Stay With Me

by Alexa Powers

  Stay With Me

  The Andersons, Book 1

  Published by: Alexa Powers

  Copyright: © 2014 Alexa Powers

  Cover Design by: Courtney Lopes, E-book Formatting Fairies

  Copy Editing by: Janell Parque

  ISBN: 978-0-9905667-0-0

  All rights reserved. This book is a work of fiction. Any reference to real people, events, establishments, organizations, or locations are intended only to provide authenticity. The characters and events portrayed in this book are fictitious. Any similarity to real persons, living or dead, is coincidental and not intended by the author.

  All characters and storylines are the property of the author and your support and respect is appreciated. Except for the original material written by the author, all songs, song titles and lyrics contained in this book are the property of the respective songwriters and copyright holders.

  This book may not be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission from the author. 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 person. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return it and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  There are so many people I need to thank for helping me get this book from my computer hard drive and into your hands.

  First of all, to my beautiful children, who were my biggest cheerleaders and endured countless hours of listening to me go on and on about Emma and Noah, as if they’re real people. Because, in my mind, they are. You are a constant inspiration and the reason I work so hard in everything I do. Mommy loves you.

  To Lynn, Elaine, Lisa, Suzanne, Teresa, and Alex. All of you lovely ladies kept me motivated to continue, and for that, I can’t thank you enough. Your words of encouragement helped more than you’ll ever know, and I’m thankful for each and every one of you.

  To the Formatting Fairies and Julie, in particular, for being patient and kind to a new author who felt a bit lost in the wilderness. And to Janell for her brilliant editing and to Courtney for my fantastic cover design. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

  And last, but certainly not least, my readers, thank you for taking time out of your busy lives to read my book. I hope you love Emma and Noah’s story as much as I enjoyed writing it.

  Chapter 1

  As she pushed her luggage cart through Auckland International Airport to begin a year of studying abroad in New Zealand, Emma Anderson couldn’t wait to see what adventures lay ahead for her. Ignoring the twinge in her lower back after the long flight from Charlotte, North Carolina, she welcomed the new day with open arms and a large cup of black tea from the coffee shop.

  Warm December air greeted her and was in stark contrast to the chilly temperatures she’d left behind. Taking a deep breath, she was thankful for the balmy weather and sunshine of the Southern Hemisphere this time of year.

  Emma slowed her footsteps for a moment, taking time to appreciate the sight of two people exchanging a hongi, their foreheads and noses pressed together in a traditional Maori greeting, and couldn’t have stopped the silly grin from spreading across her face if she tried. She was finally in New Zealand, Aotearoa: Land of the Long White Cloud.

  With almost two months to settle in before school would begin, she needed to master two things…driving on the wrong side of the road and the Great New Zealand Vowel Shift.

  Having visited New Zealand since she was a toddler, she’d grown accustomed to the Kiwi accent, but it was always a bit of a shock when someone said a perfectly innocent word like ‘deck’ and it sounded as if they were saying ‘dick’. As a young girl, when she first discovered the word referred to a certain part of the male anatomy, it usually resulted in a fit of giggles, which inevitably led to her mother scowling at her, while trying not to laugh herself.

  Yes, if she could master those two things, she’d be well and truly on her way to being a good Kiwi.

  Emma gathered her long sandy blonde hair into a loose bun and turned at the sound of her name being called as her cousin, Lily Bradshaw, and Lily’s fiancé, Josh Thornton, enthusiastically greeted her.

  Lily and Josh’s wedding was in three short weeks, and Emma had arrived early so she could help fulfill her duties as Lily’s maid of honor. Assisting Lily had proven difficult from so far away, but now that she’d arrived in Auckland, she’d finally feel useful.

  Even though they grew up on separate continents, they’d always been as close as sisters, and the frequent visits throughout their lives had cemented the bond between them.

