Till I Found You: The Broken Hero Series—Book One

by Fernandez, Michelle

  Chloe wrapped her hands around his neck and pulled him closer. She reached up to his mouth and pressed her lips to his.

  Booker held her face and gently grazed her soft lips with his mouth. This time, the kiss was slow and sensual. Chloe’s mouth opened slightly, giving Booker freedom to make his entry. Their breaths increased as their tongues tangled with one another.

  He stroked, licked and tasted Chloe.

  His fingers itched with eagerness, with the need to roam her body and explore every inch of her.

  She pulled away, her royal-blue eyes hypnotizing Booker, paralyzing him.

  “Don’t hurt me,” she told him.

  The world around him stopped with those three words.

  Does she have any idea how sensuous her voice sounds?

  Booker tuned out Fantasia’s thunderous bass, the clatter behind the bar, the laughing women passing by and the bellowing dancers on the floor.

  I’m fucking losing control.

  Words from earlier, Rocky’s voice played in his head: Don’t be Booker, be Julian.

  “I would never hurt you, Chloe.”

  She was sexy, gorgeous, and he wanted to feel the naked curves of her body against his. He crashed his lips to hers, reclaiming her mouth once again.

  Her perfect lips molded into his.

  His kiss was urgent and exploratory.

  Their tongues entwined.

  A low moan vibrated in the back of his throat. He kissed her as if she were his last breath. This woman did things to his body he hadn’t felt in a long time.

  He wanted her more than anything. Wanted to wrap his arms around Chloe and hide her away from the rest of the world. From this moment, he was no longer doing his job. He was going to protect her because he knew what it would cost him if he lost her. Booker would die before anyone harmed her.

  It was all perfect.

  She was perfect.

  Chloe’s warm hands moved to his waist, making him hard. His erection pulsed, enough to render him weak.

  He needed to stop. Needed to get a grip, they were in a public place, for crying out loud. And she had been drinking.

  Might she regret this tomorrow?

  He couldn’t do that to Chloe, as if she hadn’t been through enough already.

  Booker slowly pulled away, immediately missing her lips.

  “What the hell are you doing to me?” Booker mustered, his voice husky and low.

  “What are you doing to me?” Chloe echoed, eyed him through her thick lashes.

  “I want you…god knows I want you, Chloe Channing.” Her name slipped from his mouth, a reminder he was back to being Booker, the person he’d been before he met Chloe.

  Suddenly, there was a niggling feeling, a cold shiver crept up his spine. Booker pulled back completely to scan the crowded club.

  Was it Amber’s presence or something else? Memories of his wife filled his mind, that dark place Chloe was saving him from. Losing Amber was devasting and he wouldn’t wish it even on his worst enemy. He’d lost Amber for not following his instincts and he was not about to fail again.

  He felt off. His mind and body were on alert. A cold knot formed in his stomach. Julian couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. His skin prickled, the muscles of his forearm hardened, his jaw tightened. Emotions clouded his judgment and he needed to lock that shit down. Goddammit, Chloe’s life was at stake.

  What the fuck am I thinking?

  Someone or something ignited those familiar instincts. Booker straightened, eyes roaming the dark room, ready to take Chloe out of there and back to the house. Nothing blared sirens or set off alarms. So, why was he feeling on edge all of a sudden?

  Do your job. Her life depends on it.

  “I-I can’t do this…to you. We can’t.” He shook his head slightly.

  “God, Julian…you can’t do this to me. Play with my feelings. You said you weren’t going to hurt me and here you’re starting on the wrong foot,” Chloe snapped, taking him out of his concentration.

  Booker released a deep breath. “Chloe, you deserve better. But—”

  “But what? You’re so damn confusing. And I thought the female species was a mystery.”

  “I like you, a lot, and from the moment I picked you up at the airport, you’re all I think about.”

  Chloe lifted her hands and cupped Booker’s jaw. “I like you, Julian, and I’m not afraid to try.”

  Booker smiled, easing the tension. “Not afraid to run with me tomorrow?”

  “Oh, jeez! You’re insufferable. I’ll do the damn run tomorrow…on one condition.”

