text today. So, when a knock pounded against my front door, I nearly jumped out of my skin. I wasn’t expecting anyone, nor did I want any company.
My first thought was to ignore it and let the person leave but the knocking was persistent, so I caved. When I pulled open the door Ollie stood in front of me, with a look of extreme concentration focused on something in his mind. I didn’t get a chance to ask him to leave before he pushed his way into my living room. With a sigh, I shut the door and joined him, with hopes that this wouldn’t take long. It was seriously cutting into my wallowing.
“Dee, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about this—about us—and I think we should take the next step.”
“What?” I didn’t think it was possible to be surprised so many times in a 24-hour period.
“We have the history, the chemistry and I know this could really be something amazing. When we slept together all those years ago, it was incredible for me because I had wanted you for so long. Everything got screwed up after that night because of Jayme, and it wasn’t until you walked back into my life that I realized you were the one I wanted.” Words escaped me, while his penetrated through the dark cloud hanging over my head. My mind was still reeling from the events the night before with Corey—how was I supposed to take this on as well?
“Ollie…” That was all I got out before his arms wrapped tight around my waist and pulled my lips to his.
While his moved, mine remained stiff; unsure of what to do or how to feel. The kiss couldn’t compare to one shared with Corey, but then again I’ve decided to leave Corey behind. When my mind began to respond favorably to the feel of his lips on mine, I gave in and kissed back. Maybe I couldn’t be with the one I wanted, but maybe a distraction wouldn’t be such a bad idea. This all started with me wanting a distraction to forget Ollie, maybe all I needed was a distraction to forget about Corey.
Just as I let myself really get into the moment with my eyes sealed shut—my phone rang. My mind jumped around to who could be on the other end but only one name echoed in my heart—Corey. Could he be watching me from outside? Was it possible that subconsciously he knew the exact moment to pick up the phone and dial? My heart ached with the feeling that I was betraying him in some way but as I was getting ready to pull away, Ollie’s mouth found my weak spot on my neck, just below my ear.
Common sense and the need to let go danced around in a wicked way inside of me. Ollie’s heavy breathing blew into my ear.
“Let it go.” I knew he was talking about the phone call, but he didn’t realize just how close to home those words hit right now.
Just let it go.
Acknowledgments
Julie Schneider— Oh Julie, what can I say about you? For starters this story would be nothing more than yet another idea churning around in my head—if not for you. Your support and love that you have shown me from day one has meant more to me than I can say. I’ll never be able to thank you enough for everything you have done. The endless discussions we’ve had about Corey and Dani have absolutely made them come to life. It is because of you that this is here! I appreciate all you’ve done and continue to do for me. Love you!
Kimberly Brower (Book Reader Chronicles)— Your willingness to help an unknown author like myself was so inspiring from day one. It didn’t take long before you became a friend to me and I am so grateful for asking for your help. Your opinions and suggestions cease to amaze me and I love that you aren’t afraid to tell me when something I wrote needs to be changed! I can only hope this is just the beginning of a very long partnership because you really do encourage the best in me every time I write. Thank you!
Danielle Jamie—
Although I have not known you since the start of writing Fool, you have still been such an amazing help! There are so many things that I have been about to lose my mind over—and you’ve been there for me! Helping me breathe and reassuring me that I do not need to pull my hair out over certain things! I’m so happy our chats have progressed from author-to-author to friendship! I can’t wait to read more from you and even more… write with you! Thank you for absolutely everything!
Angelina Fauskee— Who would have guessed that my oldest friend is also my biggest fan! I always knew that our book-nerd souls were going to keep us close! I love you so much and it means so much that you read this book (and the others I’m writing) in the very early—messy stages. Also thank you for putting up with my million or so questions after every new section you read! You are the absolute best my darling!
Georgia Cates— I started as nothing more than a fangirl gushing over the beautiful words and story you created. Your guidance and support have helped me in more ways than you can imagine. Thank you so much for taking the time to help me out—especially when it came to making my cover the beautiful image it is now!
Other Amazing People Who Have Helped Along the Way—
Jamie Hillard and Sharon—Thank you for editing and giving me that boost of confidence during that very crucial home stretch before publishing!! Love you both! Carol Conklin—Thank you for stepping in at the last minute to help out! You are truly a phenomenal woman! Cara and Kari (A Book Whore’s Obsession)—You ladies are absolutely amazing—you need to know that! Thank you for all the fantastic quote pictures you made and for sharing information about Fool. It means so much! Tracy McKay—My wonderful overseas friend! Your love for this book is what gave you an advanced reader copy! But I have loved our chats more than you know and the encouragement you gave means so very much! Thank you!! Ryan Marks—During the crucial moments of getting to know someone—you had to get to know me as stressedand attached to my story. Your patience is amazing. Not to mention your ability to assist me with the lines, scenes and moments that were giving me complete hell! Thank you so much for everything!
Stacy Zimpher and Nick Schultz—The power couple I can always rely on for fantastic opinions when they’re needed! Thank you! Author D.N. Simmons—Thank you for the beautiful words of encouragement! Ryan Jones—Thank you for being my best friend and supporting me from the start!