I don’t feel bad about my ketchup toes. If he’d stopped to offer his water to wash my foot, that precious little boy might have been hit by a car. Carrying my unread book and damaged shoe, I teeter-tottered back to work, feeling like a jerk and beginning to wonder if I didn’t break a toe kicking the copier this morning. None of it seemed important after what I witnessed, but it still hurt.
The afternoon crawled by and I found myself contemplating the hero thing again. Earlier I was being goofy about it, but now I think I finally figured out the true trouble with heroes. Ask a hundred people their definition of a hero, and I believe you’d get a majority of similar answers. Our society is so enamored with Superheroes, and great BIG gestures that are easily recognizable and indisputably heroic, that the little everyday, wonderful things people do for others often times go unnoticed.
Superheroes are great, but they’re not real.
The man who saved that child is a hero, no doubt about that. He might even be super. But you know, so is Nalinda’s grandmother—to Nalinda. And Mr. Apology’s brother—to his wife. (At least, he better be.) And Mr. Apology himself, for trying to make things right despite my ungrateful attitude. Oh, to turn back time.
On my walk home, I looked around and was amazed at the whole new world before me. I searched for anything good and found signs at every turn. Friends hugging when they said hello, a woman assisting an elderly man onto the bus, couples holding hands, a little girl gazing at her father with hero-worship in her eyes.
I now realized we must look carefully every day, or we might end up missing what’s right in front of us.
Because I wasn’t paying attention to where I was walking, I stepped on an uneven section of sidewalk, twisted my ankle, and broke the heel of my unscuffed shoe. You know what? I didn’t even care. Laughing quietly to myself, I took off both shoes, stuffed them in my bag, and limped barefoot the last block.
I reached my building and started up the stairs a little after six, hoping there’d be hot water for a long soak in the tub, but not holding my breath. For some reason, a noise behind me caught my attention. I’d like to think it was because I was more tuned in to my surroundings after my epiphany.
Squinting across the street into the dim alley, I saw some kids harassing a homeless man. They laughed as they pulled at his clothes and kicked him where he lay on the ground. I knew his name was Jerry because last month I heard someone say “Good morning, Jerry,” to him. I’d kept walking that morning, pretending I didn’t see him, because homeless people made me uncomfortable.
Anger flashed through me—at myself, and at the kids for picking on someone less fortunate. Without thinking twice, I hurried across the street, fumbling through my bag for my cell phone. Jerry attempted to get to his feet, but one of the kids shoved him back down.
“Hey!” I yelled. “Leave him alone!”
The tallest of the three tormentors turned on me. He looked about high school age. I lifted my chin to meet his gaze, but he was in the process of assessing if I posed a threat.
“Who’s gonna make us?” he sneered.
Apparently, I wasn’t—a threat, that is.
“I mean it.” I stiffened my spine for an extra inch of height and glared up at the kid. “Get out of here or I’ll call the cops.”
To prove I meant business, I waved my phone in the air. The kid lunged forward and suddenly I didn’t have my security line anymore. He laughed in my face.
“Whatcha gonna do now, hero?”
Yeah, what was I gonna do now? I hoped he couldn’t see I was shaking in my bare feet. Newspaper rustled against the pavement behind me. My pulse skyrocketed into the red zone as I realized Jerry and I were now surrounded, neither one of us capable of protecting the other.
“You heard the lady. Get the hell out of here.”
Oh, my God—German Chocolate Cake! I never expected to hear his wonderful voice again. Weak-kneed with relief, I started to turn around, but he stepped past me to post himself between me and Jerry, and the smart-mouth little jerk. I would’ve laughed at the kid’s expression if I hadn’t been so darn scared.
Our rescuer’s six-foot-plus frame and broad shoulders outlined in a black T-shirt were enough to convince the spineless punks it was time to split.
“And don’t let me catch you here again,” he called after their cowardly backs.
