Novel Romance

Novel Romance by Zinnia Hope

Freya’s Bower.com ©2008 Culver City, CA

Novel Romance Copyright © 2008 by Zinnia Hope. All rights reserved. Cover illustration © 2008 Freya’s Bower. All rights reserved. Editor: Marci Baun

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publisher, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes. This book is a work of fiction and any resemblance to any person, living or dead, any place, events or occurrences, is purely coincidental. The characters and story lines are created from the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

If you are interested in purchasing more works of this nature, please stop by http://www.freyasbower.com.

Freya’s Bower.com P.O. Box 4897 Culver City, CA 90231-4897 Printed in The United States of America

Novel Romance “Thank you for stopping by my booth,” I say to an early bird shopper and hand her some change. I place several more romance novels on my vender’s table. I don’t know a lot about flea marketing, but I do know the early birds are the best shoppers. I sit down with a new book to read, but instead, I’m enthralled by the menagerie of venders preparing for the weekend business. There is a flurry of activity across the midway. The vender, an attractive man, looks to be about thirty-five. Thoughts of Ken drift into my mind. We shared six months of romantic weekends, but I discovered that he was married. Now every time I think about Ken, my face burns with embarrassment. The morning progresses quickly. I can’t help myself from constantly observing the fellow across the way. Soon, I notice customers have begun to gather around the food venders. Looking at my wristwatch, I realize it’s a few minutes past noon. “Do you have any more books?” I find myself face to face with the handsome vender. Earthy brown eyes regard me with a personality so intense that an intelligent response eludes me. Finally, I manage to make my tongue work. “I have a couple boxes that I haven’t unpacked yet.” “I’ll buy all that you have, including the ones in boxes.” His gaze wanders over the number of books remaining on my table. “How much do I owe you?” I total the amount, and he passes me the money with nervous hands. “I’m Cassandra Stafford,” I say bravely and extend my hand. “Dennis Stevens.” When our palms connect, a little shiver caresses my spine. “You must be an avid reader.” He grins, a deep dimple creasing one cheek. “I read just about everything.” “Even romances?” Dennis looks down at the books. “Yes, even romances.” Shyly, I release his hand and step back. I turn away, drag two empty crates out of my camper, and help him box the loose books. “Do you need some help carrying these to your camper?” I study his strong hands packing the romances. He has such an easy manner. “Nope, my son will help me.” Dennis nods toward his RV. He’s married? A rain cloud of disappointment settles over me. “How old is he?” I ask. Dennis smiles proudly. “He’s twelve.” He motions for the boy to join us. I have been so absorbed in watching Dennis that I didn’t notice the boy hovering nearby. “He’s a good kid,” Dennis says, “and a hard worker.” Our gazes lock, and I feel a little thrill wind its way into my heart. “Got any kids?” “I’ve never been married.” Did I just see a glimmer of interest in his eyes? Dennis helps his son lift a box. The boy nods to me and walks away. Picking up another carton, Dennis asks, “Why don’t you come over to our camper for breakfast in the morning? I’ll pick up a box of donuts.” Without a backwards look, he turns and leaves with the books. *** Thoughts of Dennis swirled in my head all night. The next morning, I swing my legs over the edge of the camper bunk and sit staring at my toes. Why am I so smitten by him? He’s married and has a twelve-year-old son! 4

