Whispers in the Dark. Kira Sinclair

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      “Stay with me tonight?” he asked

      Chris’s words surprised her, and sent a thrill of hope down Karyn’s spine.

      “Please,” he continued. “Just one more night to make sure my job is complete.” His blue eyes smiled down into hers. “I’m not ready for our weekend to end just yet.”

      Neither was Karyn. But wouldn’t spending another night with him just put off the moment she’d have to watch him walk away? After all, they had an agreement. Was she being greedy? Tempting fate? Pleasure blended with misery as the feel of his hand stroking her back made her heart ache and her body hum.

      As if sensing her internal debate, Chris leaned across the space between them, persuading her with a deep, sensual kiss. The need for his touch won out over her will, the promise of this moment overruling her fear of the future. “Okay, I’ll stay.”

      He rewarded her with a look that guaranteed her a night she’d never forget.

      And that was exactly what she was afraid of….

      Dear Reader,

      Whispers in the Dark has been a labor of love for me for a very long time. I’m so excited to finally share Chris and Karyn’s story with you!

      This book began as a question that popped into my head while listening to a lecture on post-traumatic stress disorder. How do you return to a normal life after something tragic happens? For each and every person, just like for Karyn, the answer to that question is different. But the more I wrote, the more I realized determination plays a key part—the same determination we all need in order to tackle the obstacles that block our goals, hopes and dreams. I like to think that Chris and Karyn shared their determination with me. I hope they do the same for you.

      I’d love to hear what you think about Chris and Karyn’s story. You can contact me at [email protected] or visit me at www.KiraSinclair.com.

      Best wishes,

      Kira Sinclair

      WHISPERS IN THE DARK

      Kira Sinclair

      TORONTO • NEW YORK • LONDON

       AMSTERDAM • PARIS • SYDNEY • HAMBURG STOCKHOLM • ATHENS • TOKYO • MILAN • MADRID PRAGUE • WARSAW • BUDAPEST • AUCKLAND

      ABOUT THE AUTHOR

      When not working as an office manager or juggling plotlines, Kira spends her time on a small farm in north Alabama with her wonderful husband, two amazing daughters and a menagerie of animals. While writing in one form or another has always been a part of her life, she’s excited to see her first book published with the Harlequin Blaze line. She’d love to hear what you think of her debut, at www.KiraSinclair.com.

      There are several people I need to thank,

       because this book would never have happened without them:

      The Playfriends—Andrea, Danniele,

       Kimberly and Marilyn—for brainstorming, Rumors, teeter-totters, late-night calls and panicked e-mail sessions.

      The Mavens—Beverly, LJ and Linda—

       for setting such a wonderful example.

      Rhonda Nelson for that last puzzle piece.

      Lori Borrill and Leeanne Kenedy for reading…

       and reading…and reading again.

      Shelley Visconte for the invaluable information.

      My own personal hero and our little girls for your

       love, patience and unflagging support.

      And finally, my editor, Brenda, for not giving up

       on me, Chris or Karyn.

      Contents

      Chapter 1

      Chapter 2

      Chapter 3

      Chapter 4

      Chapter 5

      Chapter 6

      Chapter 7

      Chapter 8

      Chapter 9

      Chapter 10

      Chapter 11

      Chapter 12

      Chapter 13

      Chapter 14

      Chapter 15

      Chapter 16

      Epilogue

      1

      “YOU KNOW, as much as I enjoy this ritual, I’m really starting to resent you hogging my Friday nights.”

      Karyn Mitchell looked up from her half-painted toes and rolled her eyes at her best friend, Anne. “Funny, I don’t remember inviting you, anyway.”

      “Yeah, well, I know what you’d be doing if I wasn’t here…”

      “Enjoying a nice, long bath?” Karyn raised a pointed eyebrow.

      “Booorrrring.” As she flopped down onto the sofa beside Karyn, ice cubes rattled in Anne’s fresh drink. “You’ve been here almost two years—don’t you think it’s time to see something besides your gray cubicle and the inside of this apartment?”

      “I like my apartment.” There was nothing wrong with it. Or the fact that she preferred to spend her time safe inside it.

      Capping her bottle of Ravished Red, Karyn tried not to let the familiar irritation surface. Anne didn’t mean to push. She just couldn’t seem to help it.

      “And grease-stained pizza boxes and demolished cartons of triple-chocolate meltdown, apparently. But neither of those will help you find a man.”

      A joking smile crinkled her friend’s bright green eyes. It didn’t help. This was territory they’d been over before, and Karyn was getting tired of covering the same ground. The only thing that kept her from exploding was the fact that while Anne might appear thick-skinned to the rest of the world, she was really a softie at heart.

      “I don’t need a man.”

      Anne snorted, a sound that clashed with her blond, model-quality exterior, but completely suited the rebel she hid inside. “Every woman needs a man, someone to help you feel pretty, feminine…sexy.”

      “I wouldn’t know sexy if it bit me in the ass.”

      “That’s my point.” A bright, mischievous smile flashed across Anne’s face, lightening Karyn’s mood. Anne had that effect on her…on everyone. Sometimes it was sickening. But, God, she’d needed that so much when she’d first moved to Birmingham.

      Laughter. Something she’d only faked for years. Her family had smothered her. Cocooned her in bubble wrap and walked on egg shells around her. Even surrounded by people, you could be alone. She just hadn’t realized how alone she’d been until she’d met Anne.

      It hadn’t always been that way. A mischievous child, she’d grown up the center of attention and relished every last moment. And as a teenager, she’d loved being the outgoing, friendly one. Not the most popular girl. But the one everyone turned to for advice and a shoulder to cry on.

      Being happy had been easy. Then.

      She missed that girl. Wanted her back. It had taken five years, but she was finally starting to find that place inside again. If she could just break through that last barrier to being whole…

      “A