Amended Hearts (Excerpt Only) by Noelle Vonham
Summary:

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Aaliyah Wyndham is a twenty-seven year old attorney working in the field of Entertainment Law. She has had a crush on her next-door neighbor, C.E.O. Gabriel Cortez, for over a year. Following a break-in, the two share a romantic interlude that seems quite promising, until Aaliyah realizes that Gabriel doesn‘t realize who she is! Aaliyah decides that for his oversight, she wants to make Gabriel pay, and make him pant.

There is only one problem with this plan: Lucas D'Alessandro, her best friend since childhood. He’s been Aaliyah‘s “Big Brother” for so long that she never notices when she begins to feel decidedly unlike his sister. Meanwhile, he is facing the same quandary, struggling to decide whether to pursue a more intimate connection with Aaliyah or to leave the field clear for someone else, namely Gabriel.

Shall Aaliyah rest her case with Gabriel, or shall she make a motion to Amend her Heart with Lucas?

This is a sweet romance story. It has been published, and so this is only an excerpt.


Categories: Original Fiction, Miscellaneous Characters: None
Classification: General
Genre: Comedy , Drama, Family, Romance
Story Status: Completed
Pairings: None
Warnings: Adult Situations, Original Characters, Racism, Sexual Content , Work in Progress
Challenges: The Ingenue
Challenges: The Ingenue
Series: None
Chapters: 11 Completed: Yes Word count: 15142 Read: 63467 Published: March 02 2013 Updated: April 19 2014
Story Notes:

Please be sure to Rate and Review!

1. Prologue by Noelle Vonham

2. Chapter One: When Our Eyes First Meet... by Noelle Vonham

3. Chapter Two: And Then Our Lips... by Noelle Vonham

4. Chapter Three: What Secrets Do They Whisper? by Noelle Vonham

5. Chapter Four: What Secrets Do They Keep? by Noelle Vonham

6. Chapter Five: When Even Our Best Intentions... by Noelle Vonham

7. Chapter 8 by Noelle Vonham

8. I Published It! by Noelle Vonham

9. Reviews, please! by Noelle Vonham

10. Chapter 10 Update! by Noelle Vonham

11. Chapter 11 ON SALE!!!!!!!! by Noelle Vonham

Prologue by Noelle Vonham
Author's Notes:

This work, Amended Hearts, is copyrighted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This includes all chapters, prologues/epilogues and associated content (i.e fanfics, teasers and content within blogs, social networks and eReaders). Any unauthorised copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright. Any infringement of this copyright is punishable by law. Any associated links, videos or photographs are not the property of the author, and no assertion of copyright or ownership is made or intended.

Prologue


“What is wrong with you, Lily?” the woman asked breathlessly, as the dog continued to tow on the leash. Her usual leisurely jog was turning into a sprint to the finish line, straight up the biggest hill in the neighborhood. She felt as though her legs would fall off and her lungs would explode at any second. However, her already racing heart received an even bigger jolt when they reached the top, and blue lights flashed everywhere around her home, and the house next door. The dog no longer had to pull on the leash as Aaliyah stretched out her legs and raced through the darkness to the perimeter that had been set up at the curb with yellow tape that read, “POLICE LINE DO NOT CROSS”

Neighbors milled about everywhere, trying to see what was going on. She heard snatches of their conversations as she tried to get the nearest officer’s attention. Stone faced, he didn’t respond to her waves and calls of “Officer!” However, she couldn’t blame him, as neighbors were doing much the same.

“I think it was a break in…”

“Do you suppose anybody was at home?”

“You should always invest in a good security system.”

“Is it true that shots were fired?”

She had heard enough. Aaliyah ducked under the caution tape, only to be confronted by the very officer she had been trying to wave over.

“Back behind the caution tape, Ma’am!” he said firmly.

“I’m sorry, but…”

“Behind the tape,” he repeated, carefully enunciating each word.

He put his hand on her shoulder as though to steer her toward the barrier, then froze as a menacing growl erupted from the throat of the large dog at her side.

“Down, Lily!” she immediately said, and the sound stopped abruptly. She patted the dog’s head affectionately to reward her for her obedience. She often forgot how intimidating the Mastiff could be to those who didn’t know what a marshmallow she was.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble,” she said as she ducked back beneath the tape, “but I’m Aaliyah Wyndham. That’s my house.” She gestured toward the dark cream, two-story structure. “I just need to know what’s happening here. Where is my brother?”

The officer’s face changed from stony to sympathetic in a flash. “Come with me, ma’am,” he said, lifting the police tape.

“Is he all right?” she asked anxiously as they walked toward her house.

“I don’t know, ma’am. I’m just working the perimeter. The detectives will be able to tell you more.”

Their legs quickly crossed the distance between the lawn and the front door. She ran up the stairs and into the foyer. Lily bounded inside, toward the great room in back, barking her head off with glee.

Then she finally heard her brother’s voice. “Down, you mangy mutt! Kitty, is that you?” he asked, stepping into view.

“Derrick, I’m so glad you’re all right!” Heedless of the officers milling about the rooms, she ran across the foyer and threw her arms around her big brother.

“Hey, I’m fine, pud. There’s no need for tears.”

She hadn’t even realized she was crying until he said something. She batted at the tears and hit him in the chest, backing away. “Why did you scare me like that? What is going on here?”

“Hello, Ms. Wyndham,” said a middle-aged man wearing a suit. Frowning had worn permanent lines into the café au lait skin on his forehead and around his mouth. However, the crow’s feet at the corner of his brown eyes also hinted at a sense of humor. Right now, his eyes exhibited a sober intelligence. “I’m Detective Daniel Rodriguez. This is Detective Lee Han,” he said, nodding toward a man of similar age and demeanor. There’s been a break in. Perhaps it would be best if we sat down before we explain.”

“I can’t sit still while I’m upset. Why don’t you come into the kitchen while I make some hot drinks? It’s cold outside.”

He looked questioningly at a woman who looked to be in her mid-thirties, wearing a jacket that read SLED in capital letters on an emblem on the front. She nodded her approval. Aaliyah knew from growing up in South Carolina that SLED was the abbreviation for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, an agency with statewide jurisdiction.

“Fair enough,” he said. Derrick and the three officers followed Aaliyah into the kitchen while everyone else continued working. On the way, Derrick introduced the woman as Sophia Randall, the lead forensic examiner on the case.

Everyone sat at the kitchen table while Aaliyah washed her hands and set the kettle on for tea. As she worked, the detectives talked, exchanging a few pleasantries first. Then, they began.

“I’m sure you’ve heard of the serial robber who has been working this side of town,” Detective Han began tentatively.

Aaliyah whirled abruptly. “You mean the serial rapist? You mean he was here?” The man had been terrorizing the Northeast community in Columbia, South Carolina, targeting women who lived alone for robbery and rape. He would break in while they were away, and lie in wait for them. When they returned, he would sexually assault the women, bind them up, rob them and drive away in their vehicles. The police had been after him for the past two weeks. She could feel herself beginning to panic. He had been in her house!

“Kitty! Kitty, calm down. You’re safe. He’s gone.” Derrick’s voice finally penetrated as he grasped her by her upper arms and gave her a slight shake.

“Dear God, I could have been…”

“Thank God you weren’t,” interjected Detective Randall.

“You’re right. I’m okay, now. Continue, please.”

Detective Rodriguez picked up the thread. “As far as we can tell, he cased this house by breaking in next door. We haven’t been able to contact the owner.”

“He‘s away a lot on business.” she provided.

“Well, apparently, the man in question has been staying there for a couple of days now, watching you, and learning your routine. Your brother tells us that you go jogging about the same time every evening. That’s probably why he chose this time to break in,” Detective Rodriguez continued.

“What we don’t understand,” began Detective Han with a puzzled frown, “is why he would vary his routine. After recognizing certain similarities, we began looking for similar crimes. By looking at crimes with a similar modus operandi that were committed in this area, we believe we‘ve identified the majority of his victims, and he never chooses a woman with a man,” he nodded toward Derrick, “or a dog in the home.” He nodded at Lily who was lazing on a nearby rug.

“Well, that’s easy enough to explain,” said Derrick. “I don’t live here, and neither does the dog. We both moved in to look after Kitty.”

“I’m sorry, but Kitty?” asked Detective Randall.

“It’s a pet name,” Derrick laughed. “Apparently, when Mom became pregnant with Aaliyah, I was about twelve, and began asking for a cat. My parents didn’t want cat with a new baby on the way, so they kept telling me that I could play with the baby when she got old enough, instead. Somewhere along the way, I began calling her Kitty Kat while I talked to Mom’s stomach and it stuck. The only time I call her Aaliyah is when she‘s wearing a suit. I figure that she’s lucky I didn’t ask for a puppy.”

They all shared a laugh.

“Anyway, our parents and I have been asking Kitty if she would move in with me or with them ever since the story broke a couple of weeks ago. Being hardheaded and independent, she wouldn’t do it. Being a lawyer, arguing comes naturally to her, and Mom and Dad started making noises about canceling a trip they’ve been planning for months. That’s when I moved in two days ago. I’m an architect and at the moment, I’m designing a project, so I’ve been able to work mostly from home. There has been nothing to alert the rapist to my presence, because my car is parked in the garage.

“As for the dog,” began Aaliyah, “my parents brought her over last night. I’m keeping Lily while they’re in Europe. I dropped her off this morning with my neighbor, Dr. Shauna Blake, who is a partner in a local veterinary practice. She took Lily in to work with her for a routine checkup and grooming, so I picked the dog up from her house while I was out jogging and took her for a run.”

