Traveling Hearts (The Complete Collection)

In one day, Kelsey Truman's life was turned upside down: She was fired from the job she loved and she caught her fiancé, Carl, cheating on her.

Nursing her broken heart and bruised ego, the normally shy, reserved financial analyst decided to leave what was left of her life and go on an around-the-world tour with her best friend. It’s just the change she needs!

She first jets off to Southeast Asia, where her adventures begin...

What will this crazy trip have in store for her? And who is this mysterious man she seems to keep running into...?

Note: Parts of Traveling Hearts were previously published as Holiday Delights.

Also includes Sneak Peeks at some upcoming novels!

~Volume One – The Escape~

Kelsey Truman shook her wet raincoat as she walked through the double glass doors of the Vanderbilt building and headed to the elevators. Damn rain! she exclaimed, pressing the button for the 17th floor furiously. The elevator gave that familiar ding sound and Kelsey stepped into the empty elevator.

On this dreary Monday morning, Kelsey was late. She always arrived at the office at least 30 minutes before everyone else, but today was a fluke. She woke up late – after her fiancé, Carl, cancelled their date because of a cold, she decided to go out late with her best friend, Alex, who was leaving the next day another one of her long trips. Normally, Kelsey hated staying out late, but it might be months before she saw Alex again. They stayed out late and she stumbled home at 3 am after a night of Jaeger bombs and karaoke in Chinatown.

Normally, she could make it to work in no time if she took a cab. However, a freak rainstorm appeared out of nowhere, surprising thousands of New Yorkers, causing traffic jams and lines for the buses and subways. She checked her watch – 10:31 am.

Misfortune always comes in threes..., she muttered to no one in particular. At least that’s what her dad always said. Or perhaps it’s time to buy a lottery ticket, she thought. At least that’s what her mom said – if you’re having a series of bad luck, then it should turn around for the better and there’s nothing like winning millions of dollars to make even the worst days turn great. Unfortunately, Kelsey’s mom never won the lottery, but her dad always made sure to guard himself against the other two misfortunes he knew were coming his way.

Kelsey’s thoughts were interrupted by the opening of the doors to the 16th floor, occupied by her company, Synergy Hedge Funds. Kelsey worked her way from executive assistant to Senior Analyst in a mere 3 years, and the youngest at 25 years old. She simply was a whiz with numbers and always made the company money. Four years later, she was in charge of their charitable trust accounts, managing the money of some of New York’s elite. Kelsey walked sheepishly to her office, ignoring the stares and looks from people around her. As she approached her assistant, Julia, she tried to put on a smile, but it did not reach her light blue eyes.

Julia! she said to the young girl. Could you have the Devonshire account reports to my office, please? She had been working for months on trying to acquire Devonshire Trusts and Foundation and she had a feeling she was about to land it.

Julie stared at her, wanting to say something else. But...but...

Thanks! she yanked the door to her office open, saying a silent prayer of thanks that no one else noticed she was late. She walked in, but stopped at the site that greeted her. What the –

There were boxes everywhere and two security guards with their arms crossed on either side of her desk as her supervisor, Martin Finklestein, rummaged through her drawers.

What are you doing, Marty? she asked.

Marty looked up at her with a smug look.

Well, well, you’re finally here.

Kelsey’s eyebrows shot up.

Marty...What is going on here?

Harummph! he answered, sat down on her chair and put his feet up on her beautiful, oak table. I regret to inform you, Kelsey, that your services are no longer needed here at Synergy.

What?! she exclaimed, that’s...that’s...! she was too timid, too shocked to get her words out. What is the meaning of this? I’ll call Frank-

Frank was let go of the board too, Kelsey, he said somberly. They had an emergency meeting over the weekend and decided he’s no longer fit to run this company.

Kelsey couldn’t believe it. Frank Langer, her mentor and CEO of Synergy, was...fired?

That’s preposterous! Yes, things haven’t been going well, but that’s the economy!

Well, try telling that to the board, he said. They replaced him with Sid Teller and his first order of business was to clean out the trash

Kelsey’s blood boiled. Sid Teller was a spineless and brainless man who would run Synergy and its clients to the ground.

