Breaking All Barriers

By Cait Jarrod

Businessman Cole Dunbar stays focused inventing the latest techno gadgets. When he learns of his deceased wife s betrayal, he shuts the door on any personal relationships. There s just one problem the sexy Dina Wright who lives down the hall. He can t keep her out of his thoughts and fantasies. When he sees her frightened on a New York City street, he tosses aside his reservations and kisses her. Dina is high on life. Not only is she starting an advertising agency and her best friend returns to NYC, an honest-to-God hunk is sending her spine-tingling looks. Despite past betrayals interfering, the budding romance picks up momentum, but Mother Nature spins her wrath. Amidst the chaos, Dina vanishes. Cole can t sit still while the FBI investigates. He takes matters into his own hands and breaks all barriers to find her.

• Language: English
• Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
• Release date: Mar 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781628308518

Cait Jarrod

Someone’s always to blame...In my case, I bestow the blame for my love of books and writing on my mother, knowing she would love it. A year after she died from cancer, I picked up her favorite pastime as a way to be close to her and found a niche I didn’t know I possessed much less loved.The stories I made up in my head as a child, never left, and now that my childhood muse has grown into an adult version, I feel blessed to offer entertainment. Recently, my writing has changed from full-length romantic suspense to romance novellas. My passion has allowed me to become multi-published and to achieve award-winning status, and become an Amazon Best Seller.My hope: you’ll pick up one of my books, lose yourself in the story, laugh, possibly cry—a good one—and smile.I’d love to hear from my readers, you can contact me [e-mail] my newsletter at https://confirmsubscription.com/h/i/76093C2B11569E7CJoin my street team: Cait’s Classy Chicks at https://www.facebook.com/groups/629181983825796/Happy reading!~Cait

Book preview

Inc.

A single gunshot echoed in the night.

An invisible death-grip tightened his throat. The road and buildings warped. Sound faded. Cole’s fear came to fruition, the worst moment of his life.

He needed eyes on Dina now!

Cole forced his legs to move faster into the darkness. The small amount of glow, seeping around the trailer from the junker’s headlights, gave him a visual to the only other intact car, parked next to the overturned truck.

The cloud pattern shifted and the moon brightened the darkened sky. Beyond the downed trailer, demolished truck, past the crinkled unmarked car, hope soared, clenching Cole’s heart and stealing his breath. He stopped and stared, not sure if he could believe his eyes.

The moon spotlighted Dina standing in the middle of the wreckage, staring at the road, her body shaking. Fright and pain visible in her profile felt like a bullet to his chest, forcing the wind out of his lungs and weakening his muscles.

Her gaze left whatever caught her attention and she peered over her shoulder. Their gazes locked. In that moment of time, no one else existed, not the swirling bright blue and red lights approaching or the loud sirens demanding attention.

Praise for Cait Jarrod

"I had the pleasure of beta-reading this book and definitely recommend it. If you like sexy, strong-willed characters, crazy car chases and fight scenes, doomsday-like ravaging of the city, and terrifying kidnapping situations—all mixed with sweet romance and steamy—BREAKING ALL BARRIERS should go straight to the top of your to-read list!"

~Author Lea Bronsen

~*~

"BREAKING ALL BARRIERS is a must-read for all romantic suspense readers. This book has something for everyone. It is sexy and intense. It is full of drama and sassiness. A definite ‘keeps-you-on-your toes’ page turner. Cole is every girl’s dream to fall in love with. He is tortured by his past but hopeful for his future. Dina is a strong leading lady. She is independent, and willing to fight. Together they are a beautiful mess."

~Reviewer Julie Fowler

Breaking

All Barriers

by

Cait Jarrod

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales, is entirely coincidental.

Breaking All Barriers

COPYRIGHT © 2015 by Cait Jarrod

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of the author or The Wild Rose Press, Inc. except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Contact Information: [e-mail]

Cover Art by Diana Carlile

The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

PO Box 708

Adams Basin, NY 14410-0708

Visit us at www.thewildrosepress.com

Publishing History

First Crimson Rose Edition, 2015

Print ISBN 978-1-62830-850-1

Digital ISBN 978-1-62830-851-8

Published in the United States of America

Dedication

To my husband,

my ultimate hero and best friend.

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to my precious daughters just for being you.

A wine glass toast to my awesome critique partners, Norma Redfern and Neva Brown, and to my fantastic beta readers, Patricia Smart, Lea Bronsen, and Susannah Hutchison.

To my patient editor, Lara Parker, and the rest of The Wild Rose Press, Inc. publishing team, thank you.

Chapter 1

Dark, soulless eyes stole her breath. The cup of much needed coffee Dina Wright purchased seconds ago crashed to the floor, the hot liquid splashing her naked ankles.