“Well that explains a lot,” said Detective Randall. “From what we can tell, he broke into the house through a back window that leads out into the yard. He apparently began walking around the house without really trying to be quiet. After all, he didn’t believe that anyone was at home. In the meantime, your brother had come down the back stairwell that leads directly into this room. He heard someone walking around and assumed it was you so he called out. The suspect ran out the front door on foot, then through a couple of your neighbor’s yards, before meeting with someone driving a blue four-door sedan. We suspected that he must have an accomplice, but until now were never able to prove it. From this incident, we were able to obtain a description and a license plate number, and we hope we’ll soon have two suspects in custody.”

“Now the only thing left to do is to locate your neighbor, so that we can notify him and seal the house,” Said Detective Han. “That’s where you come in.”

“Well, I don’t know him very well, because he keeps to himself.”

“Any idea where he works?” asked Detective Rodriguez.

“No, I really don’t. I don’t want to seem mean, but he’s been pretty standoffish with me, though from what I’ve seen of his guests, I understand that he socializes with several people in the neighborhood. Maybe you’d have better luck with one of them.” She gave them a list of names, and pointed out where their homes were located on the community map, as none were on this street.

“Well, I think that about does it,” said Detective Han, giving a card to her and to Derrick. “Call if you have anything to add. We’ll be in touch.”

The other detectives also gave their cards. She couldn’t help but notice that Derrick held Agent Sophia Randall’s hand a little longer than strictly necessary. He held her eyes even longer as he murmured, “There are a few things I’d like to discuss further with you. I’ll be calling.”

“I’ll look forward to it,” she smiled. A woman in her mid thirties, she possessed smooth brown skin, big brown eyes, and the sort of curvy figure that Beyonce‘ Knowles had made legendary. She also had a beautiful smile, a curly mop of natural hair that was kissed with blonde highlights…and no ring.

“This could be very interesting,” thought Aaliyah with a smile as she ran for the shower. A successful partner in an architectural firm in his late-thirties, her big brother might have finally met his match.

End Notes:

Well, let me know what you think! This is a completed novel that I wrote years ago. Your input will determine whether it stays or goes.

Chapter One: When Our Eyes First Meet... by Noelle Vonham
Author's Notes:

This is my first post on The Chamber. This story has been wasting time in my computer's memory banks for quite a while, now. Please let me know what you think, so that I will know whether or not that's where it belongs.

This work, Amended Hearts, is copyrighted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This includes all chapters, prologues/epilogues and associated content (i.e fanfics, teasers and content within blogs, social networks and eReaders). Any unauthorised copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright. Any infringement of this copyright is punishable by law. Any associated links, videos or photographs are not the property of the author, and no assertion of copyright or ownership is made or intended.

Chapter One: When Our Eyes First Meet…


Gabriel Cortez closed the garage door using his remote control, and opened the car door. He was tired after a long trip home, and wanted nothing more than some food, a hot shower and a warm bed. He opened the door to his laundry room, and walked into the kitchen. An envelope on the fridge displayed his name along with a note that advised, “Read on a full stomach.”

“Probably from Francis,” he mumbled to himself, thinking of the size of her last bill. Then he took out some juice, popped open the seal and drank from the carton. Let’s see what we have here. He saw a plate covered in aluminum foil and smiled in anticipation. Francis Merrin, his motherly cleaning lady, sometimes left him a plate. She said that his bachelor bones could use some home cooking. He warmed the plate up in the microwave, and soon his senses were assaulted with the smells of herb roasted chicken, wild rice and steamed vegetables.

While the plate warmed, he played back the messages on his machine, first hearing the one from Aaliyah Wyndham that he’d listened to before boarding yet another plane five days ago. She asked him to call her. “I wish that woman would just go away,” he said aloud.

Being a handsome, successful bachelor, it came with the territory that women sometimes chased him. Aaliyah Wyndham, with her fussy suits, long skirts, and baggy sweats had no sense of fashion. Further, her glasses were chunky looking, and her hair was always in a bun or a ponytail. She did, however have nice skin, and a sweet smile. She’d flashed it at him a few times across the hedges when she first moved in. It had made him feel warm and welcomed as she waved a friendly hello. However, he’d rightly gauged the interest in her eyes and, not wanting to lead her on, he maintained his reserve, saying as little as possible before going into the house. She’d tried a few more times, first appearing puzzled by his odd behavior then hurt, once she saw him flirting on the sidewalk with a neighborhood hottie. Hey, he was only a guy. What else would he do while an attractive woman jogged in place while wearing a skimpy sports bra?

Since then, she’d given him only her politely social smile, with no teeth visible, and inclined her head to one side to acknowledge his presence. He wasn’t sure why, but from that moment on he’d been perversely tempted to make that smile come out again, the one that shone from her eyes as well as her lips. That was the reason he hadn’t called her back when he checked his machine over the phone from Europe. She was probably checking up on the party invitation he’d received in the mail shortly before his departure. Something about a party at her place. Thinking about it, he realized that it was tonight. Well, that explained all the cars lining the street.

He took the plate out of the microwave and ate the first bite as he finished his messages. There was one from his assistant. He juggled his hot plate and grabbed a pen to write it down. First she stated his instructions about not mentioning anything that was unsettling, but didn’t require his personal attention, while he was on the trip. The police? Here? He looked around his house. She said it had something to do with his next-door neighbor and the serial rapist. He looked at the plate in his hand, and his stomach was suddenly filled with dread. What if she’d been hurt? The man was violent. For all he knew, the people next door might be there for her wake. He had to see her, now.

Forgetting all about the note he ran out the front door, hurdled over the hedge and made it to the front of her house in record time. As he reached the front porch, he heard music and laughter. Well, obviously she was okay. He felt foolish, thinking about how his sprint across the lawn must have looked. He barely knew the woman, after all. He’d made sure of that. Besides, he was still dressed in dark jeans and a sweater. He hadn’t even removed his leather jacket yet.

Just as he was about to turn around, the door opened. Another man stood there, dressed similarly. “Hey, I’m Derrick. You must be here for the party.”

“Yes,” was all he could think to say. Then, seeing a puzzled look cross his face, “Oh, I’m Gabriel. Gabriel Cortez. I live next door.”

He came out and closed the door behind him. “You must have just gotten back. We’ve been waiting for you to call or come by so we could tell you all about what happened. This probably isn’t the best time, but I’m sure the note explained most of it.”

“Yes, yes of course.” The note! He should have read the thing after all. “Is Aaliyah okay?”

“Yes, she’s fine, but I don’t have to tell you that she’s a little jumpy. You must feel that way also, knowing some stranger was basically staying in your house. Sorry if we compounded that feeling by having the cleaning service come in, but we couldn‘t just leave that mess for you to find when you returned. Francis Merrin was a lot of help, too. By the way, I hope that you enjoyed your dinner. I like cooking a good meal. It always relaxes me when I‘m thinking about a new design.” Then, “Anyway, I’ve got to get going. My girlfriend noticed that we’re running low on ice, and the caterer has his hands full with the number of extra guests who showed up. Go on in and have a good time. You deserve it after all this.”

“Thanks, I will,” Gabriel replied automatically. Inside, he was still stunned. The rapist had been in his house? And what was all this we stuff, anyway? Who was Derrick to Aaliyah? He hadn’t been living here when Gabriel left town, he would have noticed. He stopped himself short. He had no right to speculate about her personal life. They weren’t even friends. She was just a woman he nodded to as he picked up his paper in the morning.

He knocked but, after receiving no response, tried the knob. It was open, so he went inside. Wow! The soundproofing on this house must be incredible. He was startled by the cacophony of voices and background music that emerged from a doorway on the right wall of the foyer. People from the neighborhood were everywhere. They milled about the curved staircase in the foyer with the mahogany banister. As he walked around, he saw retirees playing chess with kids at tables set up in what appeared to be a family room. Teenagers and college kids lounged about eating pizza in an entertainment room, watching a movie that just left the theaters on a huge flat screen television. When he glanced into the doorway where the majority of people were located, he saw everything from adults in their early twenties to retirees enjoying good conversation as they ate from a large buffet and sipped their drinks. Well, at least everyone was reasonably casual. He didn’t stand out too noticeably.

He walked inside, noticing that a number of the people there bore a striking resemblance to Derrick. They must have strong genes in his family. If his family was here, might this be something more than a simple party? They might be getting engaged. He struggled; trying to remember what was written on the invitation he’d automatically tossed into the garbage.

He grabbed a soda from a passing waiter. Where was Aaliyah, anyway? He refused to acknowledge that he’d wanted her to “go away” less than an hour ago. He just needed to see her, to know for himself that she was okay. Then, he could go home.

That’s when he saw her. It was like something out of one of those stupid chick flicks. His eyes had rested unconsciously on one group in particular, and one lady shifted to the left revealing the most striking woman he’d ever seen. He didn’t mean just beautiful, though she was that. She was…arresting. Her skin was so smooth and chocolaty brown. It looked so delicate that he thought it might snag if he touched it, and he wanted to touch it. Her cheekbones were high, her eyes large and expressive, and her smile…. He didn’t know that a smile could contain such warmth and joy. Her hair was cut into a bob that barely skimmed the bottom of her jaw. Long silver earrings dangled from her ears, drawing his eye down to her throat revealed by the V-shaped neckline of her wraparound blouse. It was dark orange in color, with long full sleeves, and seemed to skim her figure, hugging various parts of her curvy body lovingly as she turned this way or that. Her black pants flowed down long legs to brush the tops of her heels.

