All It Takes Is...Trust

By Marie Harper

Kylie Thomas is a woman in love with the world at her fingertips - a thriving event planning business, a beautiful niece to dote on, and a man who sends shivers down her spine with one flash of his blue eyes. Ryan O'Connell is a successful man, former military who owns a top-notch security firm. Though business calls him away frequently, Kylie knows she loves Ryan, wants a future with him, but wonders if he wants the same things. Enter a mysterious client with an entrancing set of gray eyes who initially requires her services until ultimately, he desires something more. He wants Kylie.

Ryan O'Connell has secrets, lots of secrets. As a soldier, he dedicated himself to protecting others, but now his web of secrets might cost him the one thing he wished for all his life - love. His civilian world crashing into his military one thrust Kylie into a difficult situation. Being honor-bound, he was unable to share his life completely with the woman he loves. He planned on sharing everything - his body, his soul, and his heart. Except before he has his chance, Kylie's gone missing. Now, it is up to Ryan to find her and bring her home. It is up to Kylie to trust him enough to hold on until Ryan finds her. Only then can they allow each other fully into their hearts.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Marie Harper
• Release date: Dec 21, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311355232

Marie Harper

Writing has always been a passion for me but before the onset of independent publishing, I doubted ever seeing this dream fulfilled. As an introvert, the daunting task of publishing left me confused and intimidated, so I thank Smashwords Publishing wholeheartedly. With a few titles completed and published with more on the way, I feel a flush of pride for the lives I have created on paper, and I hope you'll enjoy them just as much.On an personal note, I am the mother of three boys, a wife, and an elementary school teacher. My hands are always full and busy especially when wrangling my children's schedules during sport seasons. I am a cowbell-ringing, football-lax-basketball loving mom. My husband and I have been together since high school; without his support and encouragement, I wouldn't be able to write a sentence let alone novels. He effectively runs interference for me when my boys are hungry or schoolwork calls. He helps me find a balance that consistently eludes me.When my hands aren't overflowing with paraphernalia, my mind overflows with thoughts, ideas, and characters aching to be shared. I love being a mom and teacher, yet the fulfillment I receive from writing a story gives me as much joy as watching my boys grow.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Epilogue

Glossary - Russian Words

Author's Note

Contact Information

Other Works

Dedication

I would like to dedicate this book to my girlfriends. As a self-diagnosed introvert, I find it hard to share my accomplishments, ask for help, or sometimes fully express myself without worrying about other’s impressions. There are a few people I allow in other than my husband and immediate family; my gals have a backstage pass. Their enthusiasm and encouragement have been amazing, truly supportive as good friends should be. I love them dearly and I could not have continued with my dream without their faith and excitement. Therefore, here’s to you, ladies…the best groups of friends an author could ask for. XOXOXO!

Prologue

Houston, Texas – Thanksgiving

Ally? Just what do you think you're doing? Kevin hissed at his very pregnant wife. Escorting her back to her seemingly permanent perch on their couch, he returned to supervise dinner prep. Ally was adamant about having both families at their house for the holidays. This way, with her due date a few days away, everyone would be in Houston, so introductions to their baby would be immediate.

Lamb, I just want to see how everything is progressing. Whining slightly, pouting excessively. It’s just…it’s our first big celebration, and I just want –

The sound of tinkling glassware and clicking heels on the hardwood floors drew Allison’s eyes, distracting her from the rest of her guilt trip. "You want to what, Allison…drop your baby in the middle of the dining room? I didn’t come all this way, slave in a kitchen for hours while your husband hovered over me like I was going to poison the family, and suffer through Smithy singing yet another rendition of some sappy country song, just for you to ruin this meal. Now, Kylie scolded as she roughly tucked a blanket around Ally’s legs, Stay put and quit pouting, Allison Claire."

I am not pouting. I don’t pout! It…it’s just that I want something to do. I feel like a friggin’ pillow. I’ve been on this damn sofa for so long. I am going crazy. I cannot wait for the baby to come. Bed rest sucks royally!

