New Dreams (Traveling Hearts - Vol. 4): Traveling Hearts, #4

By Ana Vela

Volume 4 of the Traveling Hearts series!

In one day, Kelsey Truman's life was turned upside down: She was fired from the job she loved and she caught her fiancé, Carl, cheating on her.

Nursing her broken heart and bruised ego, the normally shy, reserved financial analyst decided to leave what was left of her life and go on an around-the-world tour with her best friend. It’s just the change she needs!

Now, in Brazil, nearing the end of her whirlwind journey, everything comes down to one moment. One decision to make. One choice that will define the rest of her life.

Will Kelsey be ready to give the answer that the mysterious man has been waiting for…?

Note: Parts of Traveling Hearts were previously published as Holiday Delights.

Also includes Sneak Peeks at some upcoming novels!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Roja Publishing
• Release date: Nov 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781540124357

Book preview

Volume 4 of the Traveling Hearts series!

In one day, Kelsey Truman's life was turned upside down: She was fired from the job she loved and she caught her fiancé, Carl, cheating on her.

Nursing her broken heart and bruised ego, the normally shy, reserved financial analyst decided to leave what was left of her life and go on an around-the-world tour with her best friend. It’s just the change she needs!

Now, in Brazil, nearing the end of her whirlwind journey, everything comes down to one moment. One decision to make. One choice that will define the rest of her life.

Will Kelsey be ready to give the answer that the mysterious man has been waiting for...?

Note: Parts of Traveling Hearts were previously published as Holiday Delights.

Also includes Sneak Peeks at some upcoming novels!

~Volume Four - Dreams~

Finally! Kelsey Truman practically screamed as she stepped off the airplane and ripped her sweater off. The temperature in Sweden was 33 degrees Centigrade when she and Kelsey had not felt warm for days. Although Stockholm was beautiful and clean, but the weather was just too much. At the first chance she got, she booked a ticket to one of her dream destinations – Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Getting the visa was a big pain, but after feeling the warm air and the sun on her face, it was well worth the cost and the red tape. She was supposed to be here two weeks earlier, but she had to rebook her flight when her visa application was stuck at the embassy during the Christmas break. This flight had cost her an arm and a leg, plus she didn’t have hotel reservations anymore, but she was glad to get out of freezing Sweden.

After clearing immigration, Kelsey walked towards the luggage carousel and waited for her backpack. She spotted her most trusted companion, making its way down the conveyor belt. She was surprised it had held together this long, but it certainly was not shiny and new. Some of the straps were frayed and it could use a deep cleaning, but it certainly pulled its weight (literally) on this adventure.

Sometimes, Kelsey would wake up in the middle of the night, not sure where she was. At first, she’d try to reach towards her bedside table for her reading lamp, but then she’d realize that she was in a hostel in Madagascar or a guesthouse in Malaysia. She couldn’t believe it was almost a year since she was fired from her job as a Senior Analyst at Synergy in New York and found out her fiancé Carl was cheating on her (it was, in fact, on the same day).

Looking back she could hardly believe that was her life and how completely out of tangent it was headed now. Nearly hitting the one year mark of her travels and circumnavigating the globe, Kelsey still wasn’t sure what to do next, but she wasn’t worried, as she would have time to figure it out later and the tenant back at her apartment was willing to sign another year lease.

After picking up her backpack, Kelsey walked out of the baggage area and walked towards the customs area. Whoah! she said out loud. The lines at the customs area were insane! First of all, many of the arriving passengers had three or four bags each! But, there also had to be hundreds of people crammed into the small space, with lines snaking around 10 or 12 turns deep.

What’s going on? she asked a guy in line next to her.

What’s going on?! he laughed. He had a thick accent, probably a local, she thought. It’s Carnival weekend!

Oh crap! Kelsey slapped her hand on her forehead. She was so desperate to get out of Sweden, she didn’t even bother to check if there was anything happening in Rio. This, she thought, is going to make my life hell.

*****

Kelsey’s ‘hell’ had just begun. First, she started searching for the bus into the city. The lines were so long and the buses so infrequent, Kelsey could already judge it would be at least 2 hours before she could get into a bus, plus the traffic would be even worse. Finally, she decided to bite the bullet and take a taxi. She stood in line for 20 minutes until finally she got into one of the yellow cabs, which, her guidebook said were not as expensive as the private taxi. However, not knowing a lick of Portuguese, she couldn’t explain to the driver where to go and when he finally understood she wanted to go to Copacabana beach, the meter had gone up double what she was expecting to pay and the she fought with the driver who wanted to charge her even more because she was American.