Well, the board members are a bunch of idiots! she said in a shaky voice.

Marty stood up, carrying the boxes.

Nevertheless, Sid said you are out. Clean out your personal belongings and these men will escort you out. You have 15 minutes.

What personal belongings, Kelsey thought. Everything in her office was work. She never displayed any personal items or knickknacks. Of course, not wanting to give Marty the satisfaction, she grabbed the first thing she could think of – a World’s Best Daughter mug from her mom, a gift for her first day at work.

I’m done, she said and let the two burly men escort her.

*****

Kelsey was in shock. As she walked out into the rain, her raincoat forgotten, holding her cup, she started to walk. Her sensible pumps click-clacked on the wet pavement, occasionally splashing a puddle or two. Her dark blonde hair, now even mousier than before, had come loose from its bun and stuck to her head. She could hardly see through her contacts but she didn’t care.

Like a Zombie, she walked up and down the streets of lower Manhattan. She didn’t know how long she was walking and she didn’t even notice how wet or cold she was. She walked for hours. Her prim and proper black suit pants were soaked through. Misfortune always comes in threes, she kept repeating like a mantra.

Finally, somewhere between Canal and Houston St., she snapped back into reality. She hailed a passing cab.

Prince Street! she said to the surly cab driver, who wasn’t very happy she was dripping all over his leather interior.

Kelsey ignored him and sat back as the cab started moving. She would go to Carl. First, stop at the soup place and get some hot chicken noodle soup for his cold and her wounded ego. Then hot sex and then cuddling. Or maybe cuddling first, then sex...well, they would decide when she got there.

*****

Kelsey walked up the steep steps up Carl’s building. Literally, Carl’s building, as he occupied the top apartment of one the family’s many properties. The Van Dorens were one of New York’s elite, headed by Carl’s grandmother, Eleanor. The family owned VD Real Estate Holdings, one of the largest property developers in the state and was rich as King Solomon. Kelsey met Carl because she personally oversaw the investments of the Van Doren Foundation, ensuring they had enough money to fund charity balls and galas for as long as they wished.

She had been invited by the John Van Doren to one of those balls and she met his son, Carl. He was handsome, with blonde hair and green eyes, tall, and very rich, and yet he chased after her. Her, the girl from Jersey – a nobody. She wasn’t even gorgeous, with her dirty blonde hair and slightly pudgy frame. After much playing hard to get, she went out with him and a year later, Carl popped the question with a gorgeous, three-and-a-half carat ring from Tiffany’s. Everyone in the family, including the usually stoic Eleanor, seemed to have approved of the match.

Balancing the bag of food in one hand, she fished her keys out of her bag and slipped it into the door, pushing it open. She peeked in.

Hello?

She wondered why it was so quiet and dark. The raging storm outside continued and the apartment lights were off. She looked down the hall towards the bedroom and saw the lamps on. She walked down and heard the shower running, and then turning off. And then giggling. In fact, two voices giggling, one high-pitched and screechy, the other, low and distinctly male.

Kelsey approached the door cautiously, gripped the handle until her knuckles were white, and then pulled the door open. Inside, Carl was in the shower, pumping furiously against a very wet and very naked brunette that was pinned up against the wall.

What the fuck – holy shit! Kelsey! Carl stopped, disentangled himself from the brunette, slipping, sending him and the brunette to the floor. Owwwwwww! he screamed, but quickly stood, up, chasing after Kelsey, who had run out the door.

Kelsey! Stop! A naked Carl ran out of the apartment and caught up with Kelsey by the stairwell.

Let go of me! You... you....asshole! Kelsey screamed, her blue eyes blazing in anger. But she didn’t cry. In her fury, Kelsey tossed the bag at him and hot soup spilled over Carl’s naked chest.

Yeeeooow! Fuck! Kelsey, that’s fucking hot! I think I have to go to the hospital!

Well, you deserve it, you lying, cheating...BASTARD! she screamed at him. How long has this been going on? Is this why you cancelled last night?

