Loved Ones Lost (Edgewater Curse Book 1)

by J. C. Everlyn

  The family had dinner together every night since most of them were on different schedules and didn’t see each other much during the day. Bri began to notice that Destiny was spending more time at their house as well, but it never bothered her. She knew that Destiny didn’t have any family; she was abandoned at a hospital when she was just a baby. She was passed around through the system from foster home to foster home most of her childhood until she turned eighteen two years ago, a month after graduating high school. Since then she and a few of her friends had been sharing an apartment in Denver, about a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Aspen. Bri adored her and felt like she was already a part of their family. She had a feeling deep down that someday Destiny would become a permanent part of their family. The thought brought a smile to her face.

  ∞∞∞

  Friday, August 31, 2018

  It was a Friday evening when Bri found Destiny sitting alone in the breakfast nook sipping on some hot chocolate, looking out the window with a tear sliding down her cheek. She had made the drive over after she got off work.

  “Destiny, are you okay?”

  Destiny turned her head, startled and quickly whipping the tear away. “Oh, Bri you scared me. I didn’t think anyone was awake.”

  “I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to startle you.”

  “It’s okay; I was just sitting here preparing myself for the drive home.”

  “Where’s Matthew?”

  “He’s in the study. We kind of had a little argument, nothing major. Anyway, I should be going before it gets too dark out.”

  It was clear that she didn’t want to talk about the disagreement they had.

  “Yes, please be careful driving home. I’m surprised you didn’t leave a while ago.”

  “Well, I thought that Matthew was going to come with me, but I guess plans have changed.”

  “Oh, okay. Everything all right? Do you want to talk about it?”

  “No, it’s okay. Everything is fine. Thank you, though.”

  “Okay, well, if you change your mind, you know my number. You can call me anytime.”

  “Thank you again, Bri. I really do appreciate it.” Destiny smiles. “I’m going to finish my hot chocolate, and then I’ll be on my way.”

  Bri nods and then decides to check on Matthew. She approaches the study and knocks on the door.

  “Come on in, Mom.”

  Bri opens the door, walks in and sits on one of the brown leather executive chairs placed in front of the Kingston executive desk Matthew was perched behind. The entire study is surrounded with floor to ceiling bookshelves on every wall except where the fireplace is to the left. Everything is designed in cherry wood, and there are built-in sliding ladders on both sides of the room for easier access to the books on high shelves. The desk is cluttered with papers, his laptop, and a Tiffany lamp sitting on the corner is turned on.

  “How did you know it was me?”

  “I could sense you approaching. I guess it’s part of my power.”

  “Oh. Is everything all right with you and Destiny? I just saw her in the breakfast nook, and she looked like she had been crying.”

  Matthew furrows his brow. “Yes, we’re okay. She was upset because I needed to stay home to study tonight instead of going to her place for the weekend. I have finals approaching and want to be prepared.”

  “Ah, I see…Matthew?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I know school is important to you, and I do admire your dedication, but…”

  Matthew looks up, and then Bri continues.

  “I don’t want to pry or overstep my bounds, but can I ask you, how do you feel about Destiny? I mean, you’ve been together for a few years now. Do you see her in your future?”

  Matthew beams. “Yes. I love her. My heart stops at the thought of her not being with me. Someday I plan on marrying her if she’ll have me. I just want to wait until I am finished with school first.”

  Bri smiles. “That’s wonderful Matthew, and I’m sure she will say yes; she adores you. Anyone can tell you walk on water in her eyes. I’m glad that you are being responsible and waiting until you are done with school, but please make sure you are spending quality time with her too, okay? Your dad tended to focus more on his work than our family sometimes, and although I do appreciate everything he did for us, it also did put a strain on our relationship at times. I just don’t want that for the two of you.”

  Matthew grins. “Thank you Mom, you’re right.” At that moment he raises a finger to Bri, motioning to give him a second. Then he picks up his cell phone, pushes a button and lifts it to his ear. It is answered on the first ring.

  “Yeah, Destiny. Have you left the house yet? Good. Wait there.” Matthew disconnects the call and looks up at Bri. “I think I’m prepared enough for finals. Destiny is waiting in the foyer; I’m going to go pack a bag really quick and then instead of staying at her place, I think I’ll treat her to a weekend away. That is, of course, if you think you will be okay here without me.”

  Bri smiles. “I’ll be fine. You two go have a nice weekend. If something comes up and I need you, you’re only a call away.”

  “Okay, I’ll make sure we stay somewhat close, so I can be back here quickly if need be.”

  “Sounds good, sweetheart.”

  They both stand, hug, and then walk out of the study through the family room and into the foyer. Bri sees Destiny standing there and smiles at her.

  “I’m going to head up to bed. You two have fun and stay safe.”

  Destiny’s eyes light up in recognition as Matthew turns to her and explains. When Matthew turns to run up the stairs to go pack a bag, Destiny looks to Bri and mouths, “Thank you.”

  Bri nods and then turns to ascend the stairs as well.