Kevin stroked his wife’s hair before pressing a kiss to the top of her head. He hated seeing her so unhappy, so restless, but Kylie was right. Her stubborn streak might cause the baby to come before the turkey finished frying. Smithy’s family brought most of the fixings, anxious to see Ally again before the baby came. Her happiness meant the world to him and seeing her here and happy – well, let’s just say that Kevin could not have been more grateful.

Kylie watched Kevin and Ally, happy that they were finally on the right path – the path they should have been on all along. They fought for each other, came out on the other side stronger, and united. She wanted that, she wanted that with Ryan desperately, but lately he had been less than dependable. In fact, he reminded her more of Shithead Kevin instead of the new and improved version. Looking around at the people filling her cousin’s home, Kylie saw most of her favorite people – her family and some new friends. Kevin’s family fussed over Ally endlessly while her Uncle Pat hung back a little, observing, watching to see that all was well. He had forgiven Kevin but had not forgotten, so he remained a tad standoffish.

Kylie respected her uncle deeply, but how would he feel about Ryan knowing that he seemed to wandering down a familiar yet regrettable path. Ryan was distant and started neglecting her as well. She thought he was different, but his work always came first. Even though he owned R.O.C Securities – a successful, personal security firm – it seemed the business owned him more than the other way around. Over the past few months, Ryan had flaked out on one-too-many dates and planned then bailed on extended weekends for sudden important business. She just wished she counted as important business, or maybe he could hire more people. Then, he wouldn’t have to carry so much of the load by himself.

Maybe Uncle Pat could give Ryan some advice. He’s had his own business forever, so he’ll have lots of tricks to share, make his job easier, and make him less of a control freak. She thought while placing the crisply ironed napkins on the dining room table. Her thoughts rambled loudly around her head as she toiled with scenarios to ease some of his responsibilities. Before she realized it, Kylie heard her name called. Cutting through the fog of her frantic plotting, Ally’s voice penetrated through the haze.

K? Kylie? Ally waited before repeating herself again. Don’t you have to go to the airport? Ryan’s flight will be arriving at George Bush International in about an hour. You need to head over there…pronto!

Kylie’s brow furrowed. Her confused gaze told Ally that she caught her cousin unaware. Are you alright, honey?

Forcing a smile, she leaned down and kissed her cousin’s cheek. You just want to get me out of the kitchen. Everyone’s a critic. Burn one…or three meals and a person gets a reputation.

Ally smiled and Kevin nodded eagerly, but Kylie could care less about her competency level in regards to domesticity. Ryan was a regular Martha Stewart, not that he’d ever admit it.

Grabbing her purse and taking Kevin’s keys to his truck, she bent over her cousin once more, stroking her round and near-bursting belly. Don’t have her without me, she whispered.

We’ll be here when you and Ryan get back. Besides, he promised me cannoli from my favorite bakery back home. You know how much the baby loves cannoli.

Leaving her family behind, she headed toward the airport and her future, which she knew included Ryan but their future seemed to be getting farther and farther away from their grasps.

****

The traffic leading to the airport was thick, but eventually, she found an okay parking spot on one of the upper levels of a parking structure. The eerie atmosphere complete with shifting shadows and screeching echoes hastened each one of her steps as she rushed to Ryan’s terminal. The combination of needing to feel his arms around her, his lips on hers, and hear the deep rumble of his voice as well as her visceral reaction to her current surrounding, pushed her heart rate. It had been far too long since they had last been together – almost a month. He'd been in and out of the country with work, and Kylie’s heart and body ached for him.

Knowing how close she was to seeing his icy blue eyes, tousled blond hair, and crooked smile, she hurried her steps. Her calves ached, slightly regretting her choice in footwear – 5-inch heeled boots definitely looked better than they functioned. Her lungs burned from exertion, but pure excitement drove her on. Reaching his terminal, tingles of anticipation flared in her veins. Needing to move, she paced anxiously. Glancing between the arrival board and the locked double doors, he should soon walk through. A crick pinched in her neck. Her muscles tired of volleying back and forth.

