Leap of Faith

By Mags Hayward

Abseiling? How did Anika persuade her to do that? When Lauren set out to start her life over -- new job, new city, new friends -- she never dreamed she’d be clinging to a rope, dangling off a ninety-foot railway viaduct. Then again, she’d never expected to meet someone like Anika.

Determined to rebuild her confidence and regain independence after the devastation of a shattering break-up, Lauren was surprised to be drawn to Anika. Headstrong and daring, Anika was fascinating and yet, intimidating -- not Lauren’s usual type. Their unexpected friendship was like a breath of fresh air ... Could it be more? With the painful past still raw, was it too soon to love again? Was Lauren merely rebounding?

In the midst of bravely tackling the challenging abseil, Lauren had a decision to make. Play safe or throw caution to the wind? Is she prepared to take a leap of faith?

• Language: English
• Publisher: JMS Books LLC
• Release date: May 18, 2021
• ISBN: 9781646567980

Book preview

Leap of Faith

By Mags Hayward

Published by JMS Books LLC at Smashwords

Visit jms-books.com for more information.

Copyright 2021 Mags Hayward

ISBN 9781646567980

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Cover Design: Written Ink Designs | written-ink.com

Image(s) used under a Standard Royalty-Free License.

All rights reserved.

WARNING: This book is not transferable. It is for your own personal use. If it is sold, shared, or given away, it is an infringement of the copyright of this work and violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

No portion of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the publisher, with the exception of brief excerpts used for the purposes of review.

This book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It may contain sexually explicit scenes and graphic language which might be considered offensive by some readers. Please store your files where they cannot be accessed by minors.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are solely the product of the author’s imagination and/or are used fictitiously, though reference may be made to actual historical events or existing locations. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Published in the United States of America.

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With grateful thanks to Alan Parr for his patient help, and to my ever supportive family.

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Leap of Faith

By Mags Hayward

Chapter 1: Anika

Looking up from the ground, it hadn’t seemed that high but now, standing on the edge, the drop is positively dizzying. The topmost tree branches are several feet below me, the rich patchwork of leaves swaying restlessly in a breeze that, alarmingly, is growing stronger.

It’s a bit gusty but you’ll be fine once you get going, says my instructor, correctly reading my hesitation. All set?

I nod as confidently as I can and lean back, grasping the rope tightly. Looking straight ahead—not down—I ease the thin line through the cleat and drop an inch, gasping as my feet slip on mossy wet rock.

You okay?

Heart hammering, I muster a smile. I’m fine.

Good. Try that again and let the rope take your entire weight this time. It’s perfectly safe, remember?

Yes, I remember and I understand that the ropes are rigged so they can’t slip, but my terrified brain isn’t listening to reason. You’re going to die screams in my head. In my peripheral vision, I see Anika wave from below. I’d love to wave back but my hands are welded to the rope. Oh, Anika…How did she talk me into this? I’m an indoor girl who’s scared of heights. Abseiling off a viaduct isn’t something I should be doing.

Of course, it’s not too late to change my mind, I’m not committed yet. Should I leave this particular adventure for another day? I make the mistake of looking down and my head spins.

Come on, Lauren, you can do it.

Anika’s voice cuts through my fear. I draw breath, hold it…exhale slowly. If I give up now, I’ll never do it.

What’s that? asks the instructor.

Nothing. Talking to myself.

Right. When you’re ready.

Okay, I’ve got this. Quivering, I cautiously slide the rope through the cleat. My pulse races as I drop.

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Anika intimidated me at first. She was the real deal: a teacher highly regarded by staff, pupils, and parents. On Saint Joseph’s website, students described her as an excellent teacher who went the extra mile and I believed them. Everyone spoke well of her. At thirty-two—six years my junior—she was Head of English and running a department whose exam results far exceeded expectations for a school like Saint Joseph’s. Most impressive.

Both nervous and excited to meet her, I was shown into her office at exactly three o’clock. First impressions were good. She greeted me with the warmest smile that dimpled her cheeks and creased the corners of her dark brown eyes. With radiant caramel skin and wavy raven locks tied back in a loose pony tail, she looked younger than thirty-two and undeniably attractive.

Stomach churning like a washing machine on spin cycle, I reached across the desk to shake her hand.

Do take a seat, Miss Willis…Lauren? Tell me why you want this job.

Straight to it, no small talk.