Kelsey, for god’s sake, calm down! he said, momentarily forgetting about being doused with hot soup. Look, it’s not what you think-

Not what I think? You were...you had your...you were fucking her!

Listen, baby, he cooed, you’re right, it’s just fucking, that’s all. I’m a guy, sometimes we need a little...more...a little variety

Kelsey couldn’t believe her ears.

But we’re engaged!

Yes, and once we’re married it won’t matter he said. Beside, that was grandma’s idea! We couldn’t well have you doing investments for anyone else-

He was interrupted by the door opening from behind. A tall, gorgeous brunette stepped out, wearing a sexy strappy dress. Kelsey did not recognize her clothed. The woman slinked towards them, and then eyed Kelsey.

This is your fiancé, Carl? she asked in a haughty voice. Honey, you better lay off the donuts. No wonder Carl is always sniffing around other girls!

She went livid.

Fuck you! Fuck you Carl! And your family too! I fucking HATE you and you can go and crawl into a hole and die!

And with that, she ran down the stairs, once again, running out into the stormy New York streets. Yes, misfortune does come in threes and even if she won a hundred lotteries, Kelsey wasn’t sure that would help her.

*****

Kelsey jumped into a cab and raced home to her apartment. She was shaking as she put her key in the lock and walked into her apartment.

What the- Kelsey! Oh my God, what happened?

Alex, her best friend, jumped up from the couch, where she was watching TV. Tall, redheaded, green-eyed Alex Benton was a nomad. She traveled around the world from one place to another, sometimes stopping by the States to visit friends and family, crashing on various couches. With her good looks and tall frame, she could have easily been a model, but she had preferred the high-pressure PR world of New York.

And it was when she reached the pinnacle of her career that she had a (spectacular) nervous breakdown at a fashion event. After that, she quit her job, rented out her apartment and lived by taking on freelance work and various Internet business opportunities. She was staying with Kelsey before her flight to Bhutan the next day.

Alex came up to Kelsey.

Sweetie, what’s the matter?

In broken words, between blubbering and sobbing, Kelsey told Alex what had happened.

That asshole! Alex said, fury marking her face. I hope he burns in hell and his dick falls off! That cheating bastard!

Oh, Alex, what am I going to do? Kelsey asked. It was as if her numbness was slowly melting away and the reality of situation was setting on her like a heavy blanket. No job, no fiancé...she lost everything in one morning.

Listen, sweetie, said Alex, You’ll pick things up again! You can find a new job, and new man...in fact, I bet we can find a man tonight!

No, no, Kelsey protested. I can’t...just not yet...

Kelsey, the best way to get over a man is with a new man! Alex said enthusiastically. Preferably a hotter, richer new man!

Alex, of course, in her quest to visit every country in the world, also sought to bang a man in every country in the world.

C’mon! It’s my last night in New York! Let’s celebrate!

I don’t really feel like going out... Kelsey said meekly. Is it ok if we just stayed in?

Alex smiled at her best friend.

Of course, hun, no problem! We’ll order Chinese take out, watch a violent movie and drink some of that Baiju I brought from China!

*****

Kelsey was grateful that her Alex was willing to spend the night in. They rented a particularly violent movie (the title of which wasn’t important, but only that half of the male cast was murdered, eviscerate, and castrated in many ways) and ordered a ton of takeout. Soon, they were drunk on Baiju, a half bottle of vodka, and three glasses of wine each.

I don’t know what to do, Alex Kelsey said, tears threatening to roll down her cheeks. Work was my life...Carl was my life. We were going to grow old together. I’m twenty-FREAKIN’ nine years old!

Alex snorted. As Kelsey’s best friend, she knew Carl was trouble, but didn’t say anything.

That Carl is a no-good, lying piece of shit! He doesn’t deserve your crying! Now, you just have to stay strong and get back on your feet! You can get through this! You are smart and beautiful and you will find another job and man soon!

Kelsey hiccupped, I..wish...that...were...true... she took a deep breath. Let’s face facts, I’m too smart for my own good and not beautiful or sexy enough for a man to look past that.

