New Year, New Me: A Thorned Heart Press Anthology

By Thorned Heart Press

Join 6 bestselling romance authors in this steamy collection that celebrates second chances on New Years' Eve, from reigniting old flames to fueling fires of passion, these stories promise to help you ring in the new year in sexy style.

Featuring:

When Tilly and Jess explore their new feelings for each other on New Years' Eve, their budding romance is threatened by everything they hold dear. – Professor Blyss

They were best friends in school until Josh, the tubby, bespectacled geek took a step back so he wasn't dragging her down. A decade later Josh has transformed, but Lucy always knew that beauty was only skin deep. - Poppy Flynn

Serendipity and New Years work hand in hand to show these lovers where their destiny lies. - Jay Michael Wright II

Joseph is everything I ever dreamed. I can't wait to call him mine. - Venus Eos

Charlotte and Tristan were crazy in love, but distance tore them apart. Months later, New Year is approaching and after opening a door to the past, fireworks might not be the only sparks at midnight! – K.D. Croft

Christmas brought a broken heart for Talia....Will she be ring in a new year with a new love? - E.S. McMillan

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thorned Heart Press
• Release date: Jan 4, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201301330

Book preview

Serendipity

by

Jay Michael Wright II

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

The pounding on the door made Mark cringe. He knew this moment was coming and he dreaded it.

Get your ass up! his roommate, Seth, screamed. You’re going to celebrate tonight whether you like it or not!

Mark sighed heavily. Christ, Seth! You are one persistent pain in my ass.

He unlocked the door, and Seth popped his head into the room. The shit-eating grin on his face suggested that Seth had started celebrating New Year’s Eve early.

Mark returned to his spot on the bed. "I already told you. I don’t want to go out. I’m going to spend a quiet night playing Elder Scrolls. I’m in no mood for the bar."

Seth pushed his way into the room. Dude! You love the bar.

That was five years ago, Seth. I haven’t been since... His thoughts drifted off to solemn things, things best left unthought of.

You haven’t been since you got with your ex. I’m tired of seeing you mope around the apartment like a lost puppy. Come on, man. Cass is gone, and she ain’t comin’ back. How long are you gonna let her rule your life?

Seth’s words stung far deeper than Mark would like to admit. It had been nearly six months, but he couldn’t shake the feeling of dread he felt every time he thought of her. He gave up everything for her, and what did she do? She jumped ship the minute something better came along. Mark hated himself for ever loving that lying bitch in the first place.

Dude, can’t I just—

No! Seth insisted. You can’t. You need tonight. Get up, get dressed, and get that stench of doom and gloom off you. In a playful tone he added, There’s a bottle of whiskey out here with your name on it if you go.

Mark huffed. Seth wasn’t going to let this go, and he knew it. He threw his arms up into the air. Fine! Let me get a shower first.

Seth pumped his fist. Yes! Tonight’s going to change your life, bro. A new year is beckoning.

TWO HOURS LATER AND Mark was going out of his mind. The bar was packed to capacity. He barely had room to breathe. The music was loud. The patrons were drunk and rude, and Seth had vanished into the mass of humanity after dropping some acid he bought from a white guy with dreadlocks. Mark sat alone at the bar stirring his drink. He wished he had driven his own car so could just leave already.

Hey, bitch! a voice called out from behind him. Mark sighed and got in the proper mindset to fight in case he needed it.

He turned and his jaw slowly dropped. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Chris? Chris Barton? Is that really you?

The short, brown-haired man grinned. Yes, sir! Now give me a hug, ya son of a bitch! How have you been?

Mark didn’t want to go into the truth, so he politely lied, I’ve been good. What about you? Where you been hiding?

Chris slammed a shot. He shook his head and said, You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.

Dude, it’s been like years. I thought you were dead.

Chris laughed. Nearly was. Dad kicked me out the house. I lost my phone, all my stuff, everything. I was homeless for a while, but I’m doin’ okay now. Shit! Where are my manners? He pushed a pretty brunette in a sparkly black outfit forward. Mark, this is my girlfriend Amanda. Amanda, this is Mark.

She held out her hand. Her eyes twinkled. As he took her hand, she said, So, you’re the infamous Mark?

He nearly fell over. Infamous? I wouldn’t go that far. What has this boy been telling you?

Amanda smiled mischievously. Enough to know that you’re trouble.