  “Yeah?”

  “I get a foot massage.”

  Booker cocked his head back. Then he said, “Deal.”

  The alarm buzzed, startling Chloe from her sleep. She was annoyed by the ringtone set for the god-awful hour. Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus. She grabbed the cell from the nightstand and tapped the screen to silence it. Chloe pulled the quilt over her head, lying in the drowsy warmth of her own bed.

  Five-fifteen. Why the hell did I agree to this?

  She grunted at the slight throbbing in her head and cursed the alcohol she drank last night. The Three Wisemen may have made her feel good, but the aftermath never did.

  Heartaches and hangovers.

  She reached for the water bottle and aspirin on the nightstand she had forgotten to take last night then leaned back on the propped-up pillow against the headboard to down the two pills with the much-needed water.

  The night before scraped through her mind. She shuddered at the thought of Mr. Scrawny’s creepy hands and disgusting dick-dancing thrusts. When Chloe told Julian she had it under control, it was a lie. Underneath all her bravado, she was scared.

  Shrapnel images tore at her thoughts from the morning she was assaulted. Although the visions were foggy, she was well aware they happened, and it knotted her stomach just thinking about it. Not only did Julian seize the apparitions dancing in her mind and chase her fear away for the moment, he also protected her from the unwanted hands of the skinny man.

  Then her thoughts shifted to the mind-blowing kiss and the emotional rollercoaster. She touched her mouth, remembering his lips on hers.

  Chloe was lost in him.

  The huskiness of his voice.

  The gentleness of his fingers that traced her body.

  She was putty in his hands and couldn’t comprehend why she was falling for Julian in such a short amount of time. She swore she wouldn’t.

  She reprimanded herself, whether or not last night’s alcohol consumption had played on the ups and downs. The echo of Julian’s voice had her questioning this new whirlwind of emotions. It was like the world had tilted on its axis.

  How was it possible she had strong feelings for him so soon?

  Was it the passionate kiss they shared? The flirtatious bantering?

  Or was it the way he looked at her with those dark, possessing eyes?

  Or could it be, deep down, it was something else, a familiarity?

  Why can’t I place him?

  Her brain was on overdrive, hurtling down memory lane. Chloe was determined to know where she’d seen him before.

  Déjà vu or not, she needed to figure it out.

  She needed to fill the void that clouded her lost memory and tortured her thoughts, playing the game of hide-and-go-seek. The only way to figure it out was to ask him, as Ry suggested. Would it be that easy? She needed to be strategic in her questioning without letting him know she was a crazy person who suffered amnesia.

  It was too early to think about it. Chloe shook the thoughts out of her mind and managed to roll out of her comfortable bed, after she twisted and stretched her tense back. She threw on her old UC Berkeley t-shirt, put on her shorts and slipped on her running shoes. She trudged down the stairs dreading the chore of what was to come.

  Chloe smiled when she spotted Julian waiting for her by the front door. Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of his magnificent form. The rich outlin
es of his broad shoulders strained against his sleeveless blue t-shirt revealing hard pecks and sexy lines of his tanned forearms. A simple pair of black running shorts sat low on his hips and weakened her knees.

  He was leaning against the wall, legs and arms crossed, a half-cocked grin. Chloe bit her lip.

  I’m in trouble.

  Julian pushed off the wall and stepped closer. “Good morning, sweetheart. You ready?”

  “Not really,” Chloe said as she pulled her hair up in a ponytail, trying to hide the blush that warmed her cheeks. “I hope your plans have to do with a brisk walk?”

  “Nice try.” Julian raised a brow. His thumb and forefinger pulled her chin, forcing her to look up at him. Inches from her lips, the warmth of his minty breath tingled her mouth.

  She wet her lips in anticipation.

  Kiss me again. Please.

  “I promise, I will go at your pace.” His low raspy voice shocked her body. For a moment they stared into each other’s eyes, his fingers skittering over her bare arm, sparking desire deep within her belly. Suddenly she wanted to kiss him.

  What did he mean? Was there more to Julian’s innuendo?

  Go at my pace?

  She leaned in, inviting him to kiss her, wanting to feel his lips on hers.

