Escape into the emotional and turbulent world of Alek and Rose, in the first of four novellas by Author Amanda Richardson. Due to strong sexual content, this story is best enjoyed for those 18+. Alek and Rose have been best friends for years. They have also been in love with one another for just as long, without letting one another know. A night of celebrations turned out for the worst when Rose leaves without a trace. She is gone for just over a year with no contact with anyone, not even her best friend. No one knows why she left except for one man who won't tell anyone for fear of getting himself into more than one kind of trouble. After losing something precious and undergoing a harsh recovery, Rose has returned home to face her demons and finally acknowledge her feelings for Alek. Dealing with such a painful loss has taught her that she needs to live life to the fullest. Her goal when she shows up in town is: to tell Alek the truth of what happened, admit how she feels, and hope that he feels the same way. Alek has been miserable without Rose and has guilt of his own, but when Rose comes back he will do anything he can to show her how much he has always loved her. Even when her big secret is revealed he struggles to rein in his temper. But in the end, he sets out to get the one thing he has always wanted: Rose. Will Alek and Rose be able to overcome their own obstacles and be together for the long haul? ***This book has undergone edits. I hope the changes are to my readers' satisfaction.***