His electric blue gaze shifted to me for a quick appraisal before he held out a hand to help Jerry to his feet. He spoke softly to Jerry while I concentrated on stopping my knees from knocking together. Mr. Apology then reached into his pocket with one hand while pointing across the street with his other. Jerry stared at him for a long moment before accepting a set of keys with an expression of dignified gratitude.
Jerry faced me, genuine appreciation reflected in his tired brown eyes. “Thank you, miss,” he said, his voice gruff.
“I didn’t really do any—”
His hand grasped mine, stopping my protest mid-sentence. “You saw. Thank you.”
Did he know only a month ago I’d pretended he didn’t exist? Shame cast my gaze downward, until his fingers tightened. “It’s never too late. Thank you.”
I swallowed hard in the face of his forgiveness. “You’re welcome.”
He gave one last squeeze and then crossed the street and entered my apartment building. I swung my questioning gaze back to our smooth-voiced champion. Who’d shaved and was yummier than ever.
“Do you live there?” I asked.
He offered that charming half smile I’d found so attractive this morning. “No, my brother owns the building.”
His statement effectively jogged my memory—he resembled my landlord! Only better. Younger. I glanced down quickly. Unmarried. I couldn’t have held back a smile if I’d wanted to, even though my stomach fluttered nervously. “You’re David’s brother?”
He nodded. “And, as you probably already know, the Super quit the other day, so the apartment’s open. I figured Jerry can stay there until David hires a new guy. Then again, considering how busy David will be the next couple weeks, I guess that’ll be first on my list. After I get you hooked up with hot water again.”
“I can’t believe it was David who dumped my Chai this morning. We talk in the hall every so often, but he never mentioned he and his wife were expecting.”
“Sheryl wasn’t due for another month, which is why he was so freaked out this morning.”
“I bet. Is everything okay? Or is she still in labor?”
“Everyone is fine. And David felt really bad when he realized what he’d done, but the taxi was already moving.”
I waved my hand. “All’s well that ends well, right?”
He smiled. “I sure hope so.”
The suggestion in his deep tone kick-started my pulse. “So…boy or girl?”
“One of one of each. Jessie James and Lacie Lynn.”
“Twins, wow. He will be busy,” I predicted. “And you’ll be helping out in the meantime?”
He gave a brief nod. “If you need anything at all, you can call me.”
Which reminded me, the bully kids had made off with my phone. I almost laughed. Believe it or not, I’d been looking for an excuse to upgrade that old thing. I glanced around the darkening alley before gathering the courage to gaze into those mesmerizing blue eyes. “I believe I can. Thank you for the rescue.”
“I wouldn’t exactly call it that.” His smile turned sheepish. It was so cute.
“I would. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t shown up.”
A shiver snaked up my spine and he reached out to squeeze my arm, his touch gentle and warm on my skin. “Next time bring backup, okay?”
“Oh, I don’t know about a next time.”
“Your lack of hesitation when you jumped to Jerry’s defense was inspiring and frightening at the same time.”
“Yesterday I don’t think I would’ve done what I did today, but like I said, it’s been quite a day.”
??
?Then it sounds like a good one.”
“Surprisingly enough, yeah.” I smiled up at him. “Pretty darn good.”
His head tilted and my cheeks warmed under his thoughtful regard. “I have no doubt there’ll be a next time.”
The unwavering conviction in his voice sent a tingle through my entire body. No one except my parents had ever expressed such complete belief in me before, and this guy didn’t even know me. I didn’t know what to say out loud, but I did know he was right. My life had changed thanks to a book I’d picked up simply because it tickled my funny bone. A book I hadn’t even read yet.
The silence stretched. The moment I realized I was staring at him like a woman denied dessert for far too long, I decided to speak now or forever look like an idiot.
“Well, I—”
“Would you—”
We both broke off with self-conscious laughs. I waited for him to speak first because I liked the beginning of his sentence better than mine.
“I was going to ask if you’d please let me replace that coffee now?” A hopeful note coated his sinful voice.
Yep, there were some days I couldn’t believe my luck. And this time I planned to embrace him—I mean, my luck—wholeheartedly. “You know, after the day I’ve had, that would be great.”
