Where It Began. Kathleen Pickering

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      Going back to go forward

      Daniel Del Rio never could say no to Maria Santiago. So although their relationship is over, when she asks him to sail her to the Bahamas, he reluctantly agrees. She’s convinced that revisiting the scene of her accident will restore her memory. If it does, then maybe he can finally let go and move on with his life.

      But moving on seems impossible when being in such close quarters reminds him of what they once had. Could their proximity be having the same effect on her? As he falls for Maria, Daniel realizes he has to confess his role in the accident…even if that confession could cost him a second chance with her.

      Daniel gently pulled Maria to the helm

      He planted both her hands on the steering wheel, then stepped away. Maria stood with her profile to him.

      She pushed her glasses onto the bridge of her nose in a nervous gesture.

      He placed a hand over hers and moved the wheel, adjusting their heading. Then he moved closer, his chest pressing against her left arm. Her warm, sweet scent mixed with coconut sunscreen invaded his senses and his next thought flew out of his head.

      Wanting to be closer, he moved behind her, wrapping his arms around her body. Together they moved the wheel. The heat from her skin blended with his, weaving some intoxicating thread around them. Did she feel the wind funneling through the sails and over their bodies?

      Yeah, she did.

      He indulged the luxury of closing his eyes to revel in her body heat and perfume. This moment was all too familiar...and Maria didn’t even know.

      Dear Reader,

      I wish I knew you personally to thank you for purchasing my first Harlequin Superromance book! Writing Where It Began was dear to me because it was based on a trip to the Bahamas with my husband for our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. The beauty of the Abacos, the reefs and the remote location acted as a catalyst for Daniel and Maria’s love story.

      Raised as a power-boat kid, transitioning to sailing after marriage proved more difficult than I imagined. In the power-boat world, a heeling (tilting) boat means trouble, and setting the boat in motion merely requires turning a key. Learning sailboat rigging and handling sails taught me much about the power of nature and the joy of harnessing the wind. Also, as in relationships, finally letting go of the boat’s lifelines to enjoy the heeling sailboat literally taught me to let go of my need for control and enjoy life’s surprises and adventures.

      I became hooked on writing in eighth grade, when I discovered the power of words in a poem written by e. e. cummings. I hope my word-crafted worlds of triumph and love entertain you. Feel free to email me at [email protected] and let me know.

      Happy reading!

      Kathleen Pickering

      Where It Began

      Kathleen Pickering

       www.millsandboon.co.uk

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      Kathleen Pickering, the author with more than just a story to tell, believes stories teach life lessons. The second oldest of eight siblings, Kathleen draws characters from people around her, like her artist sister whose talent drives her into seclusion, or her newlywed son and daughter-in-law whose love is so fresh and genuine. Kathleen also travels to research her work. So beware. If she meets you, you may wind up inspiring one of her novels!

       To you, reader, for celebrating my first Harlequin Superromance with me. Thank you!

      Acknowledgments

      First and foremost, I’d like to acknowledge my new editor, Wanda Ottewell, for having faith in my work and a sense of humor that rivals mine!

      I’d like to thank friend and fellow author, Karen Kendall, for introducing me to Wanda at Florida Romance Writers Cruise with Your Muse Conference. (Long live balloon hats and Mexican cantinas!)

      I have also been blessed with an amazing friend and mentor in Heather Graham, who has written for almost every Harlequin line, including launching the MIRA imprint. Heather also introduced me to my agent, Lucy Childs, with whom I am so thrilled to be associated.

      I must add that my writing career began once I became a member of Florida Romance Writers in Fort Lauderdale, which is a chapter of Romance Writers of America. I am grateful for the company of fabulous authors whom I call friends, especially the M&M’s and the beautiful Traci Hall.

      Thank you one and all for your kinship, your guidance and for loving the writing world as much as I do!

      Contents

       CHAPTER ONE

       CHAPTER TWO

       CHAPTER THREE

       CHAPTER FOUR

       CHAPTER FIVE

       CHAPTER SIX

       CHAPTER SEVEN

       CHAPTER EIGHT

       CHAPTER NINE

       CHAPTER TEN

       CHAPTER ELEVEN

       CHAPTER TWELVE

       CHAPTER THIRTEEN

       CHAPTER FOURTEEN

       CHAPTER FIFTEEN

       CHAPTER SIXTEEN

       CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

       CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

       CHAPTER NINETEEN

       CHAPTER TWENTY

       CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

       CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

      CHAPTER ONE

      “I NEED ANSWERS,” Maria Santiago said, keeping her voice calm when she wanted to scream.

       She inhaled a soothing breath, grateful for these tranquil moments during dinner hour with Poppa. She could count on him to anchor her in the world she remembered.

       She selected a roll and passed the basket to her right, ignoring the pleasant warmth from Daniel Murphy Del Rio’s hands as he took it from her. She also ignored his gaze, which never failed to make her uncomfortable. He always seemed to be questioning