Rhys (Secrets Book 1) Page 22
“Reese’s Pieces!”
Tossing the cabbie a few euros over the fare amount, I grab my duffle bag and open my arms to a running Averill. Onlookers are staring, but I couldn’t care less.
“Tiger Lily.”
The words barely leave my lips before her tongue tangles with mine, the taste of chocolate rich on her tongue. Reaching up, I tangle my fingers in her hair, pulling her deeper into my kiss, and then the sound of Tessa’s throat clearing brings us out of our intimate public display of affection.
“Tessa, pleasure to see you, as always.”
“Likewise, Rhys.”
“I’ve missed you like crazy. It’s hard to believe it’s been less than a week since we saw each other. It feels like a lifetime. Explain to me why I thought this trip apart was a good idea again?”
Tessa looks on with an expression of utter surprise. I’d say she was hurt, but she wears a suit of armor, protecting her feelings. She’s rarely hurt by anything we say and is stronger than she looks, which is why I think she’s perfect for Brant—as does Averill. She’s been trying to get her friend to move to Michigan for several months now. Her excuse was the danger of Smith, and that’s no longer valid.
“Because you love me and wanted to go on the trip of a lifetime with your best girlfriend. It’s an amazing reason.”
She looks to me for agreement; I simply shrug in reply. She knows I never thought this trip was a good idea.
“Sorry Tessa, I wasn’t fully on board to begin with.”
“Whatever. Let’s go see St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Afterward, we can go to the Guinness storehouse again. I’m sure Rhys will love it.”
“Now that is a plan I can get on board with.”
Reaching down for Averill’s hand, I twine our fingers together. Bringing her hand up, I kiss the ring sitting on her finger, the diamond shining brightly in the midday sun.
“Lead the way, Tiger Lily.”
THE END
Acknowledgements & Shit
But first a story…
How Rhys came to be is weird. I have this list of names I’d like to use as main characters. One night after bingeing The Fall on Netflix and being consumed by all things Jamie Dornan (he’s SUCH an amazing serial killer), I went to bed still thinking about how the first season ended. When I shut down at night, I tend to scroll through Instagram. Michael (my model from Seventeen Days) had posted a new photo of himself and it was amazing. The emotions coming from the picture were off the charts. Only issue for me was, he was shirtless, or I’d have snatched it up to use for a cover. I may have commented on how much I loved it, I don’t remember. Anyway, that night I was woken from a dream so real, I had to get it written down. I grabbed my iPhone, opened the notes app, and the list of names popped up. Rhys was staring back at me. It was a sign. I quickly hit the icon to make a new note and wrote the prologue, the same exact prologue that now opens this book. The dream had to do with a knife dripping of blood. At the time, I didn’t know what I was going to make of it. Was I going to make Rhys into a killer? Was he truly a bad guy or just a semi-bad guy? Were his intentions always true? Those were things I had to figure out. For the first few chapters, I didn’t even know. Frankly, I didn’t know until I typed the name Smith that Rhys wasn’t going to go completely dark side.
The problem was I was over halfway done with my next book, Finding Tenley, but I put her on hold to tell Rhys’ story. He demanded to be written. He’s consumed me now for nearly two months. I. Love. Rhys. It’s going to be extremely hard once I hit publish and I know he’s in readers’ hands. He’s one I don’t want to let go of ever. He has become a part of me.
Did I buy the picture of Michael that helped fuel the fire behind Rhys’ eyes? No. For the few weeks it took me to write, that picture was Rhys, but when it came time to publish, I went on to find a new Rhys, a more dangerous-looking one.
You may be asking yourself a few questions. If you are, good. Let me try to cover them.
The letters. ← Rhys will get an answer. In the future, I plan to write a novella for Rhys and Averill. (*Update, I’m already writing it.)
What’s going on between Brant & Tessa? Anything? ← They’ll have answers too. Together. Someday.
Justin, what’s his deal? ← Eventually he may get his happily for now.
In other words, this may someday become a connected series of standalones. You may now squee with your hands over your head while dancing—I did.
And now thanks
Mama and Daddy, what would I do without you? Over the last few years you’ve been there for me like no one else. It’s hard to describe exactly how much I appreciate everything you’ve both done for me. You’ve helped me become a Riser. This phoenix has risen from the ashes anew and it’s partly because of you two. “I’m a riser. I’m a get up off the ground, don’t run and hider. Pushing comes a-shovin’, hey I’m a fighter. When darkness comes to town, I’m a lighter. A get out aliver, out of the fire, Survivor.”