I took a step toward the street, anxious to sit down and get to know him.
“Wait—” He caught my arm. “You’re barefoot.”
“Um…yeah. Stupid, I know, but my heel broke on my walk home. Carrying both my shoes was easier than walking with one leg two inches shorter than the other.”
He reached out and touched the earlobe that was minus one of my favorite earrings. His fingers caressed my skin and skimmed along the underside of my jaw before he lowered his arm. “You really did have quite the day, didn’t you?” he asked softly.
I fought not to melt in front of him. “You have no idea.”
“Well, I’d love to hear all about it, just don’t move yet. There’s glass, and God only knows what else laying around here.”
I hadn’t thought of that. I searched for a clear path in the alley shadows cast by the street lights that’d flickered to life over the past ten minutes. My eyes widened. Had I really walked through all that garbage to get to Jerry?
My hero of the day stepped close and commanded, “Hold on.”
Before I could speculate his intentions, I found myself swept up into strong arms and held against his broad, muscled chest. I instinctively clung to his neck as he grinned down at me. “You want to call it a rescue, then I might as well do it right.”
McDreamy gorgeous and a sense of humor. I loved it. I inhaled the spicy allure of him reminiscent of this morning, and figured it was high time I learned the man’s name. “I’m Kelsie, by the way. Kelsie Newman.”
“Robert Woods, at your service, m’lady.”
I couldn’t hold back a soft, contented smile as he carried me across the street with long, sturdy strides. The clock had been tolling midnight all day, but I was no longer worried because I knew something the Fairy Godmother didn’t.
Robert Woods might not be Prince Charming, King Arthur, Sir Lancelot, or even Robin Hood, but he was close enough for this fairytale. You know…the one that starred me and my hero, and ended with a Happily Ever After of our own.
Good night, Bonnie Tyler. Sweet dreams and good luck.
~*~*~*~*~
Other titles by Stacey Joy Netzel
Excerpts at: https://www.StaceyJoyNetzel.com
Welcome to Redemption Series...
...a small town in Northeast Wisconsin where second chances don’t always come easy, but if you’re willing to try, anything is possible.
Book 1: A Fair Of The Heart, by Donna Marie Rogers
Single mother, and work-at-home beautician, Lauren Frazier can barely keep a roof over her head, let alone stop it from falling down around her. When handyman Caleb Hunter shows up at her door for a haircut, it’s like the answer to her prayers—and the attraction is instantaneous. Too bad her troublesome ten-year-old son isn’t quite as thrilled to have Caleb hanging around.
Old wounds have kept Caleb from returning to Redemption permanently. When he receives word of hismother’s unexpected death, guilt and regret bring him home again, but will the love of a good woman keep him there? Beautiful, witty, and strong, Lauren excites Caleb like no woman ever has, but she’s a package deal, and he’s not sure he’s prepared to take on a ready-made family.
Book 2: A Fair To Remember, by Stacey Joy Netzel
Reformed gang member Wes Carter feels Redemption, Wisconsin, is just the place to relocate his financial business for reasons more than just the name. He’s ready for a nice, quiet life in small town USA. Tara Russell has decided it’s time to add some excitement to her life and get a little wild—no matter how uncomfortable it makes her or her overprotective family. They meet at the local fair one warm summer night and discover opposites attract for all the right reasons. Add a dash of Sugar in the form of an incorrigible Great Dane, and it’s destined to be A Fair To Remember.
Book 3: The Perfect Blend, by Donna Marie Rogers
Carrie Lowell swears off men for good after nearly losing her business in a bitter divorce settlement to her abusive ex-husband. She’s on the verge of filing bankruptcy when handsome librarian Matt Jacobs walks into her shop and offers sound—if unwanted—business advice. Sure, financially he’s a godsend, but emotionally he’s a threat to the barricade she’s built around her heart.
