We Were Once

by Scott, S. L.

  I didn’t expect this admission, but I find relief from the change of topic. “Oh, yeah? What design?”

  “An anchor. It’s for you.”

  “Because I drag you down?” It might have been too soon for jokes, but his smile reassures me. Our fingers fall together like laces. “You’re my salvation, Chloe.”

  A confession so direct might intimidate some, but I hold onto it like a lifeline. My heart is never prepared for the sweet things this man says to me. Visions of an anchor on him have my gaze rolling over his skin. “And you’re my hope.” Getting a tattoo is already crossing my thoughts. “What if I got one too?” Something totally for me. Something no one can take away or use as leverage against me. “Something for us,” I say, staring at our hands bonded together. “Two halves of one anchor on the inside of our fingers where they touch now.”

  “Together they complete the big picture.”

  “Destiny.”

  My dad was wrong.

  Joshua’s here for Chloe, not Chloe Grace Fox, helping me discover who I am while complementing the dream I’ve always had. Now I’m more determined than ever to make my dream come true with his support and putting the work back into my studies. Because of the unknown ahead, and despite the fight, he’s given me something to hold onto—himself. I smile, not nervous or scared. Excited. Exhilarated. Hopeful.

  Most of all, I’m certain about one thing. Joshua is integral to my new plan, and I’m willing to ink my skin for him.

  23

  Joshua

  The second the needle touches her skin, her phone buzzes and panic enters her eyes as she stares at the screen. “It’s my dad.” Her hand begins to tremble to the point that the tattoo artist stops. Looking at me to assuage her fears, Chloe asks, “What do I do?”

  “What do you want to do?”

  “I don’t want to talk to him right now.”

  “That’s your right.”

  She lets it go to voicemail with a halfhearted grin. Chloe letting go of things that upset her has been a big step for her. Our fight opened my eyes to the stress she keeps inside. It opened her eyes to the idea that finding balance isn’t just a phrase, but something she has to seek out. We’ve been studying more the last few weeks, setting timers, and then taking well-earned breaks, like this one to the tattoo parlor.

  The artist continues, but less than a minute later, she wipes a stain of blood away, and says, “I’m done.”

  “That was fast,” she says. I help her sit up, but she’s going to be a doctor, so I should have known she’d be fine.

  Holding my finger to hers has her smiling. “No regrets?”

  “None whatsoever.”

  I pay and when we walk out, I ask, “Are you going to call your dad back?”

  “No.” Her answer sounds so final, almost unlike her, or maybe this is a new side of her. When we get in the truck, she adds, “I don’t want you to change, Joshua.”

  A little lost why this conversation detoured, I reply, “Don’t worry. I’m stubborn.”

  Humor goes a long way, and she smiles. “When you come to Newport to visit, don’t be someone you’re not when you meet my dad. Let him see who you are with me when you come to Newport. Okay?”

  “Good or bad, baby, I’ll still be me in three weeks.”

  She leans over and gives me a kiss. “Being your amazing self will win him over. That’s enough. You’re enough.”

  I start the Blazer and glance at her once more before backing out. “I’m going to make him fucking love me.”

  Giggling, she runs her fingers through the hair at my neckline. “That’s more than I can ask for.”

  * * *

  Bryant and Todd aren’t the only ones who can do research.

  I’ve had six days without Chloe and no clue until we were apart just how dependent I’d become on her. Not in a negative, crazy way, but I’ve missed my friend. I missed the life we’ve been building with each other—waking up to her, kissing her, having sex with her, and falling asleep with her curled to my side. Studying and homework aren’t my favorite things but doing it with her makes it less painful.

  I miss the random conversations we have and watching movies with her. Cooking for her is something I look forward to. The simplest dishes always earn rave reviews. Errands or running together, it’s all just better because I’m with her.

