Sample Sunday - 03-20-11

Welcome to My Blog and Sample Sunday

Blurb:
Lizzy would give it all back just to hear her mother's voice one more time... the house, the furniture...even the money. Regardless, her heartless stepfather is determined to take what he feels is rightfully his. Handyman, Adam Woodward rides into Lizzy's life and vows to keep her safe, but is it enough to stop the cold, callous determination of Ben Stokes?

Having read Iron Horse Rider, and now In Your Eyes, this reader will be waiting with great expectation for more biker stories to come from a very talented author. ~ Night Owl Reviews

 Excerpt:

                  Lizzy tossed and turned all night long. Images of Ben stumbling up the stairs, drunk, kept her awake. At four in the morning, she decided not to spend one more night in his house. 

       Even if it meant keeping all of her things packed until they were finished painting her cottage. Sleeping on the floor was a much more appealing option than jumping out of her skin at the slightest sounds. It’s just a matter of time before he comes back. He made it crystal clear that I’m not welcome here anymore. 

          In the wee hours of the morning, she moved all of the boxes she’d backed out onto the front porch. Lizzy took extra care to go over every inch of the farmhouse. Adam would have to help her with the furniture. 

          The bed her mother shared with Ben could go out with the garbage for all she cared. She stripped her mother’s quilt and a set of hand-embroidered pillowcases from the bed. For as long as she could remember, the china cabinet had been a part of their decor. Her mother used to spend Saturday mornings polishing the innate wood scrolling along the sides. Despite how beautiful the piece was, there was no way it would fit in her tiny cottage. She’d noticed the crude shelves where Edi displayed all of her good china.

          Someone had taken the time to cut and stain long planks of wood and bracketed them to the wall. Hopefully she’d accept the cabinet from her; she’d hate to have to leave it behind. Ben wasn’t the type to appreciate the beauty of its craftsmanship and would probably sell it for booze money.

                     She took in all that she had accomplished. Stacks of boxes filled the once empty hallway. Next to the front door, her trusted friend sat on a chair, and she crossed the distance to pick up her guitar. Lizzy walked outside and sat on the swing. With her eyes closed, she played a Gaelic tune from her childhood. Near the end of the song, she opened them to find Adam leaning back in the seat of his truck with his own eyes shut, seemingly lost in thought or asleep.

                     Adam jumped, banging his knees on the steering column. “Shit!” His cheeks turned red.Lizzy giggled behind her hand. “I’m so sorry,” giggles riddled her voice, “I seem to have made a habit of startling you.” 

                     He climbed out of the truck sporting a lopsided grin and stopped at the bottom of the steps. “Good Morning, Lizzy. What’s with all of the boxes?”

          “I can’t spend another night in this place.” A sense of urgency quickened her pulse. “I know it’s a lot to ask…”

          Adam raised his hand. “Say no more.” He began loading boxes into the truck without question.

          “You’re the best, Adam,” she shouted out from behind a pile of boxes.

          In very little time, the truck was filled to capacity. They’d still have to come back for another load. 

          Lizzy quietly prayed, “Just one more hour…that’s all I ask. Keep him away for just one more hour…”

          She chattered nervously the entire drive to the cottage. Although Adam nodded at the appropriate times, he seemed preoccupied. They reached the cottage, and he stood behind Lizzy. She squealed and spun around to face him.

          “How? When…?” she screamed.

          “About four this morning,” he laughed, “I had some paint left over from different jobs—no b-big deal.”

          “No big deal?” Lizzy threw her arms around him. Guilt tapped at her conscience. “It is a very big deal! How can I ever thank you?”

          “I-I’m glad you like it,” he stammered, flustered at the sudden display of affection.

          Lizzy laughed and ran back inside the cottage. She twirled around the freshly painted room. “I couldn’t have picked nicer colors if I’d chosen them myself.” She dropped to her knees and ran a hand over the shiny hardwood floors. “I can’t believe you did this all alone!”

           “Well let’s get those boxes in here and go and get the last load of your stuff."

          Lizzy rubbed at her eyes and stood. “Of course, you’re right.” Heat flooded her face. “You must think I am so silly.” 

        “Not at all, Lizzy. I’m very happy you’re so pleased.” 