Heather, my sister, my friend. People asked me why I was releasing this book on a Thursday. I simply told them, “For my sister.” By now I may have posted the reason why, and I hope you don’t mind that I’ve shared it. It’s as much my story as it is yours. I’m hoping Rhys brings you joy on your birthday this year instead of sorrow. Papa wouldn’t like to know you don’t celebrate on your day because of him. We need to start a new thing this year. Focus on doing something only for you on February 23rd. Go out to eat at your favorite place, get a pedicure, go to the movies, and most importantly, drink a beer for Papa. I love you. Happy Birthday.
Megan, I hate you—yeah right! I can’t even type that with a straight face. You know how I feel about you. You’re always there for me, no matter what. I can’t explain how much comfort I find it knowing that. Not only are you one of my best friends, you’re like a member of my family. You push me every day to be a better writer, person, and friend. Oh, and you happen to design some pretty kickass covers. When you sent me a sneak peek of Rhys, I was speechless. It’s perfect.
Marie, what can I say? You’ve been in my life for so many years now. We’ve been through everything together—vacations, buying houses, new cars, new careers, losses of friendship and family members—basically, a whole lifetime of shit. You mean the world to me. Thank you for beta-reading for me this time around. Thank you for always being there no matter what. Even if it’s months between hellos, I know you’re there. Here’s to another lifetime of memories.
Kristann, I love you bunches and bunches and bunches.
Dawn B, you’re simply one of my greatest friends. I can’t wait to meet you in real life in March. It’s going to be epic. Thank you for encouraging me to write. For cheerleading me on from day one, word one. For loving every story I write even if it’s not finished or published yet, even the ones that may never see the light of day. Thank you for being you.
Gloria, for beta-reading and being an awesome person all around. I love you.
Cathlin, dude. DUDE! Your beta-reading notes were spot on. You’ve helped to push me in a direction I knew I needed to go but didn’t know how to get there. I was on the edge just needing the nudge. Thanks for the nudge. I couldn’t love you more.
Minxes! My own little group of authors where I can go to get all the support I need. If I’m having trouble writing, y’all are there to push me along. Thank you.
BullShitters. I don’t know if I’d make it through a week without BS. I’ve tried when moving cross country and trust me, it isn’t fun. Whatever I need, you’re there. If I need to vent about my back, my life, anything, you’re there. We started out as a group to merely talk about books, and we’ve grown into a tribe. Who needs books when we have each other? I love each and every one of you. (And okay, we still need books.)
Justin Grifka, what’s amusing to me is you asked to be in the acknowledgments section of my next book. I agreed and said it would say, “Just because.” Well here’s a funny story. Today my dad was calling your office and I busted up laug
hing. Why? Because I’d said something moments before about having to write the thanks part of this section and I couldn’t forget to add you and well, I realized something else, something big…are you ready for it? Without realizing it, I NAMED A CHARACTER JUSTIN! I laughed like a loon when it dawned on me. It must’ve been in the back of my mind the entire time I was writing Rhys not to forget to acknowledge you and it came out as an actual character. You’re welcome.
Readers, thank you for joining me on this crazy wonderful journey. Thank you for believing in my words. When I published Seventeen Days, it was surreal to me when readers started buying it. When the reviews started pouring in? It was a dream, one I never wanted to wake from. Thank you for taking a chance on my words. Thank you for loving my characters.
About the Author
D.B. James is an indie author of new adult romance and romantic suspense. In her spare time, she’s an avid reader. Colleen Hoover, Tarryn Fisher, Teagan Hunter, KA Tucker, Linda Kage, Renee Carlino, Jennifer Armentrout, Sarah J Maas, and Samantha Young are a few of her obsessions. She is a mother to one spoiled rotten fur baby named Frasier. He’s a bicolored Persian cat who thinks he’s royalty and can’t be told otherwise. She’s a Michigan girl through and through but currently resides in sunny Florida. Sarcasm, Supernatural (team Sam!), Harry Potter, and coffee are among her favorite things.
Her debut novel Seventeen Days was published on 8/19/2016.