Flame

By Erin Moore

Michelle Lawson runs into her high school best friend Darin Greene. Hanging out with Darin is everything Michelle remembers it used to be, except now she's falling in love with him, but Darin is commitment shy and Michelle knows that if she confesses her feelings she could lose him. But when a stalker targets Michelle, Darin vows to protect her. Can Darin save her from the threat on her life, or will his fear of getting close to her keep him from seeing the truth?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 21, 2023
• ISBN: 9781590883167

Book preview

What They Are Saying About

Flame

FLAME, IS A STORY of lost love found, wrongs made right and past hurts overcome. It has a great flare of mystery, suspense and intrigue, along with sweet love and romance. This work is a mix that just about any reader can sink their teeth into. Excellent storyline, flowing brilliantly from one peak to the next and a tender conclusion. Well done, highly recommended.

—Shirley Johnson

MidWest Book Review

FLAME is without a doubt a must read suspense novel. Erin Moore has written this story with so much emotion and depth readers are enthralled from the beginning. Ms. Moore is excellent at writing love stories that steal your heart and will have you thinking about them after you’ve finished reading. I was so compelled by the plot that I couldn’t put this book down. Erin can do that to readers. Her road to love is never smooth, but it’s a great read while her characters are trying to get there. Ms. Moore with her first release, All I Ever Wanted, hooked me. Now with Flame that fact is cemented even more. Flame and Erin both are essential to romantic suspense fans. 5 angels!

—Jaymi

Fallen Angel Reviews

FLAME was a nice steamy romance with characters that really got under my skin! 4 Roses

—The Romance Reader at Heart

IN THE EBOOK FLAME, Erin Moore has produced a well-written and enjoyable reading experience. For short ebook reading, FLAME is definitely a good choice to pick up. 4 Plugs

—The Romance Readers Connection

THE PACE IN THIS STORY is very fast with the heat right from the start. It sizzles and blazes from page one. I recommend Flame to the romance reader.

—Word Museum Review

Flame

Erin Moore

A Wings ePress, Inc.

Romantic Suspense Novel

Wings ePress, Inc.

Edited by: Leslie Hodges

Copy Edited by: Lorraine Stephens

Senior Editor: Lorraine Stephens

Executive Editor: Lorraine Stephens

Cover Artist: mpmann

All rights reserved

Names, characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Copyright © 2004 by Erin Moore

ISBN: 978-1-59088-316-7

Published by Wings ePress, Inc.

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

There are many people who deserve credit for their help on my success, but none more so than my husband Chris. Without your faith in me, I would never be where I am now. You’ve given me so much, from my beautiful children Tyler and Allyson, to your love, encouragement and support. Thank you for believing in me, and never letting me quit. I love you.

One

M ichelle.

She had heard the man yelling, but paid no attention to the commotion. A glance at her watch told her she was going to be late for her appearance, and the crowded mall she was in didn’t help her get out any faster. As she negotiated the hordes of people, mostly teenagers who came out on this nice Saturday, she heard the same man yell again. This time it got her attention.

Michelle Venters!

Flame stopped to look around. She had just exited the mall when the man’s voice carried to her. It confused her, no one had called her Michelle in six years, but what really got her attention was that this mystery voice knew her maiden name.

Looking around for a familiar face in the crowd coming in and out of the mall proved to be futile, but she did see her agent, Bettye Florence, coming towards her.

Shit, Flame muttered. Bettye hated being late for anything, just as much as Flame did, but since Flame had to ‘stop for a minute’ and run into the busiest mall in town, Bettye would be sure to tell her how upset she was. It wasn’t that Bettye was a grouch, she was really quite pleasant, and they had become steadfast friends. The problem was now Bettye was working. She was an agent, and she was going to be late. That didn’t bode well for her.

She was waiting for the razzing she was sure to get from Bettye when someone touched her shoulder and startled her, Michelle Venters, is it really you?

Flame turned around and her worried face broke out into a huge smile, Darin Greene, as I live and breathe. She totally forgot about Bettye as they hugged, Wow, it’s been a long time. How are you?