Kelsey, Alex said, First of all, you are gorgeous in your own way! You know, if there’s anything I’ve learned from traveling everywhere is that there are so many men in the world who like different things that any woman can find a guy.

Alex giggled a bit. In fact, I would say 80% of men on earth are happy with a pair of nice tits to give them a beer when they come home!

I gues-wait, what?

Alex continued. Really, there’s nothing to it! When a girl wants to have sex, a guy’s gotta kiss her, stroke her-

No! Wait! Kelsey explained. Go back to that other part!

About the tits? Alex asked, confused.

No! NO! Kelsey stood up and almost fell over the back of her pristine white couch.

I mean, about you traveling and learning about men – that’s a great idea!

Oh tha-WHAT? her best friend’s eyes were the size of saucers.

You’ve been begging me to go with you all this time! Kelsey exclaimed. That’s what I’ll do!

Kelsey ran to her room and Alex followed. She opened up her closet, dragged out her suitcase, and started tossing her things into it.

I’m going to do it! I’m going to pack up my things and then I’m going to go somewhere...quick! she turned to Alex, stopping her manic packing for a moment.

What’s the farthest place from New York?

Uh, Asia, I guess? Alex thought. That’s halfway around the world!

Asia it is! Kelsey raised her hand triumphantly. Uh...where in Asia? Uh, never mind! I’ll think of somewhere!

Alex couldn’t believe her ears. Wait, are you serious?? Really serious?

Yes!! I’m going to go to Japan, China, Hong Kong, Bali-

Bali’s an island, I think, sweetie

Yeah, whatever! I don’t care! I just want to get out of here, as far away from here as possible! Kelsey exclaimed.

Honey, wait, Alex began, Aren’t you being a little too impulsive?

Alex Kelsey said in a calm voice. When you left after your ‘incident’ isn’t that what I said? Aren’t you happier now?

Alex stared at her for 5 seconds, then said. I’ll help you pack! But, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, you can’t use that suitcase! You need a backpack!

*****

And so, Alex helped Kelsey pack and plan. First, they went online and ordered a nice, 60-litre backpack to be express delivered to her apartment the next day. Then, Alex helped her choose practical pieces of clothing (You can buy more stuff when you get there, if you want to go somewhere nice). Finally, they booked her ticket – a one-way ticket to Hanoi, Vietnam (that was the only one they could get in two days), which Alex said was fine (You can take a bus and travel all the way to Bali...I think).

Finally, at 3 am, Alex had to do her own packing, as she had to leave for her 6am flight. Kelsey went with Alex down to the driveway of her apartment.

See you in Bangkok! Alex waved goodbye as her taxi sped away.

Kelsey went back upstairs to her place and as soon as she closed the door behind her, she said out loud.

Oh my Lord! I’m going to Asia!!

*****

The next two days were a blur. She didn’t really want to sell her apartment, but she decided she would rent it out for 6 months. It was a good thing Kelsey lived in a sough-after neighborhood in New York and she had barely walked out of the realtor’s office when her apartment was snapped up. Next, she got her backpack and started packing her things, remembering Alex’s tips.

Finally, on a sunny Thursday morning, Kelsey locked up her apartment, said goodbye to her doorman, and stepped out of the comfort of her apartment building and into her new adventure.

*****

Kelsey was one of those New Yorkers who never left New York. I can get everything here, why go anywhere else? The truth was, she was afraid of flying. She had taken a plane to DC once and then she was such a nervous wreck she took the train home. And now, sitting in at the boarding are, she couldn’t stop her brain from thinking about how she was going to be stuck inside this hollow metal tube with wings.

Beads of sweat started forming on her forehead. Ohmygodohmygodohmygod. Her brain kept repeating it like a mantra. They started calling people to board. She sat, stuck to her seat. She took a deep breath. She imagined going back to her apartment, having to face her-wait, Carl’s friends, because really, ever since they were together they only hung out with his friends. Her grip tightened on her bag. She stood up, lined up, and gave her boarding pass to the lady at the gate.

