Love (Blind Vows #3)

by J. M. Witt

  Our conversation ended when my parents reappeared. It wasn’t long before O was sleeping again and my parents were headed to the hotel. I opted to stay with him, since one family member was allowed to stay overnight. Trying to get myself as comfortable as possible on the fold out chair, I checked my phone. Will had gotten her home. He didn’t say anything else which was probably his way of warning me that she was pissed.

  A couple days later, O was working hard on the crutches. He’d be fitted for a prosthetic when we got him home and fully healed.

  “Come on, O. You’re doing great.” His positive attitude was something to be commended, but I knew him well enough to know how much he was hiding. We were a lot alike in that aspect.

  Tomorrow was New Year’s Eve and I missed her, though I wouldn’t admit it to anyone. I didn’t want to ring in the year without her by my side. She’d called and texted several times and I had yet to respond.

  “Go home, Heath. You miss her.” He caught me staring at my phone again and I slid it in my pocket.

  “I’m here for you…”

  “And I’m fine. Mom and dad are here. I’ll be home in a few days.” He sat down and glared at me. “I’m serious. I know Lucy, too. She’s going to make you pay for this. Stop stalling.”

  Rolling my eyes, I conceded. “Yeah, I know. We’re supposed to move her into my place next week. Maybe I’ll see if we can get it done tomorrow.”

  “Call her.”

  The next afternoon, I was headed home. I hadn’t called her, but Will, Dorian, and D were moving her today. Shovel in hand, I kept digging my hole deeper. Maybe she wouldn’t be as angry as O said she would be. Maybe she’d throw her arms around me and we could forget there was ever a problem between us. Fuck. I should just commit myself now. There was going to be hell to pay, Lucy Roberts style.

  I got into town a few hours later and swung by her place. Everything was already cleared out and I was impressed. She must’ve had a majority of the packing done when my brothers showed up. I took it as a good sign. Parking in the back of my building, I went up to the apartment I shared with Will, and now my wife. Everything was silent. There were some boxes stacked and when I made my way to the bedroom, I found it rearranged with her furniture.

  We had agreed to that change, but it would take some getting used to. Though I’d never admit to her that I preferred her mattress to my old one. My car was parked out back, so I figured she was either out with friends or maybe in the gym. Changing my clothes, I headed down to the gym. I’d missed my workouts the past few days and needed to get back at it.

  Stopping in the office first, I checked emails and the mail. Everything seemed to be fine when a scream echoed through the walls. What the hell? I got up and went to see what the commotion was about.

  I saw her as I turned the corner, but she hadn’t seen me. She was swiping at her face, earbuds in her ears, and she looked pissed. I tried calling her name, but it was no use. She disappeared into the locker room. Scrubbing my hands over my face, I leaned against the wall. Dropping my head back, I closed my eyes.

  “Trouble in paradise?” Fuck!

  Putting a smile on my face, I pushed off the wall and ignored her question. “Hello, Stella. Everything’s just fine.”

  She tilted her head at me and chirped, “Hmm. Guess I’ll go see for myself.”

  “Stella…” I tried to halt her, but there was no stopping her. She was devious and had a nasty streak. Remind me why it was I slept with her? I groaned and waited to see if I’d have to break-up a cat fight in the locker room.

  ~ Chapter 5 ~

  ~ LUCY ~

  As I began to exit the locker room, I ran right into her. I tried apologizing and walking away, not wanting to get into any kind of argument with her.

  With snide sarcasm she stated, “Honeymoon’s over, huh? I’m not surprised.”

  My fingernails dug into the palms of my hand as my fists clenched. I continued walking out of the locker room and turned to face her, not sure what I was going to say, when I was quickly silenced by his voice.

  “Hey baby. There you are.” Heath walked up beside me and draped his arm around my shoulder. I couldn’t bear to look at him, but smiled at Stella as I leaned into him. “Stella, if you’ll excuse us. We have plans.”

  She turned on her heels and huffed, mumbling who knows what under her breath. When she was out of sight, I shrugged his arm off of me and headed toward the back stairwell. As I began climbing the stairs, I heard him trailing behind me.