I had planned on shopping the grounds today, but now I think that I should pack up and leave. It’s better to avoid getting more involved with Dennis. Maybe he just thought that since we share a common interest, breakfast with his family would be nice. However, I can’t deny that I’m extremely attracted to him. Why does it seem like the only ones I fall for are either married or gay? My relationship with Ken ended six months ago. As soon as I found out that he was married, I broke off the affair. Before Ken, I dated a great guy for two weeks only to have his best buddy tell me that he was engaged. My luck with men is deplorable. On second thought, I will go to Dennis’ trailer, thank him kindly for his breakfast offer, and return to my camper for a bowl of cornflakes. Stumbling to the bathroom, I wash my face and dress hastily. I hurry across to Dennis’s RV. He throws open the camper door just as I’m about to knock. “Good morning!” He holds the door open. “Come in, Cassandra! I already bought the donuts; in fact, we have three flavors.” At a loss for words, I step up into the RV and make my way towards the kitchenette. Dennis follows and takes a cup down from a cabinet. “How do you like your coffee?” he asks. “Black with sugar.” I accept a glazed donut from the carton Ricky holds out to me and offer him a smile. Where is his mother? “Really?” Dennis fills the cup. “Me, too. I take three spoonfuls of sugar.” “So do I!” My heart sinks. Dennis is so perfect—and even more attractive with sleeprumpled hair! “My wife always teased me that I like coffee in my sugar.” Dennis hands me the steaming mug. “I’d like to thank her for breakfast too,” I say. A wounded look abruptly settles upon Ricky’s face. Immediately, I know that I have said something dreadfully wrong. “She passed away a little over a year ago.” Dennis stirs sugar into his coffee. “She had leukemia.” “I’m sorry.” “I’ve finally come to terms with her passing, but I still miss her terribly.” Ricky takes a donut and a glass of milk and, steps outside, quietly shutting the door. “I didn’t mean to upset him.” I feel terrible. Guilt pokes at my gut. Slowly, I raise my gaze to meet Dennis’s brown eyes. “It’s not you,” he says. “Ricky was extremely close to his mother. He still struggles with her death. Although he’s finally getting a handle on it, he has a long way to go.” Dennis motions for me to have a seat. We sit down with our breakfast, enjoying a comfortable silence. Through the open door, the flea market grounds stirs with early morning life. Relief that Dennis isn’t married surges through me, but so does more guilt at such a thought. However, I realize that Dennis has moved on with his life and that’s good. Dennis glances at his wristwatch. “I had no idea it was getting so late. I better uncover the displays. Do you mind finishing breakfast outside with me while I set things up?” “Not at all,” I say, smiling. “It’s a beautiful morning.”

5

Outside, I glance over at a table Ricky is uncovering. I walk over to the books placed there and blink in shock. They’re the same ones Dennis purchased from me yesterday, priced at a dollar each. “You’re reselling my stuff for a profit?” I touch a tag on one book. Dennis nods. “Don’t you do the same thing?” “You said you liked to read!” “I do, but I sell a lot of books, especially if they’re in great shape like these.” Frowning, Dennis joins me at the table. “I thought you knew what I was doing.” “I just didn’t think about it, I guess. I thought that we had a common interest and that you used the books as an excuse to…” I shrug, too embarrassed to finish my thought. “To what? To meet you?” Dennis chuckles. “I did, Cassandra, but when I saw that your paperbacks were like new, I couldn’t pass them up.” “I work in a bookstore and get my books half price,” I mumble. Idly, I wonder if I have the word SUCKER blinking on my forehead and I’m the only one who can’t see it. “Hey,” Dennis takes my hand, “you attracted me, not the books or the idea of making a profit.” I smile. “Really?” A chuckle erupts from him, one that is deep and warm. It sends a thrill winding through me. He asks, “You don’t flea market professionally, do you?” Shaking my head, I reply, “I do it a couple times a year and use the money I make to buy Christmas presents for my sister and nephew.” The warmth of his hand causes my stomach to flip-flop. I watch his son bag books for an early-bird shopper. “Although, I now see that there is good money to be made in it.” “I could teach you a few things if you’d like to join me on the weekends.” Dennis’s earthy eyes fill with anticipation. “Of course, we could talk about it over dinners and maybe even discuss our favorite books.” Silliness and happiness fill me to the point of exploding, so I can’t help but laugh. “Do you really read romances?” “I sure do.” He leans close and whispers, making my knees turn to goo. “I’m even writing my own romance novel.” “You’re kidding! I write romantic suspense stories!” Laughing, Dennis asks his son to watch the merchandise for a while. He tucks my arm through his. “Care to take a stroll around the grounds? Maybe I can teach you some bartering strategies.” “I’d love to.” I savor the strength of his arm wrapped around mine and lean into him. I feel like one of the heroines in the romance novels that I read. Now I’m the leading lady who has finally found the man of her dreams.

