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  FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

  Copyright © 2015 Michelle Horst

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

  This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people.

  As an author I love what I write and I wrote it for you. If you want to use any part of the book and you are not sure just email me @ [email protected]. Or you can find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/MichelleAnnHorst I’m one of the friendly ones. Quote it if you want, please tell your friends about it, create super-hot trailers and teasers. And please leave those awesome reviews.

  Michelle Horst (2015).

  Footprints In The Sand.

  Kindle and Paperback Edition.

  Also by Michelle Horst

  THE TAINTED INK SERIES

  Wake Me up – A Tainted Ink Novel

  http://www. amazon. com/Wake-Me-Tainted-Ink-Book-ebook/dp/B00GDOP3NQ/ref=asap_bc? ie=UTF8

  Twenty-two-year old Emma runs from a devastating life. Wanting to escape her demons with the help of her crazy friend Chloe, she travels halfway across the world.

  Alone, Emma must make a fresh start in the small town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She doesn't let anyone near her, until Aiden.

  Aiden gives her a glimpse of what love really is like, but then their little world is shattered when their lives collide and Emma gets caught in the middle.

  Will Aiden cross an ocean for Emma?

  CHLOE – A Tainted Ink Novella

  http://www.amazon.com/Chloe-Tainted-Ink-Novella-Book-ebook/dp/B00O6Z4QAK/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

  I’m the people pleaser.

  I’m the party girl.

  I’m the friend that says, “Just another one.”

  But then comes Zac with his broken heart and I can’t make him just another one.

  This book is not your usual romance. It doesn't have the ending every romantic dreams of. Sometimes fires burn so hot that it destroys what could've been.

  ZAC – A Tainted Ink Novel

  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21947983-zac

  I found love twice … I lost it twice.

  Screw that, who says I have to be the one to lose again?

  I told Chloe I would fight for her and I’m going to. She’s my forever-girl and this time I’m going to make her see it.

  This novel is intended for mature audiences over the age of 18 only. It contains graphic scenes of sex, violence and strong language. I can’t stress that enough.

  VAALBARA SERIES

  Visions and Shadows

  http://www. amazon. com/Vaalbara-Visions-Shadows-Michelle-Horst-ebook/dp/B00KOZYQ56/ref=asap_bc? ie=UTF8

  Shaken by the ruthlessness of the enemies she faces, Alchera learns she can really only trust one, her guardian. The bond she shares with Raighne can be both calming and confusing, and confusion is the last thing she needs as she has to race to fulfill her destiny. With an uncertain future and no past to speak of, Alchera comes face to face with her worst enemy – the shadows growing within her. Who will be the one to guide her back when all seems lost, Raighne her guardian or Carter, the man who is a threat to her life…

  The Land of Shadows

  Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Vaalbara-Land-Shadows-Michelle-Horst-ebook/dp/B00UIBMKYU/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

  It’s been years and Alchera can’t get rid of the Shadows, or the dreams haunting her every night. Luna knows Void is behind it and won’t just stand by while Alchera is in danger. Luna takes matters into her own hands, but soon she finds her own life in danger.

  Then there is also the bond Luna shares with Storm, her trainer and friend she turned her back on not so long ago. So many secrets have to be kept while Void, with his darkness, can strike at any time. Will he bring their worst dreams and fears to life?

  A Light in the Shadows – Coming End 2015

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25015322-vaalbara-a-light-in-the-shadows

  Carter gave his heart to Alchera, but all he has is a broken soul to show for all the times he has tried and failed to be a good man.

  The last person he expects or wants any pity from is Elora, the child he once saved. But she isn’t a child anymore. All grown up Elora might just be able to save Carter right back.

  It's either that or Luna is going to destroy the whole of Vaalbara. Elora needs Carter on her side if she's going to go up against Luna.

  As the Vaalbara series comes to an end, Elora teams up with Carter, Raighne, Alchera and Storm, with the hope of saving Luna from herself.

  DARK BOUNDARIES

  Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Boundaries-Michelle-Horst-ebook/dp/B00TFY1ZWE/ref=la_B007BBSJR2_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423598410&sr=1-8

  He stole me.

  He broke me.

  I'm being auctioned for Fifty thousand dollars.

  Now, I don't belong to anyone but strangely enough I wanted to belong to him.

  It's his eyes . . . I lost myself in them

  CRUEL BOUNDARIES – coming end 2015

  Goodreads - https://www. goodreads. com/book/show/24490654-dark-boundaries

  He’s my cousin and I love to hate him.

  He bullies me.

  He tries to break me every chance he gets

  I remind him constantly that he’s adopted. It’s the only weapon I have against him.

  THE DISSOLUTE TRILOGY

  Insensate

  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25604988-insensate

  The Virtuous feel it’s their duty to send seven Crusaders out every year - into the Dissolutes’ Ecocity - to at least try and see if there are still people worth saving. Thus far none have returned. You’d think after years of no one coming back, they would realize it’s not working. Surely all those people can’t all still be trying to convert the Dissolute?

