Authors: Amber Garza

Break Through (19 page)

BOOK: Break Through

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“Well, for one, you’re not a freak. And for two, you do not have a half a face. You have an entire face. I’m looking right at it.”

Biting my lip, I looked at my feet. “Are you blind?”

“Are you?” he countered.

I bit my lip, unsure of what to do. This man made my head spin.

“Unless you have some other talent you can offer.” He spread out his hands, while his dog continued to pant by his side. “Can you walk a tightrope, do acrobatics, ride on an elephant?”

“You’re mocking me now.” I crossed my arms over my chest sourly. Edgar barked again.

Kyler chuckled, a low grumbly sound that I felt deep in my bones. It wasn’t the kind of laugh Heath or any of my other boyfriends had. This felt good, like he was laughing with me, not at me. I’d never understood that phrase before. “I thought that’s what we were doing. Joking around. Surely you weren’t serious about the circus.” He raised an eyebrow. “But if you were, follow me.”

My insides twisted. “Why? You really do have a circus in town?”

“No, but my house is right over this hill and we can use my computer to research where the nearest one is.” With an open palm, he pressed open the barn door and stepped outside. Bright sunlight spilled in, painting a stripe of yellow on the ground.

I stayed rooted in place for a minute, wondering if I should trust this stranger. Was it a good idea to follow him to his house? Wasn’t this how girls got abducted…or worse? The minute the thought left my head, I almost laughed out loud. What could be worse than what I’d already endured?

The contents of my backpack shifted as I moved, reminding me of the knife inside. Knowing it was there gave me comfort. If he tried anything I could use it to defend myself.

“You coming?” Kyler asked.

I knew I hadn’t always been the best judge of character, but for some reason I trusted Kyler. As I stepped out of the barn, into the bright morning sunshine, I hoped he wouldn’t let me down.

Author Note and Acknowledgments

After writing BREAK FREE, I wasn’t sure I’d ever like two characters as much as Jade and Kyler. But I have to say that Carter and Aspen really grew on me. It took me some time to get to know them and to connect with them. It wasn’t instant like it was with Jade and Kyler, but when it happened it was spectacular.

Writing Aspen’s story was hard for me. It was difficult to even imagine the horror a child must feel at being held captive. When I write scenes I truly experience what my characters do, so it was awful to have to write the scenes at Kurt’s house. I would sometimes have to take breaks and regroup afterward. But I felt it was pivotal to understanding Aspen, so I pressed on.

Carter was refreshing to write. I find that I love writing the sensitive male. The gentlemen, the scholar, the good guy. Not only are they fun to write, but they’re exactly the kind of guy I hope my daughter ends up. Not that bad boys aren’t fun to read about it, but let’s face it, in real life no one wants their daughter to end up with the bad boy.

So girls, hold out for your Carter. For a guy whose love will heal you; make you whole. A guy who will be patient with you, and let you dictate what you are comfortable with or not. A guy who is sensitive and gives you what you need. And if he’s an amazing photographer who helps you see yourself in a new light, even better.

As always I have so many amazing people to thank.

First, I have to say thank you to my amazing husband. Truthfully, Andrew, you outshine Carter and every other fictional guy I’ve written. You put up with my crazy writer brain and odd writer tendencies. And you love me so well. You’ve never stifled me, but always allowed me to fly free and pursue what makes me happy. I may be a writer but I’ve never found the adequate words to tell you how much you mean to me, and I probably never will. Love you, baby.

Eli, you are an amazing young man and I’m so proud of you. You’re one of the most talented people I’ve ever met. Everything you touch turns to gold. Never stop believing in yourself and doing your best. And always reach for the stars, because I know one day you will catch them.

Kayleen
, you paint my world with extraordinary colors. You make me laugh. You make me smile. You make my heart happy. Keep your spunk. Never lose that joy and wonderment about life. It will serve you well.

Regina Wamba from Mae I Design and Photography, I adore my cover so much! It’s perfect. It captures the passion and emotion behind Aspen and Carter’s relationship so perfectly.

To my editor, Lisa Richardson, thank you for making me sound smart.

Sharon, your formatting looks amazing!

I also have to say thank you to my beta readers for catching things that didn’t make sense. If the twist worked at all it was because of you girls – Megan Squires, Ella James, Cassie Chavez, and Tiffany Tillman.

Cameo
Renae and Cambria Hebert, thanks for encouraging me in our daily check-ins. I never would’ve made this incredibly tight deadline if it wasn’t for you two.

And of course, thank you to all my extended family, bloggers, readers, all the Indie Inked girls. I don’t have room to thank you all by name, but you know who you are and you know I love you!

Amber Garza

Amber Garza is the author of the
Delaney’s Gift Series
, the
Prowl Trilogy
, suspense novel
Engraved
, and many contemporary romance titles, including
Star Struck
and
Tripping Me Up
. She has had a passion for the written word since she was a child making books out of notebook paper and staples. Her hobbies include reading and singing. Tea and wine are her drinks of choice (not necessarily in that order). She writes while blaring music, and talks about her characters like they’re real people. She currently lives in California with her amazing husband, and two hilarious children who provide her with enough material to keep her writing for years.