Pamela Rose Anders - Gypsy Moon

Gypsy Moon Dahlia RoseeBooks are nottransferable. They cannot be sold, sharedor given away as it is an infringement of the copyright ofthis work. GYPSY MOON 13 Perfect Strangers Collection Copyright 2011 Dahlia Rose Cover art by Amanda Kelsey Edited by Trinity Scott All Romance eBooks, LLC Palm Harbor, Florida 34684 www.allromanceebooks.com This is a work of fiction and any resemblance to persons, living or dead, or business establishments, events, or locales is coincidental. All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever with out written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. First All Romance eBooks publication: February 2011 Chapter One July 5th 1995 The wind was warm against her skin as it blew through the oak tree she lay under. She could hear the happy giggles of her sisters as they ran down the hills chasing butterflies.

Even though it was the height of summer, the weather was surprisingly cool for July. Fourth of July was the day before and it heralded fireworks from the city that they watched from the hill where she now lay. Life was perfect there. Her grandmother hummed next to her while she placed each tarot card on the red-and-white-checkered blanket they were on. This was her place, at her grandmothers farm in Kansas. Nadira felt at peace here, but back in the city of Baltimore the apartment she shared with her mom, stepfather and sister was always filled with chaos.

Her stepfather hit her mother and never missed an opportunity to try to grab her breast or ass since she turned sixteen. She was always scared when her mom was at work. He would take the next step and try to do something, and he was so big she knew she could never fight him off. Her grandmother had given her some good news though. She and her younger sisters would be moving in with her by the end of the summer. Her grandmother had won full custody from her mother, and she would no longer have to live in fear or watch the abuse her mother took, refusing to leave.

Dahlia Rose Ive decided, Gran, Nadira announced. Whats that, sugar bear? Her grandmother used the pet name she grew up hearing and loving. Im never going to fall in love or get married. Im going to study hard and get good grades and get a scholarship to music school for the piano, Nadira declared vehemently. Love hurts. Mommas bruises prove it.

I never want that! Dont say that, Nadira, Gran scolded. What your mom has is not love. Its cruel and twisted. When love finds you, it makes your heart beat faster, and it feels like your tummy does flip flops. Its the greatest feeling in the world. I had it with your grandfather.

She watched her grandmother smile wistfully as she remembered. That was my true love, and yours will find you too. Well I dont want it, she said in a huff. If he comes along, Ill send him packing. Her grandmother laughed. Im reading your cards now, sugar bear.

Therell be someone, and you wont be able to deny him. Strong, and eyes the color of the deep blue sea. He will be dressed neat and standing tall. When he kisses you, youll know hes the one, and he will know it too. I dont believe that, Gran. I choose to make my own destiny, my own fate.

Nadira glanced up and watched the sky through the trees. No matter how much we try to make fate bend to our will, she is her own master. She saw a strange smile on her grandmothers lips. You just watch what happens. *****Present Day Nadiras fingers moved lightly over the ivory piano keys. The soft drumbeat and horn blended in with the Gypsy Moon mellow saxophone.

It created a sensual rhythm that all the couples on the dance floor swayed to in each others arms. Her band was playing the Military Valentines ball at Fort Leavenworth, and they were doing it for free. With all these men and women gave up for their country, Nadira refused to take one penny from them as coordinator for the event. It was the least they could do. Everything was decorated, red and white streamers were strung from the walls. Cut-out cupids and red and silver hearts hung from the ceiling on silver string.

Even the napkins represented the day of love that was a week away. Nadira didnt subscribe to the notion of Valentines Day, but she had to admit, whoever decorated went all out. The set ended, and the couples stopped dancing to clap. She almost felt sorry seeing them unlock from their loving embraces. There were some people who were meant to be in love. She could see it on each of their faces as they stared at each other, or catch it in a caress that lingered on a cheek.

It was for them, not for her, because even at twenty-eight, she had kept the vow to never fall in love. Men friends came and went, but she never let them get close, and she planned to keep it that way. Nadira spoke into the microphone that was perched on her piano. This next song is a special piece of music I wrote when I heard I was going to be playing for you guys. Youre so brave for doing what you do, and your wives are just as strong for letting you go and keeping everything together until you get back. This is for you, so hold each other tight again.

Remember how it felt when you first met. She closed her eyes and let the music fill her until she could see it in her mind. Her fingers moved by instinct because she knew each key by heart and each note even though the piece was only created a week ago. The piano was her lover and her best friend. She never felt more at home or loved than when she sat in front of the smooth Dahlia Rose mahogany. The music spoke of falling in love and feeling loss when their loved ones went away to war.

It spoke of triumphs and new birth and each key memory that needed to be shared over the long distance. It spoke of reunion of lovers coming together once more. Nadira slowly opened her eyes and looked out to the crowd. Everyone was dancingall except one. He stood in the back of the room, and his eyes were on her, nothing else only her. A deep blue gaze that spoke volumes without speaking a word was set in a ruggedly handsome face with a clean shaven jaw.

His lips held just the hint of a smile, and even from the stage where she sat she could tell he was over six feet tall. In his uniform, he looked powerful, and medals adorned his chest. Her breath caught as a sense of knowing flowed over her, and as she played, her grandmothers words came back to her memory. Fate is her own master. When you see him, you will know, and so will he. She pulled her gaze away from his, refusing to look back as she finished the piece.

She felt a tumble in her stomach like a thousand butterflies were trying to break free. The music finished, and she excused herself and the band for a short break while couples went back to their seats. The other members of the band went outside to smoke, and she crossed the ballroom to find a seat. Every footstep she took, he mirrored, following her until only a few steps separated them when she got to an empty table. They stood staring at each other for what seeming like endless minutes until he spoke. Youre very talented, he said.

His voice was deep, smooth and husky, and she felt as if he was touching her with words alone. I should be. Ive been playing the piano since I was nine, Nadira replied. Years dont make talent. People can play the music flawlessly with no emotion. Each note you play is filled with it.

His smile traveled to his eyes. Youre talented. Gypsy Moon I could be cocky. She couldnt help but tease. Somehow I doubt it. He held out his hand to her.

Major Logan Ross, United States Army. Nadira shook his hand, and from the time his hands grasp enclosed hers, it sent tingles up her arm. Nadira Webb, pianist. I think I want to get to know you, Nadira Webb. I know it for a fact, Logan said. Kind of hard since Im working right now, she replied.