  Lily’s parents, Emma’s Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob, met at New York University and moved to his native New Zealand after graduation, raising their family in the affluent suburbs of Auckland. Emma’s mother missed her sister terribly, and it was undeniably hard to live so far away from each other, but she always said it made seeing her that much sweeter.

  Since childhood, Lily and Emma had dreamed of Emma coming to stay in New Zealand, and now that the time was finally here, she couldn’t be more excited. Emma had always loved New Zealand, so the decision was an easy one, even though most of her friends chose to study abroad in Europe.

  Lily’s dark hair was pulled back into a ponytail, exposing flawless olive skin, which was makeup free, except for a light smudge of lip-gloss. And her round emerald-green eyes were full of energy, despite the early hour.

  Lily had a face that most models would envy and a body to match it, but the truly wonderful thing about her was that she was just as beautiful on the inside as the outside.

  “Oh, my God! I’m so happy you’re finally here!” Lily exclaimed excitedly, her green eyes brimming with moisture.

  “I know! I’ve missed you so much. I still can’t believe it. Everyone back home sends their love, and my mom said to give you an extra hug from her.” Emma reached for Lily, wrapping her arms around her tightly…and winced. “It was a long flight and my back is killing me,” she moaned, as she massaged the knot in her lower back.

  “You must be knackered. Let’s get home and then you can have a nap.” Lily stepped back, but continued to hold onto Emma’s arms, as if she might disappear if she let go. She took a long look at Emma and smiled. “I still can’t believe you’re going to be with me until November. We’re going to have so much fun, and you’re going to love our new place. I’ve got your room ready, and you can walk to school. We were lucky to get this unit when it came available. It’s more space than we need, but now we have room for you, and we have a view of the harbor.”

  Instead of living in an apartment with people she didn’t know, Emma was thrilled to be staying with Lily and Josh until it was time for her to move back home, to finish her studies at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.

  “Wow, I can’t wait to see it. Surprisingly, I’m not really that tired. My dad gave me a sleeping pill that I took after I got on the plane in Los Angeles, so I slept most of the flight. I just ache from head to toe from sitting for so long. Maybe we could go on a walk later and then a hot bath should take care of it.” Emma smiled at Josh as he stood patiently to the side, watching her and Lily. “Hi, Josh.”

  “Hi, Emma, it’s good to see you again. I’ll get your bags in the car so we can get you home. But first, come here and let me have a hug,” he demanded, as he gently nudged Lily out of the way and embraced Emma, his large frame towering over her.

  Even though Josh no longer played rugby professionally, he certainly hadn’t lost his rock-hard physique. With warm brown eyes and adorable dimples, Josh’s
good looks made him a favorite with the female fans…and a few of the male ones too, she suspected. But since the day he met Lily, he only had eyes for her.

  “It’s great to see you, too. Wow, I always forget how big you are,” Emma laughed, as Josh enveloped her in his muscular arms. “Are you sure you don’t mind having a roommate? I could’ve found an apartment, you know.”

  “No worries. It’s not a bother at all.” His cheeky grin was on full display, as he gave Emma a sincere smile. “You’re always welcome. Now let’s get out of here and get you sorted.”

  While Josh loaded Emma’s luggage into the car, she lifted her guitar off the cart, carefully placing it in the back seat, then settled in for the drive home. As Lily prattled on, Emma watched as the landscape changed from the densely populated suburbs to the urban Central Business District of Auckland.

  “I promised my parents that we’d come over for tea tomorrow night. Mum’s about to burst, she’s so excited you’re here,” Lily continued, as Josh maneuvered the car into the parking garage and pulled into his reserved parking space.

  Making their way into the elevator that would take them to the 12th floor, and Emma’s new home for the next eleven months, Emma settled her guitar in front of her legs and leaned against the railing, hoping to relieve the pressure on her back.

