I forced myself out of the bathroom, and I couldn’t breathe. We were too far apart, and that’s when I knew I was doomed. I wasn’t sure how to feel about it, but there was a recognition my heart could no longer be without. She was lost, but I would find her.
I’m right here, Mia. Stay with me.
To Be Continued…
According to the RAINN-Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.
On average, nearly 934 people are sexually assaulted each day in the United States alone. During one year, this equates to more than 340,991 men, women, and children. These are reported cases.
Most sexual abuse go unreported.
If you or a loved one has been sexually abused please call the RAINN Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE
or visit
Thank You
Thank you to every reader who has given my debut book a chance. Because of you, my words haven’t been left unread. I am forever grateful and hope I’ve touched a place in your heart as you’ve touched mine.
Jumping into the intimidating sea of independent authors, and the talent that surrounds me, I’m honored and blessed to have met lifelong friends of bloggers, designers, editors, bookstagrammers, authors, readers, etc. this early on in my journey. Between taking the time to read my books, answer questions, receiving feedback, promoting my work, and so much more, words cannot express how much I appreciate you and the time you have given. You all hold a special place in my heart and I adore each and every one of you.
There are three people who’ve made sacrifices while helping my dream come true. A huge thank you to my husband, Michael, for being patient while I spent hours in front of my laptop and phone, supporting me, answering every one of my “Michael, what’s the word for….” For working eight hours to only come home to pick up my slack, and allowing me vent and also celebrate with me. I love you forever! Thank you to my daughter, Gracie, who is my biggest cheerleader, also checks in on how my writing is coming along, helps around the house without me asking, and says she can’t wait to read my book, and me always replying “not until I’m dead!” Thank you to my son, Christian, who has been so patient and has learned to do everything himself. I love all three of you!
Tina (Mom), thank you for your constant reminder that I need to get out of the house and feel some fresh air. You know me more than anyone, whether I’d like to admit it or not. Thank you for believing in me, dragging me places, and always asking if there is anything you can do to help. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I love you!
A huge thank you to my three rocks, Amanda, Kaylee, and Danielle. Amanda, my other half, you have been the first one to ever read a word I’ve written. Thank you for always pushing me and supporting me. I’d seriously be lost without you. You’ve listened to every idea, struggle, and success. Thank you, Kaylee, for always celebrating even the smallest of victories and rooting me on. You are my biggest inspiration. Thank you, Danielle, for being the second person to read my work (lol), though you don’t like to read. The fact that you took time out to support me, going to events, and showing interest means the world. I have the best sisters anyone can ask for, and I love all three of you with everything I have!
A Florida-sized thank you to Kassandra Dosal McLendon aka Kassy aka my angel! Words haven’t been invented yet for how much you mean to me. You always find a way to bring me back to solid ground when I find myself getting wrapped up in the negatives or doubting myself, and I love you for it. I never thought in a million years when I messaged you, our relationship would turn out the way it did, and now I don’t know what I’d do without you. Thank you for spending endless hours on the phone with me, most times ‘til four o’clock in the morning (my time, lol), calling me every time you know something is bothering me, working out all my kinks, smothering my insecurities, and lifting me up. You’ve made this experience that more enjoyable, and to be sharing this journey with you is a dream come true! (I promised myself I’d make your “thank you” shorter than my husband so he wouldn’t get jealous, but I failed) I love you!
Thank you, thank you, thank you, Allison Dublin with Wasted Life Books for being my everything—my PA, my confidant, my bright side … I could go on. It was fate for us to meet, but you’re the reason I’m here today. A year ago, you read my very first project, and believed in me. Thank you for taking a chance on me, for listening to all my crazy ideas in the Stay With Me series, bouncing ideas around, getting me off the ground, and everything in between. You are my knight in shining armor and I honestly don’t know how you do it all. My gratitude to you is endless, and I’m so incredibly lucky to have you in my life. I can’t wait to ride this rollercoaster, but with you by myside, at least I know I won’t fall off of it!
A huge thank you to my betas aka my lifelines, Faith Flores, Mia Kun (my Mia!), Junior, Lym Cruz, Magali, Amy Terry, Shanna, and Jennifer. You guys are freaking amazing! You feedback is invaluable, and your unwavering support is priceless. Thank you for making Stay With Me what it is today. I’m so happy I met each and every one of you and couldn’t have done this book without you.
A never-ending thank you to my best friend Diana Wallwork. No matter how many miles we are apart, you always make sure you are there when I need you. Thank you for always checking in, asking about progress, offering to help with anything, and for just being you. I love you!
A big thank you to Stephanie Anderson, for putting this book together on such short notice and for making even the smallest details come to life. You are amazing!
Thank you, Murphy Rae for your creativity, researching items I failed to look up, and edits I so desperately needed. I have come to the conclusion I’m addicted to commas, em dashes, and ellipses …
With all my heart, thank you to my readers, my LOVELIES! You took a shot reading a book by a new indie author, and I am forever grateful for each and every one of you. I cannot wait to show you what I have in store.
A special thank you to my amazing family and dear friends spread all over the world. Without your support, I know I wouldn’t have been able to get this far.
About the Author
Nicole Fiorina is an independent author, debuting her first book, Stay With Me, the first novel in a series. She lives in Florida with her loving husband, Michael, two children, Christian and Grace, and Great Dane, Winston. She doesn’t write because she likes to, she writes because she needs to, but it wasn’t until a car accident she suffered from (and recovered from), when she received that push to follow her dreams. Her writing style is unapologetic and emotional, striving to push buttons, hearts, and limits. Nicole’s books fall under New Adult, Contemporary Romance, as well as fantasy in the near future. A lover of music, especially classic rock, she can rap most Eminem songs, dance, dabbles on the piano, and likes to use power tools and a paint brush. She’s addicted to coconut berry Red bull, coffee, and root beer, and makes sure to force down water to appease her mother. When she’s not writing, she’s probably chauffeuring her kids around, at family gatherings, or sleeping.