by Cole Lepley
She turns her head to catch my lips, kissing me softly. “I love it. Almost as much as I love you.”
I give her one more quick peck. “Oh, it’s not over yet, darlin.” I readjust my position in my seat and crank the ignition again. “We’re just getting started.”
Charlie is smiling and in this moment I feel complete. All of the things I thought I wanted no longer matter. I’m not sure they ever did. I think it was always meant to turn out this way. Despite all of the mistakes we made, all of the years wasted by being apart—we still burn for each other.
The next stop is a familiar one, only this time, I found something we overlooked before. I drive past the old tree, going a little further down the dirt road. I see the confusion on her face, but she doesn’t say anything.
When I pull to a stop, my heart begins to thrum in my chest. The key in my back pocket is practically searing through my jeans almost as much as the ring next to it.
Charlie glances out the window and nods to the old shed, shielded by vines. “I never noticed that before.” She turns back to me. “Was it always here?”
“Yeah, apparently the man that owned the orchard used to keep tools and old signs in there.”
She smiles. “How do you know all of this?”
It’s my turn to smile. I lean over her to open her door. “Because I bought the orchard.”
Charlie clutches the wooden box in her hands, staring blankly for a moment. She takes a breath and turns to me. “What?”
“I heard the family was selling it and I couldn’t bear the thought of someone else taking it over. I wanted to make sure we could always come here.” I take the box from her lap and put it on the back seat and then take her hand. “I want to build a life with you here. I can build you a big house, and we can fill it with as many babies as you want.”
She laughs. “I think we should see how we do with this one first.”
I kiss her cheek and then lay my hand on her stomach. “I think we’ll be amazing.” I move my hand up to her cheek and kiss her once. “Who loves each other as much as we do?”
“I have no idea,” she whispers. “I dare them to try.”
Pulling her closer, I deepen the kiss and slide my tongue in her mouth. She kisses me eagerly and I’m already losing track of what I’m supposed to be doing. Reluctantly I break the kiss and pull back from her lips.
“I want to show you something.”
I slide out of my seat and walk quickly around the truck to help Charlie out. Her eyes drift to pathway lined with round solar lights.
“You ready?” I ask, holding my hand out to hers.
She laces her fingers with mine and we take the short walk up to the door of the shed. It’s quite large to be considered a shed, because it’s more the size of a garage. It’s perfect for what I have planned, and my heart starts to pound faster anticipating her reaction.
I stop in front of her, pulling the key from my back pocket. I shoot her a wink before sliding it into the lock and pushing the door back. I step inside first, pulling the string by the door. The room glows from all the lights I hung earlier.
“Wow,” she breathes, taking in the twinkling lights that are strung from the rafters and are lining the walls. She makes a small lap around the room and turns back to me smiling. “You did all this?”
I nod, the nerves trickling into my throat.
She smiles and walk back to me, leaning into my chest. “It’s very romantic, Ollie.” Her lips brush over mine. “You’re very sweet sometimes.”
“I hope so,” I say and then take a deep breath. Before I can chicken out, I kneel down in front of her. She gasps before I can say anything.
Her hand flies up to her mouth. “Ollie…”
“Let me plead my case first,” I say, cutting her off.
She laughs. “Are you really doing this?”
“If you let me,” I tease.
“Okay,” she says, clamping her mouth closed. “Go ahead.”
I smile up at her because she’s just as nervous as I am. It’s funny how something that seems so certain can fill you with such anxiety, but my heart is hammering so fast I can hardly breathe.
I take a shallow breath. “Charlotte, I’ve spent my entire life searching for a reason to take the easy the way out. I was always so terrified of letting someone one down that I didn’t try very hard. I blew things off and didn’t take life too seriously so I could never fall short. I don’t want to do that with you. I want to be someone you can depend on. I don’t want your expectations of me to be so low that you’ll never get disappointed. I want you to push me to be better and hold me accountable when I’m not. If you’ll have me, I want to spend the rest of my life being the kind of man you deserve. I want to be the husband and father I never thought I could be.” I peel back the lid on the satin box, my hand surprisingly steady. “So, knowing all of my flaws and accepting that this journey together will never be an easy one, will you marry me?”
She remains still for a moment, and a shiver of doubt rushes through me before a smile breaks across her face and then she nods.
“Yeah?” I stand in one quick motion, picking her up from the floor and hugging her tight.
Charlie presses her face into my neck and whispers. “Yes.”
Charlie is lying with her head on my chest wearing only my ring and a blanket we found in the back of my truck. I didn’t anticipate how uncomfortable it would be in here if we decided to commemorate this moment with sex, but we found a way.
I press my lips to the side of her head. “I can’t believe you’re going to be my wife.”
She shifts in my arms and glances down at the ring on her finger. “You did good.”
“I tried to give you that ring before.”
Her eyes flick up to mine. “When?”
