Unexpected Kiss

Had someone plotted her demise?

. . . her toe snagged on a nail in the floor. Carli stumbled forward.

The railing complained with a loud creak as she fell against it with her hands. Before she could regain her balance, the wood gave way.

As though in slow motion, she felt herself falling head-first into twenty feet of air. Long locks of blonde hair caught on her lips as she opened her mouth to scream.

Her eyes widened in horror as the floor threatened to swallow her whole. She squeezed her fingers around the railing, but still they slipped further and further down.

Flinging her other hand at a spindle Carli gripped a narrow piece of wood.

Her legs flailed past her, jarring the weight of her body against her hold. The wood made a mournful moan.

Carli gasped.

Snap! More wood splintered and she screamed again.

She glanced down. Her stomach rolled with fear.

Carli reached with her other hand to try and pull back up. With little time to decide, she swung her legs back to propel her body to the balcony. Letting go with one hand, she reached toward safety as she came forward.

The banister splintered and popped.

Carli’s fingers brushed the edge of the upper floor, then air.

The railing broke free.

Books by Regina Tittel

Abandoned Hearts

Coming Sequels by Regina Tittel

Coveted Bride

Cherished Stranger

Unexpected Kiss

Regina Tittel

The Ozark Durham Series vol. 2

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

UNEXPECTED KISS

Copyright © 2011 by Regina Tittel

Cover design by Regina Tittel

Smashwords Edition

Photograph by Joy Duprey

www.lastingjoyphotography.shutterfly.com

Smashwords License Statement

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each reader. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

All Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version.

Surveys show that girls who grow up with absent fathers experience much higher rates of sexual activity, adolescent pregnancies, become involved in drug and alcohol abuse, and suffer from health and emotional problems than those with active fathers in their lives.

Regina Tittel’s books are written to uplift and encourage each individual while also entertaining them with a great story. The author hopes readers of Unexpected Kiss will better understand God as their heavenly father and accept His offer of forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; And attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon you, For You will answer me.

–Psalms 86: 6,7

To Jerad, thank you for our unforgettable Washington memories.

Thank you to those who opened up their lives to help create these characters.

As always, thank you to our girls, my supportive family and, of course, to the One who makes it all possible, Jesus Christ.

Chapter One

Carli Williams strode away from the newspaper stand with an added bounce to her step. Today, her lunch hour wouldn’t be spent in mindless filing. If her intuition was right, the ink-filled paper clutched in her hands revealed a clue. A lead to justify her move to Seattle and the two years spent searching.

Ahead on the sidewalk, a man in a ball cap leaned against the corner storefront. The heel of his boot hung off the window ledge. His gaze bore through her as she walked past. Under the cover of lowered lashes, she stole a quick glance. His crystal blue eyes sparkled beneath a heavy brow. What a contradiction. If it weren’t for his eyes, he’d almost look menacing. Even so, a tingle of interest fluttered in Carli’s abdomen. She ignored the uncommon sensation and continued to the crosswalk.

People crammed around her and waited for traffic to stop. Cars accelerated as they neared the stoplight. Horns blared. It posed a stark contrast to her beach town in Oregon and had originally piqued her interest. Now, she’d grown accustomed to the noisy streets and crowds of people.

The smell of steamed hotdogs wafted through the air. Situated across the street, the vendor was most likely the destination of the work crowd crammed around her. Her stomach rumbled in response. Perhaps it would be hers, as well.

The squeal of a vehicle’s brakes won the crowd’s attention. The safe-to-walk light signaled and they hurried across. Carli took her time and allowed them to pass. It wouldn’t do any good to break a heel in the middle of a busy street, especially when wearing her designer pumps. Though she lacked the money to buy expensive things, she knew which thrift stores received wealthy castoffs and which ones didn’t. And today’s outfit proved it.

Carli glanced down at her white linen suit which she’d bought the week before. She’d stood in front of the dressing-room mirror smiling with satisfaction. It encased her slight curves to perfection. The seamed jacket enhanced her bust while its peplum softly billowed around her hips. The ensemble gave the allure of importance and made her less approachable, which played perfectly into the new role she’d chosen.

Almost halfway across the street, someone grabbed her elbow and pulled her to a stop. Carli turned. A pair of blue eyes captivated her, like the sun dancing on top of rippled water, their reflective light entranced her.

Please, indulge me, a rugged voice drawled. The store-front stranger tipped her over his arm, while his other hand secured her waist. He leaned in close as her breath froze in expectation. With little time for thought, or response, his lips sealed over hers with an electric current that burned straight to her heart.