  Our Ecocity abides by way of the seven virtues since the wars have ended. I’d say live, but I wouldn’t go that far. No one is truly alive around here if you ask my opinion, but I wouldn’t dare say that out loud. If someone dares go against the System of Principles, they get judged by the Emissaries, and if found blameworthy of an act against any of the Seven Virtues they are cast out to become a Dissolute. The Emissaries are clever, they never use words like hate, love, religion, nor faith and hope. I’ve read about those words and I think words like ‘hope’ and ‘faith’ might wake the people up, make them less zombie-like.

  Sentient and Cerebral coming early 2016

  Footprints In The Sand (A Stand Alone Novel)

  http://www.amazon.com/Footprints-Sand-Michelle-Horst-ebook/dp/B00YLJ5R4A/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1433101882&sr=1-1&keywords=footprints+in+the+sand+michelle+horst

  He is all I think and dream about.

  My teenage heart beats only for him.

  Until he becomes part of my worst nightmare...

  Now, I avoid him.

  I ban every thought of him.

  (This is a Stand Alone novel. It is written from both Lacey and Seth's point of view.)

  WARNING: This book has violence, sexual scenes and language in it. It is recommended for 18+ only.

  If you suffer from any triggers, do not read this book.

  Authors Note:

  This book contains graphic scenes of sex, violence and stro
ng language. I can’t stress that enough.

  If you are agreeable with these terms then I hope you enjoy the book. Some scenes may be disturbing to some readers, they are intended to be disturbing so that you will understand the main character’s hurt, her suffering and anguish, but also how she chose to overcome her difficulties.

  This book is intended for mature, adult readers who are 17 and older.

  Happy Reading ;)

  Acknowledgements

  I want to thank God for being there every step of the way and blessing me with such an amazing life.

  Thank you to Ronald and Sheldon, my lovely family, for being so patient with me.

  Kristine, my BFF and super-amazing PA, I’d be lost without.

  A huge thank you to the lovely Melody Dawn, for reading FITS, for listening to me gripe about FITS – for being there for me!

  Tons of snogs to my snoggens, ES Carter. Without you in my life I’d be insane.

  Karen Ferry you’re such a blessing in my life, love you my book bestie.

  And most important – the readers, reviewers and bloggers – thank you for each of you. You make writing worthwhile.

  Love ya all tons ;)

  ~*~

  Dedication

  To my husband…

  Ronald, this year we celebrate ten years together.

  You are the stars that brighten my nights.

  You are the footprints in the sand, because you carried me for so long.

  You are my rock.

  I thank God every day for you.

  Michelle <3

  Chapter One

  Lacey~

  I rush through my morning routine. I need to get to the bus stop. Don’t make the mistake of thinking I love school, that’s not the reason I’m in such a hurry. Every day is the same for me. I brush my teeth, scrub my face clean, and comb my hair into a ponytail. I grab the nearest pair of jeans and the first shirt I see.

  Then I run for the bus stop. I do all of this as fast as I can, so I can be there before Seth Brody comes out of his house.

  Yeah, my whole life revolves around Seth. I’ve had this huge crush on him since the first day I set eyes on him. With time I fell madly in love. At the age of seventeen, I’ve never really been in love. Not until Seth. Sure, I’ve had a crush on a boy, or two. But, Seth Brody is my first love and there is nothing more important than him in my tiny world.

  We live in a RV park. My parents love to travel, so every few years they pack up the RV and we hit the road. Then I have to leave school and start all over again wherever the road ends up taking us. This is the longest we’ve stayed in one place. I think it’s because the beach is so close. Mom and Dad both love the ocean. So lucky for me it looks like I’ll be able to finish school here. I’ll be able to be around Seth for a little while longer, and just maybe we’ll end up going to the same college.

  I love everything about him, the way his light brown hair looks like he forgot to brush it. I love his earthy scent, he doesn’t wear that spicy aftershave most of the other boys wear to show that they’ve started shaving. He always wears a white shirt, covered with a long sleeve that’s rolled up to his elbows. We both wear chucks. When I saw Seth wearing them, I begged Mom to get me a pair.

  I pull my shirt free from where it’s stuck beneath my bag and then adjust the straps over my shoulders. I’m always nervous, even though I’ve been doing the same thing every morning for the past two years. It’s the last day of school and I’ll miss the bus rides, where I can just sit and stare at him. At least I’ll see Seth during the school holiday, as he lives only four RV’s away from me. I’ll be making a lot of trips past his RV in the hopes of catching a glimpse of him.

  “Morning.” I’m so caught up in my day dream that the sudden greeting scares the wits out of me. I look up from where I’m staring a hole in the ground to see Mr. Brody smiling at me.

  A huge smile splits across my face at seeing Seth’s dad. “Morning, Mr. Brody. How are you?” It looks like he’s just been jogging. His black hair is matted against his forehead and his shirt has sweat stains around his collar and under his arms. I notice his shoes are caked in sand and briefly wonder where he was running to get them that dirty.

