Twisted Engagement

By Sandi K. Whipple

Lilly, a successful entrepreneur decides marrying David would be a mistake. After breaking the engagement, her best friend, Sue, convinces her to go away. Lilly sells her business and leaves New York to regroup. She ends up in a small town called Everley Flats, Colorado. When she finds comfort and a new love, she believes all her dreams have come true. Glenn, a hotel owner, is everything she ever wanted. Lilly decides to stay in Everley Flats and rents a cottage at the edge of town. She and Sue spend days shopping to fill it and make it homey. .
Sue makes many trips between New York and Colorado to spend time with Lilly, and in the interim, falls for Glenn’s friend and hotel manager, Jim.
Once both couples become relaxed and comfortable, strange things begin happening. Lilly and Sue are nearly run over after leaving a department store, on several occasions the doors of the cottage are found unlocked and open, and they discover they’re often being followed. After many discussions, it’s decided the open doors were due to forgetfulness, and the vehicle that nearly ran them over, well... it was just a negligent driver.
Lilly spends her time culminating her new restaurant in Glenn’s hotel. Sue is back in New York, and Glenn’s been out of town on business. Lilly is alone in the cottage and excited while preparing for Glenn’s return. She hears a knock on the door and races to greet him. When she opens the door, she’s shocked to see her ex, David, standing in front of her.
David forgives Lilly for running away, and tells her he’s come to take her back to New York. He explains how they will be together, and how they will be happy. When Lilly demands that he leave, David gets physical. His assault leaves her not only bruised, but so frightened she finds it difficult to breathe. David tells her he’ll be back for her, and leaves.
Lilly drives to Glenn’s hotel to wait for him. She can’t believe her eyes when she see’s Glenn exiting a limo with a beautiful woman who put her arms around Glenn and kissed him. Devastated that he has another woman in his life, and too afraid to return to the cottage, Lilly runs to her friend Sue in New York. Unable to locate Lilly, Glenn is relieved when he discovers she is safe with Sue in New York.
Now, all the strange going-ons are explained. It soon comes to light that Lilly’s ex, David, has an unsavory past. To make matters worse, he’s been the one secretly following and spying on her. What he plans for her, well... those things were never in her dreams.
Glenn and Jim have the girls flown to Montana and drive them up into the hills to Jim’s fishing cabin. Now, hiding out with Glenn, Sue, and Jim, Lilly thinks she’s safe. Only the police know where she is. She was wrong. When David kidnaps Lilly and drags her into a hillside cave, she understands how twisted he is. The driving forces of devoted love are what it will take to save her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sandi K. Whipple
• Release date: Feb 18, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310559471

Sandi K. Whipple

Born in Waukegan, Illinois, I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area for most of my life. In 2000, I bought a home on the internet, packed up a U-Haul, and though I'd never been there and I knew no one, I moved to North Dakota. Kinda crazy, huh? Most of my friends said after one winter I'd return to the California sunshine. Well, that never happened. I'm now proud to be a member of a small community of less than 500 wonderful people in North Dakota where I can witness and experience the way of life most can only dream about. I'm just someone who happens to be a Veteran of the United States Army, and a grandmother, who has an awesome life.I started writing in 2007 while temporarily stranded in a wheelchair. After sharing my disappointment with a friend regarding a novel I’d read, the friend suggested I write one of my own. Loving Adonis was written in September 2007 and stuck in a drawer. A few months later, Twisted Engagement followed, a novel in a completely different direction, and it too ended up in a drawer.In January 2014, the two first drafts were removed from the drawer, “tweaked” a little, and after some fine tuning, published for everyone’s enjoyment. All of my novels are stand alone, no sequels.​I've been enjoying the career of a retired individual who writes romance, and to date, I've published four stand alone romance novels. I'm currently working on the fifth. ​I have a weakness for GOOD Extra Dry champagne. A good book, a glass of good wine, and Kenny G in the background....when reading or writing, what could be better?

Book preview

Twisted Engagement

Sandi K. Whipple

Smashwords Edition

Copyright © 2014 Sandi K. Whipple

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 9781310559471

No part of this work may be reproduced in any fashion without express, written consent from the copyright holder.

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed herein are fictitious and are not based on any real persons living or dead.

DEDICATION

Thank You to my many wonderful friends who encouraged me to continue writing after my first novel, Loving Adonis.

Their faith in my abilities, and their opinions were the driving forces that lead to Twisted Engagement.

