The Kiss

By Lesley Beiro

When Linda Reynolds discovers Jack’s infidelity, she responds with bitterness and revenge. She clears out bank accounts, sells the house and moves with their three sons to another state. A tragic accident leaves their youngest son, Nicholas in a coma. Will Linda be able to forgive herself? Will Jack find a way back into her heart – or will the dashing Dr. Sam Martin capture her attention? Is it possible to find healing through forgiveness? Can the Kiss of Betrayal become a Kiss of True Love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lesley Beiro Books
• Release date: Mar 3, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370366095

Lesley Beiro

Lesley Beiro lives in Prince George, Virginia with her husband Joe and three sons. She serves as a speaker, teacher and elder at her home church. She has home-schooled her children and ran a home based business, prior to working full time as an administrator. Her passion is in writing about the depths of the human heart and the power of God at work in the lives of those who trust Him.

Book preview

LESLEY BEIRO

The Kiss

Copyright © 2016 by Lesley Beiro. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the author except as provided by USA copyright law.

This novel is a work of fiction. Names, descriptions, entities, and incidents included in the story are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblance to actual persons, events, and entities is entirely coincidental.

Cover design by Lesley Beiro

Published in the United States of America

Chapters

Prologue……..

One…………..

Two………….

Three………..

Four………….

Five………….

Six…………..

Seven……….

Eight…………

Nine………...

Ten………….

Eleven………

Twelve………

Thirteen……..

Fourteen…….

Fifteen……...

Sixteen……..

Seventeen…..

Eighteen……

Nineteen……

Twenty…….

Twenty One…

Twenty Two…

Prologue

The tires crunched on the gravel driveway as Linda Reynolds pulled her car to a stop in front of her house. She shut off the engine and was quickly enveloped by the soothing, peaceful silence of the beautiful rural countryside surrounding her home. She rolled her aching shoulders back and laid her head against the head rest. How was it possible, after all that had happened in the last three years, for her to be so utterly content?

It had been a long day at the gallery, and the oil paint stain on her fingers attested to the struggle she’d endured in trying to capture the beauty of the sunset featured in her latest painting.

Glancing out her window to the western horizon, she once again admired the beauty of God’s handiwork in the splashes of brilliant color as the fireball in the sky tickled the tops of the trees. Streaks of red, pink, orange, and yellow brought the underside of the few clouds in the sky to vibrant life. The palest winter blue framed out the sky, to create another seemingly effortless display of her Creator’s brilliant, miraculous work of art. It was a sunset that could never truly be captured on canvas, although she was determined to try.

Jack and the boys are probably wondering why I’m not coming into the house.

She smiled to herself. Her family was yet another testimony to the miraculous intervention of God. A few years before, she would never have dreamed her life could be so full. She still ached with loss, but the joy of healing and forgiveness pervaded her every thought. She grabbed her purse and keys and made her way up the steps and into the house. She breathed in the mouthwatering aroma of hours of cooking.

Mom, Mom, Mom! Ten-year-old Jacob bounced up and down. Dad made enchiladas for dinner! And we got to pick out the flowers for you this time. See?

I see, Jakey! They are beautiful, thank you. Linda bent down on one knee as she ran her fingers through Jacob’s hair and pulled him close in a hug. She stood as Jack approached with a dish towel in his hands and smiled. Dinner smells divine.

Only the best for you, my love. Welcome home. Jack pulled her into a warm embrace and kissed her soundly.

Mitchell came bounding down the stairs and almost bumped into his parents. Eew, they’re kissing again! But the smile on his face gave evidence to the fact that he was truly thrilled to see his parents together, again.

Linda sat at the dinner table taking mental snapshots of her family.

Jacob giggled as he shared a story about a friend at school. Mitchell glowed with enthusiasm about his new robotics program. After months of seeing him hide under a dark cloud, it was refreshing to see him smile.

Then there was Jack. If ever there was evidence of the miraculous work God could do in a person’s life, it was true for Jack. Love for her emanated from his eyes. He reached across the table and squeezed her hand, as if to say he was soaking in every moment just as she was. They were both determined to cherish every moment of happiness.

