Excerpts

When the Past Came Back

......................Published by The Wild Rose Press

A massive fireplace covered one wall. It was the picture above it, however, drawing her attention. Dani covered her mouth to stifle a scream. A raging fire burned in the pit of her stomach. Were her eyes deceiving her? The woman in the picture staring back was her in her wedding gown. It was a painful reminder of what could have been. The beautiful sunny day she posed for the photo had been a happy and carefree time. She had picked the pose to run in the Tyler Morning Telegraph the day after her wedding. A wedding that never took place.
What's happening to me? Tears filled her eyes as she gazed up at the image. Who are these people? Where am I?
Her breathing came in short pants as she moved toward the mantle, never taking her eyes from the picture. Her body trembled in terror as she gripped the shelf above the fireplace with both hands. Footsteps on the hardwood floor interrupted her thoughts, and she whirled around to see a man standing next to the arch.
He was tall, maybe six feet, with dark wavy hair and a full beard. His golden tan seemed darker next to the white short-sleeved shirt he wore. Starched blue jeans hugged his thighs like a glove and covered a pair of black cowboy boots. Who is this stranger? Jumbled thoughts ran through her head. What does he plan to do to me?
"I've been waiting for you to awaken." His eyes met hers and he smiled. Dani's breath caught in her throat. A chill ran up her spine and down her arms. "Where am I? Why have you brought me here?"
He strolled toward the mantle. Dani's eyes widened as he approached. She backed away until her legs collided with a chair.
He stopped and held up his hand. "There's no need for fear, Dani. I won't harm you."
That voice seems vaguely familiar. Where have I heard it before?
"You kidnapped me." Her voice cracked with disbelief.
"Kidnap is a very harsh word. I had you abducted."
Dani's face burned with anger. She narrowed her eyes and glared at him . "What damn difference is there? Kidnapped, abducted. From where I stand, it's the same thing." She growled through clenched teeth.
He walked past her and stood in front of a bay window. "No. Kidnapped is for ransom and abducted is taken against your will. Besides, I did it for your own good."
Dani placed a trembling fist on each hip. "What do you mean 'for my own good'? I was perfectly safe in my office, until you barged in, drugged and kidnapped me."
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah. I guess you could say that." He gazed at the floor then raised his head to face her. "But I only had it done, I didn't do it myself."
Dani fumed. "This is ridiculous. Can I get a straight answer to a direct question?"
He sighed. "You were in danger, and I had to protect you."