A Summer To Remember: Novella (Lost Love Book 1)

by Richards, C. L.

  “Defeated.”

  “We should get you to bed. Thank you for agreeing to give me a chance, I loved being with you tonight.” Xavier proceeds to his feet while offering me his hand. Once stood, Xavier switches the television off leaving us encased in darkness. Xavier steps towards me and takes my hand leading me in the direction of Nikki's bedrooms. Bypassing Nikki's room, we come to a stop outside the guestroom. Xavier pushes the door open and enters the room. He stops when he realizes I'm not following, my feet are rooted to the spot, unwilling to move. Different theories scramble through my brain, does he think we're going to have sex on the first date?

  Xavier notices my hesitation, “I want to hold you in my arms.” As much as I want to be in Xavier's arms, I'm not sure if it's a good idea. “It's storming out there. Nikki’s staying with Caleb” I reluctantly agree, it's not safe to drive. I stalk passed him and climb onto the bed. Soft music begins to flow throughout the bedroom ease my nerves. Xavier enters the small en-suite, returning only seconds later with a backpack. “Here you go,” He holds out the bag for me to take. Completely baffled to what could be inside. To my surprise, it’s filled with my clothes, my mouth drops open in shock. “Don’t worry, I didn’t go through your draws, Nikki packed it.” Even though I want to be angry I can’t muster up the emotion. Instead, excitement swirls deep inside, anticipating being snuggled up against Xavier.

  Xavier kindly excuses himself once more, to give me privacy to change. I change into a pair of shorts and a black camisole before I dive under the covers. Feeling self-conscious. What will Xavier's reaction be when he sees my bump? Will he run for the hills? God, I hope not.

  A tap sounds at the door, “decent?” Xavier calls through the closed door before entering the room. “You could’ve given me a chance to reply.” I muse.

  “Nah,” he shrugs. Xavier strips out of his shirt, my eyes devoured his chest, my hands itching to touch him. “What the fuck are you doing? Keep those trousers on mister.” I yell as he undoes his button. A boom of laughter resonates through the room, “ah, sweetheart. I always sleep in my boxers," he moans. Shaking my head, letting him know there's no chance in hell. Xavier sighs, he pulls the duvet back ready to climb into bed, but my conscience get the better of me. “Wait,” I yell, hold my hands out in an attempt to stop him climbing into bed. "If you promise no funny business you can sleep in your boxers.” He winks before dropping his trousers and climbing under the covers. I gently slap his chest, “you didn’t promise.” He shakes his head before pulling my body against his then seductively whispers in my ear “I promise.”

  It doesn’t take long for my eyes start drooping, “thank you for tonight Xavier.” I whisper, I’m not sure whether I get a reply, I fall into a deep sleep.

  Chapter Twelve

  Xavier

  We're all sat around bored, even gaming isn't an option. It's eleven in the morning and nobody would be online. Kyle suggests to going the beach. My mind instantly imagines what Isabelle would look like in a bikini. I bet the image I've built won’t do her justice.

  Actually, I wonder where Isabelle is? The last time I saw her was in bed earlier this morning. My mind swirls to where she could be, she never sleeps in. Kyle pushes for an answer to whether we fancy the beach, everyone is in agreeance. Caleb rings Nikki to see if she's interested and Kyle promises to see if Isabelle is feeling up to it.

  An hour later, everybody's ready. Kyle's driving while James calls shotgun, great. I'm stuck in the back with Caleb and Nikki swooning over one another. Thankfully the excursion doesn't take long, I can hardly wait to escape the fucking car. “Get a fucking room,” I growl, before making my escape. “You're jealous, man. Bet you got blue balls from the sexual tension between you and Isabelle.” Caleb proclaims before taking off after Nikki.

  Nikki's steams ahead of us, claiming she know's the perfect spot. When everybody's settled, James asks if anyone want a game of soccer, all boys agree.

