ANABEL

 

I sway to the music blasting in my ears. My fingers typing as fast as they can, trying to make the most of every second the inspiration is here.

Sometimes I wonder why I want to write for a living when inspiration can be such a bitch, enjoying giving me a hard time while I stare at the blank page of the screen. But I love it. I love writing stories and hanging out with characters, listening to them tell me their story. It sounds strange, and probably crazy, but go with me on this, will ya? It gives me joy. I can live a thousand different lives, be a thousand different people, but at the same time be one.

Because of the school stuff and traveling back and forth between America and Europe I was behind on my publishing schedule. Good thing is in the end I decided to go indie so there is not much harm in being behind. I make my own schedule and don’t have to explain myself to anybody besides my fans. And it seems they understand. For now, anyway. But I don’t want to keep them waiting too long.

I hope things will finally fall into place once the school is done and I can give full attention to writing.

Now I’m working on the second book in my Bayron University series, Lily’s story. She’s different from Haley. A quiet and nerdy girl that hides a lot of baggage from her past that is about to catch up to her. It’s raw, emotional, and angsty; I love it and hate it at the same time.

Once I was done with exams all I wanted to do was pack my bags and hop on the plane, even if only to get a day or two more with Will. No matter how short, the time we get to spend together is precious, but I knew I had to concentrate on me and my future.

When I decided to self-publish my book, Will was the first to support me in my decision. He’s living his dream and he wants me to live mine. He even wanted to support me financially—as it turns out publishing a book is way more than writing the manuscript from the beginning to the end. You have to get the professional cover, find an editor, market your books etc., but I declined his help. I have to do this on my own. Succeed on my own. That’s the reason why I decided to write under a pseudonym.

Since I started dating William people took notice of me too. Croatian Girl Made a Knight Fall—I’m not even joking, that was the headline on one of the articles once we’d gone public with our relationship. Reporters started digging into things about my life, mostly boring things, but still. I didn’t want them to find out I’m a wannabe author. I didn’t want to succeed in my dream just because I’m dating a famous football player—so we agreed, I’ll do this on my own terms. My dream. My money. My not-so-mine name.

That includes isolation when the work needs to get done. Like now.

The only problem is that my parents rarely see me these days, even less than before, because I’m always somewhere. If I’m not in Zadar, I’m in America. So, they pressured me into coming home, even if that means staying locked in my room until I get this down.

Concentrating on the work at hand, I turn everything off—my thoughts, music in my ears, everything except the words on the screen. I read chapter after chapter. Introducing some needed changes, rewriting, deleting or simply grammatically correcting.

I don’t know how long I’ve been like that, lost in my own zone when I feel hands on my shoulder.

A scream of surprise parts my lips. I jerk and spin in my chair to face the person scaring me to the grave.

“What the hell … Will!” I scream once again when I see the person standing behind me, but this time it has nothing to do with fear.

I pull the headphones out of my ears and jump out of the chair right into his awaiting arms. My legs wrap around his waist and I bury my head in his neck, inhaling his familiar scent.

Home.

That’s how it feels to be in his arms.

Like being home.

His hands wrap around me tightly, pulling me to his chest until not even the air can come between us.

“I’ve missed you so much, Tink.”

Will’s lips press against the top of my head while we stay glued like that.

Body to body.

Heart to heart.

“I’ve missed you too,” I whisper, closing my eyes. “So, so much.”

These are the moments I look forward to most. When I’m finally in his arms, feeling safe and secure. Feeling whole and loved. 

“What are you doing here anyway?” I move away just slightly so I can press my forehead to his and be able to look into those chocolate eyes that haunt me in my dreams. “Weren’t you supposed to come later this week, or was I simply lost in my own world for far too long again?”

Will chuckles at my words. His warm breath tickles my skin as he leans closer, soft lips brushing against my nose.

“Nope, you’re all good. We just came earlier.”

I squeal in delight, hugging him tighter.

As the time passes, and the day we’re actually going to be together nears, I have a feeling the time is slowing down. It’s like destiny or the universe or whatever wants us to stay apart for as long as possible. Days seem to drag slower and slower, and I just want it all to be over already.

“Wait, we? We who?” I look behind his shoulder, like somebody will magically appear behind his back. “Did you bring Si and J.D. with you?”

“Not really.”

“Then who?” I narrow my eyes at him.

“It’s—”

“Bel, honey!”

William’s Mom rushes into my room, her hands wrapping around both of us.

“Emily! It’s so nice to see you.”

I want to get down on my feet to give her a proper hug but they are both holding me tight so I can’t move.

Talk about awkward.

“Well, when William said he was going to come here I couldn’t pass the opportunity to come and visit with him. After all, I think it’s time for me to finally meet your family.”

“Of course! You’re always welcome to visit.”

Emily takes a step back, and I finally get a chance to get down and kiss her on the cheek but as soon as I step beck, William is there to pull me back into his arms.

His mother watches us with a sweet smile on her lips. I wonder if she’s thinking about her late husband or current boyfriend.

Emily and Mr. Shelton came clean to all of us before Sienna and J.D.’s wedding. They were sneaking around behind everyone’s back thinking the kids wouldn’t like the fact their parents who were long-time friends are now together, but I think the boys were relieved in the end. And Emily is one lucky woman. Finding true love not once but twice in her life.

“To tell you the truth, I was a little worried with a transatlantic flight and meeting your family, but all turned out great!”

“I’m so sorry I didn’t come to get you at the airport. If somebody told me you were coming.” I jab my elbow into Will’s stomach to let him know he’s the one to blame.

“Ouch, that hurts.”

I turn around for a second to give him a pointed glare. “I would have come to get you and properly introduce you.”

“Don’t worry, honey. Everything turned out okay. William called your mother to let her know we are coming early. I wanted to book a hotel, but she was having none of it.”

“No hotel. There is more than enough room in the house.”

“That’s what she said.”

William takes my hands in his, his thumb brushing against the ring on my left hand. The only one left on my hands.

After the engagement I decided to take off the rest of the rings. It felt logical. Natural. I grew up and became a strong, independent woman. I don’t need them anymore to remind me of who I want to be.

I tilt my head backward to look at William. His brown eyes look at my hand with wonder. I guess it’s normal because soon after we got engaged I went back home so he didn’t have much time to get used to seeing the ring on my hand.

“I still can’t believe you’re wearing it.”

“Believe it,” my hand cupping his scruffy cheek. “I’m never taking it off.”

William is handsome when he’s clean shaven, but there is something about a few-days-old stubble that melts my insides. I love the feeling of his lips on my skin, his cheeks slightly scratching my sensitive skin and turning it into gooseflesh.

Will brings my hand to his face and places a kiss right over the ring. “That makes you mine.”

I chuckle quietly at his words. “You’re such a caveman, William Price. I was yours even before the ring. Nothing can change that.”

He nods his head in agreement. “Forever, Tinkerbell.”

“Forever.”