Her eyes skimmed past him, then back, capturing his gaze. This was his chance, so he smiled a slow, sexy smile. She looked a little startled, then smiled back. Just then one of the neighbors said something to her, forcing her to turn her eyes back to her right. Her gaze darted back just once, letting him know that he wasn’t forgotten. That was enough for him. He took a step in that direction before someone near the custom built shelving on the wall began tapping on a glass.

He looked up, surprised to see that the teenagers now commanded the front of the room. He looked back toward the group, only to see that the woman was nowhere to be found. Frustration seethed inside. Did they have to choose this moment to make an announcement?

Some man who looked to be barely into his twenties, with hair in a shade of red that was definitely not found in nature, and various piercings held the floor. “First of all, I just want to say that the Wyndhams know how to throw a party!” He paused, as the crowd gave their vocal appreciation. “On a more serious note, I also want to make sure that we recognize the importance of this occasion. I know that we’ve already done the cake and candles thing, but I have to say that not only has Kitty Wyndham been blessed with another year, but we’ve all been blessed to continue to have her in our lives.”

A chorus of “Aw’s” and “Here, here’s!” ensued until he raised his hands for quiet.

Gabriel was still wondering who this Kitty was. The only Wyndham who lived on this street was Aaliyah.

“Now, everybody knows that she wrote the grants to keep our community center alive. However, we’re going to tell you all a little secret that we’ve been holding back. One of the best students in my Hip Hop class at the rec. center is none other than Kitty Wyndham.” Then, when the incredulous remarks were over, he smiled wickedly, “She started for the cardio and stayed for the love. So, without further ado, we’d like say happy birthday to Kitty Kat our way. Hit it, Cassie!” he said, nodding to a girl about his age, standing near the sound system that controlled the speaker system.

The kids started gesturing for everyone else to clear a space and pulled a reluctant Kitty onto the floor. It was the same woman he’d flirted with earlier. Suddenly, the familiar, driving beats of Fifty Cent’s “In The Club” came across the speakers, and everyone on the floor was transformed. As the artist said, “Go Shawty! It’s your birthday! We’re gon’ party like it’s your birthday,” everyone, including Kitty, began to dance. Kitty seemed to be competing against the redheaded boy. He was wild and uncontrolled, while she was all leashed passion and precision.

Before the song was half over they began pulling others onto the floor. As he jockeyed for position, trying to get closer to Kitty, Gabriel noticed that he wasn’t the only man trying to do the same, and not all of them were single. Suddenly, he wondered what he thought he could do when he got to her. He was too old for clubs, and he had certainly never considered taking a class that meant making a fool out of himself in front of a bunch of kids half his age. He hesitated but, following her smile, saw Lucas Delessandro closing in and he just couldn’t let it go. Gabriel reached out and caught her hand. Her head whipped around.

“My dance, I believe?”

“Okay,” she smiled, hearing the music change to a funky salsa beat. “Let’s see what you’ve got.”

What he had was Salsa. Thankfully, she was also familiar with it. As he spun her around and brought her in close, she felt a breathless sense of wonder. What could have brought about this sudden change? This couldn’t be the same cold-eyed stranger, who had ignored her friendly overtures, only to smile and flirt with a man-eater like Candace Manning. It just wasn’t possible. Yet, it was happening.

At the end of the song, he held her bent over his arm in a rather dramatic dip. He stared at her lips with such heat that she knew he was going to kiss her, but just as his head began to descend he froze, as the applause from the other guests began to register. Apparently, they’d put on quite a show, with a ring forming around them in the crowd. Instead of the kiss she’d anticipated, Gabriel brought her up with a flourish and twirled her to his side. They both took a bow.

Now that the show was over, everyone began to drift back toward their groups and he turned to introduce himself, trying to figure out a way that he could get to know her better in this crowd, but she beat him to the punch.

“After all that dancing, I am seriously parched. Why don’t we get something to drink and find a cool place to sit down?”

He agreed, following her through the crowd until she reached the bar that had been set up in one corner.

“A bottle of your finest sparkling cider, please,” she said with a smile.

“And two glasses,” he added.

While they waited his stomach gave a growl, and he spotted a selection of food on a nearby table. Making a quick excuse, he darted over to fill a plate with several meaty hors d’eouvres, grapes, pineapple slices and strawberries. As an afterthought he drizzled chocolate over the strawberries, then grabbed a stack of napkins and turned back toward the bar. Derrick was standing there with Kitty and another woman he didn’t recognize.

When he’d rejoined them, Derrick made the introductions.

“I see that you two have already met, and this is Sophia Randall, my future wife.”

She hit him in the arm. “I told you that we haven’t been dating long enough to know that.”

“I told you that I know when it’s right. God knew what he was doing when he sent a beautiful woman like you to work that case.” She blushed.

“Flatterer.”

“And he cooks, too,” added Kitty with a teasing smile. Then, in a loud stage whisper, “Please take him off our hands. We’ve been trying to get rid of him for years.”

“All right, Kitty. Just for that, you are expelled from the family.”

“You mean, I finally get to stop admitting that we’re related?” she shot back.

“Keep it up. You know that I’m staying here, tonight.”

They all laughed at what was obviously a well-worn exchange of barbs.

In the meantime, Gabriel was experiencing the most acute sense of relief. Derrick was a Wyndham already, so Aaliyah…. Wait a minute. Why did that even matter? He was here with Kitty.

“Anyway, we’re getting off the subject,” Derrick was saying. “Sophia Randall, this is Gabriel Cortez, from next door. He’s the one you’ve wanted to talk to about the break-in.”

After accepting his invitation to call him Gabriel, she eyed the plate and the bottled cider, tactfully declaring, “Tomorrow is soon enough to talk business. You probably had a long trip back, so just enjoy yourself for now. Your assistant has my number and, if you have any other problems, Kitty knows how to get in touch with me.” With that, she steered Derrick away from the couple.

After several interruptions, they were able to make their way to a semi-private corner alcove. They were further screened from the crowd by an enormous potted plant and a decorative pillar. As he began to seat himself she said, “Don’t.” She was looking intently at the crowd, and seemed to be waiting for something.

People were looking at them with too much interest, and Aaliyah didn’t want anyone who didn’t already know the layout of the house to be able to find them easily. Mr. Chang helped by bumping into a waiter, who promptly dropped his thankfully empty silver tray. The resulting noise captured everyone’s attention, and Aaliyah immediately activated the hidden latch to open a concealed panel in the wall at the side of the alcove. She waved him through, quickly following and shutting the door quietly behind her.

End Notes:

Please don't forget to rate and review!

Chapter Two: And Then Our Lips... by Noelle Vonham
Author's Notes:

And Then Our Lips...

This work, Amended Hearts, is copyrighted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This includes all chapters, prologues/epilogues and associated content (i.e fanfics, teasers and content within blogs, social networks and eReaders). Any unauthorised copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright. Any infringement of this copyright is punishable by law. Any associated links, videos or photographs are not the property of the author, and no assertion of copyright or ownership is made or intended.

Chapter Two: And Then Our Lips…


They stood still for a few moments, while getting their eyes acclimated to the darkness.

“I would turn on a light, but I’m afraid that it would only attract attention.”

“In that case, the darkness will just have to do. Where are we, anyway?” he asked, hearing a hollow echo.

“In a hidden stairwell. The original owner was an eccentric who liked the idea of solitude, so he made a point of being difficult to track inside his home. Where we’re going is to the conservatory. She opened a door across the small room that he had assumed led to the backyard.

“A conservatory,” he thought, “I thought those were only found in mansions.”

“It was converted from the large, two-story sunroom on the back of the house,” she continued, as though reading his mind. “Here, let me go first. I wouldn’t want you to fall into the pool.”

“There’s a pool in here?” he asked as they moved along a pathway into the warmth of the glass-enclosed space.

“Well, sort of. It’s more of a large heated water feature, but doubles as a whirlpool. Here we are,” Aaliyah announced as she rounded a corner. She touched a panel, and suddenly muted lighting appeared beneath a surface of water, giving a soft glow to the area that allowed him to see his surroundings.

The scene that awaited him was out of a fairytale, if you were into the adult variety. A divan, covered in textured pillows, was set against a backdrop of tropical flowers and plants. Nearby, A waterfall rushed down into a small rock grotto, large enough for two people to play in comfortably. He forced his thoughts away from that topic as she sat down on the divan, patting the place beside her.

He took her up on the invitation, and popped open the bottle of cider. As she took her first sip she looked at him over the rim of the glass.

“So, you’ve been away on business. What is it exactly that you do with your time?”

“I buy and sell things.”

“What kinds of things?” she asked.

“Anything. Companies, commodities, land… you name it. I also dabble in some real estate development, and I sometimes help people find financing for their ventures.”

“It sounds as though you never have a dull day.”

“That certainly isn’t true. Believe me when I say that working that hard has its drawbacks.”

“Like what?”

“Like sacrifice. You sacrifice your social life in a big way when you sign on for this kind of gig. Anyway, we are not going to talk about me all night. I want to hear more about you. I already know you can move on the dance floor. Tell me something I don‘t know.”

“Well, I’m a lawyer, with a secret passion for the performing arts, as well as writing and painting.”

“No!”

“Really. I do a lot of entertainment law. As a matter of fact, one of the guys I help my boss to represent is here tonight. He’s a producer for that new teenage action movie.”

“You mean the one the kids were watching tonight?”

“Yeah, wasn’t that sweet of him? He brought it so that they would have something to do besides hang out with us, being miserable. He brought a few others for them to look at too, just in case.”

“I would think that with a setup like the one I saw in the entertainment room, there would already be a lot of first run movies available here.”

