Lovers Hiatus Read online

  “Vacation Love Series”

  Lovers

  Hiatus

  Taylor Love

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Lovers Hiatus (Vacation Love Series, #2)

  Dedication

  About the Author

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Epilogue

  Join Us For The Conclusion

  Join Us For The Next Book

  If you purchased this book without a cover you should be aware that this book is stolen property. It should be reported as “unsold and destroyed” to the publisher, and neither the author nor the publisher has received any payment for this “stripped book.”

  Lovers Hiatus

  Copyright © 2019 by Taylor Love

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at the address below.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

  To the extent that the image or images on the cover of this book depict a person or persons, such person or persons are merely models. This book is for adult readership and may contain adult situations, language and sexual content.

  Taylor Made Daydreams

  www.TaylorMadeDaydreams.com

  Dedication

  MY FIFTH NOVEL MIGHT come off as a personal fantasy, LOL so I guess this is dedicated to me! Two writers trapped together and passion overtakes them, it could happen! Makes me want to book some writing retreats. Also, a look into the minds of writers as a whole. Many people think this is an “easy, quick” process. For most writers, it’s far from it. Some are wracked with self-doubt daily, while other’s creative process stalls out due to the many stressors of life. Not to mention for some it’s a labor of love that can take mere months to several years before a book is finished. It like any other job—takes hard work, dedication, a thick skin and is often underappreciated.

  About the Author

  TAYLOR LOVE IS AN AUTHOR who calls Michigan her home. An avid reader since she was a young girl, she gained a love of writing as well. Her hope is to share Sexy-Modern-Romances, that showcase African American couples in a positive, real yet uplifting light! She loves to read a variety of genres and hopes over time to expand her writing among several of them. She is a lover of learning a “little bit” about many things. She hopes her imagination brings her readers a few hours of enjoyment!

  Books by Taylor Love

  Instant Chemistry Series

  Running Into You

  Not My Type

  One Click For Love

  An Instant Chemistry Novella

  In Between Chemistry

  Vacation Love Series

  Crashing In On Love

  Lovers Hiatus

  Love On Deck

  Instant Chemistry Shorts

  Cam & Andrea-New Years Eve

  Cam & Andrea-Don’t Forget What you Have At Home

  Robert & Mika-Weekend With The Lordes

  Stay In Touch!

  https://www.TaylorMadeDaydreams.com

  Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/TaylorMadeDayDreams/

  Newsletter- (No Spam, 2 a month TOPS) http://eepurl.com/duB-Fn

  Twitter- https://twitter.com/TaylorLoveWrite

  Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/taylorlovewriter/

  Bookbub-https://www.bookbub.com/profile/taylor-love?list=author_books

  Prologue

  JANAE HAD BEEN DRIVING through no man’s land for over four hours. Now snow decided that falling during the last thirty minutes of her drive would be the thing to do. Guess it could have been worse, she was almost there at least. Michigan’s first city, Sault Ste. Marie here I come! She wanted to be excited but honestly on this first day of January she felt just as she had yesterday—uninspired. But that was okay, the entire reason for this trip was to rectify that. When the phone rang she started not to take it but saw it was her cousin, figuring why not since she had her hands-free set on. It wasn’t like there was much to look at beside the trees anyway.

  “Hey Shella, what’s up? I can’t talk long I’m driving, and it just started to snow.”

  “Hey cus! I won’t keep you. I’m in line waiting to get on my cruise ship...in Spain!”

  “Wait, what?” Janae laughed, thinking Shella was playing. Besides herself Shella was the least spontaneous person she knew.

  “You heard me. That’s why I’m calling so someone will know where I’m at. I emailed you the details. I’ll be gone for six weeks.”

  “Are you crazy?”

  “No more crazy than you, going up into “no black-people land” by yourself for two months. In the middle of winter Janae...for two months.”

  “But...that’s,” Janae sputtered. “That’s for work. Plus, I didn’t leave the country. And you hate cruises! I thought you said you’d never get on one of those “diseased tin cans” as you call them.”

  “Well, I changed my mind. Look I didn’t call to argue, just to let someone know I haven’t been kidnapped and cut into little pieces.”

  “You mean not yet. Let me guess you want me to tell the rest of the family?”

  “Nope, not their business, plus I know you are about to be buried with work. I just want you to stop them if they send the cops to break down my door. I dropped post cards off to my mama and daddy this morning. They should get them in a week or so.”

  “Okay fine. Text me if there’s an emergency as I don’t plan to check my email but once a week. When you said you didn’t plan to do anything for your birthday you really just meant with the family, huh?”

  “Something like that. I just wanted to do something different, you know? Anyway, this line is finally moving. I love you! Hope you get everything you want accomplished.”