Darin couldn’t believe that he had finally tracked her down. He spotted her red hair, and knowing of only one person with that color hair, he took a chance to see if it really was her. She looked great! Great didn’t even begin to explain how he thought she looked. She had grown up beautifully, not changing much in appearance, but definitely more mature, and more breathtaking. She was wearing a very attractive mint suit, contrasting nicely with her sparkling emerald eyes. The skirt was above the knee showing nice shapely, sexy legs. Her blouse was white, but all he seemed to notice was the first two buttons of her shirt were undone, teasing everyone with her beautiful creamy skin. She had a matching green jacket, and for a fleeting moment he wondered why she was so dressed up, so professional looking. He didn’t dwell on it. He was taken aback by the strong attraction he felt towards her, the strong desire to kiss her. He realized that if he had his camera she’d make a beautiful picture. Shaking his head to clear his thoughts, he finally got around to answering her, I’m good, how are you doing?

Flame grinned, pleased to notice how he had been looking at her. Ogling would have better described it, but he was an old friend and she decided to be nice. She was vain enough to enjoy a handsome man looking at her, especially this handsome man, who had starred in many of her dreams when they were in high school. Lord that had been years ago. I’m doing great. I can’t believe how long it’s been. Lets see eight or nine years, I believe.

Darin nodded and smiled, noticing for the first time the rings on her fingers. She only wore two, and one ring definitely looked like it was a wedding set. The puzzling thing was that she was wearing it on her middle finger. The other ring looked to be an emerald and diamond cluster. She had simple diamond stud earrings in her ears and a matching diamond necklace around her neck in the shape of a teardrop. Just looking at her, he guessed her jewelry wasn’t fake; nothing about this red-headed beauty was fake. But where did she get her money? In high school her family couldn’t afford diamonds, or even the expensive suit she was wearing. She was proving to be a great mystery. It’s been since high school, it’s hard to believe you’ve been gone that long.

Flame was having a hard time keeping her eyes off his dimples. She had always loved the dimples on each side of his face. She realized he hadn’t changed much in the last years. His black raven hair was a little shorter, but that was about all. He had grown taller and added a few nicely placed muscles, but the eyes were the same. Those sparkling blue eyes that were always full of mischief.

She was getting ready to answer him when Bettye, now tired of waiting, stepped up, "Flame, we are going to be late for your appearance, we must go now."

Flame smiled at Darin’s confused expression and dug into her purse, Here, go on and pull the car around. She handed Bettye the keys, I’ll be just a moment.

Bettye just looked at her like she was crazy, Drive your precious car? No one drives that car but you. Are you feeling well?

Flame laughed and waved her away, knowing that Bettye couldn’t help but make fun of her. She did have an obsession about anyone driving her car, but she knew Bettye would be careful with it. Bettye’s own car was ten times better and faster than her own. Go get the car.

Bettye turned to leave and Flame turned back to Darin, who was clearly confused, Flame? Appearance?

She just smiled, Long story, I’ll tell you about it sometime. Here, Flame dug back into her purse and pulled out some paper and a pen. She quickly wrote down her phone number for him, Call me sometime. I’ve been back in town for a while.

Oh, you’ve moved back? I didn’t know that. So where did you run off to after you left Lexington?

When we moved we went to Nicholasville, after graduation I married and moved to Chicago.

Darin was clearly disappointed, So you’re married?

A sleek silver Porsche pulled up and Bettye got out of the driver’s seat. She eyed Flame, but didn’t say anything. Instead, she went around the car and got in the passenger side. No, answering Darin’s question, she said, I’m widowed. Look, I’m sorry, but I’ve really got to go now.

Sure.

They hugged again and on impulse, Flame kissed his cheek, Call me sometime.

She got into the car and quickly drove off. Darin stood there staring at the retreating car. He was very intrigued. There was a lot more than meets the eye to Michelle or Flame or whoever she was these days. He glanced at his watch. He was going to be late picking up Sandy. Shit, how was he going to be able to explain why he was late picking her up without pissing her off? He’d think of something, he always did. Looking at Michelle’s neatly printed name and number on the paper, he put it in his wallet, not sure if he’d call her or not.

Flame knew that Bettye was upset and tried to placate her, I’m sorry I took so long.

I hate being late, Bettye grumbled, "It makes you and me look bad. She sat silently for a moment, But since there is nothing we can do about it now, I guess no harm has been done. I called the bookstore and they had no problem, so everything is fine. Now tell me, She lowered her voice like a gossip with juicy information, Who was that hunk?"

Flame stared at Bettye in shock. In all the years they’d known each other Bettye had never once asked about any of the men she had been seeing, especially any man she had only spoken to, Darin? Flame had always thought of him as good looking, but had never thought of him as a hunk. Then again, she knew the boy Darin, the hunk Bettye spoke of was most definitely a man. He was a hunk, wasn’t he? She laughed. He’s an old high school friend. We haven’t seen each other in years.