Two feet in front of her, a man blocked her path to the bathroom. The man himself wasn’t what sent fear slamming down her spine, but the scarf that covered the lower half of his face and the menacing eyes did.

Her mind reeled with the reporter’s warning from the morning news. A human trafficking ring is active in New York City. Adrenaline spiked, kicking her feet into action. She tore out of the coffeehouse into the blinding sunlight and raced up the sidewalk toward the crosswalk. Trembling, and with scattered thoughts, she searched for a place to hide.

People combed the sidewalks and cars zipped past on the street. Nothing to hide behind. Panic pounding in her ears, she rounded the corner, pressed her back and hands against the rough brick surface, and sucked in the hot, humid air. Inaudible chattering surrounded her. The hum of engines passed.

Sucking in a deep breath to quiet the beating of her heart and the panic in her lungs, she reached into her jacket pocket and pulled out her worry beads.

If she’d only listened to the rest of the report before heading out for her morning jog, she’d know the assailant’s description and if her gut instinct was accurate or, playing games on her.

Grasping the sharp edge of the mortar as if it would protect her, she peeked around the corner to the entrance to Café Coffees. Patrons entered and exited the coffeehouse, nothing unusual.

A hand grasped her shoulder.

The fear returned, slamming into her with a momentum of a descending rollercoaster. She spun, the beads flew out of her hand, and she lifted a knee. Missed her intended target and twisted to run.

Wait! A male pleaded from behind as a hand clamped her wrist, jerking her to a stop.

Every instinct screamed the Caffeine Junkie had her. Readying to break bad on him, she balled her fist and whirled.

He caught her striking arm’s wrist and nailed her with a determined glare. I won’t hurt you.

Dual facts seeped into her frightened brain: the soothing tenor of his voice, and the fact he wore business clothes.

I tried to get your attention, but you didn’t answer, he said, drawing imaginary circles on her wrist with his thumb.

She blinked and gazed into familiar bluish-gray eyes. Her racing pulse slowed to a trot. The fright that had slammed through her body vanished.

The wind lifted his dark hair and rested a lock on his forehead.

If I let go, will you attack me? he asked, arching a brow, a humorous tone to his words. Testosterone oozed from him, his masculine scent traveled straight to her limbic brain. In tennis shoes, she stood just above his shoulder, putting him at six foot.

Can you hear me? The caress on her wrist continued.

To punch someone for getting her attention seemed like the makings of a crazy woman. Um…someone… She glanced over her shoulder, debating whether to tell him what had scared her, and decided to just answer his question. I won’t.

The warmth of his hand disappeared. I didn’t mean to frighten you.

You didn’t. I mean… She drifted off and didn’t finish. For a year she wanted the opportunity to get close to him. Now that she was, she fumbled over her words, so unlike the pitches she gave for a living. She needed to explain her hasty actions. Someone else did.

His eyebrows rose then shot downward. Where?

Now, she felt foolish for acting so hasty. The person hadn’t been there when she looked. Clearly, the soulless-eyed man wasn’t who she thought he was.

He stuffed his hands in his pockets, walked to the corner, and surveyed the area while she studied his profile. His lips tightened. The smooth skin at the corners of his eyes crinkled from concentration. Under his button-down shirt, the hard planes of his muscles bulged.

Having lived in the same apartment building as him for a year, she hadn’t learned much about him, only that he was a successful business man. The expensive suits gave it away.

I didn’t see anyone lingering, he said, when he returned.

She nodded. I didn’t either.

He stood there, waiting for an explanation. Considering she’d almost kicked him in the—jewels—she owed him one. In the coffee shop, I needed to use… She stopped. Telling him she had to use the bathroom would embarrass her and really had no importance. She waved a hand. Um, there’s a man inside…he made me nervous…the way he glowered at me.

He edged closer, invading her space, concern creasing his features. Could you see the rest of his face?

No. A scarf and cap hid it. But his eyes…

He lifted his head slightly as if what she said gave him caution, too. His eyes?

Would he believe her when she said they looked ice cold, a killer’s eyes? After I finished my jog—

His perusal of her clothes stopped her from continuing.

Go on, he said, meeting her gaze. His voice was gentle and totally alluring.

The care coming from him, this almost complete stranger, touched her. A reporter mentioned a trafficking ring. When I saw his dark eyes, I... What had she done? ...panicked. Putting into words how she came to her conclusion made her feel foolish. She should have kept her mouth shut. The ordeal was probably conceived in her mind. I’m sorry. My imagination gets away from me at times. Humiliation settled in, heating her chest and face. I should go. Thank you for wanting to help.

He repositioned his body, stopping her. We know each other.

