Fenced Hearts

By Zoie Jenkins

Moving from Florida to Rhode Island, Wren Adams was determined to start a new life without the shadows from her past. Zack Gallo, a notorious Boston player whose lifestyle no longer suited him, decided Rhode Island was the place to start fresh. It was close enough to his tight knit family, but far enough to have the space he needed to make the changes in himself without the influence of his past. When the two end up forced into living together, life changes in many ways for them. Neither Wren nor Zack were looking for romance.Wren never allowed herself to get close enough to a man to fall in love. Love always led to pain. Zack had always wanted to be free to do as he pleased, with whom he pleased, when he pleased. No strings. But life doesn't always work out the way we plan...
Dr. Claire MacKenna is an independent, successful woman. Who would have ever thought she'd be on the run? When her longtime boyfriend becomes possessive and abusive, Claire finds herself in need of a safe haven. She finds that in Rhode Island with her lifelong best friend, Wren. But will it be far enough away to keep her safe? Fenced Hearts is a suspenseful, erotic romance, peppered with humor and local flavor. It is the first book in a series written by Zoie Jenkins.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Zoie Jenkins
• Release date: Feb 13, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311167453

Zoie Jenkins

Zoie Jenkins, like most women in today’s society, holds many roles; nurse, author, wife, mother, daughter...We could go on and on. Her favorite being mom to two crazy kids. She is a native Floridian who now lives in Rhode Island with said kids and her husband. The four share their home with a lazy corgi and a grumpy rabbit. In her free time, Zoie enjoys reading, hiking, art, music, hanging out with friends and family and she is an avid football fan.

Book preview

Prologue

Heavy warm air blanked them as the girls hid beneath the tangerine tree in Wren’s back yard. Summer in Florida was always brutal, but the girls didn’t mind. Their imaginations carried them sliding down snow covered mountains and rafting down cool rolling rivers all in the same afternoon. They sat together cross-legged sipping on the sweet tea Wren’s mother insisted they bring with them. You’ll overheat if you don’t stay hydrated she told them.

HUH? Hydrated? Whatever she meant the girls had no idea but they took the tea to make her happy. And, oh, was it good. As they sat sipping the sweet brew Claire turned her big emerald eyes to Wren and asked, What do you wanna be when you grow up? Wren looked up at the house she knew her momma was in. She took a minute more then smiled and said A momma. Claire huffed Humph, that’s not a job. What job do you want? Wren replied I wanna work in one of those big buildings with the shiny glass on ‘em. Ya know like you see on TV. And I wanna live in the big city with lots of cars and people. Wren watched as Claire thought about it. Then asked her best friend, How ‘bout you? Claire quickly replied A doctor. One that takes care of you when you are sick.

They sat in silence for a bit before the back screen door screeched. It swung open and Wrens mother stood with tears streaming down her pale face. Wren, I need you inside right now. Claire looked at Wren questioningly and Wren shrugged. I’ll call you later.

Ok, THANKS FOR THE TEA MRS. ADAMS! Claire shouted as she scurried across the adjoining lawns to her Nana’s house next door. The girls were oblivious to the devastation waiting for them.

Chapter 1

Wren heard the car door closed behind her as it drove away. Her nerves were on end. She was in a completely foreign land! Well not exactly foreign geographically, but it might as well have been. The metropolitan city was a far cry from the small southern city of her birth. The bustle of activity, insistent noise and blend of smells immediately assaulted her. She knew the moment would be seared into her memory forever.

With two travel bags in hand Wren walked toward the multistoried tan building. The dark windows looked out at the road with blank stares. The entry door swung open and as she approached, a small elderly woman came thru with her white poodle tugging on its crimson leash. The older woman didn’t make eye contact and she passed Wren as if she weren’t there. Hmm? Wren passed thru the glass doors and into a dimly lit lobby. Its modern clean lines enhanced the front desks gleaming white marble. To the left was a bank of elevators. Almost there she thought.

While the small elevator lifted her to the 5th floor she thought about how happy she was to be on this adventure. Wren had applied for several jobs and was excited to be hired by Insurance of Providence, a large insurance agency which had a reputation of being generous with their employees. Their headquarters was in Providence, Rhode Island. Since she was a child, Wren dreamed about living in a city with culture. She believed its rich history and young vibe made Providence a perfect fit.

Wren was brought out of the daydream by a shrill bell. Exiting the elevator she soon found apartment 508. She fumbled first with the key then with the bags. Finally she entered the apartment and took a good look around. The cozy apartment was washed in muted earth tones with different shades of blue for accent. The shiny wood floor reflected the sunlight brilliantly from the window over the couch that dominated the living space. As she walked further into the furnished apartment her new company provided, she found a small kitchen and breakfast nook on the left with light maple cabinets, shiny chrome fixtures and stone counters in more neutral shades. She walked past the kitchen, dropping her purse on a chair. Her mouth hung wordless as she experienced more and more luxury with each step she took. Wren half expected Toto to bark, reminding her they weren’t in Kansas anymore.

