Impacted (Conflicted Encounters #2)

by Alyne Roberts

  I pulled up in front of the shop, like I had several weeks ago. This time, the sick feeling in my stomach from nerves was not there. I stepped out of my car and watched Ryder's head snap up to look in my direction. His face was erased off all the concentration and eased into a smile. I closed my door and ran to him, like I wanted to when I first returned here.

  He grunted as I crashed into his hard chest. "What's wrong?" I asked, seeing the grimace he made as I squeezed him.

  "Nothing," he smiled as he leaned down and placed his lips on mine. I pulled away and eyed him curiously.

  Grabbing the hem of his shirt, I lifted it up to reveal his six-pack abs. My breath caught in my throat when I saw the red and swollen skin.

  Black strokes of ink lashed up his rib cage, forming a tall and ominous tree. The lines were thick and bold, almost forcing the passion and expression into me. As I followed the lines of the roots up into the trunk, I felt growth and hope. I took in the branches and saw possibility.

  My eyes watered over and my throat tightened. I didn't have to ask if this was Scarlett's work. I felt this tree was a perfect companion to my feather: both representing the same story of love and on the same part of our bodies.

  Ryder's eyes were locked on mine as he searched my face. I sniffled and smiled up at him. This meant more to me than asking me to move in, or buying me jewelry, or even proposing. This was an everlasting mark of our love. Past, present, and future. I knew then, without a doubt, that we would be okay. We would always have each other and believe in each other. We would always be Ryder and Kallie.

  When a meteor hits the ground, it leaves a crater. The earth is forever impacted from the collision. Everyone has a past. Everyone has a future. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. The aftermath can leave you impacted. Forever changed.

  Ryder came crashing into my life, as I did his. We were both forever changed from the encounter. Nothing will ever be the same again. I will never do anything I don't want to do. I will never go a day, or maybe even an hour, without telling Ryder that I love him. I will soak up every moment of every day, knowing life is short and could vanish in an instant. I will never be able to undo the things we went through, but that's okay.

  About the Author

  Alyne Roberts

  Alyne lives in Ohio with her husband, dog, and cat. Working full time in an office all day, she spends her nights reading, writing, or watching an entire TV series in a night. She refuses to grow up and loves Disney movies and anything with owls. She couldn't live without her coffee or her furry "children".

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  Scarlett’s story is next!

  Aknowledgements

  I find it hard to believe I wrote and self-published my third book, with a fourth in process. It's been a scary, but fun, ride. I would not have done this without those in my corner.

  Thank you Dad for never ever thinking any dream is too big or out of reach. You’ve never thought that any of my ideas were crazy, even when they really are. Thank you for not reading this series, even though I know you wanted to support me. It'd just been pretty weird if you read these.

  I love my family: Mom and sister. I love you both and thank you for always being there for me and listening to me ramble on about my books.

  My husband, you are the best. Thank you for your patience and understanding. I don't know how you put up with me, but I am so glad you do. I would most positively starve without you.

  I have the beta readers ever. Thank you Kat, Ashley, Melissa, and Megan. You stuck with me through two books and that's amazing. Sorry for leaving you hanging. I appreciate every word of criticism and praise. No one knows Ryder and Kallie better than you girls. Thank you Taylor at T.K. Editing for working your magic again! It's amazing how you polish my words.

  Thank you Megan and Trish at Bedroom Bookworms because you rock and gave me the time of day. I love seeing Megan in my inbox. Thank you Heather and Shannon from Sexyways of Reading for the blog tours and blitz.