Heir to a vast fortune, Jacob Spalding flees LA for the tiny Midwest town of Redemption, Wisconsin to escape the scandalous nightmare his life has become. Now known as Matt Jacobs, he buys a little cottage and settles in to small town life. Soon, he finds himself infatuated with the owner of the coffee shop across the street. Too bad the infuriating woman is as contrary as she is beautiful.
Book 4: Grounds For Change, by Stacey Joy Netzel
Charlie Russell lived with a secret for fourteen years, but now guilt has pushed him to the breaking point. He meets psychologist Dana McClain and feels an instant connection that has nothing to do with his Great Dane, Sugar, spilling coffee down her shirt. Dana switched to counseling animals because she has a history of becoming too emotionally involved with her clients. She figures she’s safe helping Charlie with Sugar’s issues, until he reveals his secret and asks for her help. She tries to convince herself it's all about the dog, not the guy, but history has a way of repeating itself.
Book 5: Home Is Where the Heart Is, by Donna Marie Rogers
Used to the finer things in life, heiress Melinda Spalding is thrown for a loop when her brother relocates to the Midwest. Her parents even expand their business to the small town and put her in charge of the project. Discovering she likes “Mayberry” and its quirky inhabitants is almost as shocking as her growing attraction to the local auto mechanic. But LA is where she belongs…or is home truly where the heart is?
Drew Porter learned at his mother’s knee how treacherous women can be—and when snooty "Lindy" Spalding skids into his life and nearly hits his dog, she seems worse than most. An unlikely bond between their pets gives him an intriguing glimpse behind her pretentious exterior. While his heart wonders if there more to her than meets the eye, his head tells him to run as fast as he can in the opposite direction.
Book 6: The Heart of the Matter, by Stacey Joy Netzel
All Allie Daniels ever wanted was a family of her own—until her doctor informs her she’ll never be able to have children. She hides her desolation, refusing to let any man close enough to see her broken heart. Most certainly not the town veterinarian, who’s cute three-year-old son reminds her of what she’ll never have.
Rick Wilde had a serious crush on Allie back in high school, but life took them in different directions. Now a single parent, he returns to Redemption several years later to raise his son, Lukas. His interest in Allie is renewed, but her shoulder is colder than the bitter winter wind.
Brought together by
an orphaned kitten, Allie finds herself helpless to resist Lukas’s impish innocence—not to mention Rick’s warm charm and sexy good looks. Does she dare take a chance on an impossible dream, or will Rick’s desire for more kids devastate their future?
~~~~~
Colorado Trust Series
Trust in the Lawe (Book 1)
Kendra Zelner has three brothers: Eight-year old Noah she's determined to protect, Joel who has no clue she exists, and Robert who wants her dead.
With reason to be distrustful of cops, she takes Noah and flees their Manhattan home for Joel’s ranch in Colorado. Under the pretense of needing a job, she plans to hide out until her twenty-fifth birthday, when she’ll inherit her trust fund and legally gain custody of Noah away from Robert’s greedy hands. Unfortunately, her brother’s sexy, infuriating ranch manager insists on demolishing her defenses and digging into her past.
Colton Lawe has good reason to suspect Joel’s beautiful, long-lost sister isn’t what she seems—the little liar stole from him! He silently vows to expose her secrets, but long hours together on the ranch fosters a closeness and fiery attraction neither of them expects. Can Kendra trust Colton with the full truth before Robert finds them?
***What reviewers are saying:
You Gotta Read Reviews ~ “Trust in the Lawe was truly one of the best books I have read this year. It's fun, suspenseful, filled with misunderstanding and characters that you will fall in love with. The plot line was tight, very well crafted and every question I may have had throughout the book was answered. I have a great respect for Stacey Joy Netzel and the way she can write a romantic story with sizzle and spice that kept me absolutely addicted. From the moment I started reading, it was as though my real life just floated away and I was drawn into Trust in the Lawe. Honestly, you won't be able to put this book down. If you are not a Stacey Joy Netzel fan yet, just pick up this book and you will find you want to read all of her books. To sum it all up, Outstanding book, not to be missed. I HIGHLY recommend this book.”