“No, not at all…please go on.” He popped a granola in his mouth.
“Very well. My mom tried to get Lily to tell her about the abuser. But it was no use. Lily said she broke her arm when she fell from the kitchen counter trying to get cereal from the cupboard. When my mom asked about the bruises, she said it was from playing. The only thing Lily slipped about was saying she and her mom were kicked out of their own home by Lily’s asshole dad.” Rage boiled in Chloe’s belly, even all these years later. “Men like him are pond scum, cowards. But my mom couldn’t get her to talk more about it.”
“Did Stacey press charges?”
“No, she was also afraid. And because of it, the police couldn’t do anything.”
“Without their statement, the police’s hands are tied,” Julian confirmed, attentive eyes held to Chloe. “What happened to them?”
“Since they had no money, and nowhere to go, my mom placed them in a Holiday Inn, paid the entire month.”
“Do you keep in touch?”
“Yes. They’re doing great.” Chloe’s eyes widened, joy bubbling up in her. “Stacey now runs the foundation and as for Lily, straight As, in a few clubs at school and lots of friends. She’s an awesome kid.”
Chloe opened the baggie full of cookies, broke off a small piece and popped it in her mouth. “I wish Mom were here to see how much the foundation flourished all because of her, Lily and Stacey.”
“And what about you? Are you involved with this foundation?”
“I am. Sometimes, I have no idea what I’m doing. With the help of Stacey, a few staff members and volunteer counselors that have been there since day one, it practically runs itself. That’s the beauty of it. I just want to make my mom proud and don’t want to let any of these women and children down.”
“I’m sure you’re doing a great job.”
“Thank you.” She took another bite of her cookie. “It’s a lot of work…but I love all the women and children we help. In the end, that’s all that matters.”
“That’s admirable…what you’re doing.” Julian placed his hand on Chloe’s, grazing his thumb over her knuckles. She basked in the shared moment, unspoken emotions filling her heart. Other than a few people, Chloe had not talked about her mother and the foundation to anyone. She felt comfortable talking to Julian, connected to him in new ways.
“I don’t do it for merits, but to give these women and children a place to go. To get better, be better, away from those assholes. We give them some kind of hope and dignity. That’s why I do it.”
“You’re amazing, you know that?” His voice was soft, compassionate.
Chloe half-shrugged, softly smiling. “Enough about me…what about you? Dad, mom, siblings?”
“My turn, huh?” Julian laughed.
“Yup. You said you brought me up here to get to know each other better. So, fess up, Julian.”
His hands raised in surrender, then he leaned back on his arms angled behind him. “Well…my father passed away when I was only five.”
“Oh, Julian. I’m so sorry.” Chloe pressed a hand to her chest. What is it with people saying ‘I’m sorry’ when someone dies? Chloe shook her head realizing she was one of those people. She and Julian had this in common, a parent who died too soon.
“The memories of him I still can remember, I will always cherish. Little league games. Sunday dinners.” Julian chuckled. “My dad had this contagious laugh, you just had to laugh with him even if you didn’t get the cheesy joke. He would tell me and my mom about his day, how he saved people and put the bad guys in jail. But the one memory that holds strongest is when he would leave for his shift, wearing his police uniform. For a kid like me, he was a giant. Invincible, like Superman. Until the night my mom got the news and our world crumbled. A kryptonite bullet killed my dad. From what we knew, it was after his shift, my dad saw a woman being harassed in an alley. He parked his car to help her and those punks shot him during their scuffle.”
Pain squeezed her heart hearing the despair in his voice. “He was a hero.”
“He was to me and so many others. I wanted to be like him.”
“And did you? Follow in his footsteps?”
“I ended up in the Navy. A SEAL.”
“You’re still a hero.” Chloe gave him a gentle smile to lighten the conversation. “What happened? Are you still in the Navy?”
“No. My contract was up. I didn’t reenlist and decided to pursue other things.”
“Like?” Chloe tore another piece of her cookie and popped it in her mouth.
“Being a handyman for the Channings.” The corners of his mouth quirked.
