Tag: Ethan Tomlin

#SnippetSunday – “Adrenaline shot through him as he struggled” – #romance #love #read #Free

 

 

DEFYING RULES

I’m back with another snippet of this story after spending two weeks in the wonderful country of New Zealand.

A little reminder: in the previous posts Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in. Ethan drove coincidently drove by and stopped to see how she was going. I moved forward a little to the moment he knocks at her door later that night.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

She (Addy) sighed. “Honestly, I’m fine. If anything, I’m disappointed and angry.”
He nodded, fully understanding where she was coming from. It’d probably the same thoughts he’d be having if he were in the situation. Anger and frustration at the fact that someone had intruded on his privacy.
Gently pushing away from him, she looked up and met his gaze. “Anyway, this is the spare bed. Apologies for the mess, but—”
He held up his hand. “No worries. It’ll do just fine for the night.”
“Good night,” she said before heading to her own room.
There was enough space for Ethan’s swag on the floor. It didn’t take him long to unpacked it. Then he went in search for the bathroom.
As exhausted as he was, sleep didn’t come easy. He thought of the past and the many times he’d slept in his swag in Nick’s room after a fight with Skye. Staring at the ceiling, he wondered about her. Where she was or what she was doing with her life nowadays. Did she have a family? Was she married? Did she think of Nicholas occasionally? He thought of Jack, whose ex-wife had left with their son twenty years ago. Jack had pined for his son every single day. Would Nick try to find his mother when he’d be older? Ethan wasn’t able to remember a time they’d talked of Skye. Although he felt guilty at that moment, the situation had never come up, and Nick had never shown any interest. He remembered the time his boy was in Grade 1 at school, and the class activity was to create something for Mother’s Day. The young boy had eagerly crafted a beautiful basket with toiletry items and given it to Emily. Ethan had not only been relieved, but proud as well. Proud of his son to have tackled the situation with such ease.
Despite all the thoughts going through his head, he must’ve fallen asleep after all, because the next thing he knew was, he was jolted out of sleep, woken instantly by a scream from somewhere in the house. Adrenaline shot through him as he struggled to get out of his swag.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “she hesitantly leaned into his hand.” – #romance #love #read #Free

 

Want to be part of sharing FRESH BEGINNINGS?
Sign up here … and I’ll be very grateful to you ☺

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder: in the previous posts Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in. Ethan drove coincidently drove by and stopped to see how she was going. I moved forward a little to the moment he knocks at her door later that night.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

He smiled and slipped past her into the house. Closing the door behind him, he locked the deadbolt and followed her into the back of the house. Her honey-like scent didn’t go unnoticed, and his whole body was on alert. Addison must’ve had a shower. She was barefoot, in some old grey track pants and a black T-shirt. Her black hair hung down her shoulders in damp, wavy curls.
“Have you had dinner, yet?”
He nodded. “I’ve got a boy to look after. We always eat early.”
She teased him with another one of her beautiful soft laughs. “Every time I see him outside the class he’s eating something.”
Ethan chuckled. “Yes, he’s one expensive child when it comes to food.”
For all her talk about being fine, she must’ve been terrified. It didn’t go past Ethan that she was fidgeting with her hands, since he’d come in. They stopped at the last room along the corridor, and he turned towards her.
“How are you really going?” he asked.
“Fine. Why do you keep asking me?”
Slowly, he lifted his hand to her face, letting his fingers trace over her smooth cheek. He noticed how she hesitantly leaned into his hand, so he stepped closer and gently pulled her towards him.
Addison rested her head against his chest, and Ethan instinctively wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight, moving his hand up and down her back as he listened to her breathing.
She sighed. “Honestly, I’m fine. If anything, I’m disappointed and angry.”

