The Fear of Love, Loss, and Friendships

Book excerpt: "Wait!" she called, her strained voice surprising her, but he didn't slow down. She sped up when she reached the corner, almost falling over and then catching her balance again. Marlena stopped at the end of the hall, wondering what way he went. "What do you want?" The voice came from behind, making her jump. Honestly, she didn't know the answer to the question, she hadn't thought of running after him, she just ran. "What. Do. You. Want", he asked again, emphasizing each word. Marley took a deep breath, attempting to control every nerve in her body, and turned to face him. Marlena Burks' life was turned upside down after her brother's death and now, three months later, she is just starting to move on, but when she meets Elijah everything is brought back to the surface. He's a reminder of everything she has lost but he also takes her away from reality, something she'd longed for since her brother passed. He is a mystery and that excites her, but curiosity brings something bigger than a new found relationship with the man of her dreams.