Karyn Gerrard - Heart of Rock

She nodded. The warmth from his touch singed her skin, like a Zippo lighter with the flame turned on full tilt.

"I want you to also understand, there's been no women in my life since the tour. I've been living as a Benedictine monk. I've been abstaining from a variety of vices, and it's helped with my healing process. I wrote some music too. I have five songs completed. The lads were here last week, and we had a few jam sessions. I worked things out with them as well. Derek even has a song he wrote. It's all good, Carly. For the first time in four years my life is back on the rails, and I'm in control."

"I'm so glad, Brogan."

He let go of her hands and stood. "I want to play one particular song for you."

Brogan strode to the corner of the large living room. In a stand were three guitars, a Gibson Les Paul 55, an acoustic Yamaha FG 160, and a classic '60s Fender. She recognized quality rock equipment. Next to the stand was a desk covered with notepads and sheets of music. Brogan reached for the Yamaha, turned the desk chair to face her, sat down with his leg crossed, and then cradled the guitar in his lap.

Carly's heart sat in her throat. He was going to sing for her. If only Brogan knew what his voice did to her—perhaps he did know. From the opening strums of his guitar she was aware the song would be a ballad. His voice wrapped around her like a lover's caress.

As this day follows the night.

Know that you are my only light.

Let me start my life anew,

My sins are plenty, forgiveness few,

As seed becomes flower,

Your love gives me power

To break this heart of rock, this heart of stone,

All bitterness has flown.

Joy, peace within my reach,

I implore you, teach,

Break this heart of rock, this heart of stone

My love for you has grown

Because only you can break this heart of rock…

Carly could not stop the tears from spilling down her cheeks. The song, his words, and his damned glorious voice smashed down the last of her stubborn resistance and the last of her doubts. She was in love with Brogan Byrne.

Brogan set the guitar back in the stand and walked toward Carly. She was crying.

She stuttered the word 'beautiful.' Carly covered her face with her hands. Her shoulders heaved as she continued to sob.

He sat next to her and pulled her into his embrace. Damn, he didn't want to upset the lass like this. "Don't cry, darlin'. I wrote the song for you. I love you with every feckin' part of my broken heart and soul. You heal me, Carly."

She cried harder, so he just held her close until the tears stopped. He had known in Montreal that he loved her, but he'd spoken the truth: He needed the time to piece his life together. He had to be sure of his emotions and also be sure he could stay sober. In the grand scheme of things, three months was nothing. He would struggle with sobriety the rest of his life. With Carly, he could face anything. With his trembling hand he lifted her chin. She had stopped crying and gazed at him with wide, shocked eyes.

"Do you think you could love this damaged man, be my partner in business, life, and in my heart? You are all the woman I want or need. It may not always be easy, but I promise you this, love: It won't be boring."

Carly laughed through her tears. "Good. I hate boring. Brogan, I love you too, so very much."

Brogan captured her lips in a solid, claiming kiss. Carly gave the intensity right back as she always did. She was his rock, his heart, and he would love her the rest of his days.

~The End~

Living in a small town in a corner of Ontario, Canada, Karyn whiles away her spare time writing, reviewing, and reading romance. As long as she can avoid being hit by a runaway moose in her wilderness paradise, she assumes everything is golden. Originally from the east coast of Canada, Karyn loves to set some of her stories in the Maritime Provinces.

She's been happily married for a long time to her own hero. His encouragement keeps her moving forward.

Multi-published with multi pubs in multi-genres, her main thrust is erotic romance with sizzle.

Website:

http://www.karyngerrard.com/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/KarynGerrardAuthor

https://www.facebook.com/karyn.gerrard

Twitter:

https://twitter.com/#!/KarynGerrard

Blog:

http://karynsromanorum.blogspot.ca/

Email:

karyngerrard@gmail.com

Also by Karyn Gerrard:

Available from Silver Publishing:

Christmas Memories

Heart of Rock

Available from Evernight Publishing:

BLACKTHORNE CLAN

Black Lust

Black Desire

TIMELESS

Timeless Heart

Timeless Love

Reviews for Christmas Memories say:

"…What a sweet and sexy Christmas story! I loved that we had both perspectives in this short story and how neatly tied up it was. … I had fun getting to know the characters and feeling that romance starting to grow through their eyes with some sad and melancholic moments included. I adored it, a nice read for the holiday!"

~ Reading Romances, 4 out of 5 Hearts

"… 'Christmas Memories' is one of those stories that in no time will be bringing to mind your own Christmas memories, and with that some tears at them and at the story itself. … I thoroughly enjoyed it and highly recommend you read it this holiday season. It will have you thinking of your own Christmases past and hoping for good Christmas to come. "

~ Bookworm2bookworm, 5 out of 5 Stars

"Absolutely Magical! … I literally hugged my e-reader and said out loud "AWE!" The characters back grounds were explained just enough to give you an idea of where they were from and how their emotions and feelings were directed from. The erotic love scene is very loving and hot as the characters emotions bloom into love. When true love finds their perfect mate, it is amazing how one's heart falls fast instantly and grows three sizes right there and then as love sweeps it away just like the Grinch's heart did. Awesome Read!"

~ Ronda Queentutt's World of Escapism, 5 out of 5 stars

"…This novella had me at hello and managed to have me near tears at one point. For a short story, the characters were well developed and I felt an immediate connection with them. The small things, references to holiday traditions and memories, added an extra dimension to the story and had me reminiscing about my own Christmases past. The love scene was not only hot but also well done and sweet. The author has an amazing ability to tell a story, to weave magic into it, and sweep you away. She has a way with words that is touching, engaging, romantic and at times even humorous. I highly recommend Christmas Memories."

~ She Dreams, 5 out of 5 stars

"I found this short holiday read to be sweet and hot all rolled into one. … I loved the ending of this story and felt the author did a wonderful job with her storyline. Great job, Ms. Gerrard!"

~ Night Owl Reviews, 4 out of 5 Stars