Seeing that his flight should arrive on time and Houston’s weather was clear without a cloud in the sky, a wash of relief passed over her. He would be in her arms in less than – according to the large monitor – twenty minutes.

After ducking into the bathroom to freshen her make-up, she allowed herself another peek. Her eyes dropped to the display screen of her cell phone. Fifteen minutes…fifteen little minutes until he was here in the flesh. Maybe they could find a rest stop or something, because she knew she would not be able to wait to greet him properly. Images of steamy windows, sounds of ripping fabric and blissful moaning distracted her from her anxious pacing. Fanning herself from her heated daydream, Kylie decided to check her appearance once more and give herself a quick pep talk.

Bright fluorescent lights reflected off the highly polished porcelain tiles of the empty bathroom. Pressing a cool paper towel against her heated flesh. Slowing, stilling, staring into her expectant reflection, her eyes filled with tears. Rubbing at the moisture with the back of her hands, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She had been in this position before…waving goodbye or waiting for his arrival. Kylie frequently met Ryan at train stations, airports, etc. His traveling had picked up quite a bit recently, but she would no longer take a backseat to his profession.

Okay lady, he’ll be here soon and when he gets here, you really need to hash out this work situation, but for now, just love him. Just love him, Kylie.

Taking a deep breath, swathing lip-gloss across her pretty pout, and approving her reflection, she left the sterile solitude of the restroom for the chaos of the arrival bays. Checking the departure board, she smiled seeing his flight was still to arrive on time…and any minute.

Taking the last available seat, Kylie used the rare moment of silence to check her messages. Scrolling quickly, she saw a couple from Amanda, her young but capable assistant and a few unknown numbers. Translation - nothing of dire importance. Replacing her phone in her purse, she caught movement out of the corner of her eye.

Her breathe caught and her heart skipped. He was here. Ryan was here.

Streams of people exited the plane greeted by happy family members eager to start the holiday season. Standing on her tiptoes, Kylie strained to catch a glimpse of her handsome, handsome man, but as the crowd thinned, becoming a trickle, the terminal doors eventually closed, and Kylie stood alone.

Knowing in her gut something wasn’t right, she rushed to the flight attendant behind the desk. Tapping the countertop, swiveling her head to make sure she didn’t miss him, she frantically asked, My…my boyfriend was supposed to be on that flight from Baltimore. Could you check the manifest, see if he missed his flight or something? He…he was supposed to be here.

Pity laced the voice of the middle-aged woman helping her. Tapping away silently, the attendant bit her bottom lip unsure how to deliver her uncomfortable news. Clearing her throat, she told Kylie what she knew in her gut but couldn’t accept.

I'm…I’m so sorry sugar, but it doesn’t seem…I mean he never checked in. He…he never boarded the flight.

Staring at the slight woman in front of her, Kylie struggled to swallow her words. Politely, Kylie asked her to check again. The woman touched Kylie’s hand gently, regretting having to tell her the bad news again, but it was still the same.

Ryan was not here.

Ryan never got on the flight to Houston.

Ryan wasn’t coming for Thanksgiving.

Ryan let her down. Again.

The walk back to the parking lot was long, much farther in distance than it had seemed when she initially traveled on it. Every limb felt like lead. Her tears like acid as they slid over her reddened cheeks. She knew she looked a mess but she could care less. Ryan flaked. He knew how important holidays were to her. What a big deal it was for her to run a family dinner. She had talked about it for weeks, and he had promised her profusely that nothing would keep him from her or her family in Houston.

Only one solution made sense…he was hurt. He had to be. If he wasn’t hurt than he purposely hurt her, embarrassed her. If he loved her, why did he continue to treat her like a forgotten toy rather than a treasured jewel? The excitement which threatened to fizzle over causing spontaneous combustion just one half-hour ago, now left a chasm of darkness, cold emptiness, and confusion.