  Julian shifted, and within seconds, she was consumed by his kiss as he took possession of her tongue, circling his hand to the nape of her back. Her fingers pressed into his biceps. Chloe could never get enough of him and the hard press of his body against hers. She lightly moaned, breaking the silence in the foyer.

  The kiss ended quickly, Julian let out a slight cough and handed her a water bottle and small towel. He took a step back and grabbed her hand. “If we don’t get going, I may have to change my plans and take you somewhere private.”

  “Yeah, yeah. Promises, promises.” Chloe playfully rolled her eyes as she hopped off the bottom step. Maybe a morning jog was a good thing, to wear off the unfamiliar salacious tingles that prowled between her legs.

  Every step, one in front of the other, Chloe studied Julian’s every move. She tried to figure out what and why he felt the need to shield her as if she were made of glass. The way he was closest to the road, guarding Chloe from oncoming traffic. Was he being a gentleman, showing some chivalry? Perhaps. He scrutinized every car and glared at every person they passed as if he were ready to pounce on them. Although his actions were suspicious, it also increased her attraction toward him. It was actually a turn-on for him to be so protective.

  Chloe survived their almost-five-mile run. Although her legs throbbed, she and Julian agreed to jog every morning to build up her stamina once again and to overcome her fear. Chloe needed this, to shake the anxiety and the poisonous images that clawed in the walls of her mind.

  They ended on a secluded hillside where Julian’s white Jeep was already parked. He took out a picnic tote from the back seat, unzipped it and pulled out a blanket and spread it on the grass. One by one, he took out plastic tubs of fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, water bottles and chocolate-chip cookies for dessert.

  “Breakfast is served.” Julian extended his arm, gesturing Chloe to have a seat on the blanket.

  This man. Would he ever stop surprising her?

  “When did you get all this food?”

  “Got all this at the market yesterday.” Julian brushed his hair back with his finger. “I’ve been looking forward to this morning. I hope you like it.”

  “This is great. Thank you.” Chloe sat on the blanket, crossing her legs. Her eyes focused on the ocean where the ships and sailboats looked like toys in a tub. “This view is amazing.”

  “I found this spot last week after hiking up here.” Julian pointed out over the hill. “Look…over there. Your beach house.”

  Chloe squinted. “Oh yeah, I see it.” The distinctive dark blue rooftop was spotted even against the ocean’s color. Chloe took a deep breath. “It’s peaceful up here.”

  “It’s one of the reasons I wanted to bring you.” Julian peeled off the tops of the plastic bins and handed Chloe a plastic fork and spoon. “Figured we could get to know each other better.”

  “Putting your wooing skills to work, I see.” Chloe peeled the cover off the yogurt cup and scooped a spoonful in her mouth.

  “You haven’t seen anything yet.” Julian flashed his dimples with his megawatt smile. “I’ve got a few plans up my sleeve for you.”

  As they dug into the healthy breakfast, there was small talk about the run and other routes to take for the coming days. The more they talked, the more Chloe’s curiosity awakened. Questions fluttered through her mind. She pondered what he’d said earlier… Plans? As in a future? She didn’t want to think too much of it. But what if…did he mean plans beyond the next several weeks?

  Every time Chloe looked into Julian’s eyes, there was a tenderness in them. Chloe’s mind reverted back to Luke who never did anything as simple and romantic as this hillside breakfast, let alone talk about a future with her. Luke’s future was getting Chief of Staff and putting a notch on his bedpost with every nurse he slept with.

  Chloe didn’t want to jump ahead of herself being that they’d only known each other for such a short time. But with Julian, she could see a future with him. The possibility was there, a future and more plans straight from his mouth.

  The sun above warmed her cheeks as a soft breeze blew Chloe’s hair across her face. Turning her head to finger a loose strand behind her ear, her heart pounded when she turned to see Julian looking at her rather than the view. Slowly and seductively, his eyes swept over her face, down her shoulders and stopped at her breasts.

  Julian let out a nervous cough. “You did good today. Not bad for a bear.”

  “A bear?”

  “Yeah, Oski the Bear? UC Berkeley?” Julian eyed her shirt.