  “I’ve missed you guys. A few weeks over school breaks is never enough,” Emma sincerely stated, feeling nostalgic for her time spent in New Zealand. Summer vacations visiting Lily, her Aunt Mary and Uncle Bob, and Lily’s older brother Robbie, who’d recently relocated to Australia for work, were always the highlight of her year. “How is everyone?”

  “Well, my mum’s driving me crazy with the wedding coming up so soon. She’s always on me about something I’ve forgotten or some appointment she’s made for us. I always thought the bride was supposed to drive everyone mad, but mum’s ready for a nervous breakdown.” Lily’s troubled pout left Emma wondering what she’d gotten herself into.

  “She’s not that bad,” Josh spoke up, defending his future mother-in-law. “She just wants your day to be perfect, and you’re her only daughter, after all, so this will be her only chance to put on the show. Give her a break, Lil.”

  “I know, I know. I just wish sometimes that we could elope. When I think of everything that’s still to be done, I think I might break out in hives.” Turning her attention back to Emma, she flashed her a tense smile. “We have a fitting the day after tomorrow. I spoke to Ali, and she and Katie are getting theirs done next week before they come over,” Lily released a weary sigh, and Emma could see the wedding preparations were taking their toll on her.

  “I shouldn’t need any modifications to mine. It’ll probably just need a press to get the wrinkles out,” Emma reassured her, not wanting to add any additional stress.

  “Okay. Good. They should be able to take care of that at the dress shop. And, here we are,” Lily announced, waving her arms at the opening elevator doors like a game show hostess revealing the contestant’s prize winnings.

  Josh came to a stop in front of the door to their home and unlocked it, then held it open while waiting for Lily and Emma to walk through, before following them inside with Emma’s luggage.

  Emma’s eyes were immediately drawn to the wall of floor to ceiling windows, which revealed an unobstructed view of Auckland’s waterfront. The large lounge was comfortably decorated with black leather couches and a wrought iron coffee table, along with coordinating end tables.

  Mounted on the wall above the fireplace was a big screen TV that seemed to be a necessity for men these days. Flanking the fireplace on both sides were built-in bookcases filled with electronic equipment, movies, books, and framed pictures of family and friends of the couple.

  Scattered throughout the bookshelves were photos of Josh playing rugby, before the knee injury that ended his career prematurely. He’d been one of the best rugby players in the world, and losing his career had been a devastating blow.

  Spotting a photo of her and Lily taken that past summer, during Lily’s visit to Emma’s home in North Carolina, she couldn’t help but smile. The image captured the moment they jumped into the pool while holding hands. Their long hair stood on end and they were both laughing, as they plunged into the refreshing water.

  Emma startled as Lily commented over her shoulder. “We had so much fun that day, but my God, it was hotter than hell. I thought I was going to melt.”

  “You get used to it, I guess. It doesn’t really bother me too much, but it helps to have a pool to cool off in. Living in Boone has definitely reduced my tolerance for the heat and humidity, though. It’s much cooler in the mountains.”

  Emma’s gaze drifted to the artwork decorating the walls. “Are these yours, Lily?”

  Lily’s eyes followed Emma’s line of sight towards a photo of the Eifel Tower that had been enlarged and hung prominently in the dining area. “Yeah. I took that one on holiday in Paris last year. I’ve started putting them on canvas, as you can see, and a few boutiques are carrying them. Been selling quite well, actually. I’ve also had a few showings at a local gallery.”

  “Wow. That’s amazing, Lil. How did I not know this? Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Well, it just sort of happened by accident. One of our neighbors stopped by to welcome us to the building and I had a few sitting in the lounge waiting for Josh to hang them. He owns a gallery and asked to see some of my other photos, and one thing led to another. Photography has always been a hobby, and I love taking pictures, as you know, but it’s weird to think that someone I don’t know has one of my photos hanging in their home,” Lily remarked, looking around the room at the artistic photographs adorning the walls.