Continuing on she found a full office with an espresso colored desk and bookshelves waiting to be filled. Wren walked back thru to the living space and to the right was the bedroom. Sheer blue and green curtains let in light to reveal the sheen on the modern ivory dresser and bed highlighted with chrome accents which sparkled like jewels.

Soaking in the beauty around her, Wren sat on the bed enjoying the moment. She was thrilled to be away from her small town. Too many memories shadowed her heart there. It was a place where too many people knew her quirky family and judged her because of them. Providence provided a blank canvas to paint the next portion of her life. It was a new beginning.

Wren’s travel exhaustion began sinking in so she decided to freshen up a bit. She made her way to the bathroom. She loved everything about the apartment and the bathroom was no exception. Its spa like feel made Wren smile. Tones of cream and white surrounded her in crisp lines married with a natural vibe. On one side of the space stood a large walk in shower with enough space for two to shower comfortably, adjacent sat an elevated oversized Jacuzzi soaking tub. For a moment Wren let her mind fantasize about having someone to share those with. Wren showered quickly, too excited to luxuriate in the warm water. She was anxious to explore.

After her shower, Wren decided to call home to let her Dad know she arrived safely and was tucked into her new digs. After several rings a squeaky, breathless voice answered Helooo?

Hi Nancy, it’s Wren.

HEY Wren! How was your trip? Nancy asked.

Fine. I just got in and the apartment is great. I can’t wait to explore the neighborhood…

Nancy interrupted Oh that’s great, your dad is right here breathing down my neck to talk to you. You know your daddy, as impatient as a child on Christmas mornin’. Talk to you soon sweetie.

Wrennie! Is that you? Good Lord girl what took ya so long to call? You know I’ve been more nervous than a long tailed cat in a room full of rockin’ chairs!

Wren sighed, but was happy to hear his voice. Hey daddy! I just got in. I had a layover which got delayed a bit, but I’m here now. Even though she was 27 they still worried. Wren knew being an only child she was cursed forever with the over protectiveness of her father.

Well that’s good baby doll. When do you have to start your new job?

I start Monday. That gives me the weekend to unpack and get to know the area. Wren explained.

You be careful up there. Make sure you lock your doors. Her father’s deep southern accent was stronger than her own. It wrapped around her like a favorite blanket making his words less lecture and more guidance.

OK daddy, I will. I love you. Wren said, holding back tears. This would be hard for both of them. She had never lived outside of Florida. She moved to Gainesville while in college but was able to drive home every few weeks.

I love you, too Wrennie. Be good. And if you can’t be good, have fun! he said with a smile in his voice before he hung up.

Wren swallowed hard and dialed Claire’s number. Hello? was the shaky voice on the other end of the phone.

Wren was shaken, Claire, it’s Wren. What’s wrong?

Claire seemed to relax Hey Wren how’s New England? The shakiness in her voice seemed to calm as she tried to hide her emotions.

My trip was good and the apartment is awesome! I can’t wait for you to come see it. But you need to talk to me right now. What is going on? Wren demanded.

Just some trouble at work that is weighing on me. I haven’t slept much and it’s gotten me off kilter. And to top it off, Ron is being a prick making me wish I’d never dated his sorry ass! I just don’t think I can take much more. Claire’s voice escalated as she recounted the strain in her world to Wren.

What did that JERK do this time?

I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’m just on the edge and can’t rehash that drama without losing it. I promise I’ll fill you in later.

Oh jeeze Claire. I had no idea all this was going on. Why don’t you try to get away for a bit? It will distance you from work and Ron and maybe you’ll be less stressed so you can sleep.

Yeah maybe you’re right. I just want to sleep. I’m gonna try as soon as we get off the phone. Sorry I’m not a good conversationalist right now, but I promise to call you next week. Good luck with the new place and knock ‘em dead Monday.

Thanks, I will. And Claire, call me if you need me….whenever…..promise? Wren plead.

I will. Love you girl! Claire hung up without a response from Wren. She stared at the phone in her hand worried by her friend’s troubles. Claire had been there for Wren during her darkest hours- days and weeks no child should experience. Claire had remained her steadfast rock thru the years and Wren always thought of her more as a sister than a friend. Now Claire was a thousand miles away and needed Wren but was too stubborn to admit it. She was stumped as to how to help her friend right now so she decided to keep closer tabs on Claire in the next few weeks.

With the phone calls out of the way, Wren gathered her keys, sunglasses and handbag ready to hit the streets of her new city. After years of dreaming, she had finally arrived!

Chapter 2

With noon time traffic at a crawl down interstate 95 south through Boston, Zack questioned the sanity of sleeping in this morning. Spending his last night in bean town living it up with his old college buddies and some of their very HOT friends was too tempting to pass up. He woke up this morning to a slamming headache with a nameless beauty next to him in his suite at the Copley. Her lithe, naked form was flawless. From her dark blonde hair spread on the pillow to her perfectly polished toe-nails, she was classically beautiful. Without even a look over his shoulder Zack quietly slinked out of the room and made his way to checkout. He really couldn’t remember her name….Heather?….Holly? He briefly thought I’m getting too old for this.

