Welcome To My World (Hell Yeah!) Read Online Free PDF

shape of the Cassiopeia constellation, five bright stars on a cobalt blue background. A rowdy round of barking from Sassy alerted her that her cat, Patience, was at the front, wanting to come in. “If I could teach you how to open the screen door, I would.” The deep red dachshund dashed from the entrance and back to her several times, anxious to be united with his buddy. She laughed. Making her way to the door, she held it ajar as the fat orange tabby slipped inside. “Catch any mice?” A sultry meow was her answer and she took it for a ‘no.’ “Well, better luck next time. I put you two out some food already so bon appétit.”
      At least she wasn’t alone.
      “A woman like you should never be alone.”
      Bowie’s voice came back to haunt her. Cassie moved to the window, looked out into the darkness and thought of him. Had he come back to find her? It had been weeks since the night she’d met him. And now, well, she’d never know. Probably not. She’d chickened out and ran, losing her precious beach bracelet somewhere along the way. The idea that she’d possibly also lost out on spending more time with him hurt more than the loss of the jewelry. But she just couldn’t handle another disappointment.
      Feeling restless, she wished she could jump out of her chair and run down the road. Expending energy was tricky for a person in her condition. If she wasn’t careful and determined, she would lose all muscle tone and gain weight. Her exercises were something she did religiously. Getting into position, Cassie eased herself out of the chair and onto the floor by the portable sling she kept near at hand. “Dang, dang, dang,” she breathed through the pain. Instantly she was joined by an overzealous dog and cat who proceeded to give her kisses until the tears were forgotten and she was breathless with laughter. Not exactly the kind of kisses she longed for but they would have to do.
    And she’d experience Bowie Travis’s kisses later…in her dreams.
  Fantasizing made the time pass quicker and helped with the pain. For the past few weeks, she’d honed her daydream. When she closed her eyes, she was back at the bar and just like he’d promised, Bowie returned to her. And refusing to take no for an answer, he swept her up in his arms, and somehow, by some miracle, they were dancing. He held her close in his arms and Cassie felt as if she’d come home. They stared into one another’s eyes and slowly he lowered his face to hers and kissed her.
    Cassie held her breath as she did one more rep of leg lifts. The pain was agonizing, but she couldn’t quit. Every little bit of movement she could push from her legs was a victory. As normal, she cried from the effort. When she’d finished, she lay there and just breathed. She wasn’t through. Next she would pull herself up and hold on to the backs of two dining table chairs and walk in place for as long as she could stand it.
    Over and over again, she relived the moment when she turned him down. Had she done the right thing? Could someone like her find happiness with a man as virile and active as Bowie? If by some miracle he could be interested, a selfish part of her would want to latch on to him and take whatever he would give. But that wouldn’t be fair to him. She could never keep up with him, not in life and not in bed. So, there was no use starting something she couldn’t finish. Cassie had a full life. What with her business, her home and her volunteer work, the hours were filled. It was only when she was alone in the dark of night, lying by herself in the bed, that she ached with the idea that this would always be her lot in life.
    Sighing, Cassie used her upper body strength to maneuver her way back into the chair. “There! Got it. Yay!” She celebrated. A couple more minutes of rest and a few sips of water and she’d be ready to take a walk.

    *  *  *

    “George, give me that wrench.” Bowie held out his hand to his partner. Even though