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “He lifted a questioning eyebrow.” – #romance #love #read #Free

 

Want to be part of sharing FRESH BEGINNINGS?
Sign up here … and I’ll be very grateful to you ☺

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder: in the previous posts Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in. Ethan drove coincidently drove by and stopped to see how she was going. I moved forward a little to the moment he knocks at her door later that night.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Fifteen minutes later, Ethan stood in front of Addison’s house and knocked at the door. He’d thought of giving her a quick call before showing up unannounced, but had forgotten in the rush of getting organised. The house was lit up like a Christmas tree, and he assumed she was home, but wasn’t a hundred percent sure. He’d be disappointed, of course, but possibly more relieved that she was with somebody.
About to knock again, he stopped midway when the door opened a fraction. Just enough for Addison to peer through the small gap. Her beautiful blue eyes seemed tired and leery.
“Ethan?”
“Can I come in?”
She blinked a couple of times and noticed his swag. “Why?”
“I appreciate your attitude to handle this on your own, but—”
“I’m fine, Ethan.”
“I know you are and I know it’s very selfish in a way, but—”
“I don’t know you.”
The corners of his mouth twitched in the attempt to hold back a smile, despite some frustration growing within him. “That’s the second time you’ve interrupted me. I want to help. Is it so hard to understand that? I feel uncomfortable with the idea that someone broke into your house, and you’re on your own.”
“For all I know you could be —”
He lifted a questioning eyebrow.
Addison let out soft laugh, and damn if that didn’t do a number on his thoughts. “I know, far-fetched, but—” She hesitated, but stepped back after a moment to let him in. “Okay, there’s a spare bed in the back room.”

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “Gossip. All gossip.” – #romance #love #read #Free

 

Want to be part of sharing FRESH BEGINNINGS?
Sign up here … and I’ll be very grateful to you ☺

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in on of the previous posts, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in. I’ve edited it a bit to keep it shorter.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Ethan gave his friend a rundown of the break-in at Addison’s and her persistence to stay in the house on her own despite him offering her to stay in the hotel or his place, ending with the explanation that he was concerned about her being on her own.
“I’m not sure how it’ll go down with her, but I thought I’d grab my swag and head over there.”
“No worries mate. Drop off Nick over here. Emily will love having him around and watch a movie with him.”
“Thanks mate. I owe you.”
“You do indeed. Mainly an explanation about your interest in her. Emily told me she’s suspicious—”
“Gossip. All gossip.”
Connor laughed. “I’ll see you in a few.”
After a quick talk to Nick, with as little detail as possible, but as much to satisfy the boy’s curiosity, Ethan and his son drove over to Connor’s house. The boy was happy the situation resulted in a sleep over at his dad’s friend. Even more so with Emily around. She usually spoilt him rotten.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “He was more surprised than mad.” – #romance #love #read #Free

 

Want to be part of sharing FRESH BEGINNINGS?
Sign up here … and I’ll be very grateful to you ☺

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in on of the previous posts, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in. I’ve edited it a bit to keep it shorter.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Ethan stormed into the house, still frustrated with Addison’s stubbornness. All he wanted to do was help. He was worried, because a break-in like this was very unusual in Fermosa Bay.
He threw his keys into the little bowl next to the entrance door and went into the kitchen for a cold glass of water. Suddenly, but with great intensity, he remembered her body close to him. Her gentle sobs against his chest. To see her so fragile had hurt him inside, despite knowing her so little.
Ethan made himself a cup of tea when his phone rang. He checked the ID. It was a local number he didn’t recognise. Slightly annoyed by the late call, he answered it abruptly.
“Hello, Ethan speaking.”
There was a moment of silence before a female voice said. “Good evening, Ethan. It’s Addison Ryker here.”
Raising his brows in surprise, he remained silent.
“Please don’t be mad and hang up.”
He was more surprised than mad.
“How can I help you?”
He knew he was an arse for being so frosty. After all, it’d been a stressful situation for her and he’d possibly been a bit more insistent than he should’ve been. Yet, he still worried about her being on her own in the house. And as much as he admitted he was attracted to her, he knew this was more the caring part coming out in him. If ever something like that should’ve happened to Emily, he’d hoped for someone to look after her. As he listened to her, he left the lounge room and went back into the kitchen.
“I need to apologise for my behaviour this afternoon.” Her voice still sounded fragile and everything inside him tightened. “I think the thought of leaving my house to let the burglar win freaked me out. I can’t let this person win. And even though I’ve only been here for a few weeks, it’s my home, and I feel most comfortable at my home.”

