emotions.” It’s as though he’s processing them all at once.
“You better go. You don’t want to be late and have him think you’ve changed your mind.”
“You’re right. Don’t wait up,” he says with a wicked but hopeful tone.
CHAPTER 8
F inally, I’m alone – me and my thoughts. Eyes closed and head resting against the back of the tub, I absentmindedly trace the scars across my abdomen. During the last ten years, the smaller ones have faded, but the two large ones still have their angry, raised edges. The ones on the underside of my arms have also faded, along with the one on my palms. I usually don’t think back on that time, but the stopover in Houston, has brought the reason I have them to the surface. They’re a part of me; wounds from a battle I survived. Barely. I need to clear my thoughts and enjoy soaking in the warm lavender scented water. Inhale cleansing breaths and exhale all negativity. My eyelids grow heavy as my body and mind relaxes.
“Why are you doing this Thomas? Oh god, no. Please stop…don’t.” Somebody help. Help me.
Is that screaming? I jerk awake, my frantic arms splashing water over the side of the tub. My heart is pounding. My eyes are wild. Every muscle in my body is tense. My breathing is heavy. Whatever woke me, I’m thankful for. I look around, taking in my surroundings. After I’m sure I’m safe and at home, my body slowly stops shaking and my heart starts to beat in a normal rhythm
#
I make sure all the doors and windows are locked before retrieving the bottle of wine from the fridge, and pour myself a bigger than usual glass. Letting out a long, deep breath, I get busy checking emails. A few minutes later, my phone rings, but the caller ID shows unknown and I never answer those calls.
I check and see I have a couple of voice mails and a missed call from Jodi. A new email message pops up and as I click on it, I can’t believe what I’m seeing -- it’s from Bryce Steede. How in the hell did he get my email? My stomach flutters and I feel flush. I want to read it but I’m apprehensive. My fingers hover over the
Am I creating a problem that doesn’t exist? I’ve never had a man approach me like he has before or make me feel the way I do when I’m around him. Am I over thinking this? I ask Dr. Hunter, “What if I do give him my trust and he betrays it? What do I do then? I don’t know.”
“That’s just it. You don’t know and you will never know if you don’t at least try.” He continues, “You’re a strong, bright and confident woman who has taken charge of her own life and destiny. What you’re feeling now is normal. What matters is what you want in life and how you handle yourself to get the results you desire.”
“Thank you, Dr. Hunter. I do feel better now. You’ve given me a lot to think about.”
“I hope you’ll consider the benefit to yourself of taking this kind of chance.”
“I’ll give it some thought.” Those words scare the hell out of me.
#
It’s a cool, crisp evening, and we have all the windows open to let in the fresh air. Steven and Sampson are going out to dinner to talk since there’ll be fewer distractions that way. I’m looking forward to some quiet time, a good soak in the tub followed by curling up with a good book.
“Okay, Ali, I’m out.” Steven sounds hopeful and anxious.
“You’ll be fine and the two of you’ll work it out. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have called.”
“I hope so. I love him . . . ” He trails off, not needing to finish his sentence.
“I know you do and I hope those are tears of happiness I see in your eyes.”
“They’re tears of many emotions.” It’s as though he’s processing them all at once.
“You better go. You don’t want to be late and have him think you’ve changed your mind.”
“You’re right. Don’t wait up,” he says with a wicked but hopeful tone.
CHAPTER 8
F inally, I’m alone – me and my thoughts. Eyes closed and head resting against the back of the tub, I absentmindedly trace the scars across my abdomen. During the last ten years, the smaller ones have faded, but the two large ones still have their angry, raised edges. The ones on the underside of my arms have also faded, along with the one on my palms. I usually don’t think back on that time, but the stopover in Houston, has brought the reason I have them to the surface. They’re a part of me; wounds from a battle I survived. Barely. I need to clear my thoughts and enjoy soaking in the warm lavender scented water. Inhale cleansing breaths and exhale all negativity. My eyelids grow heavy as my body and mind relaxes.
“Why are you doing this Thomas? Oh god, no. Please stop…don’t.” Somebody help. Help me.
Is that screaming? I jerk awake, my frantic arms splashing water over the side of the tub. My heart is pounding. My eyes are wild. Every muscle in my body is tense. My breathing is heavy. Whatever woke me, I’m thankful for. I look around, taking in my surroundings. After I’m sure I’m safe and at home, my body slowly stops shaking and my heart starts to beat in a normal rhythm
#
I make sure all the doors and windows are locked before retrieving the bottle of wine from the fridge, and pour myself a bigger than usual glass. Letting out a long, deep breath, I get busy checking emails. A few minutes later, my phone rings, but the caller ID shows unknown and I never answer those calls.
I check and see I have a couple of voice mails and a missed call from Jodi. A new email message pops up and as I click on it, I can’t believe what I’m seeing -- it’s from Bryce Steede. How in the hell did he get my email? My stomach flutters and I feel flush. I want to read it but I’m apprehensive. My fingers hover over the
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