I begin speaking again over the remnants of applause.
"I founded The Zelenko Agency, a PR and consulting firm, which--" movement near the back row of tables catches my eye "--would grow into a formidable force in--"
The figure's body language registers in my brain before any features do.
"A firm that would go on to become a force in..."
The words fumble from my lips again, but the rest of my speech slips from my head. I glance down at my notes but cannot decipher what's written there.
"A force in..."
My pulse pounds in my ears, picking up speed, and the award slips just enough to knock against the microphone bar, which emits an earsplitting squeal. My mouth remains open but words fail to come out. A low murmur builds as the crowd realizes something is wrong. They look from each other to me, to their surroundings, trying to figure out what my eyes are fixed on.
The entire room blurs at the edges and the only thing that comes into focus is the man leaning on the frame of the wide entrance archway. Black dress shirt, sleeves rolled up to reveal tattoos etched along both forearms. His lips are turned downward, but an air of confidence and trouble swirls around him like a vortex. The sight of him hits me square in the chest.
Cole Van Buren.
I haven't seen him in eight years, since the day he turned my life upside down and left me broken and humiliated. And now he's back, crashing into my world just as cruelly as he abandoned it.
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Acknowledgements
To all of my wonderful readers, who have embraced my stories and characters...thank you for all of your support. Your posts and messages are fuel for when writing gets tough.
Thank you to all of the bloggers who share my releases and take part in my promo tours. I can't even tell you how much I appreciate all of your hard work.
Courtney Houston, you've been in the arena with me every damn day, through every single book I've published. You've cheered on my highs and picked me up at my lows. You're my work-wife and the sunshine in my pocket. I love you so hard.
Andrea Lefkowitz, you're my soul sister...girl, I can't even begin to tell you how glad I am I met you. You know this year has been crazy for me, you've helped me dust myself off on some of the worst days. You're an awesome friend and one hell of a beta reader.
Nikki Sloane, you're a badass and I want to be you when I grow up. Thank you for being my confidant, my sounding board, and the voice of reason when I need it most.
Lea Burn, I know I've said it about a million times, but yeah...I'll say it again. You are amazing. You care about stories, you care about the process, and you care about authors. Thank you.
Kelli Spear, thank you for proofreading, but also for all of your support over the past year or so.
Roxy, remember that Nancy Drew-type story I tried writing when I was like seven? You pretended it was the best thing you ever read in your life. And seeing you so excited over something I wrote sparked a hunger in me to share my stories. I love you and I owe you everything.
To my incredible husband, what would I do without you? You know I owe you everything. You're my rock and my heart. And words will never be enough. Thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for encouraging me. For helping me when I can't help myself.
Table of Contents
Contents
Title Page
CHAPTER 1 Amelia
CHAPTER 2 Amelia
CHAPTER 3 Amelia
CHAPTER 4 Reed
CHAPTER 5 Reed
CHAPTER 6 Amelia
CHAPTER 7 Amelia
CHAPTER 8 Reed
CHAPTER 9 Amelia
CHAPTER 10 Reed
CHAPTER 11 Amelia
CHAPTER 12 Reed
CHAPTER 13 Reed
CHAPTER 14 Amelia
CHAPTER 15 Amelia
CHAPTER 17 Amelia
CHAPTER 18 Amelia
CHAPTER 19 Amelia
CHAPTER 20 Reed
CHAPTER 21 Amelia
CHAPTER 22 Amelia
CHAPTER 23 Amelia
CHAPTER 24 Amelia
CHAPTER 25 Reed
CHAPTER 26 Amelia
CHAPTER 27 Amelia
CHAPTER 28 Reed
CHAPTER 29 Amelia
CHAPTER 30 Amelia
CHAPTER 31 Amelia
CHAPTER 32 Reed
CHAPTER 33 Amelia
CHAPTER 34 Amelia
CHAPTER 35 Amelia
CHAPTER 36 Amelia
CHAPTER 37 Amelia
CHAPTER 38 Amelia
CHAPTER 39 Reed
CHAPTER 40 Amelia
CHAPTER 41 Amelia
CHAPTER 42 Amelia
CHAPTER 43 Amelia
CHAPTER 44 Reed
CHAPTER 45 Amelia
CHAPTER 46 Amelia
CHAPTER 47 Amelia
The Edge of Us
Acknowledgements