On the Heels of Desire
by
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The feeling of unease was unshakeable this morning. Alec had pushed himself on his run trying to get rid of it. Was missing her so much the problem? He didn’t think so, but hell, the woman had gotten under his skin. How many years had he lived without allowing himself personal relationships on any kind, let alone one that was proving to be an emotional gauntlet? His gut told him there was more to it. Something was out of place and he knew finding out what was his only chance for keeping her safe. The way his teeth were on edge lately was a familiar feeling, too familiar and from the old days. The destruction to lives he’d caused could just as easily have happened yesterday instead of nine years ago. The extra miles of his run only served to add insult to injury on his body, still not enough to chase off his demons.
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He was leaning over her antique fern table- the large potted plant at his feet- gingerly holding an arm to his side. The room was empty as if there’d been no intrusion at all. The curtains still up rippled softly in the open doors. “Oh God, how bad is it? You’re bleeding!” Stevie fought back the tears stinging her eyes. This night was proving to be too much.
“Stay with me babe,” he said, using soft tones to steady her.
“I should call the authorities,” she exclaimed breathlessly. She swiped gruffly at her cheeks frustrated with herself.
“Wait! Stevie listen to me.” His voice stopped her just as much as the pressure of his arm around her midsection. Again he said, “Listen. We have enough rumors flying around. I am not going to be the cause of any more trouble for you.” She had no idea how much he wished that to be the real case.
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He could tell she was breathing in the scent of the sea. She stood exposed to the brisk air and he moaned at the way her satin gown revealed so much. A soft curse bubbled up and he chided himself for taking a cheaper room without a balcony. Now instead of joining her in such a romantic setting he was forced to stand here impotently. The years fell away and he was in high school again, aching for her, feeling like the poor kid with his nose pressed to the candy store window.
Suddenly she stiffened up in the center of her breezeway. What was happening over there? He hurried to pull his pants on, glancing quickly through the sheers before heading for the hall. An invisible dagger of shock stabbed him. He wanted to kill the guy with his bare hands!
What he saw was a bear of a man moving into her arms. From the adjoining room he could only watch as the mystery man unwrapped his sweets.
Alec left the hotel room sometime before 5:00 a.m. The long talk he’d planned to have with her had never happened but he was invited to a late breakfast and that was good. He was looking forward to asking the Lewis fellow some personal questions; like if he’d enjoyed the free show
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About the Book
After piecing her life back together Stevie has to decide if the business she’s started is going to cost her more loss. Her right hand man, Alec Corbeit is her greatest supporter when all goes wrong. Would knowing of his years of planning to find a place in her life change that?
He was standing above them, waiting for his wife and her hired hand to wake. What would she say? Those eyes would say it all, that much Alec knew. Wounded, afraid and finally angry she would curse him and take back every gesture of love she’d ever given him. And then Stevie would shove him aside, wanting only to walk back into the arms of her powerful husband. Alec jerked awake from the dream still able to see the faces of the happy couple- mocking him.
This was no robbery interrupted. His nemesis had been combat trained and quick. As he searched her home his own ghosts drove him further into a private hell. The widow had lost none of her beautiful possessions so did that mean they were looking for signs of him? And how much danger was she in if they were?
She did not hear him come up behind her and settle himself a short distance away. Gently his presence invaded her senses. Stevie realized she truly did not fear him. She let this sink in before raising her eyes to meet Alecs’.
“I have a bit more to tell you,” he said softly. “I’ve held on to this secret for so long, pushing away my guilt as each time we’ve held each other I’ve loved you more…”
About the Author
Sheryl hails from the backyard of Twain country in America’s hometown. She lives with one remaining child at home and plays the role of soccer Mom. Her duties as a single parent come first always, but after high marks of a theses paper in college she held on to the seed of her dreams- to follow other women who have become successful, published authors.
Content to work with children in developing stories for young minds she raised her family, operated a childcare center and worked temporarily for the US government, putting her hearts desire aside but never forgetting it. As she anticipates helping others with this publication she continues to work on several other projects.
The message most important to Sheryl is to encourage others to reach beyond their hardships and comfort zones and believe in themselves to follow their own dreams. Dear to her heart is anyone who is temporarily lost in the struggles of abuse, of any kind, but especially domestic. In her efforts to entertain she also wishes to send rays of hope that will strengthen the creative side of individuals and cultivate in them the mindset to continue climbing out of the dark places of those troublesome relationships. Foremost for all of us is a relationship with self. In fact, ‘Know Thyself’ is the most noted jewel of wisdom that she cherishes and tries to live by.
Now as she steps into a new world of dreams fulfilled and new mountains to climb, Ms. Roberts donates to several causes, in her future works and personal life. Other endeavors, written with a co-author and some solo, include a wide venue of stories, including her personal story of survival and growth out of her own dark times.
Both Sheryl and myself- her editor and friend, hope you enjoy the message found in this, her first manuscript, “On the Heels of Desire.”
All of us great or small, are entitled to redemption.
Watch for A TREASURE IN TIME, with co-author M. D. Anderson.