All too soon, the man broke contact. Carli’s breath hitched as she watched his eyes swirl with conflicting emotions. Before she could rationalize the moment, he drew her back to a stance and disappeared into the fading crowd.

A horn honked, followed by a hoot. Carli felt her cheeks redden and brought a trembling hand to her mouth. Her feet numbly moved her along the crosswalk. The scent of the stranger’s spicy cologne clung to her and rattled her senses. How could one single moment threaten to shatter her cleverly built façade?

With a slight wobble, she made it to the sidewalk and scanned the crowd. No ball cap. What had it said, Al’s Garage? Carli wasn’t sure. She shook her head and tried to redirect her thoughts, though her lips still tingled.

The paper. Where was the newspaper? Carli stepped onto the safety of the curb and looked around, desperate to keep control. She had to have that paper. Fear threatened to take hold. Anxiety tightened her chest.

No. I can’t have an attack now. Breathe. Just breathe.

She slowly inhaled and exhaled; her constricted chest muscles only allowed shortened gasps of air. She fought hard for control and blinked against tears building in her eyes. It had been months since her last attack, but the significance of what she chanced to lose weighed heavily on her heart.

I can get through this.

At last, her muscles relaxed. She looked around her feet. No paper. A breeze teased the back of Carli’s head, she turned. In the middle of the street, between the passing cars, was what was becoming less and less of her newspaper. She watched with hopelessness as a page twirled in the air, as if it sought to escape, only to be caught on the front fender of a passing car. Her shoulders slumped as all hope drained from her body.

Carli again took deep breaths and walked in the direction of her job. A tear escaped the corner of her eye. The newspaper stand stood three blocks away. She still had two more blocks to work.

It would have to wait.

***

I hope you brought your wallet, ‘cause I plan to enjoy this. Ethan Durham patted his flat stomach, eager for the promised lunch he’d earned.

I can’t believe you did that. I never figured you’d have the guts. His cousin, Greg, referred to the kiss.

Just goes to show how desperate I am to pass this term. Ethan loved being in control, yet this art class threatened to slip through his fingers.

I have to say, it took you long enough to pick a girl.

Ethan cupped a hand on his chin and rubbed a finger over his lips. No one else seemed right, but she definitely was. He smiled. Did you get the shot?

Greg shoved the digital camera in view. Ethan took it from his hands. On the screen was a modern-day replica of the Life magazine photograph of a World War II sailor kissing a nurse. Though Ethan wasn’t in dress blues, and the girl was in a tailored suit instead of a nurse’s uniform, the picture still held romantic charm.

Only in the current photograph, Ethan saw so much more than his term paper.

He saw his future.

Ethan stepped forward with the line that waited to be seated and bumped into Greg.

Whoa, buddy. Greg stared at him. Hey, are you studying that camera for an exam?

Ethan gave a half grin and quickly stashed the camera in his pocket. His mind raced with questions. Who was she? Would he meet her again? How would he find her? He'd followed the Spirit's nudge to move to Seattle. Did this woman somehow fit into God's plan for his life?

Hey, a gravelly voice from the line behind him yelled. Are you going to stand there all day?

Ethan looked ahead. Greg was already at the cash register. Smiling.

Thanks, cous’. Nice to know you won’t leave me hanging.

Greg elbowed him in the ribs after paying for their meal. If you plan on making it through the day, you’d better jump down from those clouds.

They carried their trays of food to an empty table. Ethan sighed as he dropped onto the hard plastic chair. He was almost done with his engineering degree, something he’d procrastinated at, then he’d put off taking the required electives, which explained the art class.

His plan was to move back to Missouri after graduation. He’d built a cabin not far from his dad and step-mom. And his siblings still lived in the area. He’d have a job that paid more money than he needed, land to farm with his family, and a cabin all to himself.

Somehow, it no longer seemed enough.

Twenty-eight years old and still single. Where was the wife he pictured coming home to? The kids he would take fishing in the creek?

The troubling thought wasn’t a new one. Yet, he knew better than to settle. He’d learned that much from what his biological mother had put his father through.

His fingers grazed across his lips again and his thoughts returned to the photo.

The memory of the beautiful blonde balanced across his arm quickened his heart. Her previous dignified manner had slipped. Through wide eyes, Ethan glimpsed a longing, a suppressed passion eager to explode.

Then . . . she’d kissed him back.

Greg reached across the table to steal Ethan’s fries. Eat fast, Bud. Lunch hour’s almost over.