“Don’t let first impressions fool you. Most of the time when Derrick isn’t here, that TV stays off. He’s an architect with his own firm you know, and also does both interior and exterior design work. He’s a great big brother, and also the one who bought this house as a graduation present and oversaw its renovation, so he had a lot to say about what he wanted in a house. His original argument was, “What about when you get a man? Where are we going to watch the game?” When he saw that that wasn’t getting him anywhere, he decided to play hardball. He bought a copy of Kathleen Battle performing a beautiful aria and played it at his house, where there’s a similar setup. He won that round, and the TV was installed the next day.”

They shared a laugh that broke the ice between them. He was strangely pleased to find out that Derrick and Aaliyah were brother and sister. Yet, he was enjoying his time here with Kitty so much. They continued to talk and to laugh, as they shared the fruit and the cider.

Aaliyah’s head was spinning. She thought, “This can’t be happening. He’s never been interested in me before, and I’ve lived here over a year now. It seemed surreal, like a scene right out of a romantic fantasy movie.” She reached absently for another strawberry, biting into it and using her tongue to clean away any excess chocolate from her lips.

On the other hand, the sight of her tongue running unconsciously across her lips transfixed Gabriel. She was obviously not trying to seduce him, which made it all the more effective. She’d left a little fleck of chocolate just to the right of her mouth and he leaned in slowly, giving her plenty of time to withdraw. He looked into her eyes, witnessing both uncertainty and invitation there. Then, she closed them, offering her lips with an indrawn breath.

He began at the corner of her cheek by her ear, slowly kissing his way toward her mouth. When he reached the chocolate his tongue darted out, startling a gasp from her lips and parting them. That was all the invitation he needed. Capturing her lips with his own, he began to sip from her, first holding her mouth in position by cupping her face in his hands, then putting his arms around her to draw her into closer contact.

They both drew back as they heard footsteps coming toward them from the opposite direction than they had taken. Aaliyah used one of the napkins to wipe her lip-gloss from Gabriel’s mouth. Then they hurriedly stood.

Derrick came into view. “I thought you might be here. Mrs. Reardon’s been having a fit, trying to figure out where you went,” he said, speaking of the neighborhood’s biggest gossip. “I just came to tell you that the party is winding down, and people are starting to leave. I thought you might want to speak with some of them first.”

Aaliyah looked at her watch. She blinked. They couldn’t have been in here that long.

“Speaking of people we wanted to talk to, have you seen Aaliyah? I never did find her, tonight,” Gabriel interjected.

“But you…” began Derrick, shooting a bewildered glance at Aaliyah.

“But I’m her,” Aaliyah choked out at the same time.

“You’re her…?” asked Gabriel, clearly believing that she hadn’t finished her sentence.

Aaliyah made her decision in a flash. “I’m…hurrying to get back to the party.” she finished, leaving abruptly.

* * *

“Man, that was bad. What are you going to do?” Derrick asked quietly into the top of Aaliyah’s head.

Without lifting her head from his shoulder she shrugged, sniffling

They were seated on the couch in the family room. The caterer’s cleanup crew had just finished up and left. No one could even tell that a party had been held there earlier tonight.

“Well, I can see how the man might have gotten confused,” said Sophia from her curled up position in the overstuffed lounge chair across from them.

“How? What, is he blind?” asked an incredulous Derrick.

“Well, yes it’s obvious that he is. Then again, it’s also obvious that you are, too when it comes to your baby sister.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” he asked indignantly.

“Guys, don’t fight. This is all my fault, and no one else’s.” said Aaliyah.

“Now that’s just not true,” said Sophia. “You’re at your party, held in your home, when a handsome, eligible bachelor from the neighborhood begins to pay attention to you,” she fumed. “Of course the first thing you’re supposed to think is that he doesn’t realize it’s you,” she finished sarcastically.

“I just left him there, making Derrick explain. He must have felt like such a fool.”

“He would have felt like one, anyway,” Sophia said decisively.

“Why?” asked Derrick skeptically.

“It all goes back to what I said about being blind,” Sophia replied.

“But how could he not know who she was? They’d been together for over an hour at that point.”

“That’s exactly my point. The day I came here for the first time, I would never have connected the Aaliyah I saw in a dumpy, faded jogging suit to the polished sophisticated Kitty sitting here now. Before you say it,” she held up a hand, “her work suits aren’t much more flattering.”

Aaliyah, who had been uncharacteristically passive up to this point, felt her hackles begin to rise. “Okay, now that we’re clear that I’m a walking fashion don’t, would you care to explain how the man could stare at my face for over an hour without knowing who I was? My clothes might change, but my face sure hasn’t.”

“I know that, but be fair. You wore your contacts for once, and you were still wearing that Velma Kelly wig the kids gave you with the rest of her ‘Chicago’ costume. You looked very different from your normal self.”

“Besides,“ she continued mercilessly, “most single men who are still out there looking for a pretty face aren’t going to bother to look past chunky glasses and a bun. He probably stopped seeing you when he noticed your tendency to dress like your grandmother.”

“That’s it. I should have just told him I’d gotten a makeover. At least that would have been the truth.” Sophia had convinced Derrick that the perfect birthday present was an outfit to wear to the party, in addition to the new laptop he‘d already purchased. She had also shown up early to do Aaliyah’s hair and makeup.

“You should only have said that if you never wanted him to look you in the eye again, let alone call. You are not in a position of weakness here. You don’t have to explain who you are, or apologize for it. He’s the one who needs to apologize.”

She let that sink in for a few moments.

“Think about it. He’s been living next door to a beautiful, talented and vivacious woman for over a year now, and he never even noticed. He even went so far as to snub her when she showed a personal interest in him. Finally, he sees her at a party being held at her house and makes it clear that he’s attracted. Then, after spending the entire evening getting to know her better, he shows that he doesn’t even know who she is. He must feel like a moron.”

“I still want to know what she’s going to do about it,” Derrick sighed. “I mean, the man lives next door, Sophia. It’s not like this is just going to go away.”

“You’re right. She does need to decide what she’s going to do. In other words,” she began, looking directly at Aaliyah, “do you want to make him pay, or make him pant?”

The two women began to smile at one another.

“Maybe both,” Aaliyah said, a little uncertain.

“That can be arranged,” said Sophia with a smile.

“What are you suggesting? That she plays games with the man? Come on, Sophia,” Derrick interjected.

“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting, only I also think that she should play to win…as Aaliyah.”

Chapter Three: What Secrets Do They Whisper? by Noelle Vonham
Author's Notes:

This work, Amended Hearts, is copyrighted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This includes all chapters, prologues/epilogues and associated content (i.e fanfics, teasers and content within blogs, social networks and eReaders). Any unauthorised copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright. Any infringement of this copyright is punishable by law. Any associated links, videos or photographs are not the property of the author, and no assertion of copyright or ownership is made or intended.

Chapter Three: What Secrets Do They Whisper?


“Phase one,” Sophia pronounced, “is complete.”

She stepped back and turned Aaliyah toward the full-length mirror.

Aaliyah gasped, as she looked at her reflection. That couldn’t be her. Her brown eyes sparkled behind the compact lenses of her new wire framed glasses. The subtle makeup enhanced her features, defining her bone structure. Her curvy form was shown to its best advantage in heavy cotton pants in dark taupe. Her sweater was cream-colored cashmere, hugging her curves when she moved. Her knee length coat, in a light cream, swung about her form as she moved. Her leather boots were a dark brown, with a slight cherry tone, their pointed toes peeking out from under the sweep of her pant legs. Her long, natural black hair had been coiled under the wig Friday night, but was now shaped into long natural spirals, going three quarters of the way down her back.

Phase one, according to Sophia, was to make over Aaliyah as Aaliyah. After hearing her out Derrick agreed, and even wrote a check to cover the expense. After all, he’d argued over both their protests, Aaliyah couldn’t afford to go on an unexpected shopping spree and makeover and maintain her current investment strategy. She hadn’t been out of school long enough. Sophia was tagging along for his sake, and should allow him to do something in return.

That had been Friday night. Saturday morning, eight o’clock saw Aaliyah at the spa where she was poked, prodded, plucked, waxed, buffed, massaged, moisturized and manicured within an inch of her life. By Eleven o’clock, she was being fitted for her new glasses. By twelve, they were fitting her for a new wardrobe. After a late lunch, they had picked out some new exercise attire, retrieved her new glasses, and picked up the first several altered suits in her new wardrobe. Her hair and glasses garnered compliments at church, but she didn’t bother to wear a new outfit under her robe, as it was her Sunday to sing in the choir.

Now, it was Monday morning. She was beginning to have second, and even third thoughts about showing up at the office looking so different.

“Will you please stop worrying? Even if this guy doesn’t work out, so what? You barely even know him, beyond the fantasy man you’ve built around that gorgeous package over the last year. Besides, somebody’s going to spot you in this outfit. I wouldn’t be surprised if you got asked out to lunch today.”

“What if he figures it out?”

“He won’t figure it out. Not yet, anyway.”

“What do you mean, not yet?”

“Aaliyah, men never do, until it‘s been so long and they‘re so happy that they don‘t want to upset the apple cart.” Then, she explained for the umpteenth time, “You just keep your nose in the air, and he’ll have to be persistent to get your attention. That means that as you gradually let him into your life, he‘ll appreciate how hard he’s worked to get there. In the meantime, he needs to get to know who you are, and you need to get to know who he is, beyond the hedge.”

“What if all this is for nothing? What if he takes one look at me and laughs, or what if I don’t like the man he is, beyond the hedge?”

“Then you will have lost nothing, and gained a new wardrobe. Anyway, we don’t have time for this chitchat. What time is it?”

“Seven Fifty-Eight! I’ve got to get down there.”