She stepped into the plane, and walked down the aisle. She was looking up, searching for her seat number, not noticing that her traveling bag, a large shoulder purse, had slipped down her shoulder.

Ow—Bloody hell, woman, watch where you put that thing! said an annoyed voice.

What? Oh! Kelsey gasped. She turned back and saw the man she hit with her bag. Annoyed, blue eyes stared up at her. Shit! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean-

He snorted, rubbing his head. Don’t you ever look where you’re going?

Hey, I said I’m sorry-

The woman behind her cleared her throat and Kelsey stepped into her seat, which was right across the aisle from the man. Well this is going to be awkward. She thought, settling into her seat. Kelsey put her seatbelt on, and stared at the front of her seat, doing her best not to look beside her. She couldn’t help it, however, and she snuck a glance over at him. Hmmm...dark black hair, blue eyes, maybe early 30s....not bad looking she thought. Her eyes must have glazed over for a second because suddenly, she realized that he was looking back at her.

Can I help you? he asked wryly.

Kelsey couldn’t remember what she did later on, but she thought she let out an eep! and hid behind a magazine. For all her life, Kelsey had been awkward with men. Except for Carl, who relentlessly pursued her (at the behest of his grandmother, who wanted to keep her investing skills in the family). She could figure out numbers, but men always escaped her usually razor-sharp mind.

The flight went on without much incident. She didn’t sleep, but then again no one slept on these long flights. Finally, 15 hours later, the stewardesses were announcing their arrival in Hanoi, at 6 am local time.

*****

After she checked out of customs and strapped her backpack, Kelsey stood in line for a taxi to her hotel. She gave the taxi driver her itinerary and he proceeded to go down the highway as fast as he possibly could, zipping past motorcycles and trucks loaded with goods and into the main French District of the city of Hanoi. She went to the front desk, grabbed her key and she flopped into her bed and forgot the rest of the world.

Kelsey sat up in the dark room from her bed, confused for about 10 seconds when she realized where she was. She pondered on her weird, yet delicious dream of the dark-haired, blue-eyed stranger, trying to recall more details aside from being in a tent in the middle of the desert and him wearing nothing but a smile. As she rubbed her eyes, her thoughts were interrupted by her hungry growling stomach, and she stumbled out of bed and out of the hotel room.

And so Kelsey walked out of the hotel, her senses immediately assaulted with all sorts of sights, sounds, and smells. Her first night in Asia, she sat by the roadside, drinking the local beer (or bia) and slurping the fragrant and delicious pho soup from the small stands manned by little old Vietnamese ladies. The next day, she walked around the old quarter, marveling at the French architecture, sipping the sickly-sweet Vietnamese coffee and once in a while, a young person (or a group of them) would come up to her and try to practice English, or would ask to take a picture with her.

She stayed in Hanoi a few more days, then decided she would take the train down to Mui Ne, where she saw the beautiful sand dunes. Then she was off to the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh (formerly Hanoi) where after a week of two, she got the hang of crossing the street without being run over the seemingly endless parade of motorcycles.

When she got tired of Vietnam after about two months, she hopped on a bus and went over to Cambodia, to Siem Reap where the legendary Angkor Wat temples were located. She sat in front of the temple at sunrise, contemplating on the beauty of the sun as it rose behind the main temple’s three turrets.

She explored the far-off Beng Melea temple, with the roots of the overgrown trees that seemed to swallow up the ruined structures. It wasn’t until she had been in Cambodia for three weeks when she realized her time was up and she was scheduled to meet Alex in Bangkok soon.

*****

After a long journey (car to the border, walk, then van to Bangkok, total of 7 hours travel time), Kelsey arrived at the fame Khao San Backpackers area. It was probably just in time too, as Kelsey realized that she had spent about half of her budget living it up in Vietnam and now, unfortunately, she could only afford hostels for the rest of her trip in Asia. Alex had assured her that the Golden Flower was a fabulous hostel and she had stayed there lots of times, but at the age of 29, Kelsey wasn’t sure that hostelling and common beds were for her.

As soon as she walked into the Golden Flower, she heard her name.