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “He’d hugged her during her first breakdown…” – #romance #love #read #Free

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Not to mention the rumours that spread easily in this town. No way did she want the Principal to find out that she stayed at a parent’s house – innocently or not.
Shaking her head, she whispered, “I can’t do that.”
“Have you got a friend you can stay with?”
“I’ve called my parents. Mum will come tomorrow.”
The long exhale told her he still wasn’t happy with the situation, but she’d made her decision, and he should respect that. After all, he was … a parent. A caring parent indeed, but she didn’t really know him. And if nothing else had come out of her relationship with Ryan, she had learnt how to stand up for herself.
“I’ll be fine,” she insisted.
With his hand on her back, Ethan gave her a gentle push towards the door.
He nodded again. “I believe that. You’re still not staying.”
She stopped and everything inside her tensed. On the verge of being annoyed, or even well and truly past that, she met his gaze. “Look, I don’t need a babysitter. I’m big enough to look after myself.”
He held up his hands and gave a slow nod, with only his eyes reflecting his tension. “No worries.” And without another word, he turned and left.
A flicker of guilt shot through her. She hadn’t meant to be so abrupt, but with the stress over the last two hours and his perseverance, it’d come out that way. She wanted to call out for him and apologise, because she remembered only five minutes earlier he’d hugged her during her first breakdown.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “The idea of sleeping in a stranger’s house…” – #romance #love #read #Free

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

“Let’s go inside and pack a few things,” he whispered and if she hadn’t been so upset, she was sure she’d shuddered at the sound of his voice.

“I’m fine,” she sobbed into his chest. “I’d rather be here than in a small hotel room.”

She sensed him nod his head. “Fair enough. I’ve got a spare room in my house. Can we settle you there for a few days?”

A thousand thoughts ran through her head. The idea of sleeping in a stranger’s house, whether or not she knew his son, the bottom line was she didn’t know Ethan. She remembered how Officer Clark’s expression had changed to a friendly chuckle as soon as he’d seen Ethan, and their conversation had seemed like one between very good friends.

And yet, she still wasn’t able to go. Because one idiot tried to scare her by breaking in, didn’t mean she would let the person scare her and run straight away. The knowledge that the thief didn’t find anything made her hold onto the hope he wouldn’t come back again.

Not to mention the rumours that spread easily in this town. No way did she want the Principal to find out that she stayed at a parent’s house – innocently or not.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – “Her body’s betrayal at the wrong time” – #romance #love #read #Free

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

And, he was a school parent. A big reason to not think of him as an attractive man. Or think of him at all.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
With heat creeping up her cheeks, she figured he meant the break in and nodded.
He scratched the back of his head. “I’m not your nosy neighbour, don’t get me wrong, but I saw the police and remembered Nick telling me your family’s in Melbourne. Anything I can help you with?”
She sighed inwardly. Not only attractive, but very generous as well. Shaking her head, she replied, “I’m fine, but I appreciate your offer.”
“Will you be all right to stay here on your own? I’m sure we can organise a room at the hotel for a few nights.”
Something stirred inside. His caring nature and his generosity were so overwhelming, and possibly the stress of the previous two hours, she didn’t want to but she started to cry.
Ethan stepped even closer and gently drew her into an embrace. Common sense told her to pull away, but it was such a relief to finally be able to let out all the pent-up emotions. The tension, the fear, and her body’s betrayal at the wrong time.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – DEFYING RULES – 22/07/2017 #romance #love #read #Free