  Nikki rolls her eyes while stating she's going to catch some rays. She slips her shades on, no doubt her eyes are fixated on Caleb. We've been playing soccer for around sixty minutes. Suddenly my eyes are drawn to a familiar blonde stood in the distance. My eyes are transfixed on her legs, fuck me there gorgeous.

  Something smacks me in the face, oomph! I pull my eyes from Isabelle's legs and turn in the direction the ball came from. Glaring at Caleb and James, “What the hell was that for?” I bellow. James shrugs, “We’re trying to play a game. Can keep your eyes away from her for a second. Dude, it's annoying.” Prowling towards the asshat, James raises his hands in mock surrender. “Okay dude, keep your fucking panties on.” Smirking, happy I’ve driven my point across. Caleb reaches down and picks the ball from the sand. “Are you fuckers still playing or what?” With a reluctant nod, I agree but in reality, my body craves to be close to Isabelle. With my utmost power, I attempt to concentrate on the ball. But it's an impossibility when I feel her gaze lingering on my chest. “Hey, whore. Get your ass over here,” Nikki yells, pulling Isabelle’s attention from my chest. I snarl in warning, not that it bothers Nikki. Instead she winks before turning her attention back to Isabelle.

  Isabelle looks at me from beneath her eyelashes, redness tints her cheeks. I smile to myself, knowing I caused that reaction. Isabelle turns away from me and advances towards Nikki. Confusion clouds my mind, I don't know where I stand with her. One minute she's interested but then next she looks at me like she wants to rip my balls off. I understand she’s going through a lot but why can’t she just let me in?

  Soccer starts up again, but I’m finding it hard to focus. Isabelle's stood with her hands gripping the bottom of her top. She's gone awful pale, she hesitating but why? Nikki says something to her, which seems to ease her worry. In a swift movement, Isabelle pulls the top over her head. Her hands fly to her stomach in an attempt to conceal herself. She looks shit scared, doesn't she realize how perfect she is?

  Inappropriate thoughts flood my brain, watching her fingers slip into the waistband of her shorts, Shit. I sigh in frustration. Does she have any clue what she's doing to me? Her shorts drop to the floor, soliciting a moan not only from myself but someone stood behind me. I turn til my glare lands on James, I take a step towards him and spit out. “She’s mine. Keep your eyes to your fucking self. Understand.” Hopefully, he will acknowledge I'm not joking.

  Why he's set on annoying me, I don't know but what do I know is, he needs to keep his eyes and sexual innuendoes to himself. Instead of taking my warning he lets out a wolf whistle, pissing me off more. Furious, I stalk towards him, without thinking about the repercussions. I raise my clenched fist and punched James in the arm. “Do it again and I will kick your fucking ass.” He backs off, finally acknowledging I'm not kidding. He murmurs a quiet apology before walking off. Satisfied with his reaction, my mind wanders back to Isabelle.

  I love the way my body responds to Isabelle. I only need to hear the delicate sound of her voice or her sweet laugh and I'm rocking a hard on. I stroll in the direction of the girls but stop short. Not wanting to disturb the serious conversation they seem to be having. I remain nearby to listen yet far enough away, not to get spotted.

  Nikki and I had a conversation several days ago, my need to date Isabelle. It took a lot of convincing, but she finally relented and agreed to help me convince Isabelle to go on a date. However, I did receive the best friend speech, ‘you hurt her and I’ll kick your ass.’ she warned. Gradually striding towards them. I lean down until my mouth is aligned with Isabelle's ear. I quietly whisper, “what Nikki said is true.” Isabelle's body breaks out in goosebumps. What I would do to have her beneath me. It felt great to hear her admit she feels the same way about me as I do her, yet she needs to trust me. I’m still not entirely sure how to gain her trust, but I’m determined to break down her barriers. To set her free of the blame, she's put upon herself.

