Trapped in Paradise Read Online Free Page B

this time and distance apart would give her the space she needed to regroup and decide what her next step would be.
     
The past twenty-four hours had been overwhelming, to say the least. What was happening to her was all fairytale, romance novel stuff, not real life. In real life, she’d found who she thought was her king, and he’d turned out to be cruel dictator. What if her instincts were failing her again? What if Jeremy pulled a Nathan on her?
     
Being with Jeremy taught her an important lesson: She had never been in love with Nathan. With their breakup, her heart hadn’t been broken, but her pride and spirit were. Pride was her downfall. Initially she had been too proud to let her family know she had made a mistake. Then came the shame and guilt of knowing the situation she was in was all her fault. Miranda had warned her against marrying Nathan. Even her parents had misgivings. But she had been too pigheaded, too rebellious to listen. Truly in love with Jeremy, she couldn’t fathom the pain she would have if she were wrong about him. If Jeremy hurt her, she wouldn’t be able to just walk away with a bruised ego but her heart in tact.
     
“What’s that you’re reading?” asked an attractive, middle-aged woman with a short afro and billion-watt smile.
     
Glad for a break from her non-relationship with Jeremy, she answered, “I just finished Indigo by Beverly Jenkins. This was my second romance. I actually liked them, which shocked the hell out of me.” Saundra’s mouth and eyes opened wide in surprise. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to curse.”
     
The woman chuckled. “Don’t worry yourself. I’ve said a few colorful words myself from time to time. I’m Bev.” She held her hand out to shake.
     
“Saundra.” They shook hands. “Pleased to meet you.”
     
“Are you here for the Romance Slam Jam Conference?”
     
“Not really, but I’m seriously reconsidering.” She glanced down at the second book she was carrying. Miranda had next day aired it to the hotel and insisted she read it. “Have you ever read anything by Francis Ray?”
     
“Oh yes, she’s quite good.”
     
“Do you actually believe in these romances? I mean the love conquers all and love at first sight mumbo jumbo?”
     
With a smile in her voice, she answered, “Yes, I believe in the ‘mumbo jumbo.’ Why don’t you?”
     
“Don’t get me wrong. I used to, but my prince charming turned into a toad after we kissed. A mean, controlling, abusive toad at that.”
     
With a slight nod, Bev said, “I see. You’ve been burned by the fire once, and don’t want to be burned again.”
     
“Exactly! I need to have you talk to my sister. She just doesn’t get it. I’m never falling into that trap again. Never.”
     
A compassionate smile tipped Bev’s lips. “You know, just because it’s hot, doesn’t mean there’s fire. Passion, love, desire… all hot. I’d even say burning hot, but in a good way.” She stood to leave. “I’d best get back inside before they send a search party out for me. Come on down to the conference tomorrow and hang out with us.”
     
“I think I will. It was nice meeting you.”
     
“You, too.”
     
You did good, Miranda. This cruise is just what I need.
     
“Oh—my—God,” a young woman gushed and rushed across the deck toward Saundra. “Do you know who that was?” She pointed at the door Bev had just stepped through. “That’s THE Beverly Jenkins. I can’t believe I’m on the same cruise as Beverly Jenkins. I have got to get her autograph.”
     
Embarrassment warmed Saundra’s cheeks. Growing up, it seemed as though just about every other female was named Saundra. With the name Beverly being so common, she hadn’t considered the woman she had just met could be the author of the wonderful novel she had just read. “I know I did not just sit here and tell her… Never mind. I think I’ll go die now.”
     
Laughing, the young woman said, “Girl, don’t worry