Shattered Beginnings

by Lilly Wilde

  Hayley laughs and I toss her a frustrated glance.

  “Go out a few feet and let’s see if Ragan can manage to get it in your direction this time.”

  “Whatever,” I say and grab the ball from him. I position myself to throw the ball and he stops me again.

  “Spread your feet and angle back like I’ve shown you.”

  I mimic his example and he shakes his head. Stepping behind me, his hand is on my midsection and I tense. I hate that part of my body and I sure as hell don’t want the likes of Branch McGuire touching it, more than likely comparing it to the abdominal muscles he’s used to, those that aren’t hidden by a layer of unnecessary insulation. I go to move his hand, but he resists.

  “Relax, sugar,” he says. His breath is warm against my cheek and his foot is positioned between mine as he whispers instructions in my ear. I don’t take in a damn thing he says. I’m picturing those full perfect lips and how close they are to my face. If he leans in just a couple of inches more, his mouth would be on my skin. I tell myself to zero in on his words and push the other thoughts out. But something inside my head won’t cooperate. His tone is authoritative and confident, making even this simple instruction sound like a preface to a seduction … at least from where I’m standing. But of course, he isn’t considering anything of the sort. I push him away.

  “I got it. I don’t need the McGuire tutorial on how to stand.”

  He chuckles. “Okay. Then show me, hot stuff. Throw it.”

  I look down the field at Hayley. Oh shit.

  She cups her hand around her mouth and shouts, “Come on, Ragan.”

  Disregarding everything Branch told me, I throw the ball to Hayley and this time it soars in her general direction just enough for her to shift right and catch it.

  I look over at Branch. “See. I don’t need any of your fancy football techniques. Now let’s get this over with. I have an early shift tomorrow and I’m already tired.”

  Thanks to my disregard for Branch’s advice, we lose the game, but Branch’s fans and the crowd eat up every minute of the embarrassment that’s the Annual Blue Ridge Bowl.

  “You should learn to listen to those who are wiser than you.”

  I look up at him with a scowl. “Blow me.”

  “Just tell me when, sugar.”

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  Lilly Wilde is a wife and mom who loves to fill each day with happiness and laughter. Lilly loves to dream, get lost in fantasy, and create alternate worlds in which we can escape ever so often. She’s down-to-earth, engaging, and compassionate, with a great sense of humor. Her laughter is one of the first qualities that you’ll notice; you’ll become instantly drawn to her witty and fun-loving spirit.

  Lilly spent a lot of time daydreaming as a child, which led to numerous hours of reading and eventually the writing of poetry. After years of starting and stopping several novels, she eventually set a goal to complete her debut novel, Untouched.

  Her stories are of strength, growth, facing demons, and stepping outside your comfort zone. They often surround topics of family and love and the beauty of both.