6

Excerpt from The Conspiracy of Angels by Zinnia Hope A Freya’s Bower Novel

Conspiracy of Angels The kitchen door slammed behind Elizabeth. She tossed her windbreaker on top of the freezer chest and hurried into the kitchen. The heady aromas of freshly brewed coffee, Italian spices and rising dough enveloped her. “I’m so sorry, Grams.” She placed her purse on a side table and snatched an apron hanging on the wall. “I had no idea it was getting so late.” At the stovetop, Sarah chuckled. She sampled the spaghetti sauce that simmered in a large pot. “It’s only ten-thirty. We still have plenty of time for those final touches. Why all the excitement?” “The principal of the Shining Lights Private School called right after you left this morning.” “Oh?” Sarah paused, giving Elizabeth her full attention. “Alex started school today. A spot opened on the enrollment list. I’ve been rushing around all morning, transferring his files from the public school and settling him into his new class.” She pointed at the papers sticking out of the top of her purse. “Afterwards, I stopped for a newspaper. Our Grand Opening ad looks great.” “You’re certainly full of wonderful news this morning.” Sarah smiled and returned her attention to the pots and kettles steaming on the stovetop. She stirred and tasted as if she were a medieval apothecary. A coffeemaker chugged out its last drops of brew. Elizabeth poured herself a cup and dropped in a teaspoon of creamer. She let out a huge sigh, slurped gratefully, and sat down on one of the stools at the isle counter. Sarah glanced over her shoulder. “So, tell me how things went at Shining Lights. Do you think Alex will like it there?” “I think so,” Elizabeth began. She watched Sarah add more oregano to the pasta sauce. An aromatic cloud of Italian food steam drifted over the counter. “It still concerns me, though. There’s been so much for Alex to adjust to. Our move here forced him to leave his old school and friends, and then after only a couple months in a new elementary, I put him into private education.” Elizabeth slurped from her cup. “Barely a month remains before summer vacation begins. I’m afraid he’s had to spend too much time adapting to all these new changes and his studies will suffer.” Nodding sagely, Sarah replied, “My grandson is very bright and mature for his age. After all, it’s just kindergarten, Elizabeth. Most of what he’s learning now, he already knows from you and me teaching him.” “Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Sarah paused long enough to pat Elizabeth’s shoulder. “It’ll just take time. You’ll see.” “Maybe.” Elizabeth shrugged. “Something’s still bothering you.” “It nags at me that I didn’t get here earlier. I really wanted to get a jump on some things such as today’s soup special. I was going to finish laminating the last few menus…” She noticed a kettle of hearty minestrone simmering on a back burner. Her gaze moved to the menus in their shiny plastic jackets on the worktable. In the industrial oven, loaves of cheesy herb bread slowly baked to a golden brown. “When did you find time to do everything?”

1

Conspiracy of Angels “I prepared the minestrone last night, and I was so excited about today that I woke up early this morning and made the bread dough, then I finished the menus.” Sarah wore an amused look on her cherubic face. “Now, get a grip and enjoy another cup of coffee, child. You’re a nervous wreck.” Elizabeth chuckled. “Like more caffeine is going to calm me down.” “Why don’t you write today’s specials on the blackboard?” her grandmother asked. She reached towards the spice cabinet. “There’s colored chalk next to the cash register. Daniel will be here any minute.” Hopping off the stool, Elizabeth whirled. “What?” “Last night, Daniel called after you had gone to bed.” Sarah shook salt into her hand, gauged the amount, and dropped it into one of the kettles. “He offered his help, and since we’re still short on employees, I accepted.” “How did he get our home phone number? It’s unlisted.” Irritation settled in Elizabeth’s chest. She crossed her arms over her breasts and asked, “Better yet, how did he find out we own this restaurant?” A sheepish expression settled upon Sarah’s face. “Yesterday, during services, I filled out one of those visitor cards tucked into the pews.” “Grams, how could you?” Her grandmother stirred each of the kettles and shrugged. “You can’t avoid Daniel forever. After all, you both live in the same town now.” “I’m not ready to deal with him so soon. Especially not on Grand Opening Day.” “Oh, by the way,” Sarah said. She fished out a spoonful of minestrone and tasted it. “Daniel’s not married.” Elizabeth realized her mouth hung open and shut it firmly. “How do you know that?” “I asked him.” “Did you tell him that I’m a single mother?” “The matter did come up, yes.” “What did you say?” Dizziness overwhelmed her, and she grabbed the edge of the counter. Sarah washed her hands in a big stainless steel sink. “I didn’t tell him much,” she reached for a paper towel, “but he’s very curious about you.” She grinned, her blue eyes hopeful. “That’s a good sign.” “I don’t want a relationship, not with Daniel or any other man.” Anger welled up inside Elizabeth. Her grandmother always meant well, but sometimes Elizabeth resented it. After her mother, Barbara, had died, Sarah took on the role of both parent and grandparent, often taking it to the extreme. “The last thing on my mind right now with our big move back to Ohio, our new business and my son in a new school, is a serious romantic relationship.” “I didn’t tell him anything about you and Alex. I never mentioned a word about Brian Dansbury either.” Sarah’s eyes flashed angrily. “I also don’t like you talking to me in such a manner.” The unmistakable tone of her voice sliced Elizabeth’s hostility into shame. Her resolve floated in a sea of bewilderment. “Please,” Elizabeth struggled to salvage what little remained of her pride, “stop bringing up Brian and promise me you won’t tell Daniel anything. He never 2