“A cute handyman.”
“Cute? Sweetheart, cute is for puppies in the pet store. I think hot, sexy or strong is better suited for me.” Julian puffed out his chest and held his head high.
“Unbelievable.” Chloe smiled, rolling her eyes.
“That’ll work too.”
“Oh jeez! You are incorrigible…and how about your mom?”
“She’s an interior designer and mostly works on celebrity homes or international accounts. It was she and I until she remarried three years later. Then came my kid sister Fabi. She lives in Paris. Landed some killer job with Louis Vuitton. She travels the world, has this whole lavish lifestyle.”
“Wow, how exciting.” Chloe broke out in a wide smile.
Julian laughed. “Her name fits her—Fabiola-the-fabulous and full of life. You two would definitely hit it off. I would love for you to meet her someday, if she could pry herself from her work.”
Chloe’s hopes rose. Meet his sister? More plans for the future?
“Aside from Fabi being a pain in my ass when we were kids, she’s much like you, positive outlook on life, strong willed and focused.” Julian unscrewed the cap from his water bottle and tilted it back.
“And your stepdad? What’s he like?” Chloe took the last bite of her cookie, brushing crumbs from her hands.
“He’s a good man. Took me in as his son and taught me everything my own dad couldn’t. He filled the gaps and made my mom smile again.”
“Stories like that make me sappy.” Chloe ran her hand through her wind-blown hair.
“Yeah? Why?”
“I’m a sucker for true love. Second chances. It’s funny…I read a lot of romance books.” Chloe shook her head. “Feebs gives me shit about it all the time.”
“Nothing wrong with believing in true love,” Julian countered, his eyes meeting hers.
“It can be when you’re let down.” Chloe looked away and picked an imaginary lint off her shirt.
“Tell me about the jerk who broke your heart.”
“Who? Luke?” Chloe stalled to answer his question. She shifted, bending her knees so her feet were under her bottom.
“If he’s the one who broke your heart.”
“Why?” She twirled the ends of her hair, her tell that she was nervous. “Why do you want to know?”
“I just want to know what I’m up against.”
Chloe’s breath hitched. She’d built a fortress around her heart after her heartbreak and Julian was slowly tearing it down with his proverbial sledgehammer. The things he said to her, the way he looked in her eyes, her soul…
Why do I feel like this? Is it too soon?
She needed to calm her racing heart. “Julian,” Chloe whispered.
“I know it sounds crazy, but I enjoy being around you and I like you a lot. Like I said, I am going at your pace. Run, jog, a brisk walk…whatever it is…your pace.” Julian fingered back a lock of her hair behind her ear. “I know you may have a perception about me that I’m some kind of player. My mom raised a gentleman and she would kick my ass, then kill me, if I ever treated a woman like she was unworthy. So, tell me about him.”
Chloe couldn’t believe her ears. Was Julian serious? It was unreal. She hated comparing the two men, since Luke did not have a leg to stand on next to Julian. Luke never said things like that to Chloe. Sure, Luke wined and dine
d her, but it was to impress her with his wallet—and to impress Chloe’s father.
“Well,” Chloe said after letting out a stalled cough. “There’s nothing to compete against.” She turned her head and stared out to the ocean. Of all the memories she had lost, the image of Luke and Reyna endured, an image Chloe so wished she could erase. “I wanted the brisk walk, but I guess Luke wanted to run.” She gave a choked, pathetic laugh. “I caught him screwing someone else.”
“Ass-clown.”
Chloe laughed at the comment. “Yeah, he definitely was. I thought he was the one that…” Chloe tapered her voice, not wanting Julian to know she was unable to give herself completely to any man. “Let’s not linger on the past. Change the subject?”
“I would never do that to you.” His voice was sincere; his hand softly touched her cheeks.
Julian leaned in closer. She could see the gold flecks mixed with his dark brown eyes. His hand wrapped around her neck. She sensed Julian was being cautious as he pulled her nearer to him. She surrendered to his tender touch. He gently brushed his lips over hers. Her mind reeled as her belly somersaulted.