She slipped into Kevin’s ridiculously large truck and clutched the wheel, her knuckles aching from the force of her grip. Appreciating the cocoon of his black on black interior, Kylie let everything go. Anger, disappointment, and humiliation washed over her. Hot, heavy tears splashed on her cheeks and chest. Gut-wrenching sobs ripped from her chest. Her pain was unbearable. He replaced her. He chose another…his mistress – his work - over her again.

What a fucking asshole. I…I don’t understand but I am so fucking tired of being the goddamned third wheel in my own friggin relationship.

Banging her frustration out against the large, black steering wheel. Kylie’s palms and wrists ached, probably bruising the meaty part of her hand.

That’s it! Kylie Suzanne, you are going to end this now before we get more invested. He’s…he’s not the one.

Her pep talk hurt more than she could have imagined. The words echoed in her ears and stabbed her in the heart with each syllable uttered. Kylie knew that Ryan was it for her, but obviously, the Fates somehow crossed her line with someone unattainable, unavailable, and disappointingly unreliable.

I am so done with you, Ryan O’Connell. I…I-

Before she could finish her tirade, her phone began to ring. Hissing violently through her clenched teeth, she accepted the call.

Kylie? Kevin’s frantic voice rushed over the line.

What?

Icy cold reality settled upon her after hearing his voice knowing instinctively something happened.

Kevin, she called out cautiously refusing to add any more drama to his already-full plate.

Al…Ally’s water broke in the kitchen…damned woman…couldn’t leave the sweet potato casserole alone. Had to bend down…opening the fucking oven when the timer went off. Anyway…anyway…oh God…Kylie, we're headed over to the hospital now!

What do you mean? How could this happen now?

How the hell am I supposed to know? His tone turned, snapping anxiously. Look, I cannot talk right now…just…just meet us at the hospital, please! And hurry! Ally won’t have this baby without you in the delivery room.

Kevin hung up and Kylie flew out of the lot, heading to the only family she could truly count on. How many times had she wondered why Ryan seemed more important to her than she was to him? She would not play second fiddle to anyone anymore. She deserved better, but Ally deserved her more. Once the baby was born and in her momma’s arms, she would hash things out with Ryan, but now was not the time.

Now, it was time to have a baby!

Chapter 1

Kylie Thomas could not wait to get home. The allure of a warm bath, a steaming hot mug of cocoa, and a comfy pair of flannel pajamas called to her; however, the blaring lack of any word from her absentee boyfriend meant there would be no I Missed You sex. Images of her cozy bed topped with fluffy pillows and thick down comforter was about all that kept her going, motivating her to keep her foot on the accelerator and just get home.

Traveling back and forth between her home in Silver Springs, MD and her cousin’s residence definitely began to take its toll. Being with her family when her niece arrived was an amazing adventure. It solidified Kylie’s deepest desires and without an iota of doubt, she wanted and deserved a Happily Ever After. With or without Ryan. Unfortunately, it appeared her fairy tale finale slanted toward a future without Ryan.

Glancing through the windshield, the twinkle of miniature lights reflected in the collected raindrops splattered across the glass. The holiday season was upon her and she had yet to set up one single decoration.

Sighing deeply, Kylie noticed the dark circles marring her pretty face. Slowing to a stop at the light, she inspected her tired façade more closely. Pale, opalescent flesh contrasted angrily against the purplish, puffy flesh under her eyes. Patting carefully with her ring finger, she tried in vain to lessen the wear apparent on her face.

Shaking away the vision of her ghostly appearance, Kylie felt the brunt of the tedium from the last few weeks flush through her system. Fear and worry she felt for her cousin, her new niece, and Kevin took their toll on her both physically and emotionally.

Kylie used to be her cousin’s go-to person both before and after she met her husband. She loved the responsibility and honor that came with being the first number on Ally’s speed dial, but now with her best friend securely in the hands of a man who loved her and protected her heart in the way she deserved; Kylie happily took the demotion to number two on Ally’s list. Allison should go to her husband first. He is her most important Person and rightfully so. Kevin went through hell and back to get their relationship back on track, and Kylie could not be prouder of him.

