Red Shoes

Red Shoes

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By

Donna Steele

Copyright @ 2023 Donna Steele

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by an information storage and retrieval system-except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review to be printed in a magazine, newspaper, or on the Web without permission in writing from the publisher.

All characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or name. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Praise for Red Shoes

A nifty story that starts out like a small-town cozy mystery+ romance and quickly escalates into a thriller. A quick read and a page turner, deceptively simple but with a seamless structure and an even better resolution than I'd anticipated.

Steele has a streamlined style and a deft touch with characterization, giving us three points of view—each with his or her voice. – Susan C

Donna Steele has written a wondrous novella regarding a young woman, living under the assumed name of Nicole [Nikki] Setzer, who has just escaped from the cloistered life she had to endure living under with her rich, power-hunger, aspiring State Senator of a husband. I loved reading this so much; I can’t but give it 5

STARS. – Robin M

Red Shoes a great book to show that what we really want, or think we want isn’t always what it seems. Nikki made a horrible choice, but she is the one fighting her way out. There is great character interaction, and she finds new friends who strengthen her. If you like strong women, who can love and still remain strong, this is the book for you - PK Corey

Wow! This book has it all. It's chalked full with intrigue, mystery, thriller and romance. The fast-paced action left me guessing and thumbing through the pages, long after I should have gone to bed! I love it when a female heroin reclaims her power, and Nikki has it in spades. I'll be adding Donna Steele to my list of favorite authors. What a great read! – Lorelie R

Dedication

This book is dedicated to Darwin, my best friend and lover and to Lynne and Travis—my intrepid beta readers, who leave nothing behind (even ego!) and make me better. Thank you!

Red Shoes

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Oh yes. She saw him surrounded by women. He would see her. She’d calculated everything carefully and he would not be able to ignore her now.

Would he recognize her? She didn’t look the same, didn’t feel the same. Yes, it was risky. But everything about her had changed. She was confident now, on her own financially and emotionally. She’d heard rumors about him, but they were only rumors. Probably started by jealous ex-girlfriends. Women who couldn’t handle him.

He turned slightly and she saw his profile. Her confidence dipped a little. He looked too good to be true. No, he needed someone like her in his life now that he was going places. She had turned herself into this woman in order to live that role. And live it she would.

She straightened her spine, lifted her chin, and moved in his direction in her new confidence-boosting red shoes. He turned and she glanced at him quirking an eyebrow. Then she glided past him toward the bar. She knew this man was not used to being ignored and felt him stir as she continued on without a backward glance.

She was not surprised when she reached the bar to hear his voice overriding her own, ordering a glass of champagne for each of them. With long, elegant fingers, he extended the second glass to her. Adrian Montgomery. He bowed slightly and she took the glass. And you are?

She looked him up and down as though sizing him up.

Victoria Grant.

Chapter One

Nikki Setzer straightened up from the box she was unpacking and stretched her back. She stared in disbelief at the red shoes at the bottom of the box. Had she packed them? She must be losing her mind. Those only brought up horrid memories. Maybe she had placed them in the box to hide them. She put them in the very back of the closet, out of sight. She'd get rid of them as soon as the regular trash pickup started. She wouldn't even take them to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.

Bad karma might cling to them.

Shoving thoughts of the shoes aside she looked around her new bedroom. It was so different that what she was used to and so much more her. She could start over completely in a totally new place where no one could find her. She'd never even visited North Carolina, much less lived in it. Who'd have heard of Kinmara? Her Aunt Jo had loved that show about Mayberry. They'd watched it together when she was growing up, so why not try to find it for real?

It had taken a long time to realize this dream, even longer to achieve it, but now she was here, and her life could be hers once again. The detour into what she thought she wanted was over and it was time to move forward.

This bedroom, while smaller than she'd had in a long time, was perfect. The queen size bed that she would sleep in alone fit perfectly. The lavender walls were warm and Spring-like and the small area created by the bay window held the perfect reading chair.

Nikki moved out into the main room and took it in. She could see a lot of potential once the boxes were all gone. The sofa had been a real find in a consignment shop she had visited. Yes, she could afford new, but she had learned the hard way to keep a close eye on her finances.

Buying the house at such a bargain and not having a mortgage was enough for now. When she got a job, she could upgrade if she wanted. For now, this was wonderful.

She wandered on into the kitchen and glanced at the eating area. She did need to find a small table and chairs for that area. The large, unfurnished dining room made her feel even lonelier. The cozy kitchen nook was perfect for dining alone.

The house was small by some standards. Three bedrooms, though two were unfurnished for now. Two and a half baths and a fenced in back yard. The pictures of the large back yard had been a selling point. She wanted to spend time in that privacy, making it beautiful just for her. She could already see the colors of the flowers she planned to nurture. She could visualize the curving line of the beds she would cultivate.

Maybe she'd get a dog.

It already felt more like home than... No, don't go there.

Her life was hers again or would be if she had any say. She was free and she had every intention of staying that way.

Chapter Two

Groceries. That could be her break from unpacking for a little while. Nikki ducked back in the bedroom and redid her ponytail. She had pulled her long dark hair up away from her neck while she worked. It was casual and a familiar look for her from years gone by. Yes, she liked it and would wear it this way for her first venture out.

Her jeans fit well, and her t-shirt was comfortable. Nikki hadn't been able to wear clothes like this for so long. Too long.

Nope, not something to dwell on.

She needed to get the basic supplies, and maybe some chicken to stir-fry for dinner. The menu could be anything she wanted.

****

Micah Allen turned his car into the grocery parking lot. He needed something quick and easy, as usual. What he needed to do was buy groceries, but he was a lousy cook and hated bothering when it was just him eating anyway.

Besides, he didn't have time to cook, and the deli here had really improved since he'd arrived in town. Probably because of him, if he thought about it. Now he could pick up meals to go that weren't fast food and had some vegetables, so he didn't feel as guilty.

He'd been up late last night finishing up work and there had been no coffee at the house this morning. Another critical reason to get to the store. At least he hadn't run out of toilet paper.

He needed a damn keeper.

He rounded the end of the aisle and slammed on brakes as a young woman looked up in alarm.

One of her bags fell from her arms and groceries escaped in every direction. Oh shit, he hadn't hit her, had he?

Micah was out of the car and racing to her before she could even bend toward the dropped bag. Are you okay? I didn't see you. You just stepped out—

How could you not see me? I'm in the damn crosswalk. Have you been drinking?

Micah reared back and started a retort, then stopped and took a breath. No, I have not been drinking. It's ten fucking thirty in the morning. If you had looked before stepping into traffic—

So sorry, she flung back at him. I didn't realize the marks on the pavement at the door meant to target me.

Shit, a crowd had gathered. You're right. I was driving too fast and had my mind on other things. I apologize. May I help you? She had placed her still full bag on the curb