  Chloe looked down at the mascot cartoon printed on her shirt. “Oh, yeah…right.” A grin tugged at her lips. “Feels like ages ago.”

  “Tell me about college.” He leaned back on his bent elbows and his muscular legs straightened. He asked a simple question, but his raspy voice sent heated tingles up her neck.

  “Not much to tell. Phoebe and I were stuck at the hip, being roommates the entire time. The only thing we differed over was our major. She studied communications. I studied biology and child development, which landed me in the medical field working as a pediatrician at San Francisco General. I love being a doctor, taking care of kids. Then there’s Ry, she went to UCLA and got a job in Switzerland.”

  Julian forked watermelon from the plastic bowl and popped it in his mouth. Chloe stared at his lips, quelling the sudden urge to kiss him. She wanted his bruise-biting mouth again, to possess and consume her. To have his hands all over her, his hardness pressing on her softness, and something intense flared to her throbbing center.

  “Hellooo. Earth to Chloe.” Julian waved his hand over her face. “Where’d you go?”

  “Huh? Oh. I’m sorry…what did you ask me?” Chloe shook her head, coming out of her fantasy.

  “Why’d you want to be a pediatrician?”

  “My mom. She was a doctor and I love children.”

  “Tell me about her.”

  She hesitated. Chloe’s heart crushed just thinking of Mom, remembering the day her dad called with the horrific news. It was the worst day of Chloe’s life. Then Dad had told her again, reliving it a second time after Chloe had awakened from her attack and asked where Mom was. Why hadn’t she been there, comforting Chloe from her bedside in the recovery room? Images burned her mind, the flowers on Mom’s casket, the sun beating down through Chloe’s dark dress as she squeezed Dad’s hand.

  She looked out to the ocean, concentrating on a sailboat dancing on the waves. She swallowed the sting in her throat, before she continued. “She, um, died in a car accident last year.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories.”

  “It’s okay. I’ve learned talking about her keeps her alive,” she replied,
hearing Julian’s sincere apology. “She loved being Doctor Sarah Channing. It wasn’t just a career. It was her life. it was who she was. And I wanted to be like her.” Chloe pulled at the blades of grass on the side of the blanket. “She was amazing.”

  “I think you’re amazing...dealing with kids.” Julian slightly shook his head. “I couldn’t do it.”

  “You don’t like kids?”

  “I love kids. I look forward to being a father someday. Having a mini-me being stupid, chasing girls. And if I had a little girl, a princess, she would have me wrapped around her little finger, protecting her from all the stupid boys.” Julian stifled a smirk, unsuccessfully. He took a deep breath before he continued. “What you do…day in and day out, children hurt, they’d be pulling at my heart strings. It would break me.”

  Chloe just about melted.

  Julian tugged at her heart strings. He had unlocked her heart and soul.

  Chloe’s attraction toward Julian grew to know that children could render him helpless.

  Alpha yet gentle. Could he be more perfect?

  Where has this man been all my life?

  “Yes, children do have their ways of consuming your heart. They pretty much yanked on my mom’s heart strings, so much she started a foundation.”

  “A foundation?” Julian straightened, showing interest.

  “Yes. The Concrete Angels Foundation. My mom set it up to get women back on their feet, help them with job placements, get their kids back to school.” Chloe looked up to the cloudless sky, thinking of how it all began. Tears stung the back of throat. She missed her mother.

  “My mom started this campaign because of a mother and daughter—Stacey and Lily. She found the two sitting on a bench, just outside the trauma unit. It tore her heart in two seeing them there. They were dirty and the bruises were something my mom couldn’t ignore. Lily was ten and she was holding her arm, crying.” Chloe sighed and shook her head, remembering how Mom came home devastated about the little girl’s arm, wondering how anyone could be so cruel to hurt such an angel.

  “While Stacey was getting treated for her broken ribs, my mom sat with Lily while she got her cast put on. To comfort the little girl, my mom told Lily she was an angel with a broken wing. That’s kinda how the foundation got its name.” Chloe sipped her water, met Julian’s eyes still locked on hers. “I hope I’m not boring you.”