Her last memory of her cousin in Houston was of Ally breastfeeding her newborn daughter, Marissa Claire, while Kevin blissfully sat behind her on the nursery’s window seat. Ally laid her tired body into her husband’s large frame, drawing on his strength to stay away her exhaustion. Kevin pressed soft kisses to his wife’s temple while his large fingers stroked his nursing daughter’s arm, ceasing only when the infant grasped his finger, holding tightly. Tears dribbled down Kevin’s mocha cheeks as he smiled sweetly into his daughter’s cherubic face.

Kylie’s heart clenched with satisfaction but also with longing. They were so lost in each other; therefore, she didn't disturb them with goodbyes. She knew Ally would struggle to get up, breaking the magic and peace of a beautiful family moment. She left a heartfelt letter on their kitchen table, slipped into the waiting airport shuttle, and flew home.

A horn impatiently blew from the car behind her. Apparently, Kylie was lost in thought again this time while idling on a precious green light.

Welcome home, she muttered in annoyance. Pressing down once again on the accelerator, she thought of Ryan and the direction of their relationship. At one point, she knew that she and Ryan would have what her cousin and her husband had - a future, but now she was less than certain. In the beginning, they were inseparable, and he never broke plans with her. Now, however, she was lucky if she saw him at all.

She missed him deeply, which confused her so much. Kylie was furious at Ryan for blowing off their holiday plans and leaving her solo to explain the sudden change in plans. All she currently wanted was to hear the deep timber of his voice and feel the soft warmth of his kisses, but she hadn’t heard from him in days. No reason for not being at the airport, no excuse for missing Thanksgiving with her family, and not one word of congratulations on her new status as an aunt.

Anxiety crept up her spine as she rounded one last corner to her new brownstone happily tucked away on a tree-lined street in the oldest section of the city. Her eyes scanned the block and with a sigh of gratitude, she spotted a prime parking spot in front of her house.

Yes! She exhaled while fist pumping, hoping that the glimmer of positivity meant something good was bound to happen.

Bone tired, drained emotionally, and desperately wanting to curl up in her bed and sleep for the next several days - days that preferably included Ryan, but even without, she just wanted to veg and forget about everything else except perhaps a tub of coffee ice cream, mounds of cool, crisp cotton sheeting, and an endless loop of holiday music. Definitely feeling more Grinchy than holly jolly, she braced herself for the possibility of being single again for Christmas. If that was the case, getting into the holiday frame of mind was definitely going to be easier said than done. At the moment, her heart was unquestionably two sizes too small.

Making the final adjustments to her parallel parking, she smiled at her accomplishment. Knowing where her parking skills started and how well they improved, a sense of pride softened her darkening mood. Ryan had not responded to any of her recent calls, texts, or emails. Kylie was beginning to wonder if Ryan was one of those guys. Someone who appeared to be a man, but in actuality was really a coward who pretended you never existed rather than admit the true depth of his emotions. Shaking away her brewing negativity, Kylie began to gather her stuff - her purse, her luggage, an empty Checkers cup, and her cellphone, which of course wedged itself between the passenger seat and the console.

Great! Son of a bitch, she hollered while groping around trying to reach it without resorting to an impression of a contortionist.

Almost, almost, she whispered, afraid that if she spoke too loudly, the offending appliance would sink deeper into the car’s interior. Come here, you mother-effing, pain in the ass. I don’t have the strength for this shit right now!

Forcing her hands deeper into the padded and plastic crevice. Fingers lengthening, holding her breath…success. Wrapping her slender fingers around the hard plastic, Kylie felt the soft vibrations of an incoming call.

Excitement bloomed in her heart, foolishly believing the call had to be from Ryan. Apologies would undoubtedly drip from his lips as he begged for forgiveness and professed his love for her. The conversation flashed in her mind, amplifying her excitement. Twisting her wrist and thrusting her forearm downward one last time, she successfully retrieved her phone from the quicksand of leather it had slipped.

