D G Barnes [Barnes - Hearts of Emerald Bay

hEARTS

OF

EMERALD BAY

D.G. Barnes

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the authors imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

Copyright 2018 by D.G. Barnes

All rights reserved.

ISBN-13: 978-1-9994529-0-2

ISBN-13: 978-1-9994529-1-9 (ebook)

Cover Design: Stefanie Fontecha - www.beetifulbookcovers.com

Editing: Diane Tibert - www.dianetibert.com

DEDICATION

For my 8 th grade English teacher. It may be 40 years late, but heres my homework.

and

f or my Padawan

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

I would like to give a special shout out to Melissa Brayden, a wonderful author in her own right. Melissa was kind enough to give me advice and words encouragement as I worked on, and sometimes struggled with this story.

Thank you, Melissa .

CONTENTS

Cha pter One

Except for the towel draped across her backside, Dana Lawson lay naked on the massage table. A pair of skilled hands moved over her back, kneading her tired muscles. The scent of lilac and soft instrumental music filled the air creating an atmosphere of peace and relaxation. Dana needed this; she deserved it. Besides, what was wrong with pampering ones self after working hard. Over the last 12 days, the 35-year-old author had visited ten cities in Canada and the US, spending several hours at each location signing copies of her latest book, What the Heart Desires .

Dana loved meeting her fans and chatting with them, even if it was for only a few fleeting moments as she signed their copy of her book. She gladly endured the rigors of planning and executing a whirlwind book tour to see the joy on the faces of her readers. Her signings took place in bookstores, from large retailers, such as Chapters and Barnes & Noble, to small, privately-owned shops, such as the one in her hometown. Regardless of the venue, the people were the same: happy about the new book and excited to meet their favorite author.

What the Heart Desires had been a labor of love, and she had spent many long hours working on it. She worked late into the night, tweaking paragraphs and sentences, sometimes skipping meals while she was in the zone as she liked to call it. Dana became so lost in the world she was creating with her keyboard that the real world passed by unnoticed. During those times, only blurry vision from fatigue or lack of food, or a bladder that refused to wait any longer could pull her out of the zone.

This was her tenth book, her second this year, and as with the others, it had met with great enthusiasm. Everyone from her editor to her publisher had thought it would immediately soar to the top of the best sellers list, and it did. But not for the reason she expected. Though she had maintained her usual style and theme with this book, it had sparked controversy. It wasnt because it was a lesbian romance novel or that the love scenes were somewhat descriptive; nope, that was fine. It had been the mere hint the protagonist may have had a taboo relationship with her aunt when she was attending a nearby college that had caused many people to speak out against the book.

There were also many people interested in reading about such dark secrets, and thanks to social media, her fan base grew right along with her profits. In no time at all, the books popularity skyrocketed, and it spent several weeks at the top of The NY Times Best Sellers list. The hate mail dropped off to nothing after a few weeks.

For several minutes, the masseuse worked on a particularly tight muscle on the inside of Danas right shoulder blade, the source of an ache that had plagued her for the better part of a week. Finally, after the attractive Asian woman worked her magic, the muscle relaxed, and the bothersome knot melted away. The discomfort had pestered her for so long, she had forgotten what it felt like to not have it, and as the pain faded, she breathed a long moan of pleasure.

If I didnt know better, I would think you just had an orgasm, a voice to her right said.

She snorted and turned her head to look at the woman who lay on the massage table a couple of meters from hers. After her best friend Jennys constant urging, she had given in and came for a massage ; she was now delighted she had. Almost as good as one, she replied with a broad smile. Lien has very talented hands.

Lien laughed as did her co-worker who was tending to Jenny. You are too kind, Miss Lawson.

Its true, Lien, Dana said with a contented sigh. You are very good at what you do.

Dana felt Liens hands move to her lower back, and a little tingle of excitement raced through her. She let her mind wander, imagining what it would be like if Liens hands were touching her in other places, more intimate places. Lien was a beautiful woman. Tall, thin, with long jet-black hair and a brilliant smile. She was also quite straight. God, how long had it been since she had been with someone? More than a year had passed since Gail had walked out of her life to be with Clair.

Gail had blindsided Dana when she sat her down one evening and told her she was leaving. Dana couldnt understand whyshe thought things were going great between thembut Gail believed Dana favored her writing over spending quality time with her. She felt Gail was being ridiculous and told her as much. Gail had simply sighed and shook her head slowly, pointing out the fact that Dana hadnt at all noticed she had already moved her belongings out, and thats when she told her about Clair. Dana was devastated, and it was then she decided to put the idea of any sort of romantic relationships aside and lost herself in her work.

Liens fingers moving up her spine brought her attention back. Shit! She cleared the memory from her head and enjoyed the rest of her massage.

I think I need a vacation, Dana said after several moments.

Pardon! Jenny replied wide-eyed.

I think I need a vaca

I heard what you said. I just cant believe thats what you said. You havent taken any real time for yourself in I dont know how long.

She sighed. Her best friend was right. It had been forever since she took the time to relax. I know. I know.

Any idea where youd want to go?

She shrugged. I was thinking someplace quiet by the ocean. Maybe rent a cottage for the summer.

The whole summer? She studied her friend intently, one eyebrow raised. Who are you, and what have you done with Dana?

She chuckled. No, Im serious. I need to get out of the city for a while. Recharge. Who knows, maybe I will find inspiration for another book.

Oh, I agree, Jenny said. It will do you a world of good to get away. I just didnt expect you to suggest it. And to want to go away for such a long time. Not really the Dana I know and love.

Im not that bad, she said in mock annoyance.

Yeah, you are, Jenny said with a chuckle and winked.

Okay, ladies. All done, Lien said when there was a lull in the conversation.

So soon? Dana whined playfully.

Im afraid so, Miss Lawson. Well leave you two alone to get dressed. Lien left the room with her co-worker behind her.

Reluctantly, Dana sat up and swung her legs over the edge of the table, watching Jenny do the same. They sat facing each other, the towels over their laps. She glanced at her friend, stealing a quick peek at her bare breasts before quickly looking away. Though Jenny was her best friend and had been since the eighth grade, she couldnt help but admire the womans sexy form. Jenny stood the same height as her at 165 centimeters. Her flowing blonde hair hung over her shoulders, and her blue eyes sparkled. A small band of freckles she found adorable crossed the bridge of her nose.