  “Love you too! Have fun, be safe and what the hell go with the flow! Happy early birthday!”

  “Thanks! Gotta go, bye.”

  Hearing the dial tone Janae clicked off stunned. Shella was taking an international trip by herself. When had she even gotten a passport? Furthermore Shella had one point, in that her escapade was no weirder than Janae’s. Guess everyone was trying new things for the New Year.

  Janae didn’t have much more time to think about it since the snow became heavier and dusk was creeping in. She knew she should have started out earlier, at this rate if she got in the house before sunset she would be lucky. Thankfully, her mid-sized SUV was able to manage the rest of the snow-filled drive. So that she ended up parking in front of the gorgeous two-story cabin around 4:45 p.m.

  Struggling b
ack into her coat, Janae zipped up then finally got out the car. Wasting no time heading to the back to get her bags. She had tried to pack light, considering. So she had one big case filled with clothes and miscellaneous daily things she would need. And a second medium suitcase filled with a few books she couldn’t do without for referencing, her laptop, several notepads and a few more clothes. Quickly she went to the door and used the code Jonathan had given her, instead of the key that was buried in her purse. Dragging the two bags into the foyer, she immediately turned around and went back out.

  Cold temps and insulated bags had allowed her to bring three bags of groceries from home. This should last her nearly two weeks if she didn’t overeat from boredom. Which should not be a problem since she’d be working. Praying her inner threats would pay off, Janae placed the bags on the floor before locking the door.

  Stomping the snow off her boots before pulling them off, she was excited to explore! Plus the groceries would keep for a few more minutes. Slowly walking forward, she bypassed the kitchen unzipping her coat as she looked at the living room. This place was nice! She had seen the pictures online of course and knew it was modern and fairly upscale, still seeing it was believing. It made her self-imposed exile seem more bearable.

  Everything was neat and tidy just as Jonathan promised, well except for one cup sitting on the large living room table, in the middle of the even larger sectional. All of which was in front of a gorgeous ash-stone fireplace. Other than that, not one thing seemed out of place. Heading up the stairs, Janae was interested in picking out a bedroom. She had gone back and forth between choosing one of the three larger rooms upstairs or the slightly smaller one on the main floor.

  Crazy as it sounded, she worried about being on the lower floor in case of an intruder. She felt like being upstairs would give her more time to hear them and prepare to defend herself, on the other hand downstairs had access to the exits. Each room had a theme too, so she had decided to wait and take a look at each when she arrived. Not that it mattered about the décor, she should only be in there to sleep. She was here to focus, so help her God! If she kept reminding herself, maybe it would stick.

  If memory served, the room to the right of the landing had dark navy and grays, which she had loved against the wood grain of the cabin. And it was the only room with a king size bed, not that she needed it. Easing the cracked door wider Janae peeked inside, happy to see it was just like the pictures. Well except for one thing—there was a half covered bare-chested man in the bed.

  Chapter One

  DAMOND SHIFTED, ANNOYED at that feeling of floating up to awareness. That in-between state of dreaming had him hearing a muted shrill voice. Which didn’t make sense, he had just been dreaming about riding on a speed boat with a party of half-naked people. Seconds ago there had been hype and fun laughter around him, certainly not the panicky voice he was hearing now. Giving up the fight he scratched his chest blinking open his eyes. The action seemed to make his ears come fully back online, though what he was seeing and hearing didn’t make sense.

  “I’m going to ask you one more time, who the hell are you?”

  The voice was coming from a very pretty sista, who was wavering between enraged and fearful. Was he actually awake? He knew for damn sure he hadn’t gone to sleep with a woman in the house, otherwise she’d be in bed with him. Sitting up he ran a hand over his face. When he looked over again the woman had an arm stretched out, pointing something towards him.

  “What the...lady if you use that pepper spray on me we’re going to have a problem.”

  “We already have a problem! Who are you and why the hell are you in my house?”

  “Your house? This is my place, the drain on my bank account proves it.”

  “Bullshit.”

  The cuss word, in what until now was her slightly proper voice, had a grin splitting his lips. Which mystery lady didn’t seem to appreciate, as her hand got a firmer grip on the small canister.

  “Lady, stop pointing that at me and we can try to sort this out.”

  “There is nothing to sort out, you shouldn’t be here. Jonathan loaned me the use of his place. He is an owner of the property.”

  Damond blinked hard, he hadn’t had enough sleep for this shit.

  “I’m aware that Jonathan, Dave, Kenneth and now me Damond Hall, are owners.”

  He watched as she finally lowered her arm and the expression on her face went from indignation to dismay.