  “No welcome home?”

  That was it. I’d had enough. Turning on the landing after the first flight of stairs, I screamed down at him, “Screw you! You’ve been gone for days, ignoring my calls and texts. Then your brothers show up today to let me know that you’ve asked them to move me today. Not when we had planned, but today. You couldn’t even be bothered to tell me yourself.”

  His arms crossed as he leaned against the wall and quietly observed me. “Are you done?”

  “No!” Taking a deep breath, I bellowed, “You left that morning without saying a word. You didn’t tell me about O, never muttered a word. You just left!”

  His voice was raised as he spit back, “Yes, let’s talk about how I just left. Not before you did. You wouldn’t even hear me out. And don’t get me started on O. He’s NOT YOUR BROTHER.”

  “How dare you? He’s like a brother to me and you know it.”

  “Just like I was or just like Will was?”

  “Ahhhh! Why are you being so cruel?”

  Curling that lip he snarled, “I learned it from you.”

  Reacting, I threw the bottle of water I was holding at his head. His quick reaction had him deflecting it off his forearm. He looked furious and started up the stairs after me. I tried outrunning him, but my legs were mush and soon I was over his shoulder.

  “You need a lesson in manners.”

  “Me? You’re out of your damn mind! Someone with manners would answer his damn phone when his wife is calling.”

  Setting me down in front of the door to the apartment, he pushed the code and opened the door. “Wife, huh? You sure that’s what you want to be? Because a few days ago it would seem you wanted to be anything but.”

  “You mean when I let you fuck me in your parents bed at the lake house?” I knew that’s not what he was referring to, but I had to get my dig in. “I’m not the one who left that morning without a word.”

  He stared at me and I shoved past him, making my way to the bedroom. The place was foreign to me and seeing my furniture in the bedroom reminded me of the permanence of the situation. Throwing myself back on my bed, I tried taking deep breaths. My chest was constricting and my head pounding. I could feel the panic attack creeping up on me.

  “Lucy.”

  The sound of his voice did it. “I, I can’t.”

  “Lucy, I don’t want to fight.”

  “No!” Panting, I sat up and dropped my head between my legs. “Panic. Attack.” I felt the bed dip under his weight and his hand began rubbing soothing circles across my back.

  “I don’t think I’ve seen you have an attack since we were kids.”

  “Not helping.”

  Once I was calm again, he told me to shower and that he’d order some dinner. I didn’t want to fight either and did as he suggested. Walking out of the bedroom in sweats, I looked for him, but didn’t see him. Someone knocked on the door and I froze, not sure what to do.

  “Heath!” Another knock came. “Dammit.” Looking through the peephole, I spotted a delivery guy. I opened the door as the young man handed me a large bag of food. It smelled like Chinese or Thai and my stomach grumbled in response.

  “The money’s on the counter.” Heath’s voice came from the direction of Will’s room.

  “Hang on.” Setting the food on the counter, I found a couple twenties and snatched it up. Walking to the delivery buy, I inquired, “How much?”

  “Twenty-two seventy-one.” I handed him the two twenties and told him to
keep the change. It wasn’t my money and I figured Heath was feeling generous. “Thanks! Happy New Year.”

  “Same to you.” Closing the door, I walked back to the kitchen and when I looked up, an Adonis was walking toward me in nothing but a towel. Bastard! Struggling the urge to stare at him, I tended to the food.

  “Where’s the change?”

  “There wasn’t any.” I lifted my chin and gave him a big grin.

  “Seriously. That’s like an eighty percent tip.”

  Shrugging my shoulders, I quipped, “It’s a holiday.”

  “So that’s how it’s going to be?”

  Full of sarcasm, I retorted, “I don’t know what you mean?” He grumbled under his breath as I asked, “Did you want to say that louder?”

  “Nope.”

  Not sure where anything was kept, I started opening and shutting various cabinet doors and drawers. He stepped in my path and pulled out plates, setting them on the counter. He scooped some food on his plate, grabbed a fork, and sat down on the leather couch still wearing just a towel. Really, dude?

