Unexpected Love

By Tamara Petty-Neal

Alexis had a pretty good life-great job as a freelance graphic designer, nice townhouse on the outskirts of Kansas City, and great friends. Her life was busy and she liked it that way. However, her relationship with Scott was not what she wanted, and the more she tried to end it the more controlling he got. She needed a vacation. She had turned fifty and had been through a divorce ten years earlier. She did not want any complications in her life. With camera in hand, she headed out to someplace she had never been-California. A week away she thought would get Scott away from her and allow her to reconnect with herself. She never expected what would come next. Never expected to ever fall in love again, even though she prayed that God would send someone special to her. Blane lived a busy rock-star life. His band was touring and writing new music. Just coming off a national tour, he just wanted some downtime, write music for the next album, and hang out with his daughters. He loved his life, but since his wife had died, a part of him was missing. Would he ever find someone to love him for the person he was and not the person everyone else thought he was? Blane was not an overly religious man, but he hoped that God would answer his prayer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 11, 2019
• ISBN: 9781645595267

Book preview

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Unexpected Love

Tamara Petty-Neal

ISBN 978-1-64559-525-0 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64559-526-7 (Digital)

Copyright © 2019 Tamara Petty-Neal

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books, Inc.

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Table of Contents

Unexpected Love

About the Author

What a beautiful morning . Alexis was on her way back to her hotel. The bike she rented was just the therapy she needed this morning. She had no idea where she was going. Just ride , she thought. The guide told her that this hill had one of the most beautiful lookouts. She had never been to California before, and this seemed like the perfect way to start out her sightseeing adventure.

The sun was filtering through the trees, and the fresh morning air was exhilarating. As she rounded the hill, picking up speed, she did not see the large rock in the middle of the road. The bike’s front tire hit the rock with such force that before she knew it, she was flying one direction and the bike in the other.

Blane was walking down his driveway to get the paper when he heard a bloodcurdling scream, and something that sounded like metal hitting the pavement. He ran toward the noise to find a woman face down, groaning.

Alexis looked up and saw two tennis shoes in front of her. Thank goodness, she thought, at least I’m not dead. Alexis rolled herself over wincing in pain to look up at the stranger standing in front of her.

Are you okay? he said. Don’t try to move too much.

As she sat up to get her bearings, she looked at the tall stranger and thought this guy looks familiar. At the same moment, a woman who appeared to be in her twenties came running down the driveway to investigate the noise.

Hey, Dad, the woman said as she looked at her.

The woman paused. What happened? Alexis tried to speak but nothing would come out of her throat. She felt like she had sandpaper in her mouth. She tried to stand up, but the pain was excruciating, causing her legs to buckle under her. She started to feel dizzy, and then she felt someone pick her up.

*****

Alexis woke up and thought she was dreaming. But as her eyes focused on the luxurious room, she realized she was in someone’s house. From around the corner came the pretty girl with an ice pack and some towels. She smiled very sweetly and from behind her she heard the man say, That was a nasty crash. I don’t think you should try to move. Your foot is pretty swollen, and you have some nasty cuts on your leg.

The girl gave her some water. It felt wonderful; the cold soothed her throat. She finally got her voice. Did I pass out?

Yes, I carried you in here, and Sarah carried your bike.

Oh, my bike…so much for that rental deposit, she thought.

Alexis was lost in thought when she heard the stranger talking again. I’ve called my doctor, and he is on his way over. I’m afraid your bike is in pretty bad shape too. As if he read her mind. Is there someone we should call for you? he asked.

No, I’m here on vacation by myself.

Alexis looked at the man. How do I know him? she thought. He was tall and had blond hair with a hint of gray that came down to the base of his neck. He looked to be in his late fifties and had a scrappy goatee. He was pleasant looking enough, she thought. She looked around the living room and noticed it was simple yet elegant. She then noticed some frames with gold records on the wall. It finally dawned on her. The guy was Blane Sulley.

Blane Sulley is one of the greatest rockers. Alexis had loved his music for years. And they had the same last name—Sulley. She got teased a lot about having the same name as the rock star. The thought just occurred to her that she just passed out on him. Oh, how embarrassing, she thought.

Thinking back to the night before, Alexis asked the rental guy, Where’s the best place to ride the bike for a sunrise?

The rental guy said, Ridge Road. Lots of beautiful houses up there. There is a nice lookout at the very top. You might even see a celebrity.

Well, that would be fun, but I doubt it at that hour. Surely those kinds of people sleep until noon, Alexis thought with a chuckle.

Hey, how are you feeling?

Alexis snapped back to the present. Like a mac truck has hit me.

He smiled at her then said, I don’t think we have been properly introduced. My name is Blane, and this is my daughter Sarah.

Yes, I know you are Blane Sulley. Love your music. Nice to meet you. I am so sorry I gave you a scare. I hope I have not ruined your morning.

Oh, don’t worry about that. I am glad I was outside. You could have been ran over besides crashing, he said. And you are?

Oh, sorry! Alexis, she paused, squinched her face. Alexis Sulley.

He looked at her funny.

"No, I’m