After dinner, Jack shooed her out of the kitchen when she prepared to help with washing dishes. No, no, we’ve got this. You need to go rest your weary feet and relax on the couch.

The fire crackled in the fireplace and shadows danced on the walls as Linda plopped down on the comfortable sofa. She sighed deeply when she pulled off her ankle boots and curled up under a blanket. She laid her head back and closed her eyes. Bliss.

The sofa cushions shifted as Jack eased in next to Linda a little while later.

How was your day at the gallery? Jack began to gently massage her left foot.

It was long, and busy, but very rewarding to see the young students eager to learn. We also have three new distributors who want to market our paintings.

That is terrific news, Linda. I’m so proud of you. I know you would only give the credit to God for your success, but you are the one who continues to push through and try again when things don’t seem to be working out. Your perseverance is a huge contributor to your success. He ran his thumb up and down the arch of her foot and gently squeezed the knots between his strong fingers.

Linda sighed with pleasure and closed her eyes again. "That feels so good!"

Jack continued working on her right foot. They listened to the boys laughing in the kitchen as they dried and put away the dinner dishes.

I have a little surprise for you, Jack whispered. Linda opened her eyes. Jack reached into his pocket and held out a little box to her.

What is this?

Just a little something. When I saw it today, I thought of you and how much I love you. I told you I would spend the rest of my life making up for the hurt I caused you. I could never truly express how much I appreciate your forgiveness, God’s forgiveness, and the chance to start over. Jack opened the small box to reveal a set of sapphire earrings to match the new engagement ring that sparkled on her left ring finger.

Oh, Jack, they’re beautiful! Thank you. And you know you don’t have to keep doing this.

I love you, Linda Reynolds, and I’ll keep showing you that for the rest of my life.

I love you too, Jack. Thank you. Thank you for being such a great dad and husband.

It was difficult to believe that life had not always been this way. Only three years earlier, they were both very different people, in a very different place. The journey had been challenging, and if she could, she would go back and change a few bad choices she had made. The consequences of which, she would now have to live with for the rest of her life. But as she so often did, she breathed a prayer of thanks to God for bringing them all to this time and this place.

1

Three years earlier, spring 2005

Jack Reynolds took one last swig of the cold coffee. He wiped his mouth on his uniform sleeve and rose from the old milk crate. The drab and dusty workshop was filled with the pungent odor of diesel fuel. He rolled his head from side to side to stretch out the kinks in his neck before strolling over to the 1982 tri-axle Mack truck. He had fought with the exhaust manifold all morning. The bolt holding it to the truck had rusted through and would not budge, no matter which wrench he used.

With a deep sigh, he grabbed the sledgehammer from his toolbox. Breaking off the bolt by brute force to replace it, rather than fight with it any longer, might just be worth it. He twisted about under the vehicle much like a contortionist to reach the right angle with enough room to swing the hammer. He struck the bolt once, and it did not budge. He inhaled deeply before he swung again. He poured every ounce of strength into the swing, but to no avail. He smashed at the bolt again and again.

The pounding of the sledgehammer against the rusty bolt matched the pounding of his heart as his thoughts turned to Jennifer. The image of her simmering eyes, her seductive smile, and her flowing mane of silky auburn hair sent a shudder up his spine.

Hey, Jack! Bill yelled as he walked in from the dissipating dust cloud caused by the heavily laden trucks driving past outside.

Jack! he yelled again above the pounding of the sledgehammer. I have a full truckload of poles out there, and it needs to be unloaded as soon as possible.

Jack bumped his head as he twisted in his awkward position. Bill would have no sympathy, so he grimaced and swallowed hard before he answered. Yeah, sure, Bill, Jimmy said he wanted this repair completed by lunchtime. Jack grunted with yet another swing. I’ll get to the poles when I can. I should be done here soon.

Don’t take all day, Jack. I’ve got places to go and people to see, Bill called over his shoulder. Jack glared at Bill’s back as he sauntered toward the office.

Jack persisted in pounding away at the stubborn bolt, the muscle in his forearm burned with the tension of his grip and the angle of the swing. How long am I going to put up with being treated like this? For years, his wife, Linda, had told him that the guys who now owned the Pole Trucking Company took advantage of him, but he’d refused to acknowledge what had become painfully clear. She had been right.