“Mmm. Sweet, chocolate-chip Chloe kisses,” he murmured under his breath. His lips delicately pressed to hers once again.
Her hands gripped his broad shoulders as he gently lowered her back onto the blanket. Propped up by his elbow, he cupped her face with his free hand. His tongue continued to explore her mouth, teasing and tangling with hers. A groan sounded from the back of his throat. His fingers sensuously mapped down her arm, leaving a trail of electric sparks.
“Fuck, Doc…what are you doing to me?” Julian said in one breath.
Chloe moaned. Oh. Holy. Hell.
This man had taken her breath away. She wanted to fight the overwhelming need to be with him, but his gravitational pull was too hard to resist.
What was happening between them? Emotions swam in Chloe’s mind.
Was she merely wrapped in the ambience of the island?
Were Julian’s charming words convincing her she was falling under his spell?
Was she a sucker for the romance?
There was a strange comfort being with Julian. She was brought back to the images, eating at the corner of her mind, once again. Blurred, yet vivid scenes of a handsome stranger in a tuxedo. The sound of his voice and the distant words echoed…
Chloe struggled to remember, feeling paralyzed. Then something clicked in her brain. Julian’s voice, his eyes, his hands, his touch. All too proverbial. Was Julian the man in the image? Impossible.
Do you need to be rescued?
Sounds like you may need someone to give you a foot massage.
Chloe’s mind spiraled back to earth. She slowed the kiss, gently pushing him away, and studied his familiar face. She wanted to ask if they had met before, but the words stuck in her throat. Their time was limited, and it wasn’t the time to ask.
“What’s happening between us, Julian? I need to know.” Chloe’s breath tethered.
“I adore you, Chloe.” Julian’s voice was calm and seductive, his gaze steadied. “All I know is this feels right.” He crashed his mouth on hers once more. This kiss was almost desperate, as if it were his last breath.
A certain sadness stung her heart, knowing their fling would end in a few weeks. Her vow to not become involved was shot to hell. There was no denying it, she was falling for this man.
She’s so fucking perfect.
He moaned as their tongues intertwined, tasting and drinking her in. Booker was addicted to her slow, quenching kisses. He couldn’t get enough of her. Sexy, beautiful and still a mystery. Chloe consumed him. It wasn’t about the mission anymore. It was about a woman he cared about. How was it even possible for him to be falling hard and fast?
It seemed Chloe had no idea the powerful, inescapable pull she had over Booker to render him to lose all control. He tightened his embrace, the contours of her body molded perfectly against his. Her nails traced Booker’s back, sending chills through the material of his shirt. There was no denying it. Chemistry sparked between them, and he couldn’t help but act on his desires.
Emotions played in his head like a hockey game, fast-paced and everchanging. His heart and mind violently passed like a puck from one opponent to another. The mission, his past, his rule he’d resolved to follow—all became compromised when he was this close to her. Chloe annihilated his control and he needed to distance himself.
I need to stop. I need to take back control.
Booker gently pulled away. “Fuck, I’m sorry, Chloe.” His forehead rested on hers.
“What is it? Did I do something wrong?” Her voice became unsteady. She looked up to meet his eyes.
He pushed himself off the blanket. He wiped his face with his hand, hoping to clear the frustration riddling his mind. This woman was driving him crazy and Booker couldn’t see straight. Sometimes he wished Chloe just denied him; would have been a hell of a lot easier to be her bodyguard. But she was doing nothing of the sort. She was being herself and that was his weakness.
What is she doing to me?
“No. You did nothing wrong. Actually, you’re perfect. I shouldn’t have—”
Chloe pushed back her hair the wind blew in her face. “So, what is it?” She watched him pace, making tracks in the grass. “I’m trying to figure you out, Julian.”
“I’m trying to figure me out, too. Hurting you is the last thing I want to do, Chloe. But I’m afraid that is exactly what will happen.” He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Doc, there are things about me you don’t know…”
That was all he could get out without blowing his cover. Not to mention deep scars, a tortured past he was trying like hell to keep buried.
