Not That Nice

By Michelle D. Rayford

A tragic accident took the life of Kelsee's mother, whose dying words were, "Always save yourself first". She kept that in mind until she met a real-life hero, Officer Alex Williams. Their marriage wasn't a fairytale, but Kelsee hopes a child can save their union. But can the ultimate betrayal cause her to lose everything?

Alex regrets being unable to save his mother from an abusive relationship. He dives into a career that puts him in harm's way daily. Then he lays eyes on Kelsee and falls hard. Despite his family's disapproval, he sets out to make her his own. Can he live up to his "nice guy" persona or give in to the demons in his DNA?

The couple struggles to conceive, and when Kelsee really needs Alex, will he rescue her again or will she learn he is not that nice?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barrington Drive Publishing Company
• Release date: Nov 26, 2023
• ISBN: 9780999730362

Michelle D. Rayford

Michelle D. Rayford is an author who writes captivating stories about the consequences of deceit and the truth that follows. Fitting for her brand of literary inspiration–shining the light in the darkness of deceit. Michelle's debut novel, Moment of Truth, has earned applause for its real-life characters and contemporary issues. Michelle lives in a Southern city with her husband and two daughters and can be reached via her website at www.michelledrayford.com. Sociatap - https://sociatap.com/mdrayford FB Author Page - https://www.facebook.com/MichelleDRayford/ Newsletter Subscribe Link - http://bit.ly/SubscribeMDR Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mdrayford/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/M_Rayford

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Copyright © 2020 by Michelle D. Rayford

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior written permission from the publisher except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages to be included in a review. Email: [e-mail]

Michelle D. Rayford/Barrington Drive Publishing Company

10120 Two Notch Road, #307

Columbia, SC 29223

www.barringtondrivepublishing.com

Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, organizations, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

Book Layout © 2017 BookDesignTemplates.com

Book Cover Design: Lissa Woodson – www.naleighnakai.com

Not That Nice/ Michelle D. Rayford—1st ed.

ISBN 978-0-9997303-5-5

Not That Nice/Michelle D. Rayford

ISBN 978-0-9997303-6-2 – ebook edition

For My Girls – Still chasing the dream!

CHAPTER ONE

HERE AND NOW

Kelsee didn’t open her eyes, bracing for the reprimand and anger.  Both were as familiar as breathing. She knew how much Alex hated the light shining in his face. She couldn’t believe she’d forgotten to close the blinds.

Everything had to be perfect. Always.

When she couldn’t take the silence a moment longer, she chanced a peek and released a sigh of relief at the sight of the empty pillow beside her. Then she remembered. He wasn’t there. The reason, for the moment, escaped her.

Kelsee snuggled deeper in the sheets and stretched out in the middle of the bed. She tried to relax and reclaim sleep, but her brain was already churning. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she’d forgotten something.

The phone rang, and she checked the caller ID screen and groaned. She composed herself before answering, Hello, Mariam.

Her sister-in-law skipped the usual greeting of ‘As-salamu Alaykum’ and asked, Are you ready?

Kelsee’s mind froze. Ready for what?

I can’t believe I have to do this. Mariam’s usually strong voice cracked.

Memories flooded in. Today was the funeral.

Two days ago, her husband left to play golf at the Chandler Park Course in the Five Points area in Atlanta. Kelsee made him a fruit smoothie with spinach and a special ingredient – a hint of mint. He took a sip and mumbled, Don’t want to be late. He poured the rest in a sports bottle and left without saying goodbye.

Kelsee went about her regular Saturday chores of cleaning the house, stripping the sheets,