Unexpected

Chapter 21

JOANNA

Words.

The word doc that was empty just moments ago is now filled with thousands of words.

This is heaven. A writer's heaven, at least.

For the last four hours, I felt the vibrations of the keys beneath my fingertips as my typing sped up.

I usually spend some time planning a story, but today I'm so overwhelmed with ideas, my brain is buzzing with creativity.

The words are coming to me so easily that I can feel them coming to life on my computer screen as I type.

Taking the conversation I had with Gabe, I went with the scene idea I told him and wrote an entire chapter that included the same kind of heat we've experienced together.

This book will be definitely more daring and sensual than my previous work, yet I know this is the path I must take.

As I'm writing the story, I can feel the chemistry and attraction between the characters. It's so strong that it's almost like I can see it on the page. They are not just a concept that is unformed and hazy in my mind. They are real. Genuine.

I am so excited to share them with the world soon.

This is it. This is what I love doing. A content sigh leaves my lips as I stare at the new book I started.

I had gathered my things about an hour ago and made my way to the beach to enjoy the weather.

The sound of the waves crashing against the shore has brought me solace. The feel of the sand against my feet has grounded me as the sound of the seagulls in the distance has kept me company.

Now, watching the sun slowly set on the horizon, I can't help but notice the exhaustion that comes with the end of the day.

Gazing upon the gorgeous sight of the sun setting, I am filled with a great sense of contentment, and with a delighted exhale; I realize how happy I am.

It's like every awful experience I went through has led me to this moment where I can connect with the writer within me and strengthen my sense of self-worth.

Maria was absolutely right in suggesting that a change of scenery would be a great idea for me.

She was unaware, though, that the short time spent with Gabe here would lead to me falling for her brother.

What started out as an innocent crush would eventually transform into something much more meaningful.

I'm madly in love with Gabriel Morales.

I've known this man for as long as I can remember. For years, I've been infatuated with him. Only to discover now that he had always felt the same way. How funny can life be sometimes, right?

Being around him was a a delightful experience that surpassed all of my expectations.

Over the years, I have known him to be a brother, a son, and a good friend. And he has always played those roles well. He is incredibly compassionate, always looking out for those he loves with a protective instinct like that of a mama bear.

But now, I got the chance to look at the man beneath all the masks he wore. I can't hide the truth that I'm eager to keep exploring this thing between us. Even if it means exposing my heart to the potential of being hurt again.

Saying goodbye to Jaxon was heartbreaking. Seeing the dreams I had gone to waste, and understanding the harsh reality that I was not good enough for him made me feel dejected. But I knew that I would eventually move on.