If she found out I’ve been lying to her, I will hurt her and lose her.
Chloe was scaring the shit out of him. From the first encounter when he met her two years ago, and now, being with her on this island had stirred up emotions, too quickly.
This mission, his undercover assignment, it was fucking with his head.
Chloe made his head spin, making him forget about his assignment and remember Amber. How can he fall for Chloe when he couldn’t let go of Amber? Chloe was healing his heart, yet when he loosened his grip of his past, Amber’s last words echoed. I love you, Jules, would somehow resurface.
He thought he could handle it. He was dead wrong.
“I also recall telling you I was willing to try,” Chloe reasoned, shaking him from his internal debate. “Go at my pace as you eloquently put it. There’s something about you and I can’t explain it… Like we’ve met before. Do you feel the same way or is it all in my head?”
Fuck! She’s remembering.
Booker should’ve known Chloe would remember something. They’d spent the last couple of days together and it was bound to trigger something. He wanted this charade of the handyman/driver to be over, desperate to tell her about the first night they’d met, and the fact he was here to protect her.
She needed to know.
But he couldn’t just come right out and tell her. She would probably go ballistic.
So why else would she ask the question?
Although he wanted to be truthful, he was under strict orders. Booker was between a rock and hard place. He only had one choice, and not an easy one to make. Lie to her.
“Are you sure it wasn’t the alcohol talking?”
Chloe stood, arms raised in frustration. “Is that what you think? The feelings I have are from being drunk?” It was her turn to pace, arms waving at her side. “Julian, I’m not drunk now. I don’t know what it is…last night, when you protected me, then you kissed me…I just…I’m going down a spiral of emotions…help me out here. Throw me a life preserver because I’m feeling really stupid right now. I just don’t want to get caught up if this isn’t—”
Booker closed the distance between them, gently framed her jaw, effectively cutting her off. “Look, I’m sorry.”
Chloe stilled beneath his t
ouch. “I’m rambling again, aren’t I? I’ve been through a lot this last year that could last me a lifetime. Baggage, you know? Now, you…me…us…I can’t explain it.”
“I know about baggage and I need you to understand this was—”
“A mistake! Forget it happened.” Chloe shook her head, tearing her eyes away. “What was I thinking? Getting involved with someone, and then what? Leave in a few weeks?”
“Hey, look at me,” he said softly. “I don’t think it was a mistake.” His thumbs caressed her cheeks. “This pace…let’s see where this path will take us. No rush. No expectations.” Booker wrapped his arm around Chloe, his fingers playing with the ends of her hair. “Okay?”
“Yeah, okay.” Chloe sighed.
Booker leaned back, his hands descending to her waist. “Let’s say we pack up. I’m sure your friends are waiting for you.”
“Okay.”
Booker was deep in thought as they wrapped up the leftovers and tossed them in the picnic tote. Chloe had cracked the armor around his heart, then deeper, tapping the shoulder of his very dark soul. He didn’t realize how hungry he was for her after he kissed her. Now his mind filled with thoughts of taking Chloe back to his place, stripping her naked and feeling her skin on his. His dick stirred in his shorts imagining her hair tangled all over his pillows as he thrusted his hips into hers. The things he wanted to do to her body, giving her the pleasure she deserved.
She is so damn sexy.
After Amber, he dated, and even slept with other women, only to erase the pain and satisfy his needs. But with Chloe, kissing her was pure and honest, real. But he needed to slow it down. A brisk walk, the perfect innuendo. He still had a job to do. A fucked-up job. To protect and covet her were the hardest things he had to do because there was a secret, one he couldn’t compromise—both his orders and the damn psychopath.
“So, are we doing this again tomorrow?” Chloe said, towing Booker back to earth. “The breakfast was a nice touch.”
“Huh?” Booker shook his head, focusing on her face. “Oh, yeah. Being that it’s been a while since you’ve ran, your legs will be sore. So, we will take it a little bit easier tomorrow.”
Till I Found You: The Broken Hero Series—Book One Page 11