And a very special thank you to a wonderful woman by the name of Tammy Bleck, who has the biggest pay-it-forward heart on the planet. Visit her at: wittywomanwriting.com

CHAPTER ONE

Lilly, for two weeks you’ve been acting like you don’t want to go through with this wedding. Shopping and planning for it is supposed to be fun. You’re going through all the motions, but you sure aren’t acting as if you’re enjoying it.

Lilly’s spacious apartment suddenly felt very small and confining. Looking up from her coffee cup and across the kitchen table with watery eyes, she said nothing. She just sat staring at the table, not even looking at her best friend, Sue.

Worried for her friend, Sue continued, Even the invitations you couldn’t decide on made you sour for the rest of the day. And those aren’t something you can wait on for much longer. You’re supposed to be having a Thanksgiving time wedding, and it’s almost September. Is there something going on? You want to talk about it?

The two girls met and remained friends since college, and they were as different as two individuals could be. Yet they were as close as sisters.

Lilly was five foot six, had shoulder length blonde hair, green eyes, was extremely shy, quite timid, and found it difficult at times to remain confident.

Sue on the other hand, was tall, slender and had long brunette hair. She was boisterous, self confident and daring. In age there was only four months difference between them.

At twenty eight years old Lilly wondered how an educated successful woman like herself could be almost at a loss for words.

Looking at her friend, Lilly finally spoke. Sue, I’m just not sure it’s right. I mean, it just doesn’t, well, you know, feel like it’s the happiest moment of my life. Isn’t it supposed to feel that way? Shouldn’t I have butterflies in my stomach or something?

Sue decided Lilly’s statements gave her free reign to probe further. Tell me something Lilly. Did you ever once, since the day you met David, have butterflies, or feel giddy or uncontrollably happy?

Not exactly like that, no. I always felt we were a good match though. You know, we like a lot of the same things. We both have nice careers, we have the same friends, and our goals are pretty much the same.

Sue was shocked by her friend’s shoddy description of the relationship with her betrothed. What goals are the same Lilly? I mean be specific. Things like that are more important than you think.

Lilly hesitated while she attempted to make a mental list. Well, we both want a family, a house in the country, and financial stability. Our parents are close friends, and we all belong to the same country clubs.

Sue rolled her eyes as she listened to her friend’s description of matching goals. Good Lord Lilly! Tell me those aren’t the only reasons you’re going to marry this guy. Tell me there’s more to this than you’re sharing with me. I mean, do you get excited when he comes into a room Lil? Do you get weak in the knees when he kisses you? Do you light up like a Christmas tree when he surprises you with presents? When you make love is he passionate and...?

Seeing the pale look on Lilly’s face, Susan was more than surprised. In a near whisper she asked, Lilly, have you ever slept with David? When Lilly failed to answer she asked, Okay, let me rephrase that. Have you ever had sex with him?

Looking down at her engagement ring, Lilly was silent. She felt Sue was coming close to overstepping her bounds. When she finally looked up she told Sue, That’s not really any of your business. Sometimes you irritate the hell out of me, and you’re just too damned nosy. But to answer your question, David said we needed to wait til’ we’re married.

Sue’s voice was almost piercing. Jesus, Lilly. This is the damned 21st century for God sake. That’s archaic!

Thinking back, Lilly remembered there were a few times when she’d tried to get David to let down that barrier, but he always refused. Sometimes I feel like he doesn’t think I’m attractive, or even sexy. Maybe I just don’t turn him on.

"More important Lilly, does he turn you on? Does he make you feel like you want to climb in the sack every night and make mad passionate love? Or even just have sex at a crazy time, in a crazy place, or any of that?"

Don’t be ridiculous Sue. That stuff only happens in novels. Though I’ll admit, I’ve read quite few and found some of them pretty damned exciting. I mentioned it to him once and he said he was embarrassed for me that I would read that kind of trash.

Lil, there’s no way in hell you should even consider marrying this guy. Sue had no idea her friend was in such a state of confusion that bordered on unhappy. Had she been asleep all this time, or just so self centered she never saw her best friend was hurting?

You know Lilly, there are a few occasions where it might be considered admirable for a gentleman to want to wait for marriage before actually having the so called intercourse. But damned few. A real man would tell his future wife how appealing and sexy he thinks she is.

I love you Lilly, and there isn’t much I wouldn’t do for you. For that reason I’m going to tell you out right, you need to call off the wedding. Do it now, before you make a mistake, and a few years from now you find yourself absolutely miserable. You deserve more from life than what you’d have with David.