  When Bri reaches her room, she decides to start a fire and curl up in her bed and read the book that’s been lying neglected on her nightstand for a while now. But every time she tries to start reading, her mind wanders back to her conversation with Matthew, just moments ago downstairs. She finds herself staring into the fire, almost in a trance, thinking about the countless times Jared had brushed her off because he was busy looking over household finances or preparing for meetings.

  “Bri.”

  Chapter Five

  Missing the Physical Connection

  Bri snaps out of her trance to see Jared sitting on the bed next to her. “Jared. How…how are you here? I don’t remember calling for you.”

  “Your thoughts were powerful, sweetheart. Strong enough to make me appear.”

  “Oh. I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be sorry, my love. If anyone should be sorry, it should be me. I had no idea that you felt I was pushing you away when I was alive. That certainly was not my intention.”

  Bri looks surprised. “How did you…can you read my thoughts?”

  “No, but when your feelings are as strong as they have been in the last hour, I can listen in on conversations, and I heard what you said to Matthew.”

  Now she’s irritated. “Really? So you’re not only eavesdropping now but all this time you didn’t have the slightest idea how you were making me feel?” She says with frustration, “I tried to tell you several times.”

  Jared looks confused.

  Bri sighs. “Never mind. I don’t want to fight, besides it’s in the past now and rather irrelevant that this point, don’t you think?”

  “No, I don’t think anything is irrelevant about our relationship or your feelings. Especially when we have been blessed with the ability to communicate even though I am dead now. You mean the world to me and there are so many things I am sorry for when it comes to you and the kids. I should have spent more time with all of you while I was still alive.”

  Bri puts her hand on his. “It’s okay. I forgive you. I know you were just doing what you needed to, to make sure we were taken care of.”

  Jared continues, “Thank you, but I could have found another way that wouldn’t have taken time from you. No one really
understands how short life is until it’s too late. I wish I could make myself materialize for every one of you whenever I wanted to, but that’s just not possible. There are so many times that I’ve wanted to hold all of you when you’ve needed me. It’s not easy watching and not being able to comfort or help or even speak to them without your help. It takes everything in me just to touch a cheek without your power assisting me. Every time I try to do something that would normally require a physical body, it drains me, and I become weak. The only time I don’t feel drained is when your power is helping me, like when I’ve hugged you and Matthew.”

  “Wow, I didn’t even realize I was helping you.”

  “I believe all it takes is for me to be in your presence, in the same room. You don’t have to do anything yourself.”

  “Hmmm…” Bri smirks.

  “What?” Jared looks puzzled.

  Bri smiles seductively.

  “Oh,” Jared says as his eyes widen with enticing thoughts.

  “Do you think it would really work?” she asks.

  “Probably not quite the way you’re hoping, baby, but let us see what we can do, shall we?”

  Bri’s excitement rises. “Hold that thought.”

  Jared looks puzzled.

  Bri jumps up from the bed and quietly but quickly pads to the door and locks it, then turns and smiles at him.

  Jared laughs. “Good thinking. We certainly don’t want to end up in a situation where we have to try to explain this.”

  “No, that may be kind of hard to explain in more ways than one.” She giggles.

  Bri climbs back up on the bed and snuggles up next to Jared, who is now lying in the middle.

  Jared embraces her, wrapping one arm around her waist while his other hand snakes behind her head, his fingers tangling in her hair. He kisses her, first on her forehead, then the tip of her nose, before moving to her lips. They both quickly realize that the feeling is much different from when he was alive. Although she can feel his lips on hers, the pressure is not quite the same. It feels more like a graze, and his lips are much cooler than hers. However, neither of them seem to care. Anything they are feeling is better than nothing.

  “You’re so warm, Bri.”

  “And you are so much cooler,” she replies.

  Jared grins wickedly. “Hmmm…well, it’s a good thing you have the fireplace lit,” he says with a mischievous look.

  Jared moves so he is on top of Bri and begins to slowly move his kissing from her lips to her cheek, down her jawline, and then gliding down her neck.

  “Undress for me, Bri,” Jared reqests, as he doesn’t have the strength to do it himself.

  She pulls her blouse over her head, removes her bra, her skirt, and then her panties, discarding them on the floor.

  Making his way back to her neck, he continues kissing her. Slowly moving his way down her clavicle, he uses his tongue and licks his way to her breast, circling her nipple and watching it grow as hard as a rock. He’s not sure if it’s from arousal or his temperature, but he doesn’t care; it’s a sight that he has missed and is happy to see.

  Bri moans.

  “Does that feel good, baby?” Jared asks.

  “Yes,” Bri responds breathlessly.

  “You’re not too cold, are you?”

  “No,” she says, now gripping the sheets of the bed.

  “Good.” He continues down her body, making his way to her navel and then even lower still. He nestles himself into the heart of her mound; finding her pleasure center he begins licking and kneading her in ways no man ever has before. Although the sensation is not the same as in the past, it is heightened in a new way with the added temperature change from his touch. Bri moans again, a little louder this time.

  “Shhh baby, you don’t want to get anyone’s attention,” he chides.

