Rescue Me

By Lindsey Owens

When Hayley's husband passes away she is left distraught and pregnant. The baby becomes her only life. Her friends and family can see that Hayley's light is slowly dieing and they set out to find her a new man. Even her boss Frank has been pushing her towards guys in the restaurant but nobody seems to create that spark back in Hayley's life. That is until a few years later a new man in town, Noah, comes along. He takes an interest in Hayley and begins to rock the boat. Will Hayley let him make her happy, bring her life out of the darkness and loneliness that now holds her heart captive or will she continue to be alone and cry at night for the man that passed away so long ago.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lindsey Owens
• Release date: Oct 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781540102324

Lindsey Owens

Lindsey is the author of the erotica fiction novel In the Dark as well as The Chocolatier and the new adult novel Fated Love. She also writes werewolf books, romance genre, some teen fiction, new adult fiction, fantasy, and paranormal stories. She has many more novels to come! She's just a girl who wants fun romance novels! Is that so much to ask? Not the same ol' same ol'? Not all love is slow and casual, some are fast paced and nearly overwhelming. Not all paranormal books have vampires! Not all stories have been told!  Seriously!? Lindsey took it upon herself to begin her stories for her own entertainment in the beginning of early 2000. She had not struggled with finding books that captivated her, no, instead stories began to form in her head. The more she read, the more she loved to write. Her romance stories began with her desire to write things down! More romance! More Paranormal Romance!  She lives in the South with her husband and children where she continues to put her thoughts to paper.

Book preview

Prologue

We have gathered here today to say goodbye to a very special person in all of our lives. He will be greatly missed and forever loved. I heard the preacher say. My mind skims over the words that left his mouth.

I could barely function this morning like any other since his unexpected death nearly three days ago. My mother and my friend Kate forced me out of bed, dragged me to the shower, and even did my hair and makeup for me. I was numb. How could the world be so cruel? We had only been married for a short time and now he’s gone.

Now Bradley’s young wife would like to say a few words. the preacher announced and I felt a nudge from Kate in my ribs. My head snapped up and I glared at her, she nodded her head toward the podium and I noticed the preacher waiting for me.

Slowly I made my way toward the expectant man. I hadn’t said much to anyone since it happened and now I was going to speak in front of all our friends and family. The elderly man in his nicely pressed black suit handed me the microphone. He leaned in and gave me a comforting hug then whispered into my ear. Be confident dear, they loved him as much as you and Bradley did and will forever love you.

He pulled away and made his way to the back of the podium and sat his tired frame into a chair. I turned and stared out at the crowd.

For those who are close to me, you know I haven’t spoken much in the last few days, I spoke shakily and nervous. I only have a poem to read and I will make it through it even if tears are streaming down my cheeks. I gulped then looked down at my sheet of paper.

I began the most beautiful poem I had ever read by Linda Ellis called the Dash. I had first heard the poem over the radio when a child had passed away. I looked it up specifically so I could read it at Bradley’s funeral.

I had begun to cry yet I continued with the many words of the poem. By the time the long poem was all spoke nearly the whole church was filled with sobs. I quickly departed my way back to my seat next to my friend Kate.

After the funeral of my husband; people came and said their sorrows and best wishes to me at my new home leaving care packages on my counter as they left. I had only been married to Bradley for three months but we were together since we were sixteen.

The house was now too large for me to live in alone. Once everyone had left, I turned to Kate Please move in with me? I asked nervously. Either that or I sell the house.

I would love to, sweetie. She smiled sadly.

Two days later I was directing where we wanted boxes moved by my brother John and his friends.

So I offered for Kate to move in with me. She had a cute little one-year-old girl at the time. Emma. Her soft blond curls flowed down her head and her bright blue eyes are an amazing sight.

Happily, she agreed and my brother had helped her move the boxes in since they wouldn’t let me help after I told them I was pregnant. This baby was my last link to Brad, my last hope for a happy life.

Chapter One

Five Years Later

Okay baby, Kate is going to watch you while I go to work, I tell my little shaggy brown haired brown eyed boy. Kate is still our roommate. She moved in here when her daughter was little together we take turns babysitting each other’s kids and we help each other raise them. I feed them breakfast and watch them while Kate feeds them dinner and puts them to bed.

Every time I look at the cute bundle of joy that is my son I can’t help but sigh. He will never know his father. I didn’t even get to tell Bradley I was pregnant. I remember the day I found out. It was a raining and I was watching Emma while Kate went to work.

God! Kate screamed pushing the kitchen door in with a thud.

Hey! Shh! I hissed. You’ll wake Emma. The little girl would always wake at the drop of a hat when she was a baby.

Well come on! I have my period and it’s raining, could today get any worse? Kate snapped.

I stood frozen. Normally my period was a week before Kate’s so it was hell at our house for two straight weeks. I began to feel light headed and quickly grabbed onto a chair for support.