       In record time, they stacked the boxes in the center of the room away from the fresh paint. Minutes later, they drove back to get the last of her belongings. Luckily, they were able to load all of her furniture and a few odd boxes on the truck without incident. 

       “What about this?” Adam pointed at the china cabinet in the hall.

        “It was my mother’s,” she explained. “I really don’t have room for it. Do you think your Ma would want it?”

       “You’re kidding? She’d flip her lid—are you sure?” 

       “Very sure!” She smiled. “Why don’t we move it out on the porch? You’ll have to come back and get it, okay?” 

        “We’ll unload this, and I’ll come back. I don’t think we should leave it here for too long.”

        “You’re probably right. I imagine Ben isn’t going to be too happy when he decides to come home.”  

        A mixture of emotions swam around in her head as she looked back at the old farmhouse. Not every memory of the farmhouse was tainted by Ben’s callousness. There were a lot of good times with her mother she’d carry in a special place in her heart forever. Memories of Ben’s anger and foul mouth she swore to leave behind.

       As Adam parked the truck, she could no longer contain her excitement. She laughed loudly, staring at the cottage she now owned. However, a small part of her couldn’t help but feel a little guilty about the lengths to which Adam went to paint and save her the expense. She had more than enough money to buy paint.

        One day I’ll make it up to him. For now, it’s best to keep up the façade. The last thing I need is for Ben to find out about the money. A couple of half-truths and well kept secrets were a small price to pay to keep his filthy paws from her inheritance.

       Adam set down the last box, leaned against the open kitchen doorway, and wiped his brow on the sleeve of his tshirt. “I’d better be heading back to the farmhouse to get the cabinet.” 

       Lizzy rose up on her tiptoes to hug him. “Be careful,” she whispered and kissed his earlobe before realizing she’d done it. He sucked in an abrupt breath.

       “Lizzy,” he whispered, his voice hoarse. He held her back just far enough to gaze deeply into her eyes. The depth of sincerity she saw in his gaze excited her and made her heart thump madly. “Do you have any idea what you do to me?” he asked. 

       Every nerve ending in her body prickled under the intensity of his words. Never had she felt so aware of her body and the affect he had on it. 

     

       Adam placed his lips on her forehead, lingering longer than necessary. He pulled back abruptly. “I better go.” 

       Lizzy thoroughly enjoyed the newfound power of her sexuality. “If you think it’s best.” Her smile broadened as he jogged over to his truck. He cleared his throat noisily as he slid in behind the steering wheel and turned the key in the ignition. Adam pulled away from the cottage without looking back. 

       “Wait!” She jumped down the front steps, waving madly at him from the side of the road. She watched the brake lights come on and ran up the road to his driver’s window. “I can’t believe I forgot Slomo.” Her words came out in short, breathy spurts. “Can you bring her back with you?” 

       “Slomo?” 

       Lizzy laughed. “My cat. You’ll probably find her hiding out in my bedroom. The poor girl is probably wondering what’s going on.” 

       “What color is she?” 

       “A big ol’ fur ball of orange and white.” Worry creased her brow. “Maybe I should come with you.” 

       “I’m sure I can handle it.” 

       Lizzy patted his hand. “Okay.” 

       As soon as his taillights disappeared around the bend, Lizzy ran back to the cottage and stepped inside. 

       “Look, Mama,” she cried, hugging herself while turning around in a complete circle. “I’m going to be okay. I hope you’re pleased.”

       Lizzy sensed her approval. The sun shone through the window, reminiscent of the warmth she felt whenever her mother had entered a room. No way would I have been able to accomplish all of this without Adam’s help. How am I ever going to thank him enough? 

       Luckily, she’d written on each box. She easily found the one marked KITCHEN and hoped to find  everything she needed to put on a pot of tea for Adam. It was a small gesture, but she hoped he saw how much she appreciated everything he’d done for her and how much he’d come to mean to her. 

I hope you enjoyed this sample of, 'In Your Eyes'

Thank you for stopping by.

Available in Ebook & Print 

I invite you to visit my website and sign up for my quarterly Newsletter. I'm always giving something away to my subscribers. 
In Your Eyes is also featured in The Indie Spotlight, where you will find another excerpt.
For more samples by some talented authors, type in #SampleSunday in the search bar on Twitter. 

Wishing you Miles of Smiles :) 

                                         Adelle Laudan