Without looking at the caller-id, Kylie answered the call.

Hello…Ry? She called excitedly. Ryan.

Umm…hey Kylie, so…so sorry, but it’s umm just me, Amanda. I am not tall, blonde, and lethal, but I do have a potential client - some big wig who wants a Sweet Sixteen bash to rival the ones on that MTV show.

Sadness and her familiar exhaustion flooded back. Annoyed with her assistant but crushed again by Ryan’s absenteeism, Kylie snapped at Amanda disappointment fueling her commentary.

Amanda! she snapped, Do you know what time it is? I had a long, uncomfortable flight back from Houston and I'm exhausted. What could possibly be so important?

Amanda stammered, not used to Kylie’s curt tone.

Jesus Christ, Amanda! Please spit it out! I haven’t even stepped foot in my house, and you call me way-after-hours might I point out about a potential client. This so could have really - waited till - I don’t know - Monday!

She scolded her assistant while thrusting her hand inside the white, iron mailbox to retrieve her backlog of correspondence. Besides…who tries to schedule a last-minute party during the holiday season? It's damned near impossible to book a good sight. It is just not doable.

I am so, so sorry boss. I told him that you were away and wouldn’t return until late tonight, but the man kinda insisted. He has this amazing accent and is really good looking. He stopped in this afternoon, and he called again just about fifteen minutes ago to see if you had returned. I…I tried to explain to him about vacation time and all of that, but he…he was adamant about seeing you this weekend. Seems the party must happen by the end of the month as in three weeks on New Year’s Eve. He apparently has to travel right after the holidays and doesn’t want his daughter to miss out on her special day because of his demanding work schedule.

Amanda finally took a breath, nervous and worried over her boss’ less than amiable tenor. Kylie listened, absorbing the information and remembered what growing up was like for her with two parents who worked all of the time, missing out on dances, on field hockey games, on pretty much all of her impressionable years. If she didn’t practically live with Ally during her teenage years, she would have been totally on her own. Her parents were ships passing one another in their own lives, driven by need and ambition, but sadly, they were also ships in their daughter’s life as well. Sighing deeply, accepting the likelihood of Ryan stopping by was probably the same as hitting the lottery, she agreed to an off-hour meeting with the caveat that this would cost the client big time.

Amanda apologized once more and quickly texted the address to Kylie. As Kylie prepared to relinquish her prized parking spot, another text buzzed on her screen from Amanda.

Car coming to get you. Be there in 15 minutes.

Whose car? Need more information about client before I meet him. Expecting to talk to you during drive over. Kylie typed back.

Oops…attached information in email. Sent it about five minutes ago. Name is Simon Azarov…daughter is Phoebe Azarov…soon to be sixteen.

Kylie sighed, wanting nothing more than go to soothe away her woes with a hot bath, she dug into her purse and grabbed her keys. If she was meeting a potential client, she at least wanted to erase the fatigue from her face. Glancing at her cell phone’s digital clock, she knew she had about ten minutes to spare. I have worked magic with less time than that, she thought as she flew up the front steps of her historic brownstone.

After remotely locking her car, she padded through her front door. The familiar scents of cotton and lavender invaded her senses. Her momentary relaxation ended when her enormous Great Dane, Leonidas greeted - more like collided with her. Her bag slid across the floor, purse-like items strewn across the wooden floor, but ignoring the mess due to the time crunch, Kylie ran upstairs phone in hand, straight for her bathroom. Droplets of water wetted her face, appreciating the coolness; Kylie allowed her rushing pulse to slow, calm. After dabbing away the moisture, applying some much-needed concealer, and brushing her travel-weary mop of hair, Kylie approved of what she saw.