Lilly rose from her seat at the kitchen table, and walked slowly across the room to the window. Not turning to face her friend, as she stared out the window, she spoke softly. Actually, I’ve been thinking that for weeks now. But every time I see the disappointment coming from my parents, his parents, and even him, I start to feel guilty and I just can’t bring myself to do it.

Sue left her seat to join Lilly at the window. They both stood silently for several minutes, watching the clouds drift by.

It was Sue who broke the silence. Do you realize David has turned you into his own private robot? You’ve changed your style of clothing to suit him. You’ve changed your pattern of entertainment to suit him. Hell, you’ve even changed your friends to suit him. With the exception of me, but that’s only because I refused to let it happen. It’s your life and future at stake here Lil. Not your parents and not his parents.

Sue waited for Lilly to say something. When no response came, she continued with her attempt to dissuade Lilly from getting married. David can live without you Lil. My guess is he’ll have no problem finding the perfect little robot who’ll say yes to all his crap.

Sue turned, placed her hands on Lilly’s shoulders and said, "Please Lilly, call it all off. If you can’t face your parents, or his, then go away for a while. You’re a successful restaurant owner and yes, the place can run without you for a while."

You should talk. You never go anywhere. I’ll never understand why you work so damned hard at the Gallery.

Raised by her paternal grandparents, Sue was only thirteen when her parents and maternal grandparents died in an automobile crash. As an only child and as an only grandchild, she’d inherited a great deal of money. In college she’d been an art major and traveled extensively to expand her knowledge. When one of her college professors mentioned an art gallery for sale, she didn’t hesitate to jump at it. With her own money, and some from investors, the Gallery had become one of the most successful in the state of New York.

Sue responded with, Because I own it and I love it, that’s why. Let’s not get off the subject here though. Back to you. Sell your restaurant, go away and start over.

Lilly walked across the room and sat on the sofa. Once Sue joined her, Lilly said, But where would I go? Almost everyone I know is here in New York. I couldn’t imagine for a single minute where I could go and start my life completely over.

Without waiting for a response, Lilly continued. I suppose I could sell The Cavern without any problem. Especially with all the offers I’ve had over the past two years. There are several real estate agents who hound me constantly saying they have prospective buyers.

Now Lilly’s mind was racing. It might be a good change. Starting a new business and building it from the bottom up. It might even be as much fun as The Cavern was.

A year after graduation from college, Lilly bought a closed down restaurant in a shabby unkempt building. After receiving permission from the owner, she gave the front of the building a face lift, and then rebuilt the restaurant entirely. She turned it into not only a successful venture, but the Cavern had become a popular landmark.

Maybe you’re right. I should call off the wedding. I suppose I’d better do it and get it over with.

Sounding somewhat relieved by Lilly’s decision, Sue told her, After you lower the boom, you might even find yourself in better spirits. Figuring out what to do next might be easier than you think. It might even be fun.

****

The next evening Lilly was climbing the stairs to her parent’s huge brick home that she sometimes thought of as a mausoleum. Who needed twenty rooms anyway? The drapes were closed most of the time, and the slate and hardwood floors continually caused an echo throughout the house any time someone was afoot. Yes, she thought, dark rooms and dark furniture, mixed with echo’s, made for a mausoleum.

She wondered what her parents would say when she told them she’d changed her mind about the wedding, especially since they’d already made deposits on things like, the caterer, and the reception hall.

As Lilly entered the living room she smiled at her parents. Hi Mom. Hi Dad. What smells so good? I’m starved. Thanks for letting me invite myself to dinner.

Margaret Andrews, a petite slender woman who looked younger than her fifty four years, was standing next to her husband who was seated in a chair next to the fireplace. An always take charge kind of person, with an indiscreet domineering manner, she’d made most decisions for Lilly during her growing up years. This had caused her daughter to become a timid and shy adult in not all, but many ways.

She said, You made it sound so secretive and intriguing Lillian, how could your father and I refuse you? Moving to her daughter to give her a hug she added, And what you smell is Prime Rib.

Lilly hugged her mother saying, You know I love Prime Rib!

Harold Andrews sat in his chair, wearing a smoking jacket and had a cigar in his hand. As a short, quiet, intelligent man, he and his wife made a perfect pair. As a young man he’d invested in a run-down importing company, turned it around, and became a very wealthy man. Now almost completely retired, he and Margaret found their lives comfortable and loved their only child very much.