Hey, are you okay? Kate asked.

No. I whimpered.

What’s wrong? She asked nervously sitting down beside me.

I don’t remember when the last time my period was, I whispered.

What?

I don’t remember when my last period was! I snipped repeating louder this time.

Oh. Was all Kate had said. She turned on her heels and went upstairs. I sat stunned in the kitchen chair trying hard to breathe. It had only been ten minutes later when Kate returned. She had woken Emma up from her nap, grabbed her diaper bag and didn’t even bother to change from her work clothes. Come on. She said as she gripped onto my arm.

We had gone to the store and marched down the aisle confidently. Kate didn’t even think twice when she dumped three different pregnancy tests onto the conveyor belt.

Wow, so who do I get to congratulate? Stacy the store clerk asked. The town has always been small and tight knit. Stacy wanted in on the best gossip in town; local single girl gets knocked up.

None of your damn business Stacy! Kate snarled. I suggest you don’t spread rumors! Then I watched as Kate pulled out her credit card and swiped it.

When we made it into the house Kate let out an exaggerated breath. I can’t stand that girl.

Well, you told her. I laughed.

So... Kate shrugged as we walked into the door of the house, which one do you want to try first? She asked.

I don’t know, I winced. I have never done this before. I frowned.

You never thought you could have gotten pregnant when Brad was alive? She smiled strangely.

NO! NEVER! I said with wide eyes as I placed Emma into her playpen.

Well, Emma said, Let’s see... I watched as she turned once box at a time over in her hand. This one says you need to try it in the morning. So this one’s out. She gently tossed the box onto the kitchen table. OH! Here we go. She said to hold the stick downward and pee on it." She said ripping the box open of the second.

The first test proved I was pregnant within minutes, while we still tested with the second and third over the next couple of hours those to prove my pregnancy. Bradley had only been gone for a short period of time and I really think Dylan had become my substitute. He kept me moving, eating, and breathing when I couldn’t think of anything else, I thought of the baby that was mine to care for.

Yes mommy same as yeferday, Kate watch me evie time you go work. His cute soft four-year-old voice says. Even though his words weren’t perfect I still understood my son.

Don’t sass me little one I fake a frown as I shake my finger at him. Bye, bye, you be good and I love you. I pull him into a hug and sigh. Emma came running from the other side of the house skidding to a stop and colliding with my leg.

Gonna say bye me? she questions.

Of course sweet pea, I smile pulling her into our little hug. Emma and my little boy, Dylan, are extremely close like brother and sister.

I have to go now you two. So, be good. I wave as I walk out the door to my old rusty car. I really need a new one, one that likes to drive but I just can’t afford it right now. I get in slamming the door making sure it shuts and crank the ragged engine.

We really didn’t live far from Sadie’s were Kate and I both worked about five miles but it was still five miles. As Sadie’s Restaurant sign came into view and I sigh. I pulled the car into my spot and tugged my coat into place. I cringed against the cool wind and slammed the car door as I rush to the door of the old restaurant. Hey, Hayley, Megan called from behind the counter.

Hey, Meg. I’ll be out in a sec. I need to hang up my coat. I half smiled at her.

The night was just starting to get busy. But it is nothing compared to what was to come. I walked around taking orders and brought out coffee refills for the first hour. When eight o’clock came around it began to slow, other than the rowdy high school kids on Friday nights. I walked back to get a drink and rest for a moment. I had been running around like crazy from four o’clock to eight-thirty and now I wanted my break.

I grabbed a cup I had prepared for myself filled to the brim with my caffeine enriched drink. Hey Hayl, there’s a hot guy asking for you to be his waitress specifically, Megan called from the front. I groaned.

Great, Meg! And you couldn’t tell him I was on break? I argued.

Uh... I think you might want to take a look at this one before you complain. Megan says as she gets closer to me. He’s a newbie she whispered.

I frowned and pull myself up from the rickety break chair take one last swig of my pop and begin to walk away. Hey Meg, what exactly did he say when he asked? I question curiously. I didn’t want any surprises and Megan knew it.

Oh... well. He asked for the cute girl little blond with the black tank and jean pants. She smiled.

Just lovely another ass looking to get lucky, I grumble as I walk out. Which tab... I begin but then I noticed him.

The table of new of hot guys, all in their twenties. Three of them and they were staring toward my direction. These guys were trouble. Instantly I was nervous under their gaze I whipped around back toward the kitchen bumping into Megan in the process.

Where do you think you’re going? You haven’t had a date in like what ... five years? Ever since Brad ah... sorry. NOW turn around and go talk to those hot guys. Megan said shoving me back the direction I had come in.

They’re just trying to get some... I snap in a whisper.

Good that’s what you want too! Meg laughs and pushed me toward the guys who obviously heard the scuffle and were now smirking.

Grumbling to myself I walk toward them. Hello, my name is Hayley. Can I start you off with some drinks? I ask as if none of them were staring.