He paused in his swinging and glanced over at Jennifer through the glassed-in office area on the other side of the workshop. She spoke to Bill. As Jack stared, she pulled a strand of hair behind her ear and flashed a full smile. She always flirted with all the guys. Jack still wasn’t quite sure how Jennifer had caught his attention the first time. A year ago, she’d come on board as the new bookkeeper the company had hired in hope of being able to salvage their sinking business. Initially, all the men vied for her attention. He returned to the stubborn bolt with a shrug as he recalled the time shortly after she had started working here.

I’m so frustrated with Linda. He’d vent to Jennifer during his coffee break. All she wants is for me to spend my weekends and free time renovating the kitchen. She wants to sell the house and move to another state. How can I do that? I’ve lived here all my life.

Have you told her why you don’t want to do that? Jennifer’s eyes had sparkled with sincerity.

She won’t listen. To her it’s as easy as me quitting my job, packing up, and moving. Jack shook his head. I’ve been at this shop since before I even met her. George Davis was very good to me. He took me in under his wing and showed me the ropes. He gave me a chance as a teenage kid while still racing go-karts. I really miss working for him since he retired.

Jennifer nodded; her eyes softened with understanding. Encouraged, Jack continued. Since Bill and Jimmy took over, it’s all gone downhill. But my loyalty remains to George, even though he’s no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

I can admire that. Jennifer paused and looked deep into his eyes as though she could touch a part of his soul. She glanced at her watch. Since our coffee break is over, why don’t we grab a bite to eat at lunchtime? Perhaps we can brainstorm a better way for you to deal with Linda.

Jack, touched by her concern, became hopeful. Perhaps hearing another woman’s insights might be just what he needed.

Jack smashed at the bolt. It seemed such a long time since he and Linda had really connected. Their lives had become consumed with the daily grind of living. Linda had made it very clear to him she wanted to move away from New Jersey.

Her recent comment about him being in a rut—in the same state where he had been born, in the same job since high school—had stung.

What’s wrong with that?

Didn’t it show his loyalty and gratitude to George, who had been almost like a father to him? Could she be right? He loved Linda and adored his boys, but the sameness of his life, while being comfortably familiar, got him nowhere. Still, he shuddered at the prospect of the changes Linda proposed. And now there’s Jennifer. The sledgehammer echoed off the bolt with another crash.

One lunch with the attractive new bookkeeper had turned into several. Within six weeks, he’d wanted more from Jennifer than just a listening ear. When he’d reached across the table to take her hand, he had been pleased to find she did not retreat. It gave him reason to advance all the more rapidly. His thoughts were consumed by her. He ached with the growing need to have her alone, to undress and caress every part of her young and supple body.

It had turned into a whirlwind of passion and desire. Excited by the allure of playing in the realm of the forbidden, he’d shared secret meetings with Jennifer while maintaining a facade of everyday life with Linda and the kids. It all only added to the thrill of treading in the unknown. Jennifer became his obsession.

He’d started to make weak excuses to Linda in order to be with Jennifer. It had been almost six months since he’d given in to the desires, she’d aroused within him. After his forty-first birthday a few months ago, Jack started to soften around the middle with the extra pounds that crept onto the scale every few years. His thinning brown hair revealed several scars in his hairline endured from working with heavy equipment. At least he still maintained a muscular build, even if he did have to scrub the grey diesel soot from his pores every day. A sexy young thing like Jennifer showing even the slightest interest in him was a major shot in the arm.

Sweat dripped from his brow and burned his eyes as he heaved the sledgehammer against the rusted bolt one more time. In a flash, the bolt shattered. Shards of broken metal flew in all directions. A sharp jagged piece of rusted metal cut a chunk of flesh from his knuckle. The wound stung in the mix of salty sweat, blood, and grime. Jack cursed and wrapped an old oil rag around his hand to stem the flow of blood. He grabbed a water bottle from the small refrigerator and drained the contents in one long swallow. His breaths were hard and heavy from the exertion of fighting with the old truck.

Jack Reynolds come to the office please. You have a call on line 1, Jack Reynolds.