  “I’m well,” he squints into the morning sun and then looks back at me, “you’re out here early. It’s another twenty minutes before the bus comes.”

  My fingers twist nervously with my bag straps and I pull them tighter over my shoulders. “Ahh … I…” my mind races like a wild horse to think of an excuse, and then the morning sun blinds me. “I like the fresh morning air! It gives me some time to get ready for school … and … ahh … stuff.” I shrug, not knowing what else to say. I’m so not telling him that I’m waiting for his son!

  “Alrighty then,” he looks up the narrow street and as I follow his gaze I see Seth. I hardly hear Mr. Brody’s goodbye and wave lamely at him. My eyes are glued to his son.

  I drink in everything about Seth. From his still wet hair, that’s making it shine dark as the glare of the sun catches it, to his chucks.

  He is one RV away from me, but he is concentrating on his phone. Just as he reaches me the stupid phone rings. Like always, he gives me a quick smile that settles deep in my heart. I feel my face strain into a smile and then his attention is back to his phone as he answers it. He is always on his phone. I don’t think he knows of my existence, even though we live on the same street, take the same bus, and go to the same school. We even have some of the same classes. But to Seth Brody, I’m invisible, and I’d do anything to make him see me.

  I listen unashamedly to every word that passes his lips. Every now and then I sneak a peek at him. He has grown a lot in the last year. We used to be the same height but now I hardly reach his shoulder.

  Sadly, he stays on the phone until the bus comes. I follow him on and take my usual seat on the opposite side, so I can watch him from the corner of my eye.

  Sigh … I wish he would notice me.

  Soon we leave the RV park behind and enter the residential areas. When Marcus gets on at the next stop, Seth puts his phone away. I watch the boys do some weird fist bump greeting. They laugh a lot. I love Seth’s smile and wish he was laughing with me.

  When the ride to school is over, I follow the boys off the bus. I stay a few steps behind them so it’s not too obvious. Paige comes tripling across the lawn and throws her arms around Seth’s neck. I roll my eyes and look away as she kisses him on the cheek.

  Everyone loves Paige. She’s pretty, clever and sweet - just all round perfect. She reminds me of cotton candy, she’s always wearing pink.

  It just sucks. I feel like a stalker when she’s around. The little hope I have of Seth seeing me fades to nothing.

  ~*~

  School’s been out for a week already and I have not seen Seth once. I must be the only one who hates summer break, well, me and my best friend Natalie. She has to go visit her father every summer. I’m so bored when she’s not around. There’s not much to do in a RV so I spend most of my time at the beach.

  I don’t bother with shoes, as they will only fill with sand. I love to feel the sand beneath my feet. I grab a book and weave my way through the RVs, in the direction of the beach. I love listening to the sound of the waves rolling in and lapping against the shore, while getting lost in a good book. Maybe that can take my mind of Seth for a short while. All these emotions for him can be overwhelming at times.

  My chest expands with excitement as I get closer to Seth’s RV. As I’m about to walk by, I slow in the hopes of getting a glimpse of him. I’m almost past his RV when the door opens. Hope spikes in my chest only to be deflated when Mr. Brody steps out onto the small patch of green grass between the street and the RV.

  “Morning, Lacey,” he calls out to me. “You’re up early. No sleeping in during break?”

  I giggle nervously, “Just like going to the beach, Mr. Brody.”

  “You take care out there. You’ve heard about the girls going missing? We wouldn’t w
ant you to be one of them.”

  I nod and quickly continue down the street. A few girls have gone missing. I don’t know any of them, just seen posters up everywhere and seen it on the news.

  I find a spot close to the dock, where I have some shade to sit in. I dig my butt deep into the sand and rest my book on my knees. Soon I’m lost in the pages. Every time the sun starts to climb up my legs, I scoot along the dock, after the shade. I’m so caught up in my book that I don’t even notice other people arriving, until a ball slams hard into the book, causing it to slam into my face. I drop my book and grab the ball so I can throw it back.

  “Aww … shit! You’re so white I didn’t even see you over there,” a boy calls out. I scowl up, catching the glare of the sun and have to squint to see who the jerk is. I recognize Hayden. He completes the trio with Seth and Marcus. I quickly glance around the strip of beach and feel elated when I spot Seth walking towards us. He’s wearing shorts and is shirtless, and it’s showing off a lot of muscles and skin. Oh, my gosh! I can stare at him all day long. He’s so handsome! I wonder what it would feel like to touch his chest.

  “Girl,” Hayden whistles just as Seth reaches us. Hayden bursts out laughing and my eyes dart back to him. He waves a hand over the length of me, “who the hell wears jeans to the beach? You’re so fucking white I need sunglasses so I don’t burn my eyes just looking at you.”

  Embarrassment flashes hot through me and I feel my cheeks warming. It’s safe to say I now hate Hayden Roberts.

  Before I can say something in my defense, Seth steps forward. “Hey, back off, man. What she ever do to you?”