They all were cute but the hot stuff that got my attention was the owner of a killer smile. His hair was a short shaved brown with beautiful chocolate brown eyes and honey colored flecks around the edges. He was wearing a tight blue shirt with the sleeves hugging his large muscles which were tattooed with a large tribal design flowing down his arm and up underneath his shirt. He smiled. Then I had realized I had been checking him out. I blushed.

I’ll take a coke, he said smiling at me. His smile was beautiful broad and wickedly attractive underneath a light stubble growing across his jaw. His voice was deep, rich, and sexy.

I’ll take a coke as well, darling. Smiled the guy with short spiked brown hair and dark eyes.

I’ll take a coffee. The next guy said. He was a fit guy as well but nearly as buff as the first guy with shaved hair and brown eyes. This guy a blond he seemed like a player, a .... jerk. He smirked and winked at me as I nodded to the orders and began walking away.

I filled the drinks and returned to them quickly. I asked for their orders and continued on to my other customers. The three guy’s stayed late into the night only leaving a short time before my shift ended.

They had left a very ah... generous tip to say the least. Their meal was only thirty dollars and change, they had left twenty dollars for a tip. WOW!

I returned to my car and began the dark trek home. The car daring to die along the way. I squeaked by making it home just before it stalled for the first time tonight. Stupid piece of junk. I was determined to go looking for something new  car soon.

Kate greeted me when I entered the house assuring me the day went well and followed me into the kitchen for a drink before she too made her way to bed for the night.

I woke up to the sound of Dylan and Emma crying and screaming at each other the next morning. They had been doing this for nearly a week. Fighting over a stuffed animal dog that they both loved. Really it was Emma’s but Dylan played with it as well.

Hey! Stop it! I cried out covering my ears from the pain of their squeals. I latched onto the dog and pulled it to my chest and began walking to my room with it. I thought I would definitely make plans to talk to Kate on our day off about buying a matching set and getting rid of this one or something. This was driving me crazy.

NO! They both screamed and cried. I grabbed a hold of both of their wrists and dragging them to the kitchen.

Sit! I demanded. Then began pouring them cereal and milk for breakfast.

I was going to bring them to the school bus in a little while. They both were in Preschool most of the day. We were lucky to be rid of them when they squeal like that.

They finished their meals and one by one I dragged them off into the bathroom stripping their pajamas and dressing them in their school clothes. I brushed Emma’s hair then twisted it into a cute French braid. Dylan always took longer to eat so he got dressed after Emma. I walked her into the living room and turned on cartoons then dragged Dylan off to get dressed.

After we finished I grabbed their coats and pushed their arms into them. Then put their backpacks on their backs and out we went. We caught the bus just as it was turning the corner to our street and I smiled. I wouldn’t have to wait long.

With them off at school, I walked around the house cleaning, took a shower, and then read a chapter of my current book before getting the children off the bus.

I had snacks ready and waiting for them to arrive their juice boxes on the table along with a little bowl of animal cookies. The bus arrived with the tired children dragging their bodies off the bus. I set them down at the table and went to get dressed for work.

Today at work it was busier. Friday yeah, sarcastic, but tomorrow was my day off. That at least was a plus. I rushed around giving out drinks and taking orders most of which were regular Friday night customers with the same drinks and meals every time making my job somewhat easier. I was in the middle of returning to a customer’s table to ask if they needed anything else when I noticed him. The same guys had continued to come in every day for the last week. I had managed to stay on the far side of the restaurant nearly every night, thankfully. They were quickly becoming regulars and it made me wonder if they had moved to the town.

The same handsome guy who had asked for me as their waitress a week before. Tall, muscled, tan, and handsome along with his two friends. The hostess tonight, me well.... at the moment. I walked up to them and they smiled brightly. The same blond guy smirking and winking like a prick.

Three tonight? I asked.

Yes, ma’am. The guy with the spiked hair said.

I could feel their eyes on my butt as I walked them to their table. I took their drink orders; same as the first day. Then went off to the kitchen.

Megan beamed when she noticed them come in. I could see her smile and she nudged Frank, our manager when I was walked back. I shook my head at the silly girl. She was hoping for me to get start dating one of these guys, I knew it. Little did she know that I am not really interested in the subject. Let alone was these guys asking. They probably just thought they were going to get lucky.

Again when the guys left they left a big tip. They really didn’t say much this night just like the last other than to each other but I wasn’t expecting them to either.

Chapter Two

Noah’s POV

I have watched her from afar for a long time now. I have been patient and waited like I knew I had to do. It’s been five years since he has passed and I was going to live up to my promise.

I hated seeing her so sorrow filled, today I had planned on visiting her at work. I walked into Sadie’s Restaurant and saw her. Her beautiful blond flowing hair was now tied back into a loose messy ponytail. I could tell it was only because of being at work she wore it this