They raced down the stairs. Aaliyah usually let up her garage door and began warming the car at Seven-Fifty. Just before she got in, she would walk through the garage and pick up her paper from the driveway, where the careless paperboy tossed it every morning. Gabriel, performing a similar ritual, would usually nod, travel coffee cup in hand. Quickly, she let up the garage door using the remote, even as she opened the door leading to it. Then, she cranked up the car and practically ran to the outer door before slowing down and walking coolly outside. She followed Sophia’s instructions to the letter, stooping down to pick up the paper without glancing toward the house next door, then stopping to absently unbind it and scan the headlines before walking back into the garage to leave. At least, that was the plan.

“Aaliyah!” he called over the hedge.

As instructed, she flicked him a casual glance, nodded, and mumbled “Good morning,” before looking back down at the paper and continuing on her way. Just then, she heard her name again, this time from the direction of the road.

“Liyah!” It was Lucas Delessandro. He was jogging in place on the sidewalk in front of her house, wearing gray sweats that did no justice to his muscular physique and a set of beats headphones, currently hanging around his neck. His black hair was plastered to his forehead with sweat, and his white teeth shown brilliantly against darkly tan skin. “Looking good, Baby.”

“You think so?” She smiled, raising her arms over her head and giving a little hip-swinging twirl that elicited a wolf whistle. She blew him a kiss, and he put a hand over his heart, staggering backward and flashing his brilliant smile. Laughing at their silliness, she waved and again turned toward the house.

As she entered the garage, she could feel Gabriel’s eyes following her. She ran back into the kitchen.

“Well?” she asked anxiously.

“He looked like he swallowed his tongue,” Sophia laughed.

“Are you sure he didn’t just burn his tongue with his coffee?” Aaliyah asked doubtfully.

“You didn’t see the expression on his face when you barely acknowledged him.”

“Yes, I have seen that expression. It’s called rejection, and I see it in my own mirror every morning as I pull out of the yard.”

“Well, now you get a taste of how the other half lives. Oh, there he goes.”

Aaliyah joined her at the window as Gabriel pulled out of the drive.

“Okay, we’d better go before we’re both late for work,” said Aaliyah. “I’ll drive you to your car.” Sophia had parked a few houses away.

“That’s okay, I’ll just walk. You go ahead, and enjoy your day.” She waved and disappeared down the sidewalk as Aaliyah loaded her briefcase into the car and backed out of the garage.


* * *


Gabriel felt frustrated as he drove to work. So Aaliyah wouldn’t smile at him. So what? It didn’t feel like a small thing, though. Not today. Over the weekend, he’d tried to convince himself that making a fool of himself in front of one woman after an hour of good conversation and a great kiss was nothing. When he’d looked up to perform the daily ritual of nodding politely over their morning papers before returning to the garage however, he’d been transfixed. Small wonder he hadn’t recognized her at the party. She looked like her own daughter, compared with the woman who generally faced off with him over the hedges.

Obviously, something had changed in her life. One of his college buddies from South Korea always said that when a woman changed her looks, she had changed her mind. When he’d tried to say good morning, and exchange a few pleasantries, she’d made it clear that one thing she hadn’t changed her mind about was getting to know him. He hit the steering wheel in frustration.

Unlike Lucas Delessandro. He could still see the man’s smirk as he’d looked at him while jogging past. Obviously, he hadn’t forgotten or forgiven being cut off for that dance on Friday night. He and Lucas were rivals from way back. They had grown up together, and what the one achieved, the other always wanted to top.

At first their rivalry was a friendly prod in the right direction. Good grades, high achievement in sports. However, in high school their once friendly rivalry heated up as they competed over everything from girls to sports to college scholarships.

More recently, they had crossed swords over a few business ventures. Of course he noticed Lucas going over to visit Aaliyah, but he hadn’t thought anything of it at the time. Now Lucas was making her laugh and calling her “Liyah,” while Gabriel was wracking his brain for a way to get back to the level of a polite smile, rather than the cold, expressionless glance she’d thrown his way this morning. He couldn’t believe how he’d fumbled the opportunity that had been thrown to him on Friday night. She’d smiled at him again. A full, warm and womanly smile. She had even talked to him.

They called her Kitty. He frowned. Maybe it was from a middle name, because there was no way anybody had gotten Kitty out of Aaliyah. Obviously, she’d decided to get made over for her party. He could still see the excitement sparkling in her eyes as they danced. If he closed his eyes, he could picture how intent she’d appeared seated in the conservatory, as they’d discussed every topic under the sun. They’d never run out of things to talk about, and that kiss…”

The horn blaring impatiently from behind made him lurch forward, finally opening his eyes to see the green light ahead in the intersection. “Yeah, well you might as well get over it, Buddy,” he said to himself from between clenched teeth. He was lucky she gave him another chance, after the way he’d treated her. Then he ruined everything. He could still see Aaliyah’s face when he asked about, well, about her. She looked bewildered, then hurt and angry. She practically ran from the room, leaving him to face a furious Derrick who told him exactly what he thought of him, and then asked him to leave. “Great way to win over the family,” he chuckled mirthlessly.

It was going to be awkward, living next door to someone who hated him, he thought to himself as he pulled into the parking garage at work downtown. Then again, maybe hate was a strong word under the circumstances. Dislike was closer to the mark. They’d gone from indifference to dislike, definitely a step in the wrong direction.


* * *

Lucas dried off with a towel after his shower. He then tied it around his tightly muscled waist and swiped a hand across the mirror to clear away the fog. Grabbing the shave gel, he coated his facial hair and picked up a razor to begin clearing away his stubble. He chuckled again, thinking about what had happened during his morning jog.

First of all, Liyah looked great. She had finally shrugged off that bookish look he’d been teasing her about for the last seventeen years. Then Derrick’s girlfriend, Sophia, came barreling down the street to catch up to him. She jumped out of the car and practically attacked him on the sidewalk with a hug.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” she’d exclaimed.

“For what?” he asked a little breathlessly.

“For what? You just filled in the missing gap.”

“Okay, I’ll bite. What’s up?”

“Didn’t you see his face? He looked like he wanted to kill you, and don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy it.”

“Ah,” understanding dawned. “You mean Gabriel. Oh yeah, we go way back.”

“Well,” she began, and filled him in on the game plan, and the part she expected him to play.

“You know that I don’t like games,” he began, watching her face fall, “but this one just might work. How soon do you want to get started?”

“As soon as possible, of course,” she answered. “Now, I’m going to the lab.”

He watched as she got into the car and drove off, then ran home.

At eighteen, Lucas had been a sophomore in college when he pledged a fraternity alongside Derrick, a twenty-two year old senior. Despite their age difference, the two hit it off. Being the tallest, Lucas was the last pledge and Derrick stood next to him. Even after Derrick graduated, they kept up with one another, with Lucas visiting the Wyndham household more often than he visited his own. At ten Liyah Baby, as he’d always teasingly called her, had become like the little sister he’d never had.

Lucas filled a gap in her life when Derrick went away to grad school, and then on to make a name for himself in New York. In fifth grade he got her into karate at his old dojo to help build her confidence. In sixth, he helped her learn to dance in time for the sweetheart’s ball. In seventh, she’d cried on his shoulder over her first crush, and so on. Even after he’d finished his Master’s degree in music and took off for the west coast to pursue a career, they’d stayed in touch with calls and visits. Even now his protective instincts wouldn’t allow him to stop checking on her every evening, especially since he’d cut a business trip short to fly back following the break in. If any other feelings were going to develop between them, it would have happened a long time ago, right? Of course, he smiled to himself; Gabriel didn’t have to know that.

He had always enjoyed a good argument, something he and Aaliyah had in common. As a child he enjoyed the rivalry, but Gabriel always took it so seriously. Of course, it didn’t hurt that Lucas pretended to feel the same way. He toured for years, playing with, as well as composing for, a number of artists. When his reputation as a composer placed him in high enough demand more than three years ago he moved back home where he belonged, even helping Liyah find a job with an entertainment lawyer he knew in town. These days he dabbled in real estate, when he wasn’t writing new music from his home office. He and Gabriel sometimes clashed over a particular piece of property, and they’d exchanged some hard words on occasion. In spite of his faults, Lucas knew that Gabriel was a good man with a solid family background. Still, he had to make him squirm for a while before he could get back into Liyah’s good graces, just on principle.

Chapter Four: What Secrets Do They Keep? by Noelle Vonham
Author's Notes:

This work, Amended Hearts, is copyrighted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This includes all chapters, prologues/epilogues and associated content (i.e fanfics, teasers and content within blogs, social networks and eReaders). Any unauthorised copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright. Any infringement of this copyright is punishable by law. Any associated links, videos or photographs are not the property of the author, and no assertion of copyright or ownership is made or intended.

Chapter Four
Aaliyah walked into the downtown office, feeling a little self-conscious. The confidence
she had gained from her success this morning seemed to fade, the closer she got to work. In the
lobby now, she felt an urge to run back home and revert to her old self before anyone
recognized her. She made up her mind to turn around and call in sick just as she saw her boss,
Naomi Alvarez, come around the corner. As usual, her uncontrollably curly brown hair flew
about her head. She was dressed in a black power suit and red blouse, with knee-high, laced
black boots covering her fishnet stockings. “Let’s face it,” she thought, “the woman has an
outrageous fashion sense for a lawyer. She probably won’t even notice a change.”

“Good morning, Naomi,” she said.

“Good mor…Wow, Aaliyah?” Naomi asked, stunned.

“Yes, it‘s me,” she answered.