  With her in Newport for the holiday, I’ve had too much time on my hands to dwell on the warnings she’s given in regard to her dad. “Don’t be someone you’re not when you meet my dad. Let him see who you are . . . Those words have stayed with me. I didn’t spend much time googling, but I did enough to know that Norman Fox, her father, is exactly as predicted—brain surgeon, bigwig in the medical world, superstar in Newport, and fucking rich as fuck. Chloe and Cat may have welcomed me with open arms, but I have a feeling Dr. Fox will be another story altogether.

  Norman Fox is driven by ego and money. His expectations are unattainable, yet everyone has to abide by his rules. God, he reminds me so much of my father. If there is one thing I’ve noticed since I met Chloe, is that she started to spread her wings. Is there a way where I can ensure he won’t drag her back down? It’s not going to be easy, but I’ll do whatever I can to win him over if that keeps her soaring.

  Walking outside the airport, the overcast sky makes it easy to find the only ray of sunshine I need. Dressed in an orange skirt and white sweater with little white sneakers, she lowers the sign she’s holding for me the moment we lock eyes, and she runs. My suitcase is forgotten as I catch my girl, arms embracing and lips locking.

  My heart beats strong, fresh air invigorating me, and life feels complete now that I’m with Chloe again. Setting her down, I look into her bright eyes and grin because I’m with my girl again. “I missed you so much.”

  “It’s only been a week.”

  “I never want a minute without you in it. Happy Birthday, baby.”

  Sagging against me with a sweet smile I put there, she leans her head on me, arms tightening, her heart beating wild. When she takes a step back, she holds up the sign in front of her. “Damn right,” I say and then kiss her again.

  She sucks in a breath, leaning back with the “Soulmate” dropping to the ground. “That was quite a kiss, Joshua.”

  “Like I said, I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you, too.” Grabbing the sign, she then tugs me toward the vehicle. “Ready? We’re over here.”

  I reach for the suitcase, but it’s gone, already being loaded in the back of a shiny black car parked at the curb. The driver is dressed in a suit topped with a hat. So this is how the other half live?

  I pull out my wallet, but he holds up his hands. “Thank you, but no tip is needed, sir.”

  “Really?”

  He chuckles. “Really.”

  I shake his hand just as Chloe calls from the back of the car, “Come on, Joshua.” Returning to the open door, I dip inside, sitting next to Chloe. Even in the shadows of the tinted windows, she shines—gorgeous in her happiness.

  “I’ve never been picked up from the airport before.” I rub the soft leather of the seat. “I can get used to this.”

  That makes her laugh, the sound music to my ears. We talked every day, multiple times a day during the Thanksgiving break, but nothing replaces being with her.

  She slides across the seat, practically climbing onto my lap. Her arms looped around my neck as she gazes into my eyes. The shine in her eyes reflects the love in mine. “Did you have a good flight?”

  “I did. Thanks for the ticket.” A part of me feels embarrassed she had to buy it. The other part just wants to be with her, and if that means she buys me an airline ticket, then I’ll take it. “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “You’re here for me. That’s the best birthday present I can ask for.”

  “How’s the family?”

  “Thanksgiving was interesting. My parents still wanted to be together for me, and as you know, my mom has never cooked a turkey
before. We sent a gift basket to your mom. She was a lifesaver and so sweet to walk us through the recipe.” She laughs to herself.

  “I heard it turned out great.”

  “It was so good. My dad didn’t give her any credit, but that’s typical. You would have been proud of me for helping. It was actually kind of fun.” Gazing into my eyes, she says, “I bet your meal was amazing.”

  “The diner is always packed on Thanksgiving, but everything turned out. Nothing like a home cooked meal to serve everyone.”

  “How’s your mom?”

  “All caught up in the professor.”

  Kissing my jaw, she whispers, “I understand the feeling.”

  I tighten my hold around her waist and kiss her—deep—memorizing the shape of her mouth and the feel of her lips, which I so foolishly didn’t do before she left. She’s breathless as the tips of her fingers touch my lips. “You did miss me.”

  “I did. Let’s not do that again.”

  “Kiss?” she asks, surprise widening her eyes.

  “No. Be apart.”