  “I guess, but it’s also a huge compliment,” Emma stated honestly. Lily’s photographs possessed a uniquely beautiful quality and Emma was pleased to see that others appreciated them as much as she did.

  “Thanks, Em. It’s still so new and a bit overwhelming, with the wedding and everything,” Lily exhaled with an exasperated sigh.

  The lounge opened up to a modern kitchen and dining area, which shared the same remarkable view of the balcony and beyond. Sleek dark cabinetry complimented the décor, and the dining table and chairs were constructed from the same material as the kitchen cabinets.

  Emma wondered if they ever used the kitchen, since Lily had always been such a disaster in the room she affectionately referred to as ‘the microwave’, and had to bite her lip to keep from snickering. She could remember many failed attempts over the years that usually ended with a pizza being ordered.

  “I always forget how beautiful it is here,” Emma beamed, as she watched a sailboat gliding easily through the crystal blue waters of Waitemata Harbour, its colorful sails billowing in the breeze. “I can’t imagine waking up to this every day.”

  “Well, get used to it. This is your home for the rest of the year. It never gets old, though.” Lily came to a stop next to Emma, taking in the view alongside her. “I still have to pinch myself sometimes.”

  “I can’t see myself ever looking out at that and not being in awe. It’s absolutely beautiful. And it’s so much warmer here than back home right now. We’ve gotten so much snow in Boone this winter. It’s pretty, but driving in it is such a hassle and I’ve been trying to get home as much as possible to see everybody,” Emma inhaled a shaky breath, the sting of tears burning her eyes. “It just dawned on me that I’m really here. I think I might cry.”

  Lily pulled Emma down onto the couch and into an embrace so strong that it cracked her back. For such a skinny thing, Lily was surprisingly strong.

  “It’s okay to cry, Emma. I can’t imagine leaving my family and friends and traveling halfway around the world to boot. But I want you to be happy here. Let’s get you sorted, then you can take a nap, and we’ll go out to lunch when you wake up,” Lily comforted her as she held Emma.

  “I am happy to be here. You know how long I’ve wanted to do this. I’m just going to miss ever
yone. And when I think how much Abby will grow while I’m gone, it makes my heart hurt.” Emma’s six-month-old niece had completely enchanted her, and just the thought of missing the next year of her life left Emma instantly homesick. “I think I’ll lie down for a little while after I unpack…let everything sink in and let my back relax a little. Sitting in that plane seat for so long has done a number on it.” Emma gingerly raised herself off the sofa and followed Lily into her new room.

  “Here’s your room. I hope you like it. I know it’s not as big as yours back home, but it’s better than a dorm room, I’d say.”

  A queen-sized bed, with a large espresso-stained headboard, dominated the room and was covered with decorative pillows and a cool gray comforter. The matching dresser and night tables left very little space for anything else, but were more than enough. The room was sophisticated and elegant, just like Lily.

  “It’s perfect. I spent my freshman year in a room smaller than this that I had to share with someone else. Trust me, this room is more than sufficient.” Emma walked to the sliding doors leading to the balcony, then turned to face Lily. “I love you, Lily. Thanks for having me. I’m so happy to be here, I can’t even tell you. And your house is beautiful.”

  “Thanks. You know how much I love you. And Josh loves you, too. We’re chuffed you’re staying with us,” Lily paused, her hands excitedly clasping together. “Now…I’ve saved the best for last. The pièce de résistance.”

  Emma dutifully followed Lily to the opened door leading into the bathroom, on the opposite wall from the sliding glass doors.

  Peeking her head around the doorframe, Emma’s eyes scanned the large bathroom. The room was sleek and modern, with ceramic tiles on the floor and shower stall. But the main feature, that had Emma wanting to jump up and down, was the large soaking tub.

  “I think my heart just did a happy dance,” Emma giggled, already picturing herself taking a relaxing bath, surrounded by fragrant bubbles. “Oh, before I forget, do I have to share the bathroom with guests?”