Conspiracy of Angels once tried to contact me after we left town. I sent him countless letters, and he never wrote back.” Sarah nodded, a quizzical look on her face. “I have to admit I don’t understand why he never contacted you either, but I do know that Daniel is a good guy.” “Maybe,” Elizabeth replied, “or maybe I was the passing fancy of a very young man.” She sighed and gathered her thoughts. “Daniel proved he didn’t really care, and when Brian walked out on me, I realized my luck with men sucks.” A teary note settled in her voice. “Daniel can’t know about Alex. If he does, I’ll have to deal with Minister Rivers too. Alex and I don’t need the Rivers men interfering in our lives.” “Brian was a jerk, but I know Daniel is a good, sweet man who deserves to hear the truth—and Alex deserves to have a daddy.” Elizabeth started to say something, but Sarah waved an impatient hand at her. “I’m not going to open my mouth, dear. I only planted the required seeds. Besides, I’ve told you repeatedly that secrets will come back to haunt you.” “I’ll keep my secret as long as I want.” No matter how hard she fought it, the tears surged into her eyes. They traced a path through her sparse makeup. Hands on hips, Sarah assumed the stance of a ruffled mother hen. “I make it my business to know things about my family. Your mother was secretive too. Look where it got her.” Sighing, Elizabeth pulled a paper towel from a roll on the counter isle and dried her tears. “I’m sorry, child. Don’t cry. I know you’re scared and uncertain.” “What happened to Mom didn’t have anything to do with her keeping secrets.” She sniffed and blew her nose. “And I’m more afraid of being here in town with Alex than you can possibly know.” “If I had known beforehand that your mom had plans of moving the two of you to New York City, I would’ve found a way to talk her out of it, found some way to stop her.” Sarah scoured her hands on her apron. “Maybe if we had stayed here, you could’ve straightened things out with Daniel and his father, and you wouldn’t be so frightened now.” “Even if we had stayed, Minister Rivers hated me so much he would’ve turned Daniel against me. Daniel’s his son, and he certainly couldn’t have his only son in love with trailer trash.” The statement hung in the air like a bad odor. Her grandmother slapped a spoon down on the stovetop. “You should be ashamed of yourself for talking so badly about Minister Rivers. He’s a good, godfearing man.” Elizabeth took a deep breath to calm her raging emotions. “Let’s not go there.” Sarah turned and stared out the window over the sink. “If your father had been in your life, maybe things would have worked out differently.” A derisive snort came out harsher than Elizabeth intended. “I doubt it would have made any difference.” Her grandmother shrugged. “Maybe one day your father will make amends.” Her grandmother’s desire to have their family together and whole again softened Elizabeth’s voice. “Mom never put my father's name on my birth

3

Conspiracy of Angels certificate, and she took his identity to the grave with her. I’ve never known any relative on my father’s side either, so I can’t miss what I’ve never had.” “You never know, Elizabeth,” Sarah whispered. “Life can be full of unexpected twists.” “My father aside, we came back to Ohio for several reasons, but reviving my past wasn’t one of them.”

Buy now!

4

If you enjoyed this story, check out Freya’s Bower’s other offerings: Genres: Freya’s Bower Angels & Demons Page Freya’s Bower Capture/Bondage Page Freya’s Bower Chick Lit Page Freya’s Bower Contemporary Page Freya’s Bower Fantasy Page Freya’s Bower Futuristic/Science-Fiction Freya’s Bower Lesbian/Gay Freya’s Bower Historical Freya’s Bower Military Freya’s Bower Mystery Freya’s Bower Paranormal Freya’s Bower Suspense Freya’s Bower Time Travel Freya’s Bower Werewolf/Vampire Freya’s Bower Western Ratings: Freya’s Bower Tangy Page Freya’s Bower Sizzling Page Freya’s Bower Spicy Page Freya’s Bower Sweet Page Freya’s Bower Beyond Sizzling Page And come chat with Freya’s Bower authors at: FB Author Circle: http://fbauthorcircle.blogspot.com/ FB Author Chat Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freyasbower_authorchat/ Or join our newsletter: FB Yahoo Newsletter: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/freyasbower_newsletter/ FB Store Newsletter: http://www.freyasbower.com/store/ Or stay up to date with what is happening at FB: WCP/FB News Blog: http://wcpfbnews.blogspot.com MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/freyasbower