Time slowed down. Butterflies danced in Mark’s stomach. Her raven-black hair framed her face and accentuated her sad brown eyes. The skirt she wore didn’t leave much to the imagination. From the look of things, it was either very cold inside the bar or Amanda wasn’t wearing a bra. Either way, Mark wasn’t complaining. She resembled a gothic angel.

Mark chuckled. So how did you end up with this lunatic?

That’s a very long story, Chris replied. He quickly pulled Amanda back to his side and placed an arm around her like he was marking his territory. How about I tell you over a round of shots?

Mark smiled. Sounds good.

LESS THAN AN HOUR TO midnight and Mark was once again alone. Seth was nowhere to be found. He’s probably snorting cocaine off the ass of a girl he just met in the bathroom, he thought. Chris had vanished with Amanda over an hour ago. The music was beginning to give Mark a migraine. He decided to sneak behind the DJ’s booth and use the stairs to gain access to the rooftop balcony. He wasn’t supposed to be up there, but he figured nobody would notice. He desperately needed some fresh air and some quiet.

He burst through the door and immediately felt like he could breathe again. The air was cold and crisp. It wasn’t nearly as cold as it normally was this time of year, but it was still brisk enough to ease the pain he felt running up and down his leg. Fucking nerve damage, he thought. It seemed like it would never leave him alone.

He took a seat in one of the lawn chairs and stretched his legs. It felt wonderful to sit down. For the first time in he didn’t know how long, he almost felt at peace.

Mark lit a cigarette and looked up at the stars. He whispered, God! I love clear winter nights.

Me too, a soft feminine voice behind him said.

The voice startled him. Mark snapped around and was relieved to see that it was Amanda. She staggered his direction with a bottle of whiskey in one hand and a cigarette in the other.

Mark chuckled. Damn it, girl! You nearly scared me to death. What are you doing up here?

She smiled and took a seat in the lawn chair next to him. I’m up here to get away from the crowd. Sometimes I feel like I’m smothered in big crowds.

"Okay, so that’s why you’re up here. How do you even know about this spot?"

Amanda laughed and took a swig of whiskey. You know Don? The owner? Well, me and his daughter went to junior high together. This used to be our spot to sneak off and smoke a joint without getting caught. Man, this place is full of memories. It’s a shame that they closed it. She turned her gaze to him. "Well, that’s my story. Why are you out here?"

Mark shrugged. Same as you. Crowds aren’t my thing.

She pointed at him and wagged her finger. That’s part of it, but there’s something eating at you. I can feel it. Even now, part of your mind is thinking about it.

Shit! She caught me.

Mark sighed. Look, I didn’t even want to come here tonight.

And why is that? Amanda asked.

He chuckled. You really aren’t gonna let this go, are you?

Taking a drink, she replied, Nope. You’ve caught my intrigue. I want to know what’s going on in that head of yours.

Mark hung his head. He sighed. Fine. I’ll tell you. I just went through a breakup a little while back. The wounds are still kind of fresh.

Amanda stuck out her bottom lip and pouted. That’s awful. She held out the bottle. Want a drink?

He politely shook his head. No, thanks. Those shots still have me feeling like I’m swimming in my own head.

She said, Suit yourself, and took another drink. So, why did you break up?

Mark laughed to hide the pain. She found a better guy at the church she was going to. Soon as she had her hooks in him, she cut me loose. I basically got used. I ran up a couple grand in credit card debt trying to help support her and the twins.

Twins? Amanda asked curiously.

Yea. She had twin girls. Sunshine and Rain.

Amanda spit her drink out and laughed. Are you shitting me?

Mark chuckled. Nope. Their mom has a hippie-side. They were beautiful though. One was a blonde and one’s a redhead. I helped raise them for four years. I changed diapers. I rocked sick babies to sleep. This ain’t just a breakup. I lost a family in the process too. She won’t even let me see the girls even though I’m the only dad they’ve ever known.

Again, Amanda held out the bottle. Oh, no. You definitely need a drink. Fuck that bitch! That’s what we’re drinking to. She held the bottle up to the sky and shouted, Here’s to fuck that stupid bitch! She took several swigs and sat the bottle on the ground beside Mark.

He rolled his eyes and said, Screw it. If I’m gonna drink to anything, I’ll drink to that.