Jennifer’s voice over the intercom made him smile. His heart pulsed in his ears as he made his way toward the office. Bill came swaggering down the two steps from the office. Jack stiffened at his air of self-importance.

Jack, you know our policy on receiving personal phone calls during business hours. Make it short. I need that truck unloaded in the next forty minutes.

Yes, Bill, I told you I’d get to it. Jack clenched his jaw as he pulled the blood-soaked rag tighter about his hand. I should shove my injury in his face and go home. What would he do then? He bit his tongue before his thoughts escaped to his lips. He needed this job, and Bill knew it.

Jack stepped up into the office and quietly closed the door behind him. He crossed to Jennifer’s desk to take the phone from her. Her fingers brushed lightly against his hand, and he smiled.

Jennifer rose and stepped closer to him. It’s your wife. Her breathy whisper tickled his ear. She turned and sashayed toward the copier.

Yes. Hello. Jack clenched his teeth.

Jack, I’m sorry to be calling you at work. But I wanted to remind you that tonight’s my night out with the girls. I need you to be home with the boys. Linda sounded as though she had been holding her breath and the words tumbled out in a rush.

I don’t know, Linda. I have a lot of work to do here. I’m not sure what time I’ll be able to get away.

Please, Jack. This is only once a month; I really need a break from being in this house and the kids.

He sighed heavily and rolled his eyes. Linda, I’m here breaking my back for you and the kids. Sometimes you ask too much!

Jack, you haven’t been home to see the boys before bed in over a month. Her tone escalated, and Jack tuned her out. Instead, he feasted his eyes on Jennifer’s slender waist and perfect calves. She shuffled stacks of paper on the other side of the room.

Linda still spoke, Last month I cancelled seeing the girls because you were too busy. We need more than just your paycheck, Jack. The boys need their father, and I’m starting to wonder if I have a husband. Please—

Linda… He started to put her off again when he spotted Jennifer reaching over the copier to a shelf on the wall. A rush of wind burst in his ears as his heart pulsed in his chest. In his mind’s eye, he grabbed hold of Jennifer right there in the office and ravished her on the floor.

Oh, the thrill of danger would be intoxicating. An idea took root in his mind. Perhaps he could give Linda what she wanted but still enjoy making his daydream a reality. Fine, Linda. I’ll be home by six-thirty.

Our plans are to meet at the restaurant at six thirty, Jack, the same as every month. I’ll need at least half an hour to get there.

He almost told her off. She should not tell him when and where to be home to suit her schedule! But the image of a naked Jennifer in his arms, in his own house, sparked in his mind, and he burned with desire.

He snapped at his wife. I said I’ll be there Linda. Get off my back.

So, you’ll be here by six?

Yes. I’ll be there by six. He slammed down the phone and massaged the back of his neck with his good hand. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. How did I ever make it to this point? Where did Linda and I fall apart? He turned to take in the view of Jennifer reaching for a ream of paper and smiled.

Here, let me help you with that. He strode the six steps across to her and brushed his arm against hers as he reached for the paper.

Why thank you, Jack, you’re such a gentleman, when you want to be. She batted her eyelashes at him.

Jack glanced around the small office to make sure nobody could see through the big window before he traced a finger along her cheek.

Only for you, sweetheart. His mouth curved up in a smile. So, there’s been a slight change in plans for tonight.

Oh?

I have to be home so Linda can go out to her monthly hen meeting.

No candlelight dinner and music at my place? Her lips pouted a perfect little O.

Well no, but perhaps we could try something a little more daring, if you’re up to the challenge?

I’m listening. Leaning back against the desk, she tapped the back of her pen against her chin. Her snug blouse revealed the swell of her breasts.

I should have the kids in bed by eight thirty. Why don’t you come by at around nine thirty, and I’ll show you what big daddy can do on my own turf?

Sounds dangerous. Her perfect white teeth showed in her smile. She leaned forward, revealing the cleavage he had just been admiring.

That’s the point. He ran his tongue across his lower lip before he bit down on it. He reached for her hand and drew a small circle on top it.