She got to the Copacabana Tropics Hotel (which was her first choice) and, of course, they were booked up for the entire week. The poor, haggard front desk staff had apologized to her, but since she did not renew her expired reservation and because of the Carnival there was simple nothing they could do for her. A trek down Avenida Atlantica proved to be useless, as every single hotel on the strip by the beautiful Copacabana beach was fully booked. Finally, the last hotel she went to took pity on her and let her use their business center so she could go online and find something – anything, really, at this point. After an hour, she got the phone number of a hostel called Lazy Dog, within walking distance away. They had one bunk left, which was going to cost an arm and a leg, but it was better than sleeping on the streets tonight. She booked it and was on her way.

Kelsey walked to the hostel, only got lost once, and walked into the reception and check in. She slung her backpack off her shoulders, lay it by her bunk, and plopped down on her bed. She closed her eyes, and she suddenly felt tired. The hostel was looked ok on the outside, housed in a little building right by the beach. As far as hostels went, it was pretty standard, with a common room and several dorms, but it was slightly unkempt and old. Kelsey was disappointed as she wanted to finally stay in her own room, but this would do for now, and she had already reserved a room at the Tropics as soon as the rush cleared.

Kelsey slept for the entire afternoon and woke up early evening. Her dorm had a few people taking a quick snooze or reading, but usually at this time, the common rooms would be packed as people were getting ready to leave in the evening. She got up, unpacked as best she could, took a long shower and got ready. Kelsey couldn’t believe how easily she slipped into hostel life. No matter what city, country, or even continent, they all had many things in common. People from all over the world (some much younger than her) looking for a good time. Everyone was generally friendly, and soon, after spending about 15 minutes in the common room, she found herself with a group of people and heading out to eat.

*****

It’s like the entire city is one big party! Kelsey exclaimed.

Several of her companions nodded, many of the first-timers. It seemed there was a party on every block – lots of singing, dancing, and of course, drinking. After dinner, their group walked around their immediate area, looking for a party, but the party had, instead, found them.

Damn! said Shelly, a gorgeous girl from Atlanta, turning her head back and hooting at the men. These Brazilian men are fiiiine!

Her companion, a gay guy named Tyrese, nodded in agreement, his mouth hanging open as he gawked at the hot young bodies on the street.

They all reached a bar/salsa club which they all agreed look fun, and they went in an ordered drinks at the bar. Tyrese’s eyes were wide open, looking at the hot guys all around.

Oh, I wish someone would take me off on his white horse, take me to his beachside cottage, and lay me down on his featherbed and make sweet love to me all night long!

You slut! Shelly said. You’d settle for a BJ in the alleyway!

In a heartbeat! Tyrese exclaimed, and all three of them burst into laughing again.

The continued to talk and joke and drink for another hour. Amelia and Angela had somehow disappeared, but Kelsey saw them make a hasty exit with their respective guys in tow, so she wasn’t too worried. Ugh, she thought, I’m starting to act like a mother hen!

Uh, excuse me? she heard a deep voice behind her.

She turned around and there was a tall guy there with a bright, sunny smile.

Ola, senhorita.

He was handsome, with dark hair, dark eyes and a perfectly bronzed body.

Dance? she asked, feeling bold.

The man tugged on her arm and brought her to the dance floor.

It seemed like a good idea, dancing with a beautiful Brazilian man in Rio during carnival, but Kelsey had forgotten she couldn’t dance. But that didn’t seem to matter to man, who basically kept whirling her around, making her feel dizzy and giddy. The next song was a little slower, and Kelsey was quite surprised when the man put his hand on her lower back and pushed her in close.

Uhm... she struggled for her words. What’s your name?

He smiled at her, not understanding a word she said. Great, she thought.

Uh.. seu nome?

His eyes lit up in recognition.

Ah...Eduardo, senhora. Você fala portugeus?

It was Kelsey’s turn to give him the blank look.

Uh, no, uh poco? Wait, that was Spanish, she thought. But he seemed to understand. My..uh, me chamo Kelsey...

He nodded, and then he began whirling her around again when the tempo picked up. She felt dizzy and the world was definitely spinning.

Uh! Stop! she said to Eduardo. She lost her balance and fell over, but Eduardo caught her in time.

Kelsey! she heard Shelly scream. Her companions were soon by her side, extricating her from Eduardo.

Let’s take you home, girl! Tyrese said, picking her up and carrying her out of the club.

After a few blocks, Kelsey begged Tyrese to let her down.

Oh god! she said, and breathed in the fresh breeze from the ocean.

Are you ok? Shelly asked.

Yes, thank you, she said.

Did you see that look on his face? Shelly asked.