So when are you two going to see each other again?

Flame smiled a whimsical smile. Nine years ago getting together with Darin, in any form, would have been her dream, but now they both had their own lives. They didn’t even know each other anymore. I doubt we will. It’s been awhile, I don’t even know if he’ll call.

Bettye looked at her with a confident grin, I’m sure he will, you always could attract the gorgeous guys.

Flame just smiled as she parked the car. Ready to go in? She asked, as she got out of the car. They didn’t mention Darin again, but Flame couldn’t help but wonder if he would call her.

FLAME WAS SITTING AT her kitchen table eating, when the answer to the question she had asked herself, over a week ago, came. Picking up the ringing phone, she was startled when a deep masculine voice asked to speak to Michelle. After thinking about it, her heart soared, for there was only one person, female or male who had called her Michelle in a great number of years. Darin. She was pleased far more than she had wanted to admit, that he finally called. Darin, it’s good to hear from you.

He almost didn’t call, but he hadn’t been able to get her off his mind since they ran into each other at the mall a week ago. He thought at first it was just the shock of seeing her again, and how much she had changed over the years. But as the days passed and her vision from his memory didn’t fade, he decided to call. How are you doing?

I’m good. I had given up on you calling me.

Well, I’m sorry it took me so long to call— He started to explain.

No excuses, she interrupted, It doesn’t matter. At least you called. So how have you been?

Darin sighed in relief. He was glad she didn’t want any excuses. How could he explain why he hadn’t called or, for that matter, why he finally did. Obviously, she was secure in herself, and that was a turn-on for Darin. He loved secure women, they didn’t cling or demand more than he could give them. Michelle had changed a lot over the years. I’ve been fine. Busy! Look, I hate phones, how about we meet for lunch tomorrow?

She mentally went over her schedule in her head, Sure, she said, finally coming to the conclusion that she didn’t have any important matters elsewhere.

How about Louie’s at one?

Great, I’ll meet you there.

Momentarily disappointed with the fact he wouldn’t get to pick her up he answered, Great, Bye.

Flame hung up the phone elated with the idea of having lunch with Darin. She had been so in love with him in high school, and he never even realized it. It was all for the better. She knew his family, especially his mother, who would have had a fit if they’d dated. It was obvious, to Flame, that his mother hadn’t even liked him to be friends with her. Oh well, she thought, not worried about any of that anymore. Her life had turned out well, and to prove her point to herself she decided to go for a swim in her pool.

After Darin set down the receiver, all he could do was stare at it. Who was Michelle now? In high school she’d been a sweet, quiet girl. One of his best friends. She would have done anything for anyone, sometimes she had tried too hard to please others. She was in the band with him, they both played the trumpet and always had a blast together. Then she transferred schools, going to Nicholasville and he only saw her a few times after that. It had been nine years ago. So finding out that she had lived in Chicago and now was a widow had been a great shock to him. He had no idea where she’d gone after she’d left. He hadn’t even known she’d been married. But since their meeting a week ago, all he could think about was her.

He had taken his girlfriend, Sandy, shopping at the mall a few days ago, and while they were there she had stopped in the bookstore. He wasn’t really interested in books and was quite frankly surprised Sandy was, for she never read anything. She had been looking for an audiotape—that was her style. While she was looking, he decided to check out the bestseller rack. Occasionally something would interest him, and something did. He caught the single word Flame. The title of the book was Always, with Love. Not his kind of book. A romance, sappy he was sure, but something drove him to pick it up and look at it. The author’s name was Flame Montgomery. Flame, the single word that had been driving him mad for days had drawn him to this book. He opened the flap and read. Definitely not his kind of book, but when he flipped to the back cover, staring back at him was a picture of Michelle. She was the author, and a pretty good one too, apparently. She was, after all, on the bestseller list. He didn’t buy the book then. He didn’t want to have to explain to Sandy why he was buying it. He had gone back to get it the next day.

It was good. In fact, he’d had trouble putting it down. It just wasn’t the kind of story he could picture Michelle writing. That had been why he’d called. He was too intrigued not to call her.

He started to pick up the book again and read some more, when his doorbell chimed. Reluctantly laying the book on his kitchen table, he went to answer the door.

Honey, his mother came in and hugged him, his father trailing behind her, and behind them all was Sandy. Look who we found on our way up.

Darin kissed both his mother’s and Sandy’s cheek. He hated when he got unexpected visitors, especially his mother, who liked to criticize everything, including the way he lived. She didn’t like his apartment, telling him it was too small and cramped. She