“When I came to see you dance in New York. I was going for a grand gesture, but I couldn’t do it.” I run my hand along her arm. “I thought you’d say no.”
“I might have,” she admits.
Even though I expected her to say that, it’s still like taking a shot to the chest. “I wish I still did it though. I should have done it sooner, and not lost all of this time with you.”
Charlie leans up and kisses me once, locking her eyes on mine. “I think it’s okay that you waited. I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, and everything feels so perfect. I don’t know how I stayed away as long as I did, I’m just thankful you were still here.”
I wrap my arms around her and hug her tightly to my chest. For the first time in my life, my heart is full and I can honestly say that I truly have everything.
“I’m always here for you, darlin’. If you need me, I’m yours.”
Acknowledgments
I wrote this book more than once. The second one is always the hardest and hopefully I gave one of my favorite characters the story he deserved.
Wendy Million- I’d like to say that this one was easier, but we both know it wasn’t. Thanks for talking me off of every ledge I climb on and always being there, no questions asked. I’m so grateful to have met you and I couldn’t ask for a better friend.
Sarah Hansen- (Okay Creations) Thank you for another amazing cover. (and for the last minute change) You’re a rockstar.
My Beta team- Melissa Rivera (Rogue Readers), Amy Halter (Obsessive Book Whore), and Kirsten Moore (Beta Bitch) Thanks again for your support and meticulous attention to detail. I don’t think I’ll be able to write a book without you guys.
My Wattpad readers- You guys continue to motivate me to be better. You’ve followed my writing journey from very humble beginnings, to what it is today. I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you!
Also by Cole Lepley
Cherry Grove Series
Tragic
Tamed
Torn
Tortured
A Note From The Author
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Did you like Judah? Want to read the first chapter of his story?
Here is the first chapter of Torn, coming April 2020.
Preview of Torn
Chapter 1: Don’t Call Me Babe
Judah
Strolling onto the field at Cornell University this year feels different. I’ve already made a promise to myself that I would be all the way in this time. I won’t let distractions from home keep me from achieving what I once had. Elliot Monroe doesn’t own me anymore. I’m free.
At least that’s what I keep telling myself.
I catch the eyes of several girls lounging on the bleachers trying to soak in the last remaining rays of summer. Smiling at them, I don’t break stride until I reach the benches where several of my teammates are congregated. Despite my unpredictable absences last year, I was able to make a few good friends. This coupled with the addition of my best friend since grade school, Holden Parker, should make for a pretty decent year.
Holden nods to me as I set my equipment down at my feet. “Nice of you to join us.” He looks at his watch mockingly. “You’re only twenty minutes late.”
I laugh. “I told you I had to stay after class. I really need to pull my grades up this semester if I have any chance at keeping my scholarship.”
Holden scoffs, running a hand through his platinum blond hair. “Oh please, Judah. You and I both know you don’t need a scholarship. Just call daddy and ask him for an advance on your allowance.”
I shove him sideways slightly. “Whatever, dick. I need to keep my grades up if I want to stay in this program. My dad will fucking kill me if I don’t come home an architect.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he chides. “The only thing you have to do is stay far away from Ell…”
I clasp my hand roughly over his mouth. “Don’t even say her name. It’s bad for my recovery.” I release him backward and he laughs louder.
He wipes fake tears from his eyes. “Oh, man. You mean to tell me you need some sort of rehab to get over that girl?”
I nod. “Basically. I need to cut ties cold turkey or she’ll have me wrapped around her finger for the rest of my life.”
“More like she has something wrapped around your balls.”
I’m about to punch him when Coach Lafferty steps out from behind the bleachers. I need to walk a straight line this year if I want to get back in his good graces. With my suspension at the end of the last season it’s lucky I’ll still get to play.
It’s my own fault for getting involved in something I shouldn’t have. I swear if it ever comes to blows between me and Hunter again, I won’t be caught off guard. There’s no way he would have gotten the best of me if I had been fighting back.
“Alright everyone, line up.” He points to me with a serious expression. “Get moving, you’re starting Friday night.”
A large smile crosses my face and Holden nudges me with his elbow with an equally excited grin. He jogs along side of me onto the field. “Told you it would be okay.”
“I don’t know how I’m getting another chance, but I swear, I’m not going to waste it.”
Practice was brutal as usual. After a quick shower, I walk across campus to my truck. The bag slung over my shoulder feels like it weighs a hundred pounds as my aching muscles beg for mercy.
A group of girls in tiny shorts intercept me as I’m stepping into the parking lot.
“Judah,” the blonde croons. She twirls a strand of hair around her finger as she eyes me seductively. “Glad to see you back. We missed you over the summer.”
Recognition flashes briefly in mind as I give her a quick once over, not breaking stride. I think I remember her from several parties my friends threw last year. The ones I actually attended are blurry at best.
“Oh, hey…uh…”
My voice trails off and she giggles.
“It’s Ainsley,” she says coyly.