I could possibly be willing to try something like that, she whispered soft and breathy. I’ll see you at nine thirty then, Mr. Daredevil.

Jack almost giggled. Well then, I look forward to our risky rendezvous, mademoiselle. He winked before he spun on his heel and headed back out to the workshop.

Jack hastily put the three boys to bed. He refused to read them their bedtime story. "No getting up to ask for a glass of water or having to go to the bathroom. Good night means good night!" He did not notice their wide-eyed expressions or Jacob’s trembling lip.

He dashed to his bedroom and found his cologne, combed his hair, and checked the collar on his polo shirt. He played out the scene ahead in his mind. It would be a night filled with wild, passionate indulgence, the thrill of imminent danger only escalating the flame of desire. Jack plunged his hands into the pockets of his jeans as he paced around the tiny kitchen. There would not be a whole lot of time for romancing, but he should be seen to have made an effort, so he poured two glasses of Chardonnay.

Linda usually came home around eleven after a girl’s night out, so by ten thirty, he would have to persuade Jennifer to leave.

He glanced at his reflection in the darkened window.

What are you doing Jack?

He shook his head and massaged his temples.

I cannot give in to conscience now, not when I’ve come this far.

He picked up a glass and swirled the fragrant liquid about in the glass. He breathed in the aroma and slowly exhaled.

Daddy? said a shaky little voice from the hallway.

Jack jumped.

His heart thundered in his chest. What? He sounded angry in his own ears. But the tremor in his hand revealed so much more. What is it, Nicholas?

His three-year-old son plodded into the kitchen. I—I can’t sleep.

Jack glanced up at the clock on the wall. Jennifer would arrive in about ten minutes. How could he possibly explain what she was doing here to his youngest child?

This is crazy, you are afraid of a three-year-old.

He looked at the wine bottle on the table and scooped up the little boy. He took him to the bathroom where they had a small medicine cabinet.

Hey, Nicky, I bet all you need is a little medicine to help you sleep.

He plopped the little boy down on the edge of the tub and reached into the cabinet for the strongest children’s medication he could find. He poured a little more than the regular dose and offered it to his son. There. Soon you’ll be sleeping like an angel.

The little boy smiled up at his father as they headed back to the bedroom. Thank you, Daddy. Jack glanced over at Mitchell and Jacob; they were fast asleep.

A twinge twisted in Jack’s middle. A car door slammed out in the driveway, and he quickly settled little Nicholas into bed. He quietly closed the door behind him. A gentle tap rapped on the front door.

He opened the door with a finger to his lips. Jennifer smiled at him and cocked her head to one side in question. We will have to be very quiet, he whispered, The baby is still awake.

Jennifer nodded and conspicuously tiptoed into the room. She giggled when the door closed and reached up to kiss Jack strong and hard. His hands went straight into the mass of long red hair, and she immediately started to pull at the belt on his jeans.

His head pulsed. He frantically pulled Jennifer toward the bedroom, making sure to avoid being seen through any of the windows. Clothes were left in a trail behind them as they silently but voraciously partook in the forbidden fruit of desire.

All too soon the bedside clock read 10:20 p.m. Jack jumped up and, in his loudest whisper, urged Jennifer. "You have got to go! Linda will be home soon."

They gathered their clothes. As they made it back into the kitchen, they laughed at the two wineglasses still standing on the table. I guess we could have it now? Jennifer winked and picked up a glass.

Jack clenched his jaw. He needed her to leave, now. But he also wanted to savor the moment a little bit longer. He raised his glass and clicked it with hers.

To us, he said.

Jennifer smiled and nodded. To us. She raised her glass, tilted back her head, and drained the wine. Jack did the same. He took the glass from her and quickly rinsed, dried, and put them away while she put on her shoes and raked her fingers through her hair.

This was exciting, Jack, we should do it again.

Jack smiled.

Yes, it had been fun, but a little too nerve- wracking for him. This may not be

Reviews for The Kiss

[teresann310 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was such a wonderful story I enjoyed it so much I laughed and I cried and most of all it gave me hope.

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Very depressing. I hated Jack the husband. The whole accident and Nicholas was awful. The book made me So mad. Yet I cried in it too. I can't believe the hea.