  “I have feelings for you, Isabelle. If you’re worried about the baby, I want to be with you every step of the way.”
Seeing the tears in the corner of her eyes, causes a stabbing pain in my chest. I never intended to hurt her. Desperate for her to see how I feel, I ask the ultimate question, “go on a date with me Isabelle?” She looks at me with a baffled expression. Her eyes reveal she's attempting to work out whether I truly asked her. She investigates my eyes before giving me a response. A response I wasn't anticipating. She agreed, she consented to go out on a date. Happiness spreads through my body, setting my nerves ablaze. I pull her into my arms, encasing her in an embrace. “Thank you,” I mumble against the warmth of her neck.

  We settle for having our date the following evening. Nikki wink's, letting me know everything's in order. She then proceeds to persuade Isabelle to go shopping for a new outfit. Giving me the afternoon to set up her surprise. The rest of the afternoon runs smoothly, with Isabelle sat between my legs, in the comfort of my arms.

  Nikki, Caleb, Isabelle and I have been sat watching James make an ass out of himself. The poor lad never seems to have any luck with the ladies, but I have to give him some credit, doesn’t give up. Kyle plops down on the sand beside us before reaching for the cooler and searching its contents. Not that's he's going to find anything, the cooler Isabelle packed didn’t last long. As soon as kyle mentions the word food, my stomach grumbles making me aware I’m in need of some food as well. Kyle, Nikki, and Isabelle argue amongst themselves, attempting to decide where to eat. When everybody's in agreeance, we pack up and head towards the cars.

  Nikki, Caleb, and James get into Kyle's car, allowing me at some time with Isabelle. I drop into the passenger's seat and turn my body, to seek Isabelle's green eyes. I'm taken back by what's reflected in them. She looks terrified. Her complexion is ghostly white. In an attempt to ease her worry, I decide to break the deadly silence by asking what she wants to do on our date tomorrow. Not that she has much input. The date has been arranged down to a T. Everything's planned to perfection. I hope I made the right choice.

  She doesn't give me a response, an uncomfortable silence descends on us. Attempting to avoid the awkwardness building between us, I sing along with the radio. Hoping to elicit her beautiful smile. I don't have to wait long until her grin spreads over her face. She's irresistible. It makes me want to do anything to keep her smile firmly in place. It makes me believe in forever. Shit, What the hell has she done to me?

  There's a fifteen-minute wait be seated. A petite, young lady wanders towards us, introducing herself as our server. She's eyes every one of us, however, takes a distinct fascination with, Caleb. I can sense trouble brewing from a mile away. Nikki as a face of thunder, all I want to do is fucking eat, not get caught up in some cat fight. Caleb seems oblivious to the pending argument. I clear my throat to reflect the server's attention to me. Isabelle goes rigid beside me, I squeeze her leg in an attempt of reassurance. Envy flashes through her eyes, however being the childish dick that I am, I smirk. Isabelle frowns at the server, looking annoyed. She tries to move from me, but there’s no way I’m going to allow her to. I lean down and quietly whisper in her ear, “you're the only girl I’m interested in Isabelle.” Her breathing becomes laboured, knowing I make her respond that way, brings my cock to life. I discreetly adjust myself, hoping nobody is paying attention. At least, I know she has feelings for me. This day is turning from mediocre to epic.

  The damn server is back once more. Isabelle slides slightly away from me and stares at the plate which has recently been set before her. Within seconds, she’s walloping her food down. A strange sense of happiness overcomes me. Seeing her eating and, by the way, it’s going down she must've been starving. Deep down I’m worried. Worried about what’s going to happen when I leave? Will I ever see her again? Will I get the chance to meet the baby? I sigh, realistically I’m not going to know the answers to my questions until the time comes. Running my hand through my hair, pissed off with the unanswered questions. Am I going to strong enough to leave?