It didn’t matter what her name was. He wouldn’t see her again. Now he was headed to his new marketing position for a major insurance company in Rhode Island. Little Rhody. Not as metropolitan as Boston, but certainly not backwoods. He had offers from a few companies out west and in the south but Zack loved New England. Providence would give him the distance and anonymity he wanted from his recent escapades. He was starting to feel a bit strangled by his lifestyle and its ramifications. Providence was close enough to drive to see his family when he wanted to but far enough from the scene he had grown weary of. BONUS….the Fortune 500 company provided beaucoup perks, which included housing. And not some dorm room type crash pad. The apartments were high end, professionally decorated dwellings completely furnished and ready to live in. A bachelors dream!

As the miles passed, the traffic began to thin. The tension began to fade from Zack’s shoulders the further he drove. Zack loved the freedom of the highway. It always brought a calmness to him. A peace shrouded him merely from the hum of the tires on the road. The gentle sway of the car soothed his mind and brought his thoughts back to center. All the garbage bouncing around in his head seemed to evaporate during a long drive.

While the trees blurred past him, he thought about his family. Year after year his parents would take him and his three sisters up North for vacation. Some years it was just the six of them. Other years, they would vacation with his cousins. But regardless of who went or what the destination was, it was always a road trip. Without fail, his dad would proclaim the drive is the best part of the vacation. Cries of disbelief and disagreement would be the unanimous response from everyone else in the van at the time. By day three at which ever campground, resort or theme park they were visiting, his dad would be driving everyone crazy. He’d had enough relaxing and wanted to drive some more. As an adult, Zack finally understood why his father was drawn to on the road.

Zack slid his sleek black Porsche 911 Carrera S convertible into his reserved parking spot in the building’s parking garage, grabbed his luggage and headed thru the garage into the lobby of his new apartment. The brightness of the front desk struck him immediately. Beautiful gleaming white marble lit with modern pendant lights engulfed the wall across from the entrance. It called to anyone passing thru the doors. Zack ambled to the desk to speak to the concierge who was smiling brightly in greeting.

Good afternoon sir. My name is Ahmed. How may I help you today?

Zack returned his smile My name is Zack Gallo. I am a new tenant but seemed to have misplaced my key. I believe I left it back in Boston. Can you help me?

Ahmed smiled as he compared Zack’s identification and checked the sleek computer monitor Let me see if I have your information on file…? I see it here. You are with IOP and staying with us for one year. Let me get you set up with another key sir. Please give me a few minutes.

Great, take your time. Relieved, Zack gazed around the room to take in the beautiful surroundings. As his eyes swept to the front doors they froze on the woman entering the lobby. Her auburn curls framed her gorgeous face and swept down her neck to her shoulders. Blue eyes the color of the Caribbean stared back at him. Her face flushed a shade of pink as she seemed to stare right thru him to his soul. Zack felt a shiver in his back and it was not from the temperature in the room.

WOW! Zack spoke to Ahmed, but his eyes never left the beauty crossing the room. If she is any indication of the neighbors here, I’m going to be in trouble.

Ahmed’s black eyes danced as he watched the vision enter the elevators. There are many beautiful women in this building but I cannot say there are any quite as lovely and charming as Miss Adams.

Zack ignored the concierge’s obvious enchantment. I will have to make it a point to be a good neighbor to Miss Adams. His eyes followed her until the elevator doors closed, severing the charged air.

Ahmed also seemed to be brought back from his trance. Mr. Gallo, your key will be ready in about ten minutes. If you would like to explore the property you are welcome to. We have a full service gym with a pool, two saunas, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, tennis courts and a putting green available to all tenants. We also have an onsite laundry facility, library, a business center, theater and a billiards room.

Ok Ahmed, I’ll go have a look around. Zack said absently, his mind still spinning with inappropriate thoughts of the vision of loveliness headed somewhere upstairs.

Zack wandered outside toward the courtyard. The sun blazed down and reflected like crystals in the large limestone fountain that was the centerpiece of the outdoor area. Water bubbled over the top of the large stone sphere and cascaded in sheets into the softly shaped bowl like basin below. The water in the basin overflowed into the large round pool at the base, bathing the area with its soothing sound. It was surrounded by stone benches along a flagstone path which circled the entire water feature. Flowering shrubs cocooned the area with the gentle, sweet fragrance of their blooms. Zack found his way to one of the wooden benches that were set further into the garden area and settled in near one of the large shade trees.

As Zack relaxed into the bench his cell phone rang. Zack you dog! Hailey called me this morning and chewed me a new one! I told you she was a freak….not just the good kind. Blaine’s voice was full of humor. His best friend was always his wingman when it