by Kelly Wood
“Where’d this fear of commitment come from, Regan? Your parents’ divorce? An ex? What?” Gray wrapped his hand around mine. “I’m not going anywhere, so just relax, okay?”
“Okay.” I kissed him lightly on the lips and stood up to shower.
“Plus, I’m way too tired to go anywhere right now.”
He’s joking. He’s just joking, I repeated to myself as I got undressed. I left my clothes in a pile in the corner and turned the water as hot as it would go. For Honduras, that wasn’t that hot.
For once today, I enjoyed being wet. The water was warm and felt cleansing. My legs and arms burned from tiny cuts as I lathered up over and over again. I tried to really absorb Gray’s words. I looked at our relationship as an outsider might see it.
Gray financed a majority of our lifestyle. Some women might not have a problem with it, but I did. I wanted to stand on my own two feet. I didn’t want someone to think he had the right to tell me what to do because of the money he spent on me.
When has Gray ever told you what to do? A little voice asked in my head.
Well... I started to argue with it. This was crazy. He made me climb down to help Katherine!
He made you? the voice taunted. Did he tie the rope to you and push you over the edge? No, you climbed down with your own two feet.
He bought me the necklace when I didn’t want it.
The audacity! He bought you a present to show his love and affection. What a monster!
“You’re starting to get on my nerves,” I said aloud.
“What did you say, Regan?” Gray called through the door.
“Nothing!” I replied. “Great, now I’m talking to myself. Again,” I muttered under my breath.
He’s not Ben, the voice taunted me, again.
I looked in the mirror and stuck my tongue out at myself. Other than the fighting, Gray and I had worked well together today. I admitted it reluctantly. I quickly shaved and finished rinsing off. I felt almost human again. I tugged on clean shorts and tank top. The cabin air felt cool after the hot shower. Goose bumps dimpled my arms and legs, making the bruising even more hideous.
I opened the bathroom door to find Gray still sitting on the floor, his head back against the cabin door. Soft snores escaped him as he breathed. He was out cold. The man who saved damsels from danger was worn out.
Heroes saved damsels, I told myself. They didn’t hold their women under their thumbs and force control. They didn’t leave their girlfriends without a moment’s notice like Ben had left me. They bought you gifts without strings attached or dinner just because they wanted to treat you. Heroes carried luggage and held your hand. Heroes encouraged new career paths. And hauled you up over a cliff with sheer muscle and will.
Not that I’d ever describe myself as a damsel in distress.
But being the hero’s girlfriend wasn’t such a bad label. I’d try harder, I promised myself. I’d remind myself daily that Gray wasn’t Ben. He proved himself to me over and over again. It was time to let him in. Time to let myself commit to a future with this man. No fear.
Did you love Damsels and Danger? Then you should read Stay or Go by Kelly Wood!
Regan and Gray's love story from the beginning!
Regan Harris was floating through life but not living it. After a heart-wrenching breakup from a boyfriend, Regan retreated into herself. But, one man seemed to bring her back from the dead.
Gray Thomas.
Would Regan make the leap? Would she trust herself with this stranger? Could she walk away from the security of Chicago and her friends for a new adventure? Could she leave her job at Patrick O'Kelly's? The restaurant was failing and needed her.
Follow Regan as her life hangs in the balance on one decision. Should she stay or go?
Read more at Kelly Wood’s site.
Also by Kelly Wood
Regan Harris Romantic Mystery Series
Stay or Go
Profit and Loss
Here and Gone
Lost and Found
Damsels and Danger
Regan Harris Romantic Mystery Series Books 1-3
Watch for more at Kelly Wood’s site.
About the Author
Kelly Wood loves to write the kind of books she likes to read, light-hearted cozy mysteries. She likes to curl up with a good book or seek adventure. She has hiked active volcanos only to sled down them, jumped out of airplanes, hiked behind waterfalls, and run up the 700+ stairs at the Vatican.
Kelly loves to travel. Her passport has 23 stamps and counting. She has backpacked through Europe and Central America, along with many other countries in between. She now lives in Northwest Indiana with her husband and can be found writing most days.
Read more at Kelly Wood’s site.