I turn and walk backward a few steps. “Yeah, Ainsley. See you around.” I catch the disappointment on her face as I continue towards my ride.
After tossing my bag into the back seat I reach in my pocket and pull out my phone. I lean against the driver’s side door with my finger hovering over her name. Elliot texted me earlier in the week to wish me luck on my upcoming season.
She of all people knows how important football is to me. It always has been and my actions last year almost ruined it forever. I don’t blame her though. I blame myself. If I had only been honest with her before I left in the first place maybe we wouldn’t be here.
I still don’t like Hunter. It’s not just because he’s with the girl I still love, it’s because I don’t trust him. There’s something not right about his behavior with her. She’s more fragile than he realizes and it’s my instinct to protect her.
Gripping my phone tight in frustration, I let out a groan and throw it on the passenger’s seat. I can’t call her. It would seriously derail my sobriety.
As I’m pulling out of the parking lot, I reach over and adjust the radio to find something to drown out my thoughts. It’s hard to do, but I have to try. When I’m satisfied with my selection I drive the two miles to my off campus apartment. It’s been a busy week with the new students moving into my building that I’ve barely had time to really meet any of them.
I release a disgruntled sigh when I notice my usual spot is taken by a small, red coupe. I’ve parked in the same spot for over a year now and it’s beyond frustrating to move. I park three spots over and stomp angrily over to the entrance.
Just as I’m pulling on the door, I notice the owner of the car throwing a large bag of laundry into the trunk. I turn around to confront them.
“Hey!” I call over as I walk toward her. “That’s my spot.”
She swings her long, brown hair over her shoulder, turning around to glare at me. “Funny, I didn’t see your name on it. These spots aren’t assigned to anyone.”
She turns away before I have a chance to respond. This girl has a serious attitude.
Not to be discouraged, I keep going. “I’ve been parking there ever since I moved in. Everyone knows this is my spot.”
She laughs as she twists her hair up on top of her head in a messy bun. The sun catches it just right and the subtle blonde highlights glow against the light radiating around her.
Her eyes roll as she reaches into the pockets of her cutoff denim shorts for her keys. “You’re one of those guys, huh?” She locks eyes with me. “Well, I don’t know you and I don’t care.”
I let out a surprised chuckle. I’m slightly taken aback by her hostility. It’s also kind of turning me on.
“Listen, babe.” Her green eyes narrow, but I continue, leaning into her. “I know you’re obviously new here, so let me properly introduce myself.” I extend my hand to her. “I’m Judah Holloway.”
She looks to my hand and then back to my face with a mildly amused expression. She takes my hand and gives it a firm shake.
“Well, Judah, like I said this is where I’m parking so I guess you better get over yourself and accept it.” She starts to walk away from me, but stops suddenly, holding her finger up. “One more thing.”
I smile. “What’s that?”
She moves closer and bites her lip. “Don’t call me babe.”
I watch her turn back around without another word, leaving me speechless. I shake my head, laughing to myself. Rule number one—no distractions. This girl most definitely falls into that category and I don’t even know her name. That coupled with the fact that she looks dangerously close to Elliot could only spell disaster for me. I take my wounded pride and walk up to my apartment.
There’s a party tonight at my teammate Brock’s frat. He’s been a pretty decent friend to me since I’ve been here so I promised I’d make an appearance. Keeping myself on the straight and narrow won’t be easy, especially when alcohol is involved. For some reason every time I drink I drift back into a state of complete hopelessness. Elliot isn’t the only thing I need to get some rehab
ilitation from.
A small knock lands on my door before it’s pulled open. Holden pokes his head in with a grin. “You ready to go?”
“Almost,” I say back, pulling on my shoes.
He strolls across my living room to my fridge. I hear the sound of a bottle opening and look up to see him tilting back one of the few beers I have on stock.
“Impatient, are we?” I ask, standing up in search of my keys.
He shrugs. “I needed one for the walk over.” He walks over and pats me on the shoulder with a wink. “I might get thirsty.”
I roll my eyes and shove my phone in my back pocket. “Okay, now I’m ready.”
Holden gives me a look and my eyebrows pull in. He points in mock horror to the photo on my entertainment stand. “What the fuck is that?”
I turn around and spot the picture of Elliot and I at prom last year. “A picture…”
He shakes his head. “No, that’s your problem.”
I cross my arms over my chest and glare at him. “And what’s that?”
“You still have her all around you. That’s not cutting ties cold turkey.”
“It’s just a picture. We’re friends.” I attempt to step past him and he places his hand on my chest. My nostrils flare slightly as I glare down at him.
“Easy, man,” he says with a laugh. “I would just like to have fun this year. You’re not going to do that if you’re still stung up on Elliot Monroe. She’s your kryptonite.”
I can’t really argue with him there, but I like having things around that remind me of her. She’s like home to me and nothing is going to change that. Instead of arguing with him, I walk over and grab the picture and shove it in the drawer in the end table beside the sofa.
