Excerpt: What's Left of Me by Kimberly Lewis
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Letting go of the past is never easy…
Jenna Olsen has spent the last four years trying to move on from the heartache that tore her world apart, but when Cole Sullivan suddenly shows up back in town all of those feelings come flooding back…and even some new ones she didn’t know were possible.
Leaving town all those years ago was necessary, but now that Cole finally has a handle on his life he decides to return home to his family, friends, and the woman he just can’t forget.
Coming back home though comes with its costs, and Cole ultimately has to decide…will he be able to fight his inner demons to keep Jenna in his life, or will the chance of hurting her again be too much to risk?
Excerpt
Rain continues to pelt against the side of the house. Thunder rumbles low in the distance, and lightning flashes—its brightness fills the small bedroom. There’s no way I’m falling asleep in this mess. Even if it weren’t storming like crazy, I still wouldn’t be sleeping. The only reason I came to bed in the first place was because the lights went out.
Watching the movie was safe. It kept my focus off of Cole—of his mouth and hands. The popcorn helped too, and I’m so glad I thought to bring it over when I did. But now, lying here all by myself in the dark, all I can think about is him. My mind refuses to give me any relief, and my body begs for it. Being in his arms earlier? I can’t explain it, but it just felt right. The only other man I’ve ever been that close to was Mark, and he never made me feel the things I felt with Cole. It makes me sad to think I wasted so many years with someone only to walk away realizing the feelings I held were mediocre. These new feelings I have for Cole are hardly that way, but they make me nervous—not that anything bad is going to happen, but that something more could happen. Something good. Something amazing.
And I know that makes me sound crazy. Who knows? Maybe I am. But I can’t get involved with Cole. I feel like I barely know who he is anymore. Sure he’s still the same Cole I remember, but he’s changed, he’s … distant. I guess war does that to people.
When he disappeared four years ago, without a goodbye, without telling anyone where he was going, a piece of me left with him. He was the last thing in my life that made me feel like my brother was still alive, and without him around I just felt lost. I understand he was dealing with a lot of demons during that time—we all were. The effects of what happened in Afghanistan weighed heavily on his shoulders, but why he didn’t stay around and let us help him get through it just baffles me. We all lost something—someone. I just don’t get why he felt like he needed to deal with it alone? I could’ve helped him. I can help him. I just need him to let me.
About the Book
Bestselling author Kimberly Lewis writes sweet, sexy contemporary romances filled with heart and humor.
Born and raised on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, this country girl caught the creative bug at an early age, doing everything from drawing to writing short stories. After dabbling in many genres, Kimberly rediscovered her love of romance stories and soon after published her first novel.
Kimberly still lives on the good old Eastern Shore of Maryland with her wonderful husband, two beautiful children, and spirited Doberman Pinschers. Along with writing, Kimberly enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her amazing family.