Or that bulge in his pants? Tyrese added.

Kelsey giggled.

Oh c’mon...I’m tired, let’s go home.

*****

While sex and backpacking certainly went together, it seemed the combination of the sun, sand, liquor and the gorgeous people of Brazil turned up the switch 100 percent. As soon as they entered the hostel and switched on the common room lights, they were greeted by not one, but two amorous couples on two different couches.

Bloody hell! said one of the men. His white buttocks were displayed for everyone to see, in the midst of pumping between the legs of some Brazilian girl. He pulled up his pants and turned to them. Do you mind? The other couple simply kept on having sex, not caring about the lights or their audience.

All three of them looked at each other, and Tyrese reached for the light to turn off the lights. They were laughing and giggling as they went up the steps.

Sometime in the middle of the night, one of her dorm mates decided to bring some girl home and were then banging away. On the bunk on top of hers. She reached for her headphones and blasted her music away, and although she blocked the sounds of sex out, she could not do anything about the rocking all night long.

*****

Bleary eyed, hung-over, and tired after a having no sleep, Kelsey was understandably cranky the next day. She groaned as she tried to sit up. The sun was high outside, and she knew she had slept up till noon. Her head was pounding like a jackhammer. This is not working. She would find another hostel, hotel, guesthouse, whatever, today, even if she had to murder someone. And she did feel like murdering someone. She got up, got dressed and put on her sunglasses and went out in search of coffee. She breathed in the cool ocean breeze, starting to feel much better and walked into a restaurant to have her breakfast (or lunch.)

After eating a hearty meal, she walked up and down the Avenida again, looking for any open rooms, practically waving her money in the concierge’s faces, but they simply had nothing for her. She grabbed a drink and headed to the beach. She laid back sand, not caring that she was out of place in her shorts and long sleeved shirt. This was awful. She simply couldn’t stay in that hostel anymore. She may not stay in any hostel after this. She groaned.

I’m getting too old for this!

A shadow blocked the sun from her face.

Now that can’t be you saying that, Kelsey Truman.

She sat up in surprise as the familiar deep voice, and the cool British accent.

What?! Ben!

She stood up and stared into that handsome face she knew quite well. Ben Knight smiled down at her, his smile reaching those brilliant blue eyes. Kelsey felt so happy seeing someone familiar; she couldn’t help but launch herself at him, not caring that he abandoned her in Marrakech.

What are you doing here?!

What do you think I’m doing? he asked, laughing as she jumped back from the unexpected hug, and happiness in her voice.

Ben was wearing shorts and a white shirt, like he fit right in. Kelsey observed how tanned his muscled arms were, so he must have been here a while.

Carnival, huh?

He nodded. Well, I never though I’d see you again, seeing as you never email or called me!

Her brow wrinkled.

What do you mean never emailed or called?

His face turned slightly dark.

Look, if you didn’t want to see me ever again after Marrakech, you should have just said so, instead of— he stopped as if he was about to say something inappropriate.

Kelsey had a confused look on her face.

Never wanted to – you were the one who left without saying goodbye or leaving a note! Ugh! she grabbed her things and turned around, walking away from him.

Wha-Kelsey! Wait!

Ben ran after her, not caring if he was kicking sand into other people. He caught up with her, grabbed her arm and spun her around.

What do you mean I left without saying goodbye? I left you a note with the concierge, asking you to please give me a call or email, as I had to leave because my grandfather was in the hospital!

Kelsey looked shocked.

I never received a note! I asked the front desk before I left for the tour, she touched his arm. Ben, your grandfather, I’m so sorry...is he...?

He nodded. Yes, thank you, he’s in stable condition now. He sighed. I can’t believe it! I was worried that maybe...that you didn’t want to....I mean... he shrugged and straightened his back.

For a moment, Kelsey thought he was going to bring up that kiss outside her door, but she wasn’t going to mention it if he wasn’t.

Uhm, well, I’m glad we straightened that out, but with our luck, we probably would have bumped into each other in Timbuktu or Outer Mongolia!

Kelsey laughed. Right, and with my clumsiness, I probably would have knocked you off a llama or something! This time, he laughed, a deep, genuine laugh that made her insides feel warm. Why was she feeling this way?

Ben cleared his throat. So, Kelsey, where are you staying?

Kelsey rolled her eyes, remembering her hostel.

Oh my god, Ben, it’s this horrible hostel just off the beach! She proceeded to tell him about her night and the couples having sex all over the place. I swear, I’m so over hostels! I’m glad I’m headed home to New York soon!

Ben was trying to be sympathetic, but he couldn’t help but laugh.