A statement more than a question. She smiled.

I’ve wanted to meet you for some time, he said, his voice dropping an octave, becoming even more appealing, if that was possible.

A lump lodged in her throat. She wasn’t afraid, but intrigued. Yeah?

Would you—

Loud voices caught his attention. He paused and peered over his shoulder.

The pedestrian light had changed. A crowd crossed the city street toward them. She backed to the wall, out of the way. Like a flock of birds covering an open space, people filled the narrow sidewalk.

He had no choice but to shift out of their way, closer to her.

Again, his scent enclosed around her. She blinked and tried to calm the tug low in her body.

Someone knocked into him, shoving him forward.

He pressed his left hand against the wall, essentially, caging her in, yet she didn’t feel trapped. She felt desired.

Sorry, he said and looked over his shoulder at the crowd dissipating before turning back toward her.

The air stilled. His gaze roamed over her face. She wondered what he saw, what he thought.

She wanted to say, No problem. I understand, but her voice disappeared. Her mind created images of him lowering his head to kiss her.

The hue in his eyes darkened and his pupils widened.

An internal fire spread across her face. Her complexion had to have turned bright pink. Not sure what to do, she nibbled on her lip.

He stepped backwards and dragged a hand over his face.

Disappointment that he didn’t play out her fantasy stung, like a slap to her pride. She squeezed her lids shut. The past surfaced. Her ex’s adultery would forever haunt her. Did this man, who almost asked her out, see a flaw in her the same as Preston had and decide to back away?

Suddenly, her senses went on hyper alert and she opened her eyes.

He moved even closer, a puzzled expression in his features. Seconds ticked by and she thought she’d scream from wanting to feel his touch.

Eyes locked on hers, he caressed his hands over her face until settling his palms on her cheeks. Anticipation and excitement flowed through her from the top of her head to her toes. She had to feel him.

You’re beautiful, he whispered a second before pressing his lips to hers.

A burst of pleasure flew through her body. When he slid his tongue along the seam of her lips, she opened, inviting him in. With the first brush of his tongue over hers, an unknown feeling overcame her. As if every nerve cell awoke, her body bonded with his. The sensation slammed through her like a tidal wave.

A low groan vibrated from him. He lowered his hands, his fingers gently touching the curve of her neck.

She leaned into him, pressing her breasts against his chest, wanting to feel more.

He sucked her bottom lip between his, then released. You’re amazing. Hot breath and eyes traveled over her skin before his mouth returned to hers.

Her heart raced to keep up with the wild, intense feeling rocking her body. She couldn’t think, couldn’t breathe. The passion rioting through her took all her energy to not strip and press her naked body against his.

He backed away. Immediately, she felt the loss and searched his face for answers.

We’re on the street, he panted, his voice sounding frustrated. I didn’t mean to…I’ve been…

She didn’t know what to make of him dousing their passion so quickly, easily. It’s okay.

Hands on his hips, he shook his head. No, it’s not. I shouldn’t have. He paused. I have a meeting to get to. I’m already late.

The noticeable bulge behind the zipper of his dress slacks said he had a hard time backing away. I understand.

He shook his head, staring at their surroundings, before snapping his gaze back to her. No. You don’t.

She hated when people told her what she did or didn’t know. Preston was famous for it. Ready to tell him so, he slid his thumb gently over her bottom lip, stopping her.

Just one more taste. His voice strained as if any moment he’d self-combust. He tugged her against him and claimed her mouth, pressing his hardness into her abdomen and sending spikes of fire through her veins.

Breathtaking, mouth-watering, heart throb.

Again, he edged away, frustration marring his brow. I have to go. Can I give you a ride?

The sudden change in his demeanor and tone of his voice sent a twinge of disappointment in the form of an ache to her chest. No, thank you.

Okay, he said, hesitated for a moment, then without another word walked away.

Chapter 2

Dina stared after the mysterious man from reliving the moments that had curled her toes.

He said he had a meeting. Still why walk away so abruptly? Different reasons came to mind. A busy street or maybe it was her. She cuffed a hand over her mouth, blew air into it, and sniffed, nothing, not even the scent of coffee.

Feeling as immature as her thoughts, she toed the crack in the sidewalk and conceded she was flawed. Her ex-husband banging another woman in their bed had said as much.

She worked through the people on the sidewalk, stepped across the street, and reached into her pocket for the worry beads. When her therapist first advised her to purchase the beads, she’d thought the good doctor had gone crazy. As time moved on, she found the beads helped quiet her anxiety. Either the psychological effect of possessing the turquoise stones, or their ability to ward off stress had worked on her over the last year. She hadn’t killed Preston like she wanted.

They’d vanished.

