Charisma Knight

Hello folks, Alone is part of Silver Publishing's 25 Days of Christmas Anthology, to be released December 17th! As a matter of fact, I just received edits on this a few hours ago! Hope you enjoy!

Unedited Blurb:

 After experiencing a traumatic childhood, Darcelle Campbell carries scars that never healed into her adult life. Her guardian angel is placed on earth to prevent her from suffering a tragic event on Christmas Eve.

However, Jack can only do so much. It is Darcelle who must change for the better to ensure the dark event never occurs. In addition to this, she must open her heart to Harley, or lose everything. 

 Will she tear down the walls she's worked so hard to construct over the years, and allow herself to experience love from a man who strives to stay by her side no matter what, or will she forfeit it all, and succumb to the tragic event foretold by Jack?

 Unedited Excerpt:

 Chapter One

 Darcelle Campbell slipped from beneath Harley’s arm as she struggled to subdue the intruding emotions plaguing her mind. He was getting too close for comfort. Their on again, off again relationship had been based strictly on her terms, since she was nineteen. Now, in their thirties, she knew he sought more from her, possibly even marriage. It had been a long time coming, and she couldn’t put him off any longer.

 Sighing, she sat up in bed, clutching the comforter close to her naked body, and observed the blond man sleeping. He was nineteen, and she was fourteen when they had met. Back then, he’d just moved to Maryland from West Virginia, seeking construction work. Her stepfather, Jackson Wagner had taken the young man under his wing, teaching him all there was to know about the construction business.

Sunlight slipped through the Venetian blinds, kissing the curly shoulder length golden mass framing his strong masculine features. He was so handsome, and all a woman could ever want in a man. Other qualities included his kindness, generosity, thoughtfulness, and consideration. Why couldn’t she be the same?

 Harley stirred, and soon, green eyes fluttered open, and a smile formed on his face.

“Good morning, beautiful,” he said softly, reaching up to caress her chin with a strong hand. “What a beautiful sight to wake up to,” he murmured as he propped himself up with an elbow. “Wish this could happen every day.”

 “Good morning Harley,” she said with a smile, as her pulse raced. Already, she knew where this conversation was going. She bent down, allowing her lips to brush his, almost giving into the strong pull of love, and basking in the fluttering of her heart. But then, something inside her snapped. Instantly, she pulled back. This was a mistake, and an emotion she couldn’t allow. She tried leaving the bed, but he yanked her back quick, forcing her to gaze into liquid green eyes.

 “Don’t do this to me again, woman.” His nostrils flared, as he cupped her face between work roughened hands. His eyes pleaded with her. “I don’t want to be away from you, Darcelle.” His thumb stroked her bottom lip, leaving her breathless. “Christmas will be here soon, let’s go shopping or something. I thought since we both have the day off, we could—“

 She interrupted, and although in vain, tried to place distance between them. “Harley, it’s time to get up, and—there’s so much I have to do.”

 He frowned, forcing the vein between his eyebrows to dance. “Um—I thought we would share this day, remember? Don’t do this to me--to us.” He released her from his grasp, exhaling as he ran a hand through his hair and looked at the clock on the nightstand. “You know, it’s only eight o clock. I was thinking…maybe I could cook us up some hotcakes and sausage, and take it easy for a few hours.”  

 She bit her lip, trying to think of an excuse as he stroked her smooth mocha skin. He certainly wasn’t making things easy for her, but she stood firm. “Well, I’ve got some paperwork I need to take care of and—“

Ignoring her excuse, he pulled her against his hard body and kissed her neck. Shivers of delight skated through her body.

 “Don’t make me leave.” His hand brushed against her nipple, forcing a whimper from her. “You know, it would be nice if you’d let me in here.” He gently tapped on her forehead. “I’m tired of you shutting me out Darcelle.”

 “You’re taking things way too fast. I’m not ready to move in with you. I’m still just really enjoying being in my own place, you know?” She cringed at her own words, because he’d been so patient with her. It was a wonder he was still interested.

 “My God woman! We’re in our thirties and have been dating on and off for years,” he exclaimed, swiping his hair from his face. “I don’t get you sometimes. Whenever we get close, something clicks in your head, and you back off.” He shrugged his shoulders, and shook his head in frustration. “What are we doing?” Jaw set tight, he searched her eyes for an answer. “Do you love me, baby? If you do, you sure have a funny way of showing it.” He waited once more for an answer.

 She pursed her lips and cleared her throat. “I care for you, you know that.”  This was the most she could give him. He’d have to take it or leave it. The hurt look on his face confirmed the fact that his patience was wearing thin. He wasn’t at fault. The man was slipping away, and if she lost him, she’d have herself to blame.

 “You care for me?” His eyes narrowed. “Sorry, I’m not buying it.” He reached for her, but she pushed his hand away.

 Things were getting too heavy, and she couldn’t handle the situation, not now. “Look, I think you should leave, okay,” she said as she left the bed and grabbed her robe from the foot of the bed. Quickly, she slipped it on.

 “Please, just talk to me. Let me in. What goes on in that head of yours?” His voice cracked with intense emotion.

 She turned from his mesmerizing gaze. This couldn’t be happening. Where had she gone wrong over the years, and why was it so hard for her to express her feelings? “I’m just so busy with my business, and I—“

 In a fit of anger, Harley jumped out of bed and began dressing. “Fine! You can have your business and spend the day--alone,” he exclaimed while putting his boxers and jeans on. “I’m getting sick of this shit.” He paused before slipping his black sweater over his head. “When you’re ready for a relationship, you know where to find me!” There was silence as he sat on the edge of the bed to slip his socks and boots on. He stood and glared at her for a few moments, as though waiting for an answer that would never come. “I’ll talk to you soon, I guess,” he snapped before snatching his keys from the black lacquer nightstand.

 “Go after him,” a tiny voice in the back of her mind commanded. Paralyzed, she continued staring at the spot where he’d stood, and listened as he stormed down the stairs, and out the door. She jumped when he slammed it, but continued to stare into space. She was frozen to the spot, like her feelings; frozen. Tears welled in her eyes and ventured down her face when she heard the diesel engine of his truck start.

“You’re going to lose him,” the voice came again. This time, she looked around. Was she going crazy, or was it her imagination? Shrugging it off, she sighed and sat on the bed. There was no paperwork. She’d concocted the lie to get him to leave her alone. Truth of the matter was, Christmas was coming, and this was the most painful time of the year for her.

 Coming to Silver Publishing, December 17th, 2010