  “You comfortable?” He met my eyes as I looked at his towel and then back to his eyes. Setting his plate down on the coffee table, I was relieved to think he was going to get dressed.

  “Actually, no.” Pulling the towel away and letting it drop to the floor, he sat back down. Grinning, he said, “That’s better,” and picked his plate back up.

  Ok. Two could play that game. “You know, you’re right. It’s awfully hot in here.” It totally wasn’t, but I didn’t care. I wiggled out of my sweats, taking my panties with me, and then pulled the hoodie over my head. Putting some food on my plate, I joined him on the couch knowing full-well he couldn’t take his eyes off of me. Stabbing a piece of meat with my fork, I plopped it in my mouth, letting my teeth scrape against the metal.

  I caught him staring at my tits and cleared my throat. He made no apologies and took a few bites of his food. I was still crazy pissed at him, but the sexual tension between us was palpable. I didn’t want to think about the damage my wet pussy was causing to the leather couch and then I wondered how many other naked women had been on this couch. Disgusted, I stood and turned to walk away.

  His arms caught around my waist and with a thud, I was on my back on the couch with him above me. “Where do you think you’re going?”

  He was nuzzling my neck and I wanted to resist him, but I couldn’t. I wanted him with every fiber of my being. “Get off of me you pig.”

  “Oink, oink.” I groaned and he smirked. He began kissing his way down my body and I caved, letting myself get lost in his touch. “I’m still angry with you.”

  “Join the club.” He nipped at my nipple, sucking it into his mouth as I moaned. “We’ll talk…later.”

  “Mmm. Promise.”

  “Promise.”

  My skin was sticking to the leather, increasing the temperature of the air around us. Running my fingers through the slick strands of his hair, I pushed his head lower. His arms circled under my thighs, spreading my legs further apart as he buried his face between them. So quickly he was able to get my body to react to him that I had to fight to keep control.

  Fingers pumped in and out of me then he started twisting them, turning into my own personal vibrator.

  “Heath!”

  “CHRIST!” That wasn’t Heath. My body stiffened, hands flying to hide my face, but I didn’t dare open my eyes. “If we’re going to live together there are going to be some fucking ground rules.” Will was home. “Keep the fucking to the bedroom, would ya? I’ll be in my room. Let me know when it’s safe to come out.” I heard his footsteps retreating and took note that I didn’t hear any other steps. He was alone. “And clean off the couch, too!”

  When the thud of his door slamming rang through the air, I opened my eyes. I found Heath just smiling at me, ready to pick up where Will had so rudely interrupted us. “Get off of me.”

  “Relax.”

  “HEATH! Get up!” I pried myself out from under him, my back peeling off the leather as I went. “What is wrong with you?” I jumped to my feet, picked up my clothes, and ran to the bedroom.

  By the time Heath joined me there, I was dressed and curled up on the bed. “Are you hungry? You didn’t eat much.”

  “Not really.”

  He sat down next to me and I saw that he wore lounge pants and a tank. “If you change your mind, it’s in the fridge.” He sighed and rubbed my hip, “It’s not very late. Do you want to go out or watch a movie? It’s New Year’s Eve and all.” I just shook my head. “I’m trying here, Lucy.”

  “I know. I’m just tired.” I pulled myself to a seated position and decided, “A movie might be nice. Can we stay in here, though?”

  Smiling, “Sure. That sounds great.” He joined me on the bed and pulled me to his side as we scrolled the listings for something to watch.

  ~ Chapter 6 ~

  ~ HEATH ~

  Our biggest fight since being married had happened and we were still standing, for now. At least it was something we were good at, besides the sex. Being so close to her was making me crazy. Her scent, which still lingered on my lips, and mere presence were intoxicating to me.

  After Will caught us on the couch, me face down in her pussy, I knew this living arrangement was going to get old real fast. We were now cuddled in bed watching a movie, City of Angels. I’d never really watched it until now, though the theme song had been one of my favorites. Having her curled into my side, I was thankful to really be seeing it for the first time with her.

  As the credits rolled and Iris by The Goo Goo Dolls played, I rubbed her side. “Lucy?”