  Resting her head on my shoulder, she takes my hand in hers, our tattoos pressing together when we fold our fingers together. “Never.”

  Chloe lies back, dragging me with her by the front of the shirt. “What are you doing, sexy girl?”

  Her hair is splayed across the leather, the hem of her skirt riding up her thighs to expose that skin I love to kiss. I was hard from the sight of her, but fuck, she’s going to drive me wild. Running her fingers under my jaw, she replies, “Showing you how much I missed you.”

  Her lips are only pressed to mine for a second when I pull back just enough to glance at the driver in the front seat. “With an audience?”

  “Don’t worry about Kenneth. He’s paid for his discretion.”

  Discretion is such a dirty word. He’s paid to keep quiet?

  It’s hard to care about him when this gorgeous creature is kissing me not so discreetly. Fuck it. I’m not letting anyone keep me from reconnecting with my girl. Not this guy and not her father.

  Pressing my hands to the seat on either side of her head, I kiss her how I would if we were home on the couch, appreciating the curves of her lips molding to mine and the way her hands grope under my shirt like she has no self-control. We’re both guilty.

  “It’s been too long since I’ve been inside you,” I whisper, dipping down to her neck and restraining the urge I have to mark her for everyone to see. Especially the guy in the front seat who seems to be giving us privacy like she said.

  I’m so caught up in her, losing track of the miles traveled and time passed. A week is too long not to feel her moving under me, like she is now, her body begging for mine. While I’m memorizing the inside of her mouth, tracing the lines, I hear a throat clear, and the car suddenly comes to an abrupt stop.

  The door is opened before I can get up.

  “Daddy!” Chloe scrambles to sit as I grab her hand to pull her upright with me. We move quickly, but it’s too late to undo the damage.

  Fuck.

  “Get out of the car, Chloe,” he says, his voice stern and glare unbending from me.

  Swinging her legs out, she straightens her skirt and tugs her sweater as she takes his hand.

  I cringe. This wasn’t the first impression I wanted. Not by a long shot. Yep, I’ve royally fucked this up. When I start climbing out, he remains, imposing his tall frame when we come face to face. He’s not taller, but he holds his own, briefly reminding me of my own dad. Again. “It’s good to meet you, Mister—”

  “Doctor. Dr. Fox.”

  “Yes. My apologies, sir.” Since he’s unwavering, I move around him, hoping to get this train wreck back on the tracks. “It’s nice to meet you, Dr. Fox. Chloe’s told me a lot about you. It’s great to meet someone of your esteem.” I see more Chloe in Cat with their matching green eyes and height than her father.

  The gray hair that covers his sideburns blends into a fairly full head of brown hair. I’m guessing a casual jogger by his build. Fit, but not overly so. The tan forearms and pale hands from wearing gloves might have me betting he’s a golfer as well.

  “Like what?” he asks, finally shaking my hand.

  “What?” My eyes dart to Chloe for help.

  “What has my daughter told you about me?”

  Wrapping her arm around his, she turns him toward the house. “I was telling Joshua how you caught a swordfish last summer in Bermuda.”

  “It was a Blue Marlin,” he corrects, looking back at me before they take the steps.

  I exhale, shaking my head while standing in front of the grand mansion. My mouth falls open as I realize I’m so out of my league, more than I initially thought. “Holy shit.”

  The driver says, “Yeah. It’s quite a house.” I glance over at him, and he rubs his fingers together. “Money. Money. Money.”

  By looking at this property, I agree. And here I thought my dad was loaded.

  Chloe calls for me, “Come on, Joshua.”

  “Take care, man.”

  He leans against the car. “Good luck.”

  I grab the case and dash up the steps to catch up with them. Her father asks, “Do you fish, Joshua?”

  “It’s Josh.”

  Shooting Chloe an irritated glare, he returns his gaze to me with curiosity. “Then why does Chloe call you Joshua?”

  “It’s a funny story.” I grin because Chloe can barely contain her laughter. “She thought that was my name because—”

  “It’s not?” he asks, not the least bit amused.