“Well, it’s about time,” she stated, nodding toward her suit. Then, “Put your things
down. We’re meeting with some Hollywood types today, and you’re dressed perfectly for the
meeting. Come walk with me to grab a biscuit from Chick Fil-A, and we’ll talk about it.”

Hiding her surprise, Aaliyah readily agreed, and was soon back inside the lobby. She’d
encountered some surprised, and several frankly interested, looks along the way. As they
walked, she tried to keep her mind focused as Naomi prattled on. However, she couldn’t help
but contrast the subdued and perfunctory greetings she normally received from her coworkers
with this morning’s more enthusiastic welcome. She didn’t know how she should feel about the
abrupt change. On the one hand she was flattered, and on the other insulted. Suddenly, they felt
that she was a worthwhile person to know, but only after she drastically altered her outer
appearance. By now, they were seated in the restaurant window facing Main Street.

“Who cares that I have a brain, or that I’m an interesting person with a great sense of
humor?” she thought. “By all means, just enjoy looking at me.”

“Oh, come on,” said Naomi. “Appearance does make a difference.”

“Oh no, was I talking out loud?” Aaliyah asked, aghast.

“More like muttering, but that’s not the point. Take that guy over there,” she said,
pointing to a man with long hair and an unkempt beard, wearing blue jeans, a stained sweatshirt
and sandals with socks. “Would you go out with him?” Her eyes seemed to bore into Aaliyah’s,
demanding the truth.

“That’s different,” she hedged.

“No, it isn’t. He doesn’t appear approachable. If he came to the firm as an attorney,
would you take him seriously?” She fired back rapidly.

“Well, no,” Aaliyah admitted reluctantly.

“Exactly. A professional appearance is important. You’ve never had a problem
projecting a professional appearance, but you have had trouble projecting an approachable one.
Now you have both.”

“I’ve always been approachable,” Aaliyah argued.

“Yes, as a person, but the only reason I came to that conclusion and gave you a chance
was because Lucas talked about you so much.”

“I wasn’t aware that you knew him so well.”

“Well, it’s not that I know him so well,” she answered hastily. “It’s just that we’ve
known each other, professionally, for a number of years.”

“Okay,” Aaliyah agreed slowly, but knowing Lucas’ past reputation with women, she
had her doubts about the veracity of that statement.

“Let’s get back on subject. Judging by your appearance when we met, I would never
have thought that you were capable of interacting successfully with artistic people. You looked
forbidding, formidable…dull.”

“Thanks a lot,” Aaliyah grated out, insulted.

“Don’t get offended. It’s just the truth and, as your boss, I get to tell you the truth.
Anyway, if you had walked into that interview with your stodgy appearance, I would have never
taken you for a Broadway singing, salsa dancing, abstract-painting poet with a love of all things
musical. I would never have hired you without knowing about the side of your personality your
brother calls “Kitty Kat,” she said slyly, waggling her brows.

“Well, if we’re being honest here,” Aaliyah began.

“We are,” nodded Naomi, as if to grant her approval.

“Based on appearance alone, I wouldn’t think that a lawyer would wear a mini skirt and
fishnets to work.”

Naomi threw her head back and laughed, a vibrant, full-throated sound that caused
people around them to smile. “You’d better be glad I have such a good sense of humor,” she
said.

“I’m sorry. That was kind of mean.”

“Don’t be sorry. You’re entitled. Yes, my wardrobe could say, “Inspired by Erin
Brokovich,” but that’s me. I’m a partner who helped build the firm, and no one can deny the
powerful client base that I have. You, however, do not yet have the privilege of a reputation that
precedes you. People are naturally going to depend more on what they see to tell them who you
are. Just enjoy it, and realize that the person they’re seeing now is exactly who you’ve been all
along. Now, eat up, and I’ll tell you about our clients.”

They arrived back at the firm at around nine o‘clock. Aaliyah went to her office to get
some work done before the meeting. Apparently, a music producer from the Columbia area was
ready to move back home and open his own recording company. He had an interest in two
similar companies in Florida and Atlanta, and wished to gain local representation for an
expansion into Columbia. Naomi had put her to work filling in corporate forms they had to file
to turn the client’s idea into a fact, according to the State of South Carolina. The work kept her
mind fully occupied, because Naomi might be a good boss, but she was also meticulous, and
didn’t tolerate mistakes at all. Suddenly appearances, and her situation with Gabriel, were the
last things on her mind.

* * *

By the time he reached his office, Gabriel felt frustrated and angry. Why couldn’t he
just leave the situation alone? The woman clearly didn’t want anything else to do with him.
They weren’t friends, they weren’t dating and she meant nothing to him. “It doesn’t matter that
she dislikes me, any more than it matters that someone in a passing car doesn’t like me, so just
stop thinking about it,” he told himself.

Of course he didn’t. He’d walked through the building with a face so stormy that people
he talked to every morning intentionally dodged him. To make matters worse he’d been short
with Mrs. Hickman, his ultra efficient assistant. In response to her customary “Good Morning,”
he’d growled, “Coffee.” Never mind that he was already wired, thanks to the brew his cousin
Miguel had brought back from visiting their relatives in Colombia.

He sat at his desk, head in hands, trying to figure out a way to stave off her wrath. If
there was one thing the formidable Priscilla Hickman did not do, it was coffee. She’d told him
so during her interview, right after informing him that she held a Master’s Degree in Business.
She chose to be his assistant because she liked his startup‘s potential and because she’d been
out of the workforce for a while. If he didn’t like her terms, she’d simply be out of it for a little
while longer. Short on funds and in dire need of her expertise, he’d readily accepted.

It turned out that her husband died in a crash, but not before running the business they’d
originally built together into the ground. That was ten years ago when he was a brash twenty-
five year old, out to conquer the world through real estate. She’d stayed at his side, helping him
out of quite a few sticky situations. In exchange he gave her a generous salary, stock options
and the respect she so rightfully deserved. It was her expertise that kept them out of hot water
when the bubble burst, and made them profits on other companies’ losses. His vice presidents
trembled at her mere presence, while his business rivals gnashed their teeth in envy.

“Coffee.” The mug thumped down in front of him, splashing a few drops across the
granite surface of his desk.

He jumped at her hard voice, removing his hands from his face. He stared for a moment
at the pointed message on the side of the cup: “I Have Menopause and A Gun. Problem?!”

“Anything else?” she asked, unmistakable sarcasm lacing her tone.

“Yes,” he sighed. “Hickman, please, sit down.”

The older woman gave him a long look before settling into a chair, opposite his desk.
Gazing into his face, she could see that he was troubled. His brows were knitted together, and
an uncharacteristic frown marred his handsome features. Generally he was known for his
relatively sunny disposition, despite his intensity, with a mischievous white smile often
breaking open in his darkly handsome features. The raven-colored hair that curled onto his
forehead and collar showed evidence of hands raking through it, something he only did when
greatly disturbed. His broad muscular torso was hunched over and his chocolate eyes, bordered
by thick black lashes, bored into his hands as he braced his elbows on the desktop, bouncing his
fingertips off one another.

“You see…” he began, and then stopped. Sitting up straight he asked, “Why don’t you
fill me in on what happened while I was away?”

Without hesitation, Mrs. Hickman began to recite from a prepared mental list, watching
Gabriel begin to focus. So, he changed his mind about confiding in her. She came to the part
about the break-in, observing as his concentration intensified. As she told him about how the
man had broken into his home with the intent of stalking, then raping Aaliyah Wyndham, his
brows knitted together once again into an angry frown.

“You’ll just need to write a check to cover the expense of the cleaning and repair
services, payable to Aaliyah Wyndham,” she finished.

“I’m sorry, what?” he asked, clearly having zoned out toward the end.

“The repairs and cleaning,” she repeated. “Ms. Wyndham insisted on repairing the
window the burglar broke to get inside your house, and paying a service to clean up the mess
left by the burglar and the police. I went out to visit the site and offered to have the company
advance you the funds, but she said that it would be improper for the corporation to pay for a
personal expenditure, and that she’d take care of it. I take it that she didn’t mention it to you?”

“No, she didn’t,” he said slowly, remembering that Derrick had said something about it
just before he’d gone into the party. He was not happy to be in debt to a woman who disliked
him so intensely, especially when she had a good reason. Then he said, “Here,” handing her a
personal check from his book. “Contact her office and find out how much it cost. Then put a
check in the mail with a little extra for her trouble, and a thank you note from me.”

There, that would solve the problem nicely. He wouldn’t have to face her again, or show
his appreciation in person.

Hickman cleared her throat. “If you don’t mind my saying so,” she began, “that is not at
all your usual style.”

Gabriel sat back in his chair. “Darn! Why did the woman have to know him so well?” he
thought to himself. “What do you suggest, Hickman?”

“Dinner and a show.” Then, when he began to protest, “It is the least you could do.
This…person used your house as a means to stalk and terrorize that woman in her own home.
Rather than simply walking away from the situation, she thought of how you would feel to walk
into your sanctuary, only to find it in chaos. She thought you would probably feel violated.”

“She was right,” he admitted quietly.

“There is a good play coming to the Koger Center this weekend, and another coming to
the Township Auditorium next weekend. I could certainly make reservations at Harper’s for six
o’clock, and buy tickets for the showing at eight.” She got up from the desk, heading toward her
office.

He hated it when she did that. It was as though she knew she was right, and that he
would do exactly as she said. “Okay, I’ll call,” he said reluctantly. Then, just as she was closing
the door, “Do you have her number at work?”

“It’s on your desk,” came her reply, just before a quiet snick as the door closed.

“On my desk?” He looked around, finally locating it on a slip of paper partially hidden
under the edge of his stapler. She couldn’t have placed it there during her most recent visit to
the office, which meant she’d had this in mind all along.

