Carol's Image

by Jordan, Maryann

  “Daddy, I hear your heartbeat,” came Tommy’s small voice as he hugged his dad.

  “Me too,” came Joanna’s sleepy voice with her cheek pressed up against her mother’s chest.

  Over the heads of their children, Tom and Carol looked at each other. Blue eyes gazing at blue eyes.

  Together they said, “It beats for you,” hugging their children close to their hearts.

  The End

  (The stories continue with the Love’s Series. The first book in this series will feature Shane, a character just introduced in Carol’s Image. The title of the book is Love’s Taming and will be released in September, 2014. This is an unedited sample of chapter 1 and is subject to change by printing.)

  Love’s Taming

  Chapter 1

  The illumination from the dim street lights provided little guidance, but perfect cover for the man slipping through the darkness. Staying to the shadows next to the brick buildings, he carried his heavy load, watching carefully around for signs of life in the alley he dodged into. He knew his destination. He’s been watching her for weeks, knowing that at some point, the time would be right. It hadn’t been hard, watching her. She was beautiful but he wanted her for her skills. Yeah, keep telling yourself that. She is fuckin’ gorgeous. His mind drifted to watching her in the neighborhood. Nice. Sweet. Wholesome. Clean. Not for you, man. Not where you’ve gone and what you’ve seen. Fuck! Rubbing his hand over his face, feeling the rough stubble of his unshaven face, he locked those thoughts down. It’s a job. Just do your fuckin’ job. Looking down at his arms, he wondered how long he would have to wait before making his next move. I’ve got to get her when she is alone. Knowing her routine, it wouldn’t be hard to do that. Jesus, a woman alone, keeping the same routine. In another world, he would have protected her. Made sure she was safe. Now, she was just a mark. A mark with skills he needed. Shifting his weight so that he was more comfortable, he crouched down, waiting. He’d done a lot of that in the past two years. Just waiting.

  *

  (Earlier in the Day)

  The radio alarm belted out the latest country music at five-thirty a.m. as Annie Donavan jerked awake. Slapping her hand on the snooze button, she rolled over keeping her eyes tightly shut. Just ten more minutes. A soft pad touched her face. First her forehead. Then her closed eyelid. Then a wet nose sniffed her ear. Opening her eyes, she grumbled, “Go away, Boo,” while reaching out her hand to stroke the large tabby cat’s fur. Letting her hand fall back to the bed, she attempted to snooze once again. In what seemed just seconds the alarm was playing again, only this time when she opened her eyes she had an up close view of a cat butt. Great. Just what I want to see first thing in the morning.

  Pushing the cat to the side, she turned off the radio while swinging her legs over the side of the bed. Boo quickly came back, rubbing his whole body against hers. Two more cats wandered in the bedroom, circling her legs while meowing in unison.

  “I know. I know, guys,” she acknowledged, heading into the kitchen to feed her menagerie. Putting the coffee on to brew, she walked back to the bathroom. Pulling her long, copper-colored hair in a messy bun, she quickly washed her face and applied simple makeup. Changing out of her pink drawstring pajama bottoms and matching pink camisole, she dressed in clean scrubs. Her cats had finished their breakfast and were lying on the living room rug cleaning their faces by the time she walked back into her kitchen.

  Pouring milk into her bowl of cereal, she walked into the living room, sitting on the sofa to eat. Her thoughts were already on her day, as they were each morning. First thing, surgery. Two spays, one neuter, one dental. Jesus, I hope Mrs. Rosini remembers to not feed her dog before bringing him in. After surgery, seven known appointments, not including walk-ins.

  Finishing her cereal, she allowed her eyes to roam her small apartment as the morning’s sunlight began to filter through the blinds. All three cats, moved over the dark green rug, trying to find a place in the barely-there sunspot. The green rug covered the wood floors, which were not in bad shape, but worn from many years of tenants. The tan sofa Annie sat on, was as worn as the floors, but it was clean and since it came with the apartment, she couldn’t quibble about a free couch. Two chairs faced her, both bought on Craig’s List, along with the coffee table in between.

  “All right, guys. Time for momma to head out. I’ve got to get donuts for the gang, so I will see you later,” she said with affection to the three cats. All three, raised their heads, large eyes staring at her, but with the sunspot-coma coming on, none of them moved.

