When the Heart Whispers

By Linda Mooney

After losing her husband a couple years prior, Lily’s children decide it’s time for her to stop grieving and move on with her life. She’s always wanted to travel, and a few days later she finds herself in New York City. Touring the Big Apple alone on her own schedule is perfectly fine with Lily, but a guided tour from a local proves to be even better.

After repeated run-ins with the redheaded tourist from Tennessee, it seems fate is determined to bring Lily into George’s life. So he decides to take a chance for the first time in over twenty years.

Both have had heartache in their pasts. Both have loved and lost. Can they open up their hearts and risk the hurt again? Will they listen when the heart whispers?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Linda Mooney
• Release date: Dec 12, 2017
• ISBN: 9781941321775

Linda Mooney

Linda loves to write sensuously erotic romance with a fantasy, paranormal, or science fiction flair. Her technique is often described as being as visual as a motion picture or graphic novel. A wife, mother, grandmother, and retired Kindergarten and music teacher, she lives in a small south Texas town near the Gulf coast where she delves into other worlds filled with daring exploits, adventure, and intense love. She has numerous best sellers, including 10 consecutive #1s. In 2009, she was named Whiskey Creek Press Torrid's Author of the Year, and her book My Strength, My Power, My Love was named the 2009 WCPT Book of the Year. In 2011, her book Lord of Thunder was named the Epic Ebook "Eppie" Award Winner for Best Erotic Sci-Fi Romance. In addition, she write naughty erotic romances under the name of Carolyn Gregg, and horror under the pseudonym of Gail Smith. For more information about Linda Mooney books and titles, and to sign up for her newsletter, please visit her website. http://www.LindaMooney.com

Book preview

Chapter One

Mom, you need to get away for a while.

Lily glanced up to see her youngest daughter leaning against the doorframe leading to the living room. The woman had her arms crossed over her chest and a sympathetic smile on her face in anticipation of her mother’s answer. Judging by her deceptive stance, Lily guessed Audra also had a list of debate points ready.

I didn’t hear you come in. How long have you been standing there?

Long enough. Did you hear what I said?

Sighing, Lily stared down at the cooling cup of coffee in her hands. She’d been so out of it, she’d forgotten she’d made it.

Audra pulled out the chair across from her and sat down. Mom, I came over to talk to you. Bailee and I have been discussing it, and we think it’s time you moved on. Dad would have wanted you to, and you know it. You need to get out and get some fresh air. Her voice was soft and low, but there was an undeniable edge of concern in it.

Instead of answering her outright, Lily took a different track. You’re right. I need to go to the store. I’m fresh out of milk and eggs.

However, Audra wasn’t biting. That’s not what I meant, and you know it. Mom, look. It’s been two years. And before that, you were there for Dad for the entire four years he fought that damn cancer. It’s over now. You still have a long life ahead of you, and Bailee and I want you to be happy. Dad would want you to be happy.

I might as well give in. Once she has her mind set, she won’t let go of it until I do. She’s so much like her father that way. She took a sip and winced. She’d forgotten to sweeten it.

Not now, Audy.

"Now," her daughter interrupted.

The holidays are coming up—

Which is why this is the perfect time to go! It’s off season, so you’ll get the best hotel rates. And if you leave in the middle of the week, you’ll get a cheaper air fare.

Lily blinked. Air fare? How far away are you thinking of sending me?

Audra grinned. Where would you like to go? I know of a couple of places you’d mentioned in the past that you were wanting to see.

Lily shook her head. I can’t afford to go. Not with all the medical bills I still owe on.

Her daughter leaned over and patted her on the wrist. Don’t worry about the cost. Bailee and I are footing the trip.

Audy, no! I—

Now, hush and listen up, Audra snapped, using the same phrase and tone Lily herself had used on them in the past when they were growing up. The whole time Dad was sick, you put his wellbeing and ours above your own. Bailee and I watched as you sacrificed so much, and never once did you complain. My God, Mom, you’ve earned a little vacation! What’s wrong with taking a few days off? Or a week?

Lily bowed her head. You’re going to worry this bone until I cave, aren’t you?

Her daughter grinned. Who do you think I learned it from? It was one of Dad’s best traits.

Lily didn’t try to hide her smile as she took another sip. All right. I’ll go. But to where?

Where’s one of the places you said you’d most like to go? Wasn’t New York City one of them?

She glanced out the kitchen window. The leaves were starting to turn on the maple trees, showering the ground with gold and orange leaf confetti. Go to New York City by herself? Well, she’d taken singular vacations before, back before she and Colm were married.

The idea of visiting the Big Apple suddenly appealed to her in a way that almost surprised her. Maybe her girls were right. Maybe a few days away from home would brighten her spirits.

Yes. I’ve been wanting to see the sights there like the Statue of Liberty. Times Square and Rockefeller Center. The 9-11 Memorial. Chinatown.

Great! Audra slapped the table with her hand. I’ll get your flight and hotel booked right now!

Wait. When would I go?

How about next week?

"Next week?"

Audra raised an eyebrow. Yes, next week. I’m going to get online and get you set up before you have second thoughts.

A movement caught her eye. The tuxedo cat jumped onto the kitchen counter, parked herself, and proceeded to clean her face.

What about Fido?

Don’t worry about her. I’ll take her home with me. She and Murphy can fight over who gets to sun on the windowsill.

I…I don’t know how I’m going to be able to pay you back, Lily confessed. This unexpected generosity from her daughter was not unusual. It was the amount that shocked her.

Audra waved a dismissive hand. "We’re counting it as being your Christmas gift. And your Mother’s Day gift. And your birthday present. She laughed. After this trip, you’re only getting a card from us for the next year."

Lily laughed with her. Then, thank you. It’s a deal. I’ll make the trip. After all, I’m not getting any younger.

Getting to her feet, Audra gave her a playful slap on the shoulder. You’re fifty-six years old. You have plenty of years ahead of you to bounce your grandkids on your hip.

"Ha! That’s if you decide give me grandkids, and if you sister decides to get married!" Lily retorted with a smile.

Audra wrinkled her nose at her mother and flounced out of the kitchen, leaving Lily alone once more with her thoughts.

A trip to New York City. Alone to explore, just like she used to when she was younger. But that was thirty years ago. Do I still have the stamina?

She took another sip of coffee and winced. Why am I drinking this? Getting to her feet, she emptied the contents into the sink and rinsed out the mug.

Hey, Mom? Audra