Oh haha, Mr. Comedian, keep laughing! You try being on a 20-plus hour plane ride and then trying to get rest while your bunk mate is knocking boots with some busty Brazilian who shrieks like a choir boy! That only made him laugh harder.

Ben dried the tears from his eyes, and cleared his throat.

Kelsey, I’m so sorry, I don’t mean to make fun of you, but yes, during festivals or celebrations, hostels can be quite rowdy.

Where are you staying? she asked.

Well, I’m sort of...house sitting for a friend. He thought for a moment. Hey, listen, it’s a two-bedroom flat, and I’m actually all alone, would you like to stay with me, at least until you can get the hotel thing sorted out?

Being so desperate, Kelsey wanted to jump and say Yes! but she hesitated for a moment. Oh, I didn’t mean...I mean, I didn’t tell you about the hostel so you would invite me, you don’t have to-

He put his warm hands on her arms. Please, I insist! I’ll not hear another word; we’re going to your hostel and picking up your things. Think of it as my ‘I’m sorry’ so leaving you high and dry and Marrakech.

Kelsey thought about that trip to the desert (and that night with a certain musician) and hoped she wasn’t blushing. Ben’s offer was tempting, but she wasn’t sure she could live in such close quarters with him. But thinking about going back to that hostel made her headache come back. Well, if you think it’s ok with your friend...

Don’t worry, he won’t mind! And you’ll have your own room so, uh, you can have privacy. Shall we go?

*****

She and Ben walked back to the Lazy Dog to pick up her things and check out. She ran into Shelly and Tyrese, and made plans to meet them at the bar later that evening (and Tyrese, that cheeky queen, gave her a thumbs up sign while pantomiming lick Ben from behind).

Ben hailed a cab and gave directions (in perfect Portuguese) to the driver to his friend’s place. They didn’t drive very far; in fact, they stayed on the Avenida, but further away from the crowded Copacabana beach area to a more quiet, residential neighborhood. They stopped at a huge building and stepped into the posh lobby of what seemed like a 5-star hotel. Kelsey could barely keep her mouth shut when she saw the plush interiors of the lobby, but she practically peed her pants when she saw the apartment.

Holy shit! Your friend must be loaded! she exclaimed.. It was loft-style, so the common room had huge windows overlooking the beach. They walked up the winding staircase, where there was a living room and two enclosed bedrooms. He led her to the smaller bedroom (which was still huge).

Here you go, he said, putting her backpack on the floor. He also put a set of keys on the dresser.

Oh my! the bedroom was adorable, done in taupe and neutrals, with a plush bed and a soft duvet. I’ve died and gone to heaven! she said, looking around. Ben, this is....you should let me pay you back somehow...how about dinner? Or my firstborn child?

Well, let’s not be that dramatic! he said. But, dinner will be fine, no worries! his face changed. Oh wait...uhm, I kind of had plans...

Oh? she asked innocently. She had a bad feeling about this.

Yeah, you’ll never guess who else bumped into!

*****

Motherfuckin’ Estella.

That was her first thoughts as soon as the Brazilian girl walked into the restaurant. Estella probably had similar thoughts as her beautiful face scrunched into a scowl when her eyes landed on Kelsey. Oh Kaylee-

Kelsey, she corrected.

Right, she said and dismissed her. Estella took the seat at the restaurant next to Ben and started chatting him up, practically ignoring Kelsey. Ben had told her that Estella mentioned she was also in Rio and insisted on having dinner that night. She guessed the two of them must have been in touch, but it was none of her business, and all she cared about was that she could get some sleep and they wouldn’t be too noisy in the room next door if they were going to be doing the deed.

Ben tried to involve Kelsey in the conversation, but Estella was bent on excluding her. Kelsey just ordered up another caipirinha and enjoyed the excellent food, which she was going to make Ben pay for, as although she was grateful to be staying in a apartment, she wasn’t happy at playing third wheel to the lovebirds.

Oh Ben! Estella crooned when Ben said something not particularly funny. Kelsey rolled her eyes, which she wasn’t even trying to hide from Ben. He seemed to enjoy the attention.

Ben, Kelsey interrupted, I think maybe I should go...I’m meeting my friends at Centro. She stood up. I’ll see you back at the apartment?

Estella’s eyebrows shot up. Wait, apartment?

Why, yes, Estella, she answered. Ben was kind enough to let me stay at his place. She enjoyed watching her pretty face crumpled up, her lips thinning and eyes narrowing.

Kelsey, Ben put a hand on her hand. There’s no need to run, look, we’re done. I’ll grab the check and we can all go. He stood up and went to the nearest waiter.

I’ll wait outside, Kelsey dropped her napkin