  This is my life. Talking to my cats. Wondering if she would eventually be found mummified in this old apartment, littered with cat food cans outside of the door. Shaking her head as she washed her cereal bowl and left it in the sink, she pushed back the morbid thoughts. You’re young. You’re a professional. You own your own veterinary practice. You are successful. Unfortunately, those thoughts were crowded with others, less positive. You’re single with no social life in the forseeable future. You live in a tiny-ass apartment because it is all you can afford while you pay off vet school loans. You work from sun-up to beyond sun-down. And…you talk to cats. Yep, you’re a real winner.

  Looking at the clock one more time, Annie realized she needed to hustle to get the donuts before opening the clinic. Grabbing her keys and purse, she locked the door behind her and jogged down the stairs.

  Information on Bulimia Nervosa

  “Bulimia Nervosa, commonly called bulimia, is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia may secretly binge – eating large amounts of food – and then purge, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. For example, someone with bulimia may force vomiting or do excessive exercise.

  If you have bulimia, you’re probably preoccupied with your weight and body shape, and may judge yourself severely and harshly for your self-perceived flaws. Because it’s related to self-image – and not just about food – bulimia can be difficult to overcome.

  The exact cause of bulimia is unknown. There are many possible factors that could play a role in the development of eating disorders. But biology, emotional health, societal expectations and other factors increase your risk.

  If you have any bulimia symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible.”

  Mayo Clinic, Diseases and Conditions, Bulimia Nervosa

  Acknowledgements

  First and foremost, I have to thank my husband, Michael. Always believing in me and wanting me to pursue my dreams, this book would not be possible without his support. To my daughters, MaryBeth and Nicole, I taught you to follow your dreams and now it is time for me to take my own advice. You two are my inspiration!

  My best friend, Tammie, who for eighteen years has been with me through thick and thin. You’ve filled the role of confidant, supporter, and sister.

  My dear friend, Myckel Anne, who keeps me on track, keeps me grounded, and most of all – keeps my secrets. Thank you for not only being my proofreader, but my friend.

  Going from blogger to author has allowed me to have the friendship and advice of several wonderful authors who always answered my questions, helped me over rough spots, and cheered me on. To Kristine Raymond, you gave me the green light when I wondered if I was crazy and you never let me give up. MJ Nightingale and Andrea Michelle – you two have made a huge impact on my life. EJ Shorthall, Victoria Brock, Jen Andrews, Andrea Long, A.d. Ellis, ML Steinbrunn, Sandee Love, and all of the amazing authors of the Indie Round Table – thank you from the bottom of my heart.

  My beta readers kept me sane, cheered me on, made me correct all my silly errors, and often helped me understand my characters through their eyes. A huge thank you to Denise, Sandi, Christina, Christy, Barbara, Tera, Vanessa, Jennifer, Myckel Anne, Danielle, Shannon, Angela, and Tracey for being my beta girls who love alphas!

  Shannon Brandee Eversoll as my editor and Myckel Anne Phillips as my proofreader gave their time and talents to making Carol’s Image
as well written as it can be.

  My street team, The Ladies of Fairfield, you all are amazing! You volunteer your time to promote my books and I cannot thank you enough! I hope you will stay with me, because I have lots more stories inside, just waiting to be written!

  As the owner of the blog, Lost in Romance Books, I know the selflessness of bloggers. We promote indie authors on our own time because we believe fully in the indie author community. I want to thank the many bloggers that I have served with, and who are assisting in promoting my series.

  Most importantly, thank you readers. You allow me into your home for a few hours as you disappear into my characters and you support me as I follow my indie author dreams.

  Author Information

  Maryann Jordan

  I am an avid reader of romance novels, often joking that I cut my teeth on the old bodice rippers. I have been reading and reviewing for years. In 2013, I created the blog, Lost in Romance Books to promote and showcase indie authors. In 2014, I finally gave in to the characters in my head, screaming for their story to be told. From these musings, my first novel, Emma’s Home, The Fairfield Series Book 1 was born.

  I am a high school counselor having worked in education for thirty years. I live in Virginia, having also lived in four states and two foreign countries. I have been married to a wonderfully patient man for thirty two years and am the mother to two adult daughters. When writing, my dog or one of my four cats can generally be found in the same room if not on my lap.

  Please take time to leave a review of this book (on Goodreads, Amazon). Reviews are the lifeline for indie authors.

  Feel free to contact me, especially if you enjoyed my book. I love to hear from readers!

  Facebook:

  http://www.facebook.com/authormaryannjordan

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  http://www.facebook.com/lostinromancebooks

  Booktropolous:

  https://booktropoloussocial.com/index.php?do=/profile-1765/

  Email:

  authormaryannjordan@gmail.com

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  lostinromancebooks@gmail.com

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  http://www.lostinromancebooks.com

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