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

“Do you know Ethan?”
She blinked once or twice, surprised by Nick’s dad emerging out of the car, as well as the fact that he was known to the police.
Was that good?
Or bad?
“He’s a school parent. I see him sometimes at school. His son is in my class,” she replied with a little smile on her lips.
“Little Nick’s one of your students?”
She noticed the change of expression on his face with a gleam in his eyes and nodded, then moved her head and stared at Ethan as he came closer.
“We’ll be in contact, Ms Ryker.”
Again, she simply nodded and watched him walk to his car.
The two men met half way down her driveway near the police car and shook hands. Their voice carried softly with the little afternoon breeze, but Addy wasn’t able to decipher any words. Not sure whether to wait for Ethan or to go inside, she decided on waiting.
After the two men said their goodbyes, Ethan met her gaze and a slow smile curved up the corners of his mouth. It seemed like an eternity until he made it to the door, and she noticed her pulse racing despite her best efforts to calm herself down with a few deep breaths and a count from twenty down to one. He was attractive, no doubt, but she didn’t know him and was surprised by her body’s reaction to him. After all, he wasn’t the first attractive man she’d ever met.
And, he was a school parent. A big reason to not think of him as an attractive man. Or think of him at all.

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.

#SnippetSunday – DEFYING RULES – 16/07/2017 #romance #love #freebie

Tweet: MORE BEGINNINGS @ an introductory price #99cents https://ctt.ec/9Jov4+ #free 3 chs here: https://irisblobel.com/freebooks/OUT NOW @ an introductory price of only 99 cents
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F7FPQ9/
or get the first three chapter here: More Beginnings

DEFYING RULES

After some whale watching and serious relaxation in South Australia, I’m back with more snippets ☺ A little reminder in the last post, Addy returned home from work to find her house broken in.

DEFYING RULES is set along the Australian Great Ocean Road and tells the story of Ethan Tomlin, single dad, and manager of a hotel chain.

This is still a WIP, so critique away.

Thanks … and enjoy 🙂

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

Experiencing chills down her spine, she blew out a long sigh of relief when she finally heard the police siren approaching only a few minutes later.
What came next was like a blur for Addy. Over the next hour or so, the police inspected the house and asked lots of questions. At some stage, she followed them inside the house. Tentatively, though, as if she was intruding on someone else’s privacy. She shuddered at the thought that someone had gone through her belongings, touched her things. She felt violated and exposed. Room by room, she checked whether anything was missing, a police officer always close by, making notes.
But there wasn’t anything unaccounted for as far as Addy was able to see. She signed a statement before the police was packing up, about to leave.
Exhausted and drained, she stood at the front of the door with Officer Clark, hoping for him to leave soon as well. All she wanted was to crawl into a corner and cry.
“William should be around within the next twenty minutes to fix the front door.”
“Thank you.” She was still overwhelmed by what happened, so it sounded more like a whisper than her normal voice.
“Will you be okay?” he asked.
She nodded, thinking she was going to call her parents to ask them to come earlier than planned.
Officer Clark handed her his card. They shook hands when, out of the corner of her eye, she saw a car pulling up in front of her house. It was an old beaten up pick-up truck, and although it looked familiar, her brain gave her a complete blank as to whom it might belong to. Not that she was good with cars at the best of times. They were one or the other colour and that was as far as her knowledge went. Officer Clark obviously noticed the car as well and gave her a questioning look.
“Do you know Ethan?”

 

Thanks for all your comments,
I do appreciate each single one of them!
And check out Snippet Sunday  Facebook site for other writers.

accent-clipart-13309573511112670181decorative-lines-2_large

4 starsThe Romance Review – NEW BEGINNINGS is a very emotional read, one that is heartwarming as well as heart wrenching. It gives you hope in the act of human kindness and that good things do happen to good people. I highly recommend this book.