to spend the rest of our lives together, see him as a father.
Live each day to the fullest.
Thank you
I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read Emphatic.
Want more from the Soul Serenade Crew? Cole’s story is next in Assured. Click here to download.
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Anywhere with You
Copyright © 2013 Kaylee Ryan
All Rights Reserved.
Second edition.
This book may not be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Kaylee Ryan, except for the use of brief quotations in articles and or reviews.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, locations, businesses and plot are products of the author’s imagination and meant to be used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events throughout the story are purely coincidental. The author acknowledges trademark owners and trademarked status of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication and use of these trademarks is not authorized, sponsored or associated by or with the trademark owners.
The following story contains sexual situations and strong language. It is intended for adult readers.
Cover Design: Shanoff Designs
Photographer: Lindee Robinson Photography
Editing: Hot Tree Editing
Proofreading: Deaton Author Services
Chapter 1
Allison
“Gran, this is a bad idea.”
“Allie girl, how many times do I have to tell you, I’ll be fine? You’re only going to be forty minutes away. You need to go, spread your wings, and live your life. I want that for you more than anything.”
“But, Gran! We need to stick together, we’re a team, the two of us. I hate the thought of someone else taking care of you. That’s my job,” I counter. I know, I’m being childish, but the thought of leaving Gran alone is breaking my heart. Yes, she’ll have a nurse for eight hours a day, but she’ll be alone at night. This scares me. Gran suffers from heart disease and diabetes, which makes it hard for her to get around and do everyday things, such as cook and clean. Taking care of these tasks had been my responsibility until the day we found out I had to live in the dorms at the University of North Carolina, UNC for short. I tried to use that as an excuse not to go, but she wouldn’t take no for an answer.
“My sweet, sweet girl. I love you for that, but you need this. Ace is there, he misses you. I need you to make a way in this world for yourself. Staying in the dorms is the right decision. You have a lifetime of new experiences waiting for you. The Emersons are just next door, and the nurse will be here seven days a week.”
“But—”
“That’s enough. Allison, listen to me, you’re going to stay in the dorms and live it up, like all the other kids your age. I’ve watched you give up too many experiences for me, and I won’t stand for it any longer. I love you with all my heart, but you need to do this, for both of us.”
“Fine, but I’m coming home every weekend to see you,” I grumble. Knowing that further arguing will only upset her more.
“Oh, no you don’t, missy. You’ll come home no more than one weekend a month, and even that isn’t necessary. Put yourself first, for once, Allison. Take chances, make mistakes, fall in love,” Gran replies at the same time a knock sounds on the door.
“Come in!” I yell.
“Hey, guys, it’s just us,” Jennifer Emerson says, as she and her husband, Michael, walk into the living room. The Emersons live next door, and also happen to be my best friend Ace’s parents. They’ve helped fill the void of my parents, who passed away in a tragic car accident when I was ten.
“Hey, sis, you all set?” Michael asks me as he pulls me in for a hug. Since the day I moved in with Gran after my parents’ death, Michael has called me sis. He said he always wanted a little girl, and since Jennifer was unable to have anymore kids, I would do just fine.
Before I can answer Gran speaks up, “Yes, we were just discussing that. Allison has those two bags by the door, which still need to be loaded, and then she’s all set.”
“Perfect. Sweetheart, I hope you don’t mind delivering some goodies to that son of mine. I made a care package for each of you. Cookies, fudge, toiletries, and a few gift cards, among other things,” Jennifer