Page 66 of To Steal a Heart

The cheering was deafening.

Talon turned to Arden and motioned with a flourish. “Without further ado.”

Clutching her novel in her hands, Arden strode over to the chair positioned in front of the podium, making a point of holding her shoulders erect and sucking in her stomach. A tech hurried up to Arden and clipped a small microphone onto the collar of her sweater.

“Say something,” the man directed.

“Can everyone hear me?” Arden asked. “How about those in the back?”

A person in the back gave a thumbs up.

Satisfied, the tech left the stage.

Arden settled into her seat as she cast an appreciative smile at Katia and Astor. “It’s an honor to do this reading in remembrance of Beatriz. As Talon mentioned, when I was a little girl, my greatest ambition in life was to become a treasure hunter.” She paused. “When that went bust, I had no other alternative but to turn my sights to writing romantic suspense.”

Laughter rippled from the crowd.

A smile tugged at her lips as she shared the moment with the audience. Then, she opened her book to the chapter that she’d pre-selected. “Writing is in my blood … perhaps even more than treasure hunting.” The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on her. She’d been drawn to Garrett from the get-go. Probably because they were so much alike. They both loved the thrill of the chase and were driven to go after treasure. However, the difference was that Arden grew up. Even more than her desire to find some hidden treasure was a desire to fight the good fight. She wanted to be a good person. Too bad Garrett didn’t share that sentiment. She jerked slightly, realizing that she’d let her thoughts wander. Not good. Heat burned her cheeks as she cleared her throat. “Perilous Heartsis set here on Honeysuckle Island. Nicole is the mother of three children. She wakes up one morning to find that her husband has disappeared. The police are called in, and a massive search ensues. A distraught Nicole tries to pull herself together while offering comfort to her children.” Arden added a hushed layer of intensity to her voice. “Then, one evening, after getting the children to bed, Nicole peers through the blinds of her bedroom window and realizes that someone is outside, watching. This is the chapter I’m going to read.” She cleared her throat as she began.

The love for her craft took over, drowning out all else. Arden welcomed the strong connection she felt with the audience. It flowed into her as surely as electricity flows from an outlet to a plug. This is what she was born to do. She wanted to write stories that would entertain. Stories that would lift and inspire. When she was finished, a hushed silence overcame the audience. “Thank you,” she finished as she closed the book with a snap.

Applause broke out across the room. One person stood then another until finally, the majority of the crowd were on their feet. Arden stood and offered a bow before smiling and waving at the crowd.

The thrill of victory fired through her veins. It felt good to have a win in the midst of all the uncertainty in her life. She was so grateful for her writing and how the words flowed from her mind onto the page in a way she didn’t fully understand. Before writing a single word, Arden prayed for inspiration. There was no way she could ever write a book without Heavenly help.

One good thing had come out of the ordeal with Garrett. She was now attending church on a regular basis. She’d even carved out time to read her scriptures. Over the course of the past four months, she’d found herself on her knees many times, praying for direction and discernment where Garrett was concerned. While she’d desperately sought an answer, the only inspiration that had come was to simply wait. She had no idea what she was supposed to wait for. It was so dang frustrating! Patience was not one of Arden’s virtues … unfortunately. She figured that one reason why she wasn’t getting an answer was because she was still fighting mad about the whole thing. Her fury was chipping away at her insides. She didn’t want to end up bitter and disillusioned like Grandmother. And yet, how could she get over this? Was Garrett here in this room? Would everything finally come to a head in the next several days? Oh, how she hoped so! Yesterday, during the meeting in the conference room, Arden had told herself that she wanted Garrett to get caught. That she wanted him to be put behind bars. Her sense of justice certainly wanted that. However, there was a part of her that still hoped he could be redeemed.Don’t go there, she warned herself.

As Arden returned to her seat, Talon stepped up to the podium. “Isn’t she great?”

More applause sounded.

Talon gave her an appraising look, his eyes teasing. “Arden, I’m glad the treasure venture didn’t work out because you found your calling as a writer.” He wrapped up the event, reminding everyone to attend the exhibit, which opened tomorrow. He pointed to a side section of the room. “We’re setting up a table where Arden will be signing books.” He grinned. “If you didn’t think to bring one, no worries. We have plenty on hand, which you can purchase.” He waved. “Thanks, everyone.”

The tech trotted back out and unclipped Arden’s microphone. “Great job. I’m going to have to tell my wife about your books. She’s an avid reader. I know she’ll love them.”

“Thank you,” Arden responded.

As the crowd dispersed, Arden made her way down to the front of the stage. Katia and Astor stepped up to her. “That was phenomenal,” Katia began.

Astor grinned. “I kept looking to see the string.”

“String?” Arden questioned.

His grin widened. “The one you used to control the emotions of the audience. Well done,” he boomed. “That was masterful.”

“Thanks,” Arden murmured, flattered by his praise. She handed the novel to Katia. “This is for you. I signed it to your mom.”

Katia’s eyes shimmered. “Thank you,” she breathed. “Mom would have loved that.”

Emotion clogged Arden’s throat. “You’re very welcome.”

“I can see why Mom loved your work. You’re very talented.” She held up the book. “I’m going to read this.”

Astor tipped his head. “How many books have you written?”

“Five.”

He let out a low whistle. “That’s impressive.”