Ethan looked at the grease-laden sandwich in his hands and grimaced. He’d regret it, but at least he’d be full.

Greg left for more classes and Ethan drove to his part-time job. He glanced at his attire and thought about the photo. The work blues would add an extra contrast to the sailor’s uniform.

Ethan ran a hand through his dark hair and rubbed the back of his neck. He had to clear his mind enough to concentrate on work. He couldn’t afford to get fired. Not while the well-paying job was still a month away.

***

The five o’clock hour finally arrived. Carli jumped out of her chair, tottered, then leaned against her cluttered desk for balance. She rubbed her forehead with shaky fingers. I shouldn’t have skipped lunch.

On the desk, her cell phone began to vibrate. Carli flipped it open without looking at the caller’s name. The only one who had her number was her roommate.

Hey, Mel, what’s up?

You feel like meeting me for dinner?

Ahh, after the day I’ve had, that would be perfect.

They agreed where to meet before ending the call. Carli grabbed her purse and checked the status of her cash. It was enough. She headed for the exit, careful to pace her movements to ward off any dizziness.

The smell of garlic and herbs welcomed Carli as she walked into the restaurant. She scanned the busy room in search of her roommate. Bus boys and waitresses continually passed through her line of vision as they hurried to keep up with the increasing evening crowd.

A flash of color caught her attention. Carli couldn’t miss the vibrant orange flower arrangement on her best friend’s dress. Seated in the back, Melody Pickett was poetry in motion, in an abstract way.

Hey, you’re here, Melody shouted from their favorite table. Her shoulder length curls bounced as she waved. Carli hurried over hoping she wouldn’t shout anything else.

Woo-wee! Melody glanced over Carli’s suit. That get-up makes you look like a classic movie star, hon’.

Carli ducked her head as her eyes darted at the other customers. Heat filled her cheeks from the unwanted attention. Before she could seat herself, Melody exploded into conversation. So, how was your day? Oh, and talk fast, I’ve got a show to do in twenty minutes.

Mel was currently in home-based sales, and climbing the ladder of success with impressive speed. Carli slid into the booth. As she spread a linen napkin over her lap she narrowed her eyes then glanced at her watch.

Melody flipped her wrist; the cubic-zirconium studded face of her watch cast reflections of light across the table. I know I don’t have a lot of time to eat. But it’s just down the block.

I could never survive in your shoes, Mel. Saving everything for the last minute would give me a heart attack. She took pleasure from the snicker her comment caused and eased back against the softly cushioned seat.

The waitress arrived and took their orders. After she left, Carli picked up their conversation.

Since you asked about my day… She wasn’t far into telling her story when the efficient waitress returned with her tea. Carli sipped as she retold the incident of the kiss.

Melody dropped her jaw. I can’t believe that! What did you do?

Carli traced the rim of her mug, reluctant to admit her reaction. I’m not saying I’m proud of my actions, Mel. It just happened.

Whatever. What did you do when he kissed you? Her eyes widened with excitement.

Carli smiled ruefully and bit her bottom lip. She toyed with a lock of her sleek blonde hair that had fallen out of its clip before slowly meeting her friend’s gaze.

I kissed him back.

You did what?!

Shh. You’re drawing attention. Carli cringed as other customers turned curious glances in their direction.

Did you get hit with a meteor or something?

She dropped her cheek into the palm of her hand. Oh, Melody, he had the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen. I’ve never seen eyes sparkle like that.

Honey, a stranger grabs you and kisses you in the middle of the street. Normal people would think pervert, sociopath, lawsuit–but not you. You’re sitting here all dreamy eyed as if he did you a favor.

Shhh, you’re getting loud again. She sat up and straightened the folds of her napkin. The kiss had been her first since moving to Seattle and starting over with her life. For two long years, she’d concentrated on repaying her credit card debt and avoiding romantic entanglements. Scarred memories of past actions served as reminders of where a simple kiss could lead.

Still, no previous act of affection ever felt like this. I know I should be upset, but it didn’t feel wrong. It just felt . . . right. Carli moaned and dropped her head in her hands. I don’t even know his name.

Melody slurped her soda and motioned the waitress for a refill. Girl, girl. What is wrong with you? You couldn't care less about men. Remember? You’re starting over with your life. You need his name as much as Seattle needs another rainy day. She turned to the window behind her. The sky had turned a darker gray and the first drops of precipitation began to fall. I’m glad I drove. Did you?

Carli raised her head and shook it. I’ll take the bus.

"You could always come to the show with me. The