  ~#~

  When I received the phone call from Nikki, informing me Isabelle was in the midst of a panic attack. I was instantly on edge, I’ve been pacing the hallway ever since. The guilt of knowing she needed me and not being able to help her kills me. Maybe she will come back to America with me. My fist clenches and unclenches at the thought of something happening to her.

  The need to beat the crap out of something is overwhelming, but I refrain when the door swings open. Isabelle makes a beeline for the stairs, without saying a word to anyone. Fuck that, if she thinks she’s going to get away with ignoring me, she can think a again.

  I'm stood in the lounge doorway, Caleb and James are staring at me, waiting for a reaction. Kyle’s busy, trying to gain a win on zombies, oblivious yet again, to what’s going on around him. I mumbled an inaudible excuse before taking two stairs at a time unable to be away from her any longer. I hear the shower being turned on. I'm internally debating whether I should enter the bathroom. Deciding I don’t give a shit to her privacy rules. The only thing I’m interested in right at this minute is finding out whether she’s okay.

  Isabelle lets out an undignified squeal, her hands instantly raise to conceal herself. I can't help the roar of laughter that rips from the back of my throat. She’s looks pissed off and not just slightly pissed off, but I’m going to rip your balls off kind of pissed. Every time I open my mouth another bubble of laughter would escape. Eventually regaining my composure, I choke out, "babe, don't look at me like that. You're adorable when humiliated." Isabelle huffs which threatened to bring my laughter tumbling out once again. I push it back, not wanting to piss her off even more. She starts rambling about privacy, but I’m not paying much attention. My attention is captured with knowing she’s naked behind the shower curtain. That small piece of fabric, is stopping me from seeing her perfection. I try fighting the urge to strip and climb into the shower with her. Groaning, I rub my face, frustrated. I can't stop the images of her naked body pressed against mine. I turn my gaze to the floor attempting to calm my raging hormones.

  I’m desperate for her to realize how I feel, I know it's not the ideal time, but I just have to get it out. “I've never been in a serious relationship or any relationship for that matter. No one has intrigued me but when I met you, a whirl of emotions hit me. I need you, Isabelle. I want you. Give me a chance to prove myself.” Isabelle's eyes widen to what I can only assume is a shock.

  I don’t think of the consequences before prowling in Isabelle's direction. She tries to deter me from entering the shower but without much success. I need to have her in my arms, to have her body flush against mine. I back her against the wall, what I would do to take her right now. But in reality, she's not ready, I know I need to take it slow but sometimes fighting the urge is impossible. Coming to my senses, I take a step back but seeing tears in her eyes causes a stabbing pain in the centre of my chest. “Don't get upset, baby. You wanted to take it one day at a time if we don’t stop now, I won't be able too.” I hungrily kiss her before leaving the bathroom.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Xavier

  Kyle offers to take me over to Nikki’s apartment. We climb into his beat-up ford and make our way across town. I was pleasantly surprised when I entered the apartment. It's modern with cream walls, grey carpet with matching coloured furniture. There's a flat screen television, on the chimney breast. The apartment is very much Nikki. I head into the kitchen and make a start on the pasta. Nikki went to the store earlier today to pick up Isabelle's favorite dessert. Time seems as though it's come to a stop, I peek through the blinds willing for Isabelle to appear. I only saw her an hour ago, but my palms itch to feel her delicate skin. How can you miss someone after a short amount of time?

  The sound of a car stopping causes nervous energy to flow my body. I anxiously pace the length of the living room. Unable to wait for the door to knock, I stroll down the outside steps. I stand out of view trying to determine Isabelle’s reaction. Did I make the right decision to cook for her or should I have taken her to a nice restaurant?

>   I don't venture out of the shadows until she's stood before me. I offer my hand, which she promptly takes. I give her hand a slight pull causing her face to pummel into my chest. “You look beautiful,” I mumble in the middle of placing little kisses along her neck. I lead her up the steps and into the entryway. I come to a stop behind her, watching for a reaction. Have