A Beautiful Mess (42 page)

She looked up at Cam, surprised at his height. He was even taller than Alexander, a feat at six-foot-five. Maybe he was right. Maybe what Olivia needed was someone to help her forget. She couldn’t possibly go on living her life as she had been. Every day was a struggle to get through. And she felt
something
when she looked at him. It wasn’t sparks and shivers and tremors as it was when she looked at Alexander. But at least
something
was far better than
nothing
.

He pleaded with her with his eyes, desperate to find out more about this mysterious woman who had come to the island and captured his attention so quickly.
 

“Okay. I’ll go out with you.”

A smile spread across Cam's face and Olivia couldn’t help but to giggle a little at the look of excitement.

“Great!” he exclaimed. “I’ll pick you up at seven.” Cam left before Olivia could protest.

She fell back over onto the couch. For the first time in weeks she actually had something to look forward to that evening. She was unsure how to feel about that. Would she just find herself in the same situation as she did with Alexander? No. Impossible. She refused to let it get that far. She couldn’t. It nearly tore her apart when she had to leave Alexander. And she vowed to never have to do that again. Even if it meant spending the rest of her life alone.

 
“Damn it, Nepenthe. What have I gotten myself into?” Nepenthe stood up and stretched before settling back down on Olivia’s stomach.

W
RITING
these books has been a labor of love. This all started out back in January, 2013 when I got the crazy idea to just start writing. I’ve always loved to read, something I think is becoming lost on the younger generation these days who prefer to sit in front of a game console. Where’s the adventure in that?

Growing up, I remember my father taking me and my two sisters to the library every week, and we were so excited to be able to pick out new books to read. So I guess the first people I need to thank are my parents, Don and Linda Martin, for instilling a love of reading at such an early age. I recall being able to read when I was barely out of pre-school, and I don’t think I ever stopped. I’ve always preferred it to watching movies, which is ironic considering I work as a producer, but there’s something magical about reading. It’s like being able to direct your very own movie in your mind.

And I can’t leave out my support system since I was in diapers. My two sisters, Melissa Morgera and Amy Perras, who, when I told them I had written not one but three novels, didn’t look at me like it was the craziest thing in the world. They were so excited that they both wanted to read it immediately. A lot of our antics growing up made its way into the book, as did the basis for a few of the characters. I couldn’t imagine life without my two sisters.

Another huge thank you is to one of my oldest and dearest friends, Kerri Deschaine. Without Kerri in my life, there would have been no Kiera in these books. Kerri was my inspiration for the character. She is a fierce friend who would bend over backwards for you, and support you no matter what. And I’m forever grateful that we met in a dingy fraternity basement at UMASS Lowell.

And of course, I need to give a huge huge thank you to my betas who enthusiastically agreed to help, not really knowing what they were getting themselves into. Your words of encouragement stayed with me during this whole process, even when the little doubt fairy paid a visit saying I’d never sell a copy, except to maybe my mother.

Lynne Ayling, Karen Emery, Natalie Naranjo, Stacy Stoops, thank you all for your thoughts on what worked and what didn’t. I have to admit, I was so nervous sending my manuscript out to you all. My hand was literally shaking as I hit send on each of those e-mails. I was so worried that I just wasted the last six months of my life on something that totally sucked. So thank you girls for telling me that it doesn’t suck and for your enthusiasm about the project!

Last, but certainly not least, I need to thank the love of my life. My husband has been nothing but supportive through all of this. When I finally told him that I had written three novels, he stayed up almost round-the-clock reading all the books. Then he began reaching out to all his friends and acquaintances and convinced them to check out my Facebook page. Instead of doing any of his work, he became my very own publicist. When I was going through my manuscript, editing it like a madwoman so I could get it published ahead of schedule, he made breakfast and lunch for me on a daily basis, bringing it up to me on a tray, while I toiled away over my manuscript. I’m so happy that he believes in these books as much as I do. His support has been overwhelming. Stan is my Alexander.

Can’t wait to do it all over again with
A Tragic Wreck
.

About the Author

T.K. Leigh, otherwise known as Tracy Leigh Kellam, is a producer / attorney by trade. Originally from New England, she now resides in sunny Southern California with her husband, dog and three cats, all of which she has rescued (including the husband). She always had a knack for writing, but mostly in the legal field. It wasn’t until recently that she decided to try her hand at creative writing and is now addicted to creating different characters and new and unique story lines in the Contemporary Romantic Suspense genre.

When she’s not planted in front of her computer, writing away, she can be found running and training for her next marathon (of which she has run over fifteen fulls and far too many halfs to recall). Unlike Olivia, the main character in her
Beautiful Mess
series, she has yet to qualify for the Boston Marathon.

Follow her online at:

www.facebook.com/tkleighauthor

www.tkleighauthor.com