He chuckled to himself as he dialed the number. What would he do without Hickman?
She always seemed to know what to do, even before he asked.

By that afternoon his frustration was again at a high level. He had already called four
times and according to the receptionist, Aaliyah was either “in a meeting,” “out to lunch” or,
his favorite, “unavailable at this time.” He’d left messages, but so far she hadn’t called him
back. He looked at his watch. Two o’clock.

“So, she’s avoiding me,” he thought, refusing to think of how he’d tried to do the same
earlier. Well, there was more than one way to get in touch with her. Sanders, Alvarez and Janig
sometimes did work for Cortez Enterprises when the primary firm was conflicted out. Richard
Sanders, one of its partners, had been courting Gabriel for years, trying to convince him to
make his firm the primary. “I think I’ll make some calls,” he said to himself, smiling.

End Notes:

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Chapter Five: When Even Our Best Intentions... by Noelle Vonham
Author's Notes:

This work, Amended Hearts, is copyrighted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This includes all chapters, prologues/epilogues and associated content (i.e fanfics, teasers and content within blogs, social networks and eReaders). Any unauthorised copying, broadcasting, manipulation, distribution or selling of this work constitutes as an infringement of copyright. Any infringement of this copyright is punishable by law. Any associated links, videos or photographs are not the property of the author, and no assertion of copyright or ownership is made or intended.

Chapter Five: When Even Our Best Intentions…

Aaliyah looked up from the folder in front of her, surprised to see the door opening. Brad, Naomi’s assistant, walked in with an apologetic look on his face and handed a note to Naomi. They were in a meeting with their new client Shaun Everett, and it was highly unusual for anyone to interrupt.

“Excuse me,” Naomi said, reading the note. Then, “It’s for you.” She handed it to Aaliyah with a puzzled frown.

Aaliyah read the note. Managing partner Richard Sanders requested that she come to his office immediately. That was strange. All new attorneys were required to work a four-month rotation with each partner before settling into their specialty, so that they would have an overview of the entire firm. She had barely seen Richard Sanders since her rotation with him during her first months of employment, and had no desire to revisit that time. The man was demanding, difficult and impossible to please. What could he possibly want with her now?

She looked up at Naomi in alarm.

“Well, it’s getting close to five, and I doubt that we’ll accomplish much more today if you‘re going to make the appointment with your realtor,” she was saying to Shaun. “Why don’t we pick this up tomorrow morning?”

“That shouldn’t be a problem. There are some points in these contracts I want to look at again before we move forward anyway,” he replied smoothly, standing. He shook hands with Naomi, and then turned to Aaliyah. “I’m sure we’ll find a great deal to discuss,” he said, holding her hand and her gaze longer than strictly necessary to be polite.

She must have said something in reply, because the next thing Aaliyah knew Naomi was walking Shaun to the elevator while she was en route to the opposite end of the building, a sense of foreboding warning her that she would not like what she found there.

* * *

“Ms. Wyndham, how are you today?” Richard Sanders asked, rising from his chair and coming around the desk.

“I’m fine,” she stated simply. Now, she knew that something was wrong. This was the first time that Colonel Sanders, as all the junior attorneys called him behind his back, had bothered to stand up for her. “How are you, Mr. Sanders?”

“Ms. Wyndham please, call me Richard.”

“Aaliyah,” she replied. “Strike two,” she thought to herself. Nobody called Colonel
Sanders by his first name.

“Have a seat,” he offered, waving her into one visitor’s chair as he sat in the other, facing her. Then, “How have you been? Is everything working out in the Entertainment Division?”

“Yes, I really like it there. Ms. Alvarez is a knowledgeable attorney and a very capable leader. I’ve learned a great deal working with her,” she replied with the stiff formality she knew that he preferred.

“I’m glad to hear it. I understand that one of her friends in the music field, Lucas Delessandro, originally recommended you for the position.”

“Yes,” she agreed cautiously.

“I must admit that for that reason I had little respect for your abilities when you began working here.”

Aaliyah remained silent, unsure how she should address that observation, or whether he meant for her to address it at all.

“That,” he continued, “was in error. I was intentionally difficult, making far greater demands than I have ever done with any new attorney. Please…” he held up a hand as if to ward off a denial that she had no intention of making.

If his ego forced him to believe that she appreciated this confession, he was sadly mistaken. She had heard about his so-called noble gestures toward subordinates. There was always an ulterior motive, and even as she nodded with what she hoped was a serious expression on her face, she waited for him to reveal the real reason she’d been called into his office.

“I have to admit that to my surprise, you not only met my expectations, but quite often exceeded them.” He stopped, awkwardly clearing his throat.

“Thank you,” she replied.

He smiled in acknowledgement, and she knew that the purpose of that little pause was to give her time to make the appropriate response.

“Well, given our somewhat awkward beginning, I quite understand your initial decision against working in this division, but I want you to know that you are free to join our team should you ever see fit to do so.

“Thank you, I’m quite happy where I am for now,” she replied hastily. “Of course,” she said, trying to display both tact and loyalty to the firm, while concealing her horror at the thought of working for this man forever, “I would gladly help out in any team effort that required me to act in concert with the Corporate Division.”

“I’m so glad you feel that way,” he said with a smile.

“Oh no,” she thought. That’s what he’s been waiting for. That smile always reminded her of The Grinch, just before he stole all the toys.

“You see, we have a rather delicate situation on our hands.”

“Go on,” she said cautiously, nodding.

“We have been courting a certain corporation for quite some time now. Through the rumor mill, it has come to my attention that not only do you know its founder and CEO, but that he considers himself to be quite in your debt.”

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about,” Aaliyah replied with a puzzled frown.

“Cortez Enterprises,” he stated baldly.

“Gabriel Cortez?” she asked incredulously.

“Absolutely. While speaking with his attorney this afternoon, he happened to mention that he’d had a break-in. You, his next-door neighbor, took steps to ensure that his arrival home was without upheaval. Certain sources within the firm assure me that he is quite intent upon repaying your thoughtfulness in some way. Now,” he continued, “I believe that this is an opportunity for the firm to capitalize upon his congenial disposition toward you. Of course, it would also be to your advantage to have had such an integral part in landing a client of this magnitude.”

She stared, dumbfounded, until he began to rise, automatically doing the same and raising her hand to shake with him.

“I am glad that we had this opportunity to chat for I do believe,” he said, flicking his gaze down at her newly stylish form, “that your particular assistance is just what we require.”

* * *

Aaliyah blew the stray hairs off her forehead as she leaned back in the tub, attempting to relax in a hot bath. She still felt frustrated and angry, remembering the scene from Richard’s office. Ever the lawyer, he’d kept his comment about her “assistance” just short of sexual harassment. She shouldn’t be surprised. After all he oversaw the Corporate Division, which included a sector specializing in Labor and Employment Law.

She squeezed her sponge hard, trying to stop picturing that smug little sneer that was always just beneath the surface with him. When squeezing didn’t work she threw the soapy sponge at the mental image of Colonel Sanders with a shriek of annoyance only to have it smack against the wall and fall to the floor with a soft plop. She sighed, looking at the frothy mess she would now have to clean from both places.

Just then the doorbell rang, sending Lily into a frenzy of barking downstairs.

“Darn it!” She looked at the clock. “He is not supposed to be here, yet,” she muttered to herself as she got out of the tub and dried off haphazardly before shrugging into a terrycloth robe in apple green that had seen better days.

She had called Lucas from her cell phone on the way home while driving down the 277 freeway. Upon hearing his voice she immediately began venting her anger toward Richard Sanders, Gabriel Cortez and men in general.

“Calm down,” he’d said. “I don’t know which man did what to you today, but I admit it.
It is a massive conspiracy and we are all responsible,” he’d said in a voice generally reserved for communicating with unstable people. “Now please, lower your weapon.”

His absurdity had the desired effect, causing them both to laugh. He then asked her to explain.

She told him all about it, starting with Gabriel‘s reaction to her appearance this morning, then moving on to her coworkers. Next she hit upon Naomi’s advice to which he replied, “She’s got a point.

After grudgingly agreeing with him, then told him about the flirtatious client she had to face tomorrow, and about the narrowly veiled sexual harassment she’d suffered in Richard Sanders’ office. Finally, she blurted out Sophia’s plan for Gabriel, and how it had backfired because of a stupid rumor.

Finally she demanded, “What am I supposed to do now? I wish I’d never worn that outfit for my birthday.”

“You looked beautiful and besides, if you hadn’t, you wouldn’t be having an adventure right now.”
“An adventure? Is that what they call it these days? I thought it was a heart attack.”

“No, Baby Girl, you just need to relieve some stress. Now it’s about five thirty and you should be getting close to home. Take a hot bath while I go for takeout. I’ll come by around six-thirty and take you to the mat for a half hour,” he said, referring to the sparring sessions they still held on occasion. “We’ll eat, we’ll talk, you’ll take a shower and I’ll give your shoulders a good rubdown and put you to bed. Sound good?”

“It sounds very good. I’ll see you at six-thirty.” She and Lucas had begun this ritual shortly after she began entering Karate competitions during her second year. His rubdowns were anything but soothing, mostly consisting of rubbing alcohol and pain, but they were very effective for getting rid of tension and muscle aches.

Aaliyah jammed her glasses onto her face, stuffed her feet into a pair of slippers and ran down the stairs, hearing the doorbell peal for a second time. “Hang on, hang on!” she yelled over Lily’s combined barks and yelps as she leapt about in front of the door.
“Move, you mangy mutt!” she grunted, pushing the heavy dog away from the door so she could open it, while still trying to hold her back. “You’re ear-ly” she finished weakly as she looked up and found Gabriel, rather than Lucas, on her doorstep.