  There was no response and I wondered how long she’d been asleep. I couldn’t see her face as she slept on my chest, but I didn’t dare move her either. I wanted to enjoy this moment of peace. This was what I wanted with her, more than anything, and it’s what we’d been enjoying before she found out the truth on Christmas.

  Rewinding the credits, I listened to the song again. It’d made it on one of the CDs I’d made her all those years ago. CDs that I found in her car on my drive to New York, after I left her and Will at the lake house. My mother was the only explanation.

  I woke a few hours later with her still draped over my body. Looking to the clock, it was past 2 a.m.

  “Happy New Year, Lucy.” She didn’t respond, didn’t move, and so I dared to say what I’d been dying to say. “I love you. Always have, always will.”

  In the morning, I rolled over and found the bed empty. Panic set in as I leapt from the bed. Opening the bedroom door, I almost ran her down. She was carrying a tray of food and the glass of juice tipped over, soaking the pancakes.

  “Dammit!”

  “I’m sorry. It’s my fault.”

  “I have more.” She was headed back to the kitchen and I snatched the plate with the orange juice covered pancakes as she gave me a confused look. “Heath, I can make more.”

  Stuffing a soggy bite into my mouth, she grimaced at me. “Nope. I’ll eat them.”

  “That’s disgusting.”

  I just shrugged my shoulders and continued to eat them. “You’re not eating?”

  “I had some oatmeal.”

  I eyed her suspiciously and pointed at my plate, “Did you poison them?”

  That smile I loved took over her face. “How long has it been?” She looked to the clock, “Poison should be kicking in any minute now.”

  I started to pretend I was choking and then fell to the floor as she stared on, not impressed. “Lu, Lucy. I’m choking.”

  “It’s a pity I don’t know the Heimlich. Should I call 9-1-1?” She stood over me and just smiled. “On second thought, do you have life insurance?”

  “Yes.”

  Sighing, “Then I guess you’re worth more dead than alive.” She winked and moved a little closer with her hands resting on her hips.

  “It’s not that much money. You’ll be sadly disappointed.”

  “I’m sure the g
yms are worth money. I could sell your share, which would be mine once you’re dead.” I lurched up and grabbed her wrist, yanking her down to me. “Hey! It was a joke!”

  “If I’m dying, I’m taking you with me!”

  “How serial killer of you!” I began tickling her as we laid on the floor.

  “Jesus Christ, you two. I thought we discussed this last night.” Will. “Can’t you keep it to the bedroom, or at least warn me? We can come up with a schedule if need be.”

  Lucy stood up, as she regained her breath.

  “Chill out. Nothing was happening.” She started cleaning up the dishes from breakfast and then pulled a plate from the microwave with another stack of pancakes. Offering them to Will, I complained, “What the hell? You had more the whole time and made me eat the orange juice covered ones?” She just shrugged her shoulders and smiled.

  Will accepted and gave me a cheesy smile as he dug in to his breakfast. “This, this is ok. I could get use to this.”

  Lucy raised her brows and looked at both of us. “Don’t get any ideas. I’m not his maid or chef and I won’t be yours either.” With that, she went back to the bedroom and slammed the door.

  Will looked to me and noted, “Things seem good with you two.”

  “Eh. They could be better.”

  “They could be worse.”

  “Touché.”

  Walking to the bedroom, I heard the shower running and saw that the bathroom door was ajar. I took it as my invitation. Just as I walked in and began removing my pants, her voice filled the bathroom.

  “Don’t even think about it Heathcliff!”

  I looked to the clear shower door, already covered in steam as her figure teased me. “You have five minutes and if you’re not out, I’m joining you.”

  She cracked open the door and glared at me. She opened her mouth to say something and then groaned closing the door again. “I’ll be out in a minute.”

  “Tick, tock.”

  When I walked back into the bathroom a few minutes later, I found her standing at the sink with a towel wrapped around her. She was running a comb through her wet strands and I walked past her, never taking her out of my peripheral vision. I turned the water back on and dropped my pants and underwear in one fluid movement.