Reckless Abandon (34 page)

You know that split second? The one where you decide if you’re going to just smile and continue looking around, or chance an encounter with a stranger? It’s a dangerous moment. It changes absolutely everything.

* * *

“Come on, Natalie. Let’s not do this again.” Eric pulls me back to the present.

I roll my eyes and walk to the bathroom. He doesn’t try to follow me; he learned early on I lock doors behind me. Plus, the boys are sleeping and he won’t want to wake them . . . being that he’s “Father of the Year” and all.

Reaching under the bathroom sink, I locate the peroxide and alcohol and run them over the razor I used earlier. There’s no need to risk infection; I’ve been there, and it’s just a sure-fire way to get caught. I can’t cut somewhere new this time because the “cat scratches” are already on Eric’s radar. I stare at the marks from earlier and decide that reopening them is the easiest route to go; the easiest way to be mad at him without screaming and starting a blow-out. I’m sick of yelling. Sick of fighting. Sick of crying.

Just a little. Just one more time

Scott
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Thank you for taking over extra household duties, including our monster children, so I could write this. Your support means a lot.

Michelle Pac
e-
Thank you for spying my original outline and being on board with me even when the story looked a lot different than it does now. Hours-long phone calls about motivations,  “are they going to hate me?” and “no, really, are they going to hate me?” helped me get through this in one piece. You’re more than a beta reader; you’re my person.

Maggi Myers and Melissa Brown
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Pretty Little Writers. I love navigating this crazy new world and am thrilled to have you ladies on either side of me. Geography means nothing as far as our friendship is concerned. Thank you for the Skype sessions, responding to panicked text messages, and making me smile. I love you both.

Charles Sheehan-Miles
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While I’m honored that you came on as a last-minute beta reader, I’m even more honored to call you a friend. Thank you for taking the time to hash things out with me and always pushing me to be better. I look forward to working with you for a long time.

Lori Sabin
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Glorious editor, fabulous friend. Thank you for your time and care with this novel.

Sarah Hansen
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This cover is more than I dreamed it could be. Thank you for being a rockstar.

Erica Ritchie
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I’m so grateful you took the time and care to produce the amazing photo shoot that lead to this cover. It’s breathtaking.

Valerie Laramee
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Thank you for the impromptu New Year’s Day photo shoot so my author picture could be from something other than a cell phone. Even if it was nine degrees outside.

The Indie Bookshelf
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You’re a supportive and intelligent group of women, of which I’m proud to be a part.

Janna Mashburn
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Thank you for your beautiful work on the trailer for this book and for Ten Days of Perfect. They capture the true spirit of each book.

My beta readers
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We shared laughs, tears, and dozens of posts about specific words *wink*. Thank you for your dedication to help make this book the best it can be: Melissa Brown, Maggi Myers, Janna Mashburn, Charles Sheehan-Miles, Erin Roth, Lindsay Sparkes, Angela Cook McLaurin, Jennifer Roberts-Hall, Michelle Pace, Nina Gomez, Lisa Oliver Bryant, Kacie Walker, Darcie Sherrick

Finally, to all of you
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Thank you for reading this book and sharing it with your friends. Your support is the only thing that keeps Indie authors going
.

I write every single day. I simply can’t help it. While some people might look at it as “being lost in my own world,” I’m simply lost in the world of my characters. For whatever reason, they chose
me
to tell their story, and I do my best to do right by them. Remember, indie authors live by word-of-mouth. If you like this book, tell a friend. Better yet, write a review so others can see your thoughts. Thank you for all of your support!

Connect with me:

Blog:
www.andrearandall.com

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/authorandrearandall

Twitter:
ARandallAuthor

Cover photo by Erica Ritchie, Erica Ritchie Photography

Author photo by Valerie Laramee, Picture Perfect Photography by V. Laramee

Cover design by Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the author. Brief written quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews are permitted.

This is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locations is entirely coincidental.