Mark turned the bottle up. He thought he was safe until the aftertaste hit him. Whew! he said. That’s got a kick.

Amanda smiled. Best bottle in the house. Being the owner’s daughter’s best friend comes with benefits. So, you got a picture of the girls? Come on. Don’t be shy. I can see it written all over your face. You’re not the type of man to delete something like that. You’re too sentimental for it.

Reluctantly Mark brought out his phone. Here, it’s the twins and their first cousin.

He handed the phone over and Amanda’s eyes got huge. That’s Daisy! she shouted. Sure as I’m drunk, that’s Daisy!

Mark was stunned. How... how do you know that?

Daisy was in Miracle League, wasn’t she? The baseball team for kids with special needs?

He felt a chill. He whispered, Yes, but how do you know that?

Amanda smiled brightly. "I went to Gardendale High School before I was homeschooled. I worked with the Miracle League. I knew you looked familiar! You used to have a beard, didn’t you?"

Mark chuckled nervously. This girl seemingly knew all his secrets. I did.

I remember you! You were adorable with the twins. A lot of the girls noticed it. They don’t make dads like you anymore.

Mark slumped in his seat. Yea, for all the good it did me.

Hey! Just because their mom is a bitch doesn’t mean you weren’t a good dad. I wish I had a dad like you.

He thumped his cigarette off the roof of the building. Oh, what’s your dad like?

Amanda shrugged her shoulders. Fuck if I know. I never met him. He bailed on my mom while she was pregnant.

What an asshole!

Tell me ‘bout it.

Mark sparked another cigarette up. For you to remember me, I can’t believe that I don’t remember you.

A smile appeared on Amanda’s face. Do you remember a little skinny brat with green hair running around?

Mark’s eyes bulged. Wait! You were pixie-girl?

Amanda choked on her drink. Pixie-girl?

He laughed. Yea, that’s the nickname some of the parents gave you. That green hair made you hard to miss.

She raised her hand and pointed at herself. Yup, that was fourteen-year-old me. I wasn’t much to look at back then. Hell, I’m still not.

Mark had enough liquor floating through his system to float a battleship around. He spoke without thinking. Bullshit! You’re the prettiest girl I’ve seen here tonight.

He immediately regretted saying it, but the smile on Amanda’s face let him know that it was alright. That’s sweet of you to say, but I highly doubt that’s true.

Trust me, it is, Mark said. Suddenly, his mind caught up to the conversation and did the math. Wait, if you were fourteen at Miracle League, that means you’re—

Eighteen, Amanda said with a gleam in her eye.

Holy shit! How did you even get in the bar tonight?

"Best friends with the owner’s daughter, hello! I’ve been sneaking into this place for years."

I never would have guessed you to be so young.

Amanda leaned towards him and whispered, Why? How old do I look?

I’d have guessed at least twenty, maybe twenty-two.

Her smiled brightened up the evening. Why thank you. I think you’re just being nice because I’m Chris’ girlfriend, but thank you.

Chris. He’d completely forgotten about Chris. He felt guilty when he realized it. Where is he, anyway?

She shrugged. Hell if I know. Somewhere downstairs. He probably hasn’t even realized I vanished yet. He only seems to notice me when he’s showing me off or wanting to fuck. So, I snuck up here and found you.

Mark wrinkled his brow. Surely, he’s not that bad, is he?

Amanda took another swig. He didn’t used to be. I can remember when we spent all our time together. Once he moved into my mom’s house, he just sorta quit caring it feels like. All he does is get high and play videogames. I don’t even know what I’m doing wrong.

How long have you two been together?

A little over a year.

Aha, Mark said knowingly. You’re out of the honeymoon phase. Maybe you need to spice things up.

I tried that! I got one of those lace see-through night gowns, put it on, and asked Chris to come to bed. He said that he’d be there in a minute. I woke up three hours later in bed alone. It’s like I’m invisible unless he wants me for something. Has he been like this with all his girlfriends? Please, tell me. I’m desperate here.

To tell the truth, I don’t know. I’ve never been around Chris when he had a girlfriend, but it sounds like he takes you for granted. You deserve better than that.

Amanda slumped in her chair. If I deserve better, why do I get treated like shit by every guy I’m with? She looked like she was about to cry.

"Hey, don’t let it get you down. A dude would be lucky to have a