  “Look, let me get dressed and I can meet you downstairs and we can figure this out.”

  Miss Miffed just crossed her arms mental wheels turning, but the need to hit the can had him losing patience.

  “You should take my suggestion to wait downstairs unless you want a free peep show. I’m getting out of bed whether you’re here or not.”

  Not one to talk shit just for the hell of it, Damond reached for the end of the cover. Which caused the woman’s eyes to widen in alarmed shock before she rushed out the door, slamming it as she went.

  IT TOOK DAMOND ABOUT five minutes to use the bathroom, throw on some sweats and a sweater before heading down. Where he found the woman wrapping up a voicemail as she paced back and forth.

  “Jon, please text me or give me a call back once you confirm who this man is.” She looked directly at him before she said the next part. “And if he isn’t legit please call the local police and send them this way.”

  Damond laughed, walking past her to the kitchen. He needed some coffee badly if he was going to deal with this testy intruder. He didn’t bother turning around as she made her entrance.

  “There has to be some mistake. You can’t be here.”

  “And yet I am.” She was a persistent little thing Damond thought, popping a k-cup in the Keurig before turning around. “You have me at a disadvantage. Who exactly are you?”

  “I’m Professor Janae Williams, Ph.D. My colleague loaned this place to me for eight weeks. I even spoke to the property manager to schedule the time, her name was Amanda.”

  Janae held out her phone, where she had pulled up the confirmation email. The man barely glanced at it before turning to get his coffee. He still hadn’t said anything, just took a few sips before she lost her patience.

  “Now that we know that I’m supposed to be here, I’m sorry about any confusion on your part but you need to leave.”

  “Lady...Janae-”

  “You can call me Ms. Williams.” She stiffly corrected.

  “Huh, you sure you don’t want me to tack the Professor on, maybe the Ph.D.? Either way I have bad news for you. I’m not going anywhere...but you are free to leave. I’ll even be a Good Samaritan and help you reload your car.”

  “But...but I have the email and proof! I scheduled this three months ago.”

  “I don’t care what you have. For the record I do believe you. Once you said Amanda it made sense. I talked to her four months ago when I scheduled my time, she’s a dingbat. The fact of the matter is I’m an owner and you’re not. Plus I’ve been here a week already, and you just arrived. I’m here to finish my book and I can’t have any distractions—so off you’ll need to go.”

  The woman in front of him flinched back like his words had slapped her. When she suddenly glared at him and stepped closer, it helped squash the speck of pity that rose up in him for her situation.

  “Look mister, I am not leaving. I have to finish my book. I just drove almost five hours to get here! It’s not my fault the stupid lady overlapped our bookings!”

  The livid professor had punctuated her last three words by poking him in the chest with her finger. Damond grabbed her hand in defense, he had felt those little sharp nails through his clothes.

  “Do you think it’s a good idea to put your hands on me lady?”

  Janae snatched her wrist away as embarrassed color rose to her cheeks.

  “I apologize, I was out of line. I’m just upset. This is very important to me, otherwise I wouldn’t have put my life on hold to come up here.”

&
nbsp; “Look, I get it,” he said mildly, looking out the kitchen window behind him. “You can stay for tonight since it’s snowing. But I do expect you to be out of here come morning.”

  Janae straightened her already stiff back. Who did he think he was talking to?

  “I don’t care about your expectations. Mine were to come here and write for eight weeks and it’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

  “We’ll see lady.” Damond started walking away.

  “My name is Ms. Williams.” Janae gritted out.

  “Sure thing Professor. And try to keep it down out here, I’ll be writing in my office.”

  Chapter Two

  JANAE BARELY RESTRAINED herself from slamming cabinet doors as she put the groceries away. She so wanted to be an asshole and make noise for the hell of it, but she wasn’t unwise either. For now the stupid man had been pretty calm. For all she knew he could go from unbothered to outright violent in an instant. Done with the groceries she went to the bedroom on the ground level, thankful it was on the other side of the house from the office. Once inside she let go and banged everything she could, while putting up her clothes and getting organized.

  Which bedroom she wanted was a mote point now. She wanted her sleeping quarters as far away from him as possible. Janae was finishing up around six when her phone rang. It was Jonathan with profuse apologies as he confirmed that Damond was the last owner who had bought into the property last spring. Reiterating the rest of them never used the place in the winter, which was why he’d suggested this time period to her in the first place.

  She thanked him for getting back to her and told him it was fine, that she was sure the two of them could just share the space and hung up. For one brief moment earlier she had been tempted to use the presence of this man as an excuse to run home. But that was why she was taking this trip, to stop her procrastination on completing this project. Her lack of motivation, a first in her life at thirty-seven, was a real concern to her.