  “No, it is.” Giving up on explaining this, I say, “You can call me Josh or Joshua. And yes, I do fish. We have a great lake, well, not one of the Great Lakes since it’s Connecticut, but it’s a damn fine fishing lake just outside of town. Bass, carp, catfish, yellow perch are the most common caught.”

  We follow him inside. Bending toward Chloe, I whisper, “I’m fucking up big time.”

  She shakes her head and rubs my shoulder. “You’re doing fine,” she whispers.

  I stop at the entry to the living room, setting my suitcase down while they walk into the largest room I’ve ever seen in a house. The ocean is set across a vast lawn as a backdrop. Wow. This place is incredible.

  This house makes me feel small and insignificant, like my father’s house in the Hamptons. I wonder how it makes Chloe feel. Her father stops in front of one of the windows and says, “We haven’t had snow yet. It’s unpredictable this time of year, though I suspect we won’t have any while you’re visiting.”

  “That’s okay,” I say, and then clear my throat in an attempt to smother the sinking feeling I get being here, triggering insecurities my dad instilled. Am I going to be enough for either of them? “We get our fair share in New Haven.”

  “Yes, I remember. I need to get back to work.” Turning to his daughter, he says, “You’ll show our guest around?”

  “Yes,” she replies, returning to me.

  Turning toward me, he shakes my hand again. “I hope you enjoy your stay. My daughter’s birth is always worth a celebration. She’s going to make an incredible surgeon one day and save many lives.”

  Chloe’s face is one of indifference to the most. To me, disappointment shadows the gold centers. “Thank you for the invitation.”

  When he disappears down a dark wood paneled hall, Chloe moves in the opposite direction. “I’ll show you to your room.” She swings around the banister and starts up the stairs. “Chloe?”

  She turns, looking back at me with the railing between us. “Yes?”

  Covering her hands on the wood, I ask, “Are you all right?”

  “I’m fine,” she replies, plastering on a smile I imagine visits this house regularly.

  Coming up the stairs, I stop two down from her. “It doesn’t matter what he says. You’ll save lives working in the ER too. It’s not about fame for you but the ability to serve.” I take another step, then slide my hands around her waist. “And though it’s just me, and I
’m not sure that it holds weight with your dad, but I think you’re already incredible.”

  She cups my face and kisses me. “Thank you.” Her eyes brighten again, and my job here is done. “Come on. You’re going to love this room.”

  “Why is that?”

  She dashes up like a kid on Christmas making a run for the presents, and I’m the gift at the top of her wish list. “Because I’ll be in there naked.”

  “Naked, huh? I’m in.” I grab my carry-on and hurry after her. I’m given a quick tour of the location of her door before she’s off again. I find her lying across the bed in the last room on the right. A sexy vixen looking to do more than bend some rules.

  “Shut the door and lock it,” she says.

  Doing as I’m told, I then walk to the edge of the king-size bed. Even a bulky sweater doesn’t deter the dirty thoughts I’m having about her or the desire to lick the curve where her waist meets her hips just under the hem. “Seducing me with your daddy downstairs, Miss Fox? You’re a very bad girl.”

  Stripping off her sweater, she tosses it, hitting my face, and then reaches into her pocket and tosses two condoms on the bed in front of me.

  “Big plans there, cowgirl?”

  Scooting closer, she rubs against my growing erection. “It’s big all right.” I’m pushed backward, and she climbs over, straddling me. The tip of her finger runs down the bridge of my nose and then stops at the center of my mouth. “Do you think we can keep our voices down?”

  “We can try.”

  She slides off the bed, and her skirt comes down as do the rest of her clothes. Mine are yanked off right after. When the condom is tossed onto my stomach in a not so subtle hint, I’m happy to oblige, already so ready for her, and slip it on. Sitting up, she drags her tongue over that sexy lower lip and then rubs her hands over her fantastic tits, teasing me and herself. It’s a gloriously sexy sight to see.