She twisted, looking back at where she’d stood, but too many feet impeded her view. With the area so heavily traveled, hunting for them would now be more of a hindrance. She’d buy another strand later.

She hurried toward her building in upper Manhattan, jogging in the opposite direction the man, who lived in apartment twenty-ten, had gone.

Despite ogling him since she’d moved in, she hadn’t inquired about him, not even to her best friend who lived across the hall. The emotional wounds from her ex remained raw, and prevented her from pursuing a relationship, until now.

I hope you had a nice run this morning, Ms. Wright, the doorman said, smiling and opening the door to her building as she approached.

From staying up most of the night finishing the first campaign for her new advertising business, she’d looked forward to a relaxing run to loosen her tight shoulder muscles and calm the ideas ricocheting around in her mind. After the morning’s events and the knots Twenty-ten bestowed on her, she was a bundle of nerves. Yes, thank you, Alfred. You’re wearing your New York Yankees baseball hat. Are they playing soon?

Game at five tonight. His eyes brightened. I have tickets behind home plate.

He was the ultimate Yank’s fan. Sounds like loads of fun, she said, smiling.

It will be. Have a good day, ma’am.

Thank you.

The walk to her apartment didn’t take long. She strolled through the lobby, rode the elevator to the twentieth floor, and tried not to glance to the left at Twenty-ten’s apartment when she stepped onto her floor.

She still couldn’t get over how she had lived so close to him, fantasized about his hands and body caressing her skin, and not actually talked to him or learned his name. As if she existed in a tunnel for the last year, protected from all potential emotional turmoil. She went to work and came home, staying away from the delicious part of life. How boring!

She unlocked her door, tossed her things on the table in the foyer, and headed for the bathroom, then shower. Today, she planned to meet with a realtor, concerning renting office space.

There you are.

Dina startled, adrenaline kicked in and her heart flew to her throat at the same time her hand hit her chest. You scared me.

Monique Stone sat in the center of her floral couch, tossing her black, silky hair over her shoulder. You’re scared of little ole me? Her friend’s words laced with sarcasm.

You’re lucky I didn’t pee my pants.

Monique chuckled. Wouldn’t be the first time.

Stop.

Where have you been? I’m starving! Monique set her water glass on the coffee table and closed Dina’s laptop. Did you forget about our lunch plans?

Dina considered telling Monique what happened this morning and hesitated. Other than saying the man in the coffee shop had menacing eyes, she couldn’t justify her hasty reaction.

As for Twenty-ten…well, that was embarrassing and sent her self-esteem plummeting. One minute, she and her dream guy were hot and heavy into a kiss, the next she’s watching his back walk away.

Nope, she didn’t want to start a conversation with inquisitive Monique. Until, she came to terms with what happened, she didn’t want to open a can of worms and land in one of Monique’s drilling sessions.

Sorry, I got delayed.

A mischievous glint reflected in Monique’s green eyes, the all-telling sign she was about to ask a bunch of questions.

Can I have a rain check? How about dinner tonight? My appointment with the realtor is in an hour.

I’ll check my schedule.

Dina shook her head on how Monique was so lax about her schedule. Okay. I’m heading for the shower, Dina said and closed the bedroom door behind her.

She gathered her underwear and a bra from her dresser, and used the adjacent bathroom, stripped, and stepped under the water. While the spray from the showerhead massaged and relaxed the tired, achy muscles between her shoulder blades and neck, she went over the excitement of the next few days.

Today, if the details of the prime office space she looked at worked out, she’d no longer have to work from home, a plus, but not a must-have. A positive outcome of tomorrow’s meeting with her first client would help her tremendously to reaching her goal of being an up and coming advertising agency. Then she had the task of hiring employees. She already had a list of names for project managers, editors, and a production team lined up, waiting for a phone call from her.

She toweled off, dried her hair, and slid on bra and underwear, and headed for the closet in her bedroom.

I can’t do dinner tonight.

Dina flinched, her heart pounding so hard against her ribs she was surprised it didn’t jump out of her chest and run. Stop scaring me!

Monique lay stretched out on her belly on Dina’s bed with a magazine in front of her. Sorry. Geez.

Dina immediately regretted her clipped tone. Her irritability had nothing to do with Monique. I didn’t mean to snap and I’m sorry, my day got off schedule.

Monique smiled, her easy-going personality shining through. No worries.

In the closet, Dina pulled on a black skirt and searched for her lucky black strappy shoes that crisscrossed over her foot and hooked around her ankle. The next two days, she’d need all the good luck she could possibly gather. Even today, checking out the office space, she needed a little extra dose of good vibes. The owner of the building was very selective regarding who the realtor leased to.

She’d coveted the building since