Private Affairs (17 page)

In the clearing, the half-moon shined bright directly over the center, as if its only job was to add a calming glisten. I didn't know the cabin was so close to a lake when we rented it, but it was perfect.

There was a gap in the ice close to the middle of the lake; I smiled. As expected, the ice wasn't super thick yet. The weather just began turning a couple of weeks ago, and this week was just bordering on the freezing temperature marks.

The next few days were expected to be even colder, so the surface would probably be solid ice by the end of the week. Fortunately for me, there was no time like the present.

I took a step on the lake. I didn't think it was possible to get colder, but the ice on the bottom of my feet electrified my skin. My body waved in a violent shiver.

It took me three days, but I finally realized the truth: Telluride wasn't the beginning of a new chapter, it was the end of the entire book.

Some people have longer stories than others, some have more luck. My life, my story, was nothing but a series of bad decisions, unlucky coincidences, and unending heartbreaks. And I couldn't take it any longer.

Sure, I felt like a failure for taking my own life. And a part of me didn't want to do it, so Reggie wouldn't get the last laugh. But vindictiveness was a waste of energy.

Despite all of the emotions swirling around since he left me- rage, depression, helplessness- my desire for peace was the most overwhelming.

I'd fought my entire life. I tried to maintain a positive outlook for so long. And it got me nowhere. When I dropped into that hole in the ice, I would finally be at peace.

Carefully, I took another step. And then another. I laughed; why was I being careful? So I
wouldn't
fall in?

I hadn't laughed in days. The fact that I was finding so much joy in my new malaise was fitting.

The ice crackled beneath me as I inched to the center. My heart raced- any of my next moves could be it. I slowly inhaled a stinging cloud of air.

The serenity of the mountains, the clear air, and the beautiful cabin were so serene. Instead of focusing on my nervousness, I focused on the dreamy scenery that was keeping me company in my final moments. I took another step.

"What are you doing?"

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jasmine Garner is a freelancer, editor, and author of scorching erotica and interracial erotic romance. She writes for multiple online blogs covering a wide variety of subjects. Several of her books have been number one bestsellers in her categories, and her loyal fan base is growing by the day.

She can be found on social media: @JGarnerBooks. The easiest way to contact her is via email:
[email protected]
.

For up to date news, or to join her monthly newsletter (which has freebies and exclusive content), visit her website at
www.love-seven.com
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Copyright © 2015 by Love Seven Publishing

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Publisher’s Note: This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are a product of the author’s imagination. Locales and public names are sometimes used for atmospheric purposes. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or to businesses, companies, events, institutions, or locales is completely coincidental.

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Cover Photo ©Iribo

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Private Affairs/ Love Seven Publishing -- 1st ed.