Intensity (27 page)
Then—nothing.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Hands tugged at me as pain radiated everywhere. The ringing in my ears blocked out any other sound.
Ew.
What’s that smell?
My eyes shot open as the circulation in my arm and pulse cut off.
A man in a blue medic uniform knelt beside me, blood pressure cuff pumped to full capacity. A flickering beam flashed into my eyes, making me pinch them closed.
What the heck?
I opened them and examined the room. Linc and Mylaynee hovered at my feet. On my other side, another medic pushed a needle in my arm, making me wince at the sudden jab.
Linc came around the side and knelt at the top of my head, brushing my hair to the side and off my forehead. “I’m so sorry, please forgive me.”
Not having a clue, I concentrated on his pale face and tried to remember what happened.
“Please,” he begged, pressing his lips to my temple.
Blood pressure cuff off, I lifted my free hand up to his cheek, my palm covering the tears cascading down them. “It’s okay.”
Before I could say anything else, they hoisted me onto a stretcher. Mylaynee clasped my hand in hers, rushing alongside and reassuring. “Don’t worry. They just have to check you out.”
I grabbed Linc’s hand and gazed up with a pleading expression, willing him not to leave me.
In some reciprocal, unspoken exchange, I knew he wouldn’t—ever.
Somehow doctors and nurses thought it necessary to poke and prod, when all I wanted was to be left alone. They performed their duties with proficiency, but my grumbles and impatience didn’t help me get out of there any faster. I prayed to never step foot in a hospital again. After several rounds of tests, all coming back clear, I returned in time to go to bed. Daylight gone and almost ten o’clock, fatigue had set in, even though I hadn’t done more than get wheeled from one room to another. Swaddled in a comforter, Linc spooning behind me, I couldn’t keep my eyes open.
“What can I get you?”
Geez, would I ever get any peace? On a yawn I murmured, “I’m good.” I kicked the heavy blanket to the side, and Linc pulled it the rest of the way down, leaving a single sheet covering my waist. He picked up my hand, kissing it tenderly. “I’m sorry, Serena.”
He’d said it least a hundred times in the ambulance, at the hospital, and on the way home. Knowing I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep with him beating himself up anymore, I turned around and wrapped my arms around his waist. “You had every right to be angry.” I tilted his face down, bringing him almost nose to nose, and spoke with utter determination. “This place does
not
define you, Linc. You deserve to have everything your heart desires. I brought up your sister because her tragedy should have one and only one significance.”
I placed a cherished kiss on his lips and cast my heartfelt wish. “Live
for
her, not
because
of her.”
His blue eyes lightened, so pastel they looked fluorescent. I watched an interchange of expressions from thoughtful to acceptance to emboldened take hold, washing a decade of pain and tumult off him.
His pupils transformed to pinpricks, and he roamed my face in slow motion. He repeated the same action with his fingertips, skimming from my temple, to cheeks, and down to my chin.
Oh, Linc
. He did the same thing the first day we met.
He flashed me that crooked, dimpled smile, and slid his thumb in a tender swipe across my lower lip, whispering, “My serenity. I love you, Serena.”
THE END
Linc & Serena’s story is continued in SERENITY.
Available 2015.
Thank you for reading INTENSITY. If you enjoyed it, I would appreciate a shout out.
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Please consider writing a review, either at the retailer site where you purchased INTENSITY, or on your blog. If you post a review, let me know. I read a lot too, write reviews on occasion, but not spoilers. Please do me a favor, preserve the story. When I read reviews I like to be teased, but I don’t want to be told everything. That’s why I rarely read movie descriptions and often choose books by covers and teasers. I love surprises, especially good ones.
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Upcoming projects
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SERENITY release 2015. This story picks up where INTENSITY left you. Want to know what happens with Serena & Linc? It’s not over yet. Visit my website
www.cckoen.com
for updates and excerpts. There are tons of INTENSITY goodies there too. Check them out. Have you seen the INTENSITY book trailer yet? Warning: It’s smokin’ hot. It’s on the website along with a playlist and in-depth character info.
Curious about other INTENSITY characters?
Mylaynee’s story will be available in 2016. You won’t believe how she ended up at the lounge. Love mystery and suspense? There will be plenty in her book: (untitled).
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I grew up in a culturally rich, bilingual home which included unique holiday celebrations and wonderful ethnic foods passed down through generations. My favorites are the sweets of course.
An educator for over twenty years, my passion includes teaching, reading, and writing. An avid reader who enjoys romance, mystery, and suspense, my stories will never be what you expect. Teacher by day, romance writer at night produce an active imagination I share with each of you.
Join me on this journey…
Dream big dreams—they’re always in reach, just grab on and enjoy the ride.
C.B.—You’ve been with me from the beginning: a mentor, cheerleader, psychologist, social media tutor, and so much more. You took me under your wing at WCES and haven’t stopped since. Thank you for the constant support and inspiration. Your friendship means the world to me.
K.T.—Certain people come into your life for very specific reasons. From day one, we were not only colleagues, but best friends. Thank you for always listening, the prayers and guidance, and for putting up with the “sass” I dish out too often. The nickname you gave me fits so well.
Bloggers—The Book Enthusiast, Book Plug Promotions, HEA Bookshelf, Reading Addiction VBT, RomCon Blogs, Tasty Book Tours, Truly Schmexy Girl/PR, XPresso Book Tours, Author Cate Masters, InkslingerPR, and InD’tale. Thank you for the support and guidance throughout the daunting marketing process. My questions were mundane, but you answered and encouraged every time. Without the hard work all of you do, authors would have a hard time connecting with readers. From one avid reader to another, thanks for helping us find the next great read!
Beta Readers—Amazing writers and readers, my heartfelt thanks to the many Scrib members who provided thorough critiques. I’m in awe of your stories, poetry, and literary genius. Your thoughtful insights pushed me to be a better writer and the constant encouragement helped me get through the zany writing process. A wonderful group of experts and professionals who know what it takes to write a great story. Thank you!
D.P. Lyle, M.D.—You are proof of the power of social media. I never would have found out about Crime & Scene Radio or the consulting service you provide for authors if it hadn’t been for a recommendation I received via Twitter. Thank you for your insight and perspective about guns and resulting injuries.
E. Pepper, M.D.—My family practice doctor, thank you for taking time out of your very busy schedule to make sure all my questions were answered. You rock!
H.A. Puttgen, M.D.—YOU ARE AMAZING! Whether you drew the short straw or not, I appreciate the nearly hour-long phone conference and multiple emails you answered. I wasn’t sure anyone would respond to my requests for assistance, but you did. You explained medical terminology and critical care methods with such clarity that I actually understood it. I don’t know if you’ll ever read this book, but if you do, I hope I did you proud.