  She quiets but arches her back, and her legs begin to tremble as her climax rides through her.

  “That’s it, sweetheart. God, you’re so beautiful.” As her climax begins to fade, Jared moves back up and lies next her, wrapping her in his arms.

  “That was amazing,” Bri says with a sated breath.

  Jared smiles. “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”

  “But what about you?” Bri asks.

  “I’m afraid it looks like these types of moments are going to be a one-sided deal,” he says, “but it’s quite all right, my love. Don’t worry about me. Things are different for me now. I get my pleasure from watching you.”

  “Oh.” Bri giggles. “I’m sorry,” she says, instantly feeling guilty for giggling.

  “It’s okay.” Jared chuckles.

  Bri yawns, snuggles down and falls asleep in his arms once again.

  Chapter Six

  Problems Arise

  Saturday, September 1, 2018

  The next morning Bri awakes nightmare free. She feels refreshed, realizing that last night was the most sleep she has gotten since Lucas died. Then she smiles, remembering the intimate moment she was able to share with Jared. She’s startled by a knock at her door.

  “Just a minute,” she calls out and quickly sprints for her closet to grab a robe.

  Unlocking and opening the door, she sees Travis standing there with a confused look on his face.

  “Good morning, Travis,” she says, maybe with a bit too much enthusiasm.

  “Good morning, Mom. You look more chipper than usual this morning.”

  “Oh, um…yeah, well, it must be because I was actually able to sleep for the first time in a long time last night. I feel rested.”

  “Well, that’s good.” Travis smiles. “I made breakfast and was wondering if you wanted to come down and join the girls and me. I knocked on Matt’s door, but he didn’t answer.”

  “He’s not home. He left last night with Destiny. He decided to take her away for the weekend.”

  “Wow, that’s new. Something up with them?”

  “No, I just reminded him that his relationship with her deserves just as much attention as he gives to his studying.”

  Travis chuckles, “Yeah, he does tend to get quite wrapped up in that at times.”

  Bri nods.

  “So, ah, not that it’s any of my business, but why was your bedroom door locked this morning?”

  Bri stills. “Excuse me?”

  “Sorry,” Travis says quickly. “I just noticed when you came to open your door. I heard you unlock it first. You haven’t done that since Dad was alive. Are you okay?”

  Realizing he’s just concerned, she answers, hoping her response is believable. “Oh, I don’t know. I must have locked it by accident last night.” Bri’s cheeks flush a bit.

  “Hmm, okay. Well, as I said, it’s really none of my business; I was just curious.”

  Bri wonders if he bought her excuse.

  They both descend the stairs and make their way to the breakfast nook.

  “Good morning girls,” Bri says, smiling.

  “Good morning Mom,” they both reply.

  “So what is everyone up to today?”

  Rose responds first. “I’m spending the day practicing for my auditions that are coming up for the school talent show.”

  Travis replies, “Rose, you don’t need practice, you’re a natural.” He smiles.

  Rose beams from his comment. “Ah, thanks, bro.”

  Crystal agrees, “Travis is right. As annoying as it can be sharing a room with you sometimes, you are amazing.”

  Rose smirks, “Thanks, sis.”

  “I agree,” Bri says, “I think you are going to be someone famous someday.”

  “Really? You think so, Mom?”

  “Yes, but I could be biased. I am your mother, after all,” Bri teases.

  “So what about you two? What are your plans for the day?”

  Travis comes up with something on the fly. “I’m…ah...going to spend the day at Jake’s.” Jake is his long-time friend from school. They like to work on cars together, so this is not surprising to Bri.

  Bri sm
iles. “Say hi to him for me,” she says. “And what about you, Crystal?”

  “Oh, I don’t know. I’ll probably go sit on the deck and write in my journal.”

  “Would you like to help me in the garden instead? We haven’t done that in a while, and our greenery out there is looking a little neglected.”

  “Oh Mom, really?! That would be great!” Crystal grins.

  Bri smiles. “Okay. Why don’t we go get changed into our work clothes after breakfast, and I’ll meet you in the garden?”

  “Cool,” Crystal replies.

  The remainder of the day everyone is focused on their tasks at hand. Bri and Crystal take breaks here and there but spend almost the whole day and into the evening working in the garden. It wasn’t until Bri heard some wolves howling in the distance that she noticed the sun was beginning to set.

  “Oh my, I didn’t realize it was getting so late. We should make our way inside,” she says.

  Crystal looks up and giggles. “Yeah, I guess we should. I didn’t realize it was this late either. This day has just flown by. I guess that’s what happens when we are focused and having fun.” She smiles.

  Bri stands and stretches. “Oh heavens, my back feels so stiff. I think I’m going to go soak in a tub.”

  “Yeah, I’m going to go take a shower, I’m feeling kind of grubby,” Crystal concurs.

  They both head upstairs and go their own ways. Once done, they rejoin the group from that morning in the dining room for dinner. Bri notices that Travis is moving a bit slower than usual and takes care when sitting in his chair.

  “Travis, are you okay? You look like you’re in pain.”