“I wasn’t aware that I was expected, but if now is not convenient…” he allowed his words to taper off as he brought a bouquet of blush-colored tea roses and creamy calla lilies from behind his back.

“Oh,” she said, accepting them warily and wondering how he’d happened to combine two of her favorite flowers for this peace offering.

“Truce?” he inquired, revealing that his other hand held a bottle of sparkling cider and two glasses.

Peering from behind the door, Aaliyah stared at him in disbelief. What made him think that she would let him inside her house in exchange for some flowers and cheap cider? Did he intend to remind her of their time in the conservatory on Friday? If so, he had chosen the wrong tactic because in his mind, he’d been with someone else at the time.

Just as she opened her mouth to tell him what he could do with his gifts a little voice inside warned, “Columbia is notorious for gossip. What if it gets back to Colonel Sanders?
You‘ve worked hard for this position, and the man has a reputation for ruining careers when it suits him.” Aloud she said, “Well, I guess you can come in for a minute.”

“Mmm, I hope so,” he said under his breath, taking in the sight of her long legs, visible from beneath the robe and trying desperately to keep his eyes above her neckline as he followed her into the front lounge.

“What was that?” she asked absently, patting Lily on the head as she trotted eagerly alongside.

“I said, ‘Man, I smell soap,’” he responded, thinking quickly. “I didn’t mean to get you out of your bath.”

“Don‘t worry about it. Why don’t you open that cider while I get changed?” she suggested, looking down at her robe a little ruefully.

She was just returning to the foyer when the doorbell rang, and she repeated the now familiar ritual with Lily. Of course it was Lucas, early after all.

“Take me to your kitchen. I bring an offering of takeout,” he said in a booming imitation of an alien from a 1950’s sci-fi flick. Then, “What’s with the robe? I thought you were expecting me.”
“Shh!” She said. “I was, but I got a little sidetracked. You see Gabriel came by, and he wants to declare a truce.”

“I see,” was his only reply. He saw too much. If Lucas had anything to do with it,
Gabriel was not going to date Aaliyah and then dump her once he got bored. She was going
about this all wrong but he couldn’t tell her that now, so he just went along with it.

“Well, I was really looking forward to getting in a workout. We could share our dinner,
you know, in the spirit of the truce, and go ahead once he‘s gone.”

“I guess that would be okay,” she slowly agreed, as though she sensed that something was wrong, but couldn‘t quite put her finger on it.

Because her back was turned, only Lucas had a view of the area leading toward the lounge, so he noticed when Gabriel’s shadow came stealthily closer. He smiled, suddenly hitting upon a plan. First he rubbed his elbow, where she’d bruised him during their last sparring match.

She stepped closer, touching him there.

“Did you remember to bring your protection?” she asked, speaking of the padding they generally wore.

“It’s right in here,” he replied, patting the overnight bag he wore slung over one shoulder. “Perfect,” he thought to himself.

“Well, remember that I bought a set to keep here, in case you ever forget again. I haven’t even opened the box yet, so you’ll have to see if they’re big enough.”

“I won’t forget. Not after we had to stop right in the middle of things last week. By the way, where do you want to do it this time?” They varied their sparring locations to add interest, but he was well aware that the question sounded quite different to their unsuspecting audience.

“On the floor in the great room.”

“Won’t that be a little uncomfortable?”

“No, I put the mat down, and pushed everything out of the way. There should be plenty
of room for all the moves and positions we normally use.”

“Great. You know that I‘m always ready to get you flat on your back again, but the first
thing we have to do is get you out of that robe. When are you going to get rid of that ratty old
thing anyway?” he asked, fingering the terrycloth sleeve.

“Never. I love it, because you bought it for me when I pledged my sorority, remember?”

“Not really, but then again it‘s been a few years, so if that’s the only reason you’re
hanging onto it, I’ll buy you a new one.”

“I’ll hold you to that. Now, about dinner…”

“I don‘t mind sharing. We can just do our thing after he leaves, or maybe even ask him to join in if he’s interested. Then I’ll go home and get out of your way.”

“No,” said Gabriel, showing himself at last, “I think that I am the one who is very much in the way of this…whatever it is you have going on between you.” He felt as though he’d just stepped into the middle of a Jerry Springer episode.

“You mean karate?” asked Lucas innocently.

“Karate?” he asked, stopping abruptly.

“Yes, karate,” Aaliyah laughed, realizing how their conversation must have sounded.

“I thought you two were, well,” he finished awkwardly.

“I know,” she answered with a smirk.

“Don’t worry, it’s just a little sparring,” Lucas interjected. “Then, of course, I also promised her…”

“Shut up!” she said with quiet insistence, suddenly aware of how their plans would sound to an outsider.

“…some good food, conversation, a long, hot shower and a soothing massage before I put her to bed,” He continued relentlessly, leering at the last.

Gabriel looked to Aaliyah for confirmation. The truth was written plainly across her face. He didn’t bother to say anything else, but pushed past the two to slam his way out of the house.

Aaliyah rounded on Lucas, the self-satisfied smile on his face confirming her suspicions. “You made that sound like…”

“I know what I made it sound like,” he interrupted. “You were letting him in here way too easily. Believe me, I know the man, and he’s used to easy conquests. If you don‘t set yourself apart in his mind right now, he’ll never separate you from the women in his past. Now kick me out, loudly, so that he knows I’m not staying either. I’ll call you later to explain.”

“Kick you out?” she asked.

“Kick me out,” he repeated.

“Oh, I’ll kick you out all right,” she said, coming toward him angrily.

“Ow!” he yelled as her knee connected with his torso.

He was still rubbing his stomach on the way home when he realized that he was hungry, and the takeout he’d bought earlier was still in Aaliyah’s foyer. Well, he wasn’t going back there tonight. He’d just have to pick up something else before heading home.

Chapter 8 by Noelle Vonham
Hi Guys!

That brings us to the end of our excerpt. I cannot wait to share this book with you guys on Amazon. Thank you so much for your support. You have no idea how much it has meant to me through the creative process. I could never, ever have found the nerve to e-publish this book without you. I will announce the release on this site, so please be on the lookout for that.

Oh! For those of you who have read the end of the story, the next installment, entitled A Mended Heart, follows the journey of your favorite wounded woman with a past, as she finds the love of her life in an unexpected place.
I Published It! by Noelle Vonham

You can purchase the completed story via the link below. Positive reviews are very much needed to encourage potential readers and get this venture off the ground. I appreciate all of the support you have shown me thus far. As a result of your inspiration, I have included a bonus.


A few people wondered about the story behind the first set of chimes. Have you? Rosa Lee and Harper Wyndham had anything but an easy road to romance. Facing barriers in education and social class, as well as her parents' high expectations for their only child's future, how did they overcome it all? Well, if you want to know more, then buy the book and Read All About It!


I would love to hear what you guys think, soon. Be sure to click the link below, and see what you think.


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Reviews, please! by Noelle Vonham
Author's Notes:

No reviews so far. Come on, Chamber Sisters. I know that we can do better than that!

Hi Guys! Thank you so much to those of you who have purchased my book, Amended Hearts. I would appreciate it immensely if you all would take a moment to stop by Amazon and leave a review. It can be extremely challenging to get noticed there without positive feedback and so far, no one has been kind enough to share their thoughts on the story.

 

I know that many of you loved, loved, loved this couple, and I only hope that more people are able to get to know them just as well. With your help, we can make it happen.

 

So, if you've ever thought, "I know that someone is going to leave a message, because this story is great!" Let that someone be you. You can put Amended Hearts on the map. To refresh your memory, feel free to read the blurb below.

 

Have you ever found yourself answering the question, "What's it like to date outside your race?" I have, and I dislike it. After all, love is precious, no matter the skin in which you find it. In my frustration, I decided to write a book about it. My characters are people who happen to come from different cultural backgrounds, and who each have the type of baggage that that could be sitting in your closet (Family and career issues, anyone?). I hope you'll check it out this uplifting tale about a woman with a few self confidence issues who must decide whether to take a chance and pursue her new crush on Gabriel, or to risk it all and amend her heart for her best friend, Lucas.

http://www.amazon.com/Amended-Hearts-Chiming-Noelle-Vonham-ebook/dp/B00J1AO7UO

Amended Hearts (Chiming Hearts)Aaliyah Wyndham is a twenty-seven year old attorney working in the field of Entertainment Law. She has had a crush on her next-door neighbor, C.E.O. Gabriel Cortez, for over a year. Following a break-in, the two share a...AMAZON.COM

End Notes:

Your feedback is very much appreciated.

Chapter 10 Update! by Noelle Vonham

I just posted the story to Smashwords, and hope to soon be on their premium list.

I would appreciate it if some of you would stop by Amazon or Smashwords and leave a review for the story. You guys have consistently told me how much you love the story and these characters. However, no one has provided me with any feedback.

I'm glad that you all enjoyed the story when I posted it for free on this site. I would greatly appreciate it if you could say how much you loved it. It was your words of encouragement that made me put this story out there. Now, your support could make the difference between people actually finding my story, and people passing it by, sight unseen.

 

It's really easy to say that someone else will do it, but I can tell you that no one has. Be the one. Even if you have to copy and paste a previous comment, any feedback would be so appreciated.

 

The purchase sites can be found below.

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/426212
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Chapter 11 ON SALE!!!!!!!! by Noelle Vonham

Amended Hearts is on sale for $2.99, now through Easter. Get Your Copy Now! 


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