Kelsey! You’re here! Alex practically jumped at her. How are you? Tell me about your trip! But, wait, you gotta meet everyone!

Alex dragged her to the table in the common room, where a bunch of people were sitting down, having a few beers.

Everyone, this is Kelsey, my best friend! The one I was telling you about! Kelsey, this is Colin, he’s from Ireland, and Erika, from Sweden... Alex continued to rattle on everyone’s names, which were just a blur to Kelsey. She waved at them and shook everyone’s hand.

You must be tired! exclaimed Alex. Let’s get you to your bed! You can catch some sleep and then we’re off to dinner and clubbing!

Alex helped her with her things, and they went up a flight of steps to their room. It was a mixed dorm room and there were a couple of people inside already. Alex pointed to one of the top bunks.

I’ve reserved that one for you, and that one’s mine, she said, pointing to the other top bunk just across. Top bunks are a pain to go up and down, but it they do have more privacy.

Kelsey way slightly apprehensive, but she supposed that it wasn’t too bad, considering how cheap it was and by her calculations, her remaining budget for this part of the trip would last her until she got to her next destination. She put her backpack in the locker provided for her, climbed up the ladder to her bunk, laid down and quickly fell into a deep slumber.

*****

The noise of people going in and out of the dorm woke up Kelsey. For a moment, she was disoriented and forgot where she was, but she slowly started to remember. She stretched out, sat up and swung her legs down over the bunk.

Yeow!! she heard a male voice yelp as her feet collided with something solid.

Kelsey quickly slid down to the floor.

Oh my God, I’m so sorry-

Do you make hitting other people a habit? A pair of familiar blue eyes stared back up at her. It was the same guy she hit with her bag in the plane in New York.

OH- it’s you! she exclaimed. Oh no! I’m so sorry, here—uh she tried to grab his head to massage it, but he swatted her hands away. Look, I’m so sorry, I’m just new to this.

Oh really? I couldn’t tell, he said sarcastically as he rubbed the back of his head.

Listen here, you- Kelsey was about to give him a piece of her mind when she heard Alex call her.

Kelsey! You’re up! Good, it’s time to go! her best friend bounded over to them.

Oh, you’ve met Ben!

In a manner of speaking, Kelsey bit her lip.

Yes, Alex, I’m familiar with your friend, the man said wryly. We’ve bumped into each other before, but have never been introduced.

The man stood up, and Kelsey realized he was at least 6’2" and had a lean physique. He was wearing a fitting white shirt and shorts. She couldn’t help but admire his broad shoulders and chest, tapering down to a slim waist.

Oh, then, Kelsey Truman, this is Ben Knight, a fellow traveler from London, Alex motioned to the young man. Ben, this is Kelsey, the friend I’ve been telling you about!

Pleased to meet you, Ben, Kelsey held her hand out, which Ben shook with a strong grip, but said nothing.

Kelsey shrugged. I guess he’s the strong silent type, she thought.

Well then, said Alex, sensing some weird vibes between the two, everyone is waiting for us! Get dressed so we can get dinner and then we’re hitting up the hottest club in Bangkok!

*****

Kelsey quickly got dressed in her nicest outfit – a strapless yellow and black dress, gold chunky necklace and strappy sandals. She followed Alex out to the common room where everyone was waiting. Dinner was uneventful, just at one of the many Thai restaurants along Khao San Road. The were a big, international group, about 12 people from the hostel and everyone, aside from Kelsey, Alex, and Ben, all looked so young, maybe early 20s. Kelsey ignored Ben, just as he ignored her.  Afterwards, they got some drinks at a couple of bars, then grabbed some taxis to Club Aviva at the Royal Sheraton Orchid Hotel by the Chao Praya River.

As they walked to the club, Alex and Kelsey fell behind the group.

So....you know Ben?!? Spill the beans!

What? Oh! Kelsey said. It’s nothing, he was on the flight to Hanoi, and I smacked him good with my bag! Kelsey giggled. I guess you could say I made an impression and now he probably thinks I’m some klutzy lunatic who hits strange men on purpose.

"But, he’s