Looking up he said, So my dear daughter, what’s so important that I had to give up my poker night at the club? And don’t I get a hug too?

Hugging her father, Lilly said, Maybe we should have dinner first, and talk about it after. It’s something neither of you are going to be happy about.

Let’s get it over with first, her father said. Then we can sit down and enjoy our dinner. It must be pretty important for you to be so evasive. That isn’t usually your style in this house, among the three of us anyway. Out with it Lillian, and don’t beat around the bush.

Lilly walked to the other side of the room and sat in a chair. She looked at her parents, and took a deep breath. Okay, I’ve decided to call off the wedding. Not for a short time, but permanently. I haven’t told David yet. I wanted to tell you first.

Ending a long silence Margaret asked, Are you sure you’re doing the right thing? I mean you and David have been engaged for so long now. The invitations aren’t out yet, and the caterer can be canceled, as well as the hall, but I must say darling, I don’t understand what happened here.

It was easy for Lilly to see how confused her mother was by this news.

Nothing happened here Mom. I decided there really was nothing here, period. I look back at everything between David and I since we met, and I see no feeling, no compassion, no warmth, no giving, just nothing. I know life isn’t supposed to be all bells and whistles, but in reality, I realize now that I don’t love him. It wouldn’t be right for him or me to continue with what I see is unrealistic, and destined to fail. My only fear is that this might cause some hard feelings between you and the Genard’s, and that bothers me.

It was Harold Andrews turn to speak. I think it’s time I get to add my two cents. Lilly, your happiness is the only thing your mother and I have ever wanted for you. If you think marrying David is a mistake, then by all means you’re doing the right thing by calling it off. The caterers, invitations and all that crap mean nothing. The only important thing that matters here is you. As far as George and Abigail Genard are concerned, I see no reason there should be any hard feelings there. Their only concern should be the same as your mother and I, their child’s happiness. Knowing the marriage would eventually make their son unhappy, breaking it off is a good thing. If there are hard feelings on their side, then that’s just too bad and it’ll be their choice.

Lilly’s father rose from his chair. As far as I’m concerned, David is a pompous little twerp anyway. The guy has no soul. I never said anything because he was my daughter’s choice. I think everything here has turned out for the best. I do think you should tell David as soon as possible though. And you need to do it alone. Let him tell George and Abigail himself. Of course that’s your decision. Just know that your mother and I love you very much and we are behind you one hundred percent. Can we eat now?

CHAPTER TWO

Though she was nervous about this undertaking, Lilly showed up at David’s office the following morning.

Shorter than the average man, David was blonde, and husky with thick arms and legs. He had a narrow face, dimples, a cleft chin and thick lips that Lilly at one time found attractive.

He was a stock broker who worked his way up to manager for the company that employed him, but his attitude and condescending demeanor that he acquired over the past few years made him very unpopular in his workplace. He had a more than decent income, but at thirty years of age he hadn’t moved very far or accomplished a great deal regarding his future. Secretly he felt he only needed to get by comfortably, because he’d inherit all his parents money one day anyway.

Seated at his desk, David looked up when Lilly arrived. What are you doing here Lillian? I’ve asked you not to bother me at work. This better be important.

Assisting her to a chair then seating himself, David looked at Lilly and said only, Well?

I’m sorry David, but it’s important. I’ve thought about this for a while now, and I’ve made a decision that wasn’t easy to make. It concerns us both and needs to be settled.

She knew if she didn’t get this over with soon, she’d lose her will power. She said without further hesitation, I’ve decided to call off the wedding. I can’t marry you David.

You interrupted me at work for this? Simply because you’re having prenuptial jitters?

Lilly sat with her back straight, looked at David, and tried to remain brave. That isn’t the case David. We were getting married for the wrong reasons. I need to be honest with you. I don’t love you, and it wouldn’t be fair to you or me to get married knowing that.

Lilly watched him rise slowly from his chair. When his face turned red, Lilly knew this wasn’t going to be easy. In fact, for some strange reason, she felt frightened.

After closing his office door and returning to his side of the desk David said, You string me along all this time, and then you intend to humiliate me like this? What will people say or think? He leaned forward placing both hands on his desk, looked Lilly directly in the face and told her, I won’t have it Lillian. I won’t allow you to do this.

Shocked by his reaction, Lilly stood up. Won’t allow? David, I’m not a disobedient child who can be denied privileges, and I resent you talking to me like I am.

David stood and crossed his arms over his