Leonidas loped into her room and plopped on the floor behind her - always the protector, but in truth, Kylie needed protection from him. His clumsy tail knocked over many a knick-knack and his enormous paws have tripped her many times. Without looking, Kylie backed away from the bathroom mirror, taking another chance to tidy her mane of dark, wavy strands not aware of the hundred-plus pounds of dog lying in front of the threshold.

Kylie fell hard on her ass and her pet raised his head and licked her across her freshly painted face. Rolling her eyes and grumbling a stream of curses, Kylie picked herself off the ground, shook a very stern finger at Leonidas, and stormed into her closet.

This night just keeps getting worse, she mumbled to herself, You know it's bad when the thrill of the night is a parking spot and the most action you've had in as long as you can remember is a kiss from your dumbass pooch!

Still scowling at her perfectly content companion, Kylie threw on a loose-fitting cream sweater over a matching camisole and new pair of dark-wash skinny jeans. She wanted to look professional without looking 9-5 because this meeting was certainly out of the realm of the normal workday. Grabbing a fierce pair of booties and her favorite hoop earrings, she crouched in front of her dopey-looking dog, scratched his favorite spot behind his right ear, and apologized for his mommy’s bad temper. With another slobbery kiss, she left her room and sped down the stairs.

Kylie glanced at her phone, noting that her battery was only half charged. Ryan hated when she forgot to charge it, complaining about safety above all else. She sometimes thought he took his security business too seriously. Kylie toyed with the idea of plugging it in for even just a few minutes, but as soon as that idea entered her mind, a long, dark limousine pulled in front of her house. Not wanting to inconvenience her neighbors since living on a narrow historic street sometimes made double-parking a necessity, she hurriedly grabbed her purse scooping whatever her hand touched back inside her leather hobo bag while leaving many of its former inhabitants strewn across the floor.

Kylie sped to the awaiting vehicle but slowed instantly when she saw an intimidatingly large man exit the driver’s side. He was definitely unapproachable with a dark suit, dark shirt and inky black tie. Nodding his head, he greeted her. His voice was deep and rough reminding her of the actor from the movie Green Mile. With each heavily accented word he spoke, she could feel the bass of his voice bounce around her chest.

Dobriy vecher, he said and waited. Knowing she did not understand his greeting, he cleared his throat and tried again. Good evening, I am Anton. I am to take you to my employer’s house. Are you ready to go?

He held out his thick hand, extending an offer of assistance. While he waited for her to take his proffered hand, he glanced behind her, surprised she was traveling at this hour of the night without some kind of escort.

Kylie noticed his actions and reaffirmed his original thoughts. No sorry, just me coming tonight, my companion has other matters to attend to.

Kylie wished once more tonight that Ryan picked up his damn phone. She could hear the tirade coming her way when he found out she met a new client alone, at night, without any prior information or intel as he normally phrased it. Wishing Ryan could just be a normal person who had tons of time for his girlfriend clouded her decision-making. Without another thought, she went with the burly foreigner. With a disapproving look and a quick nod of acceptance, he escorted Kylie into the vehicle and promptly closed the door.

Chapter 2

Ryan was exhausted. As his jet touched down, he and his team prepared to disembark. His thoughts focused solely on only one person…Kylie. His mission had taken longer than expected and he had to pull out of many of their plans - the birth of her niece and his girlfriend’s first attempt at hosting a holiday dinner. Ryan promised to be there for both, but each promise fell flat when their mission went south.

He hated disappointing her, hated hearing the hurt in her voice and seeing the loneliness in her chocolaty eyes when she sent him pictures of her touring around Houston, hugging her cousin, meeting Kevin’s teammates – who were much too close to Kylie for his liking, and holding her new niece.

Ryan viewed the pictures repeatedly. It was a promise of what was to come, of what he desperately wanted - a future with Kylie. She had the ability to deplete his patience and challenge his mental acuity more than anyone he knew. Between her terrible sense of directions, immense creativity, and alarming mood swings, she had the deepest capacity for love and empathy of anyone he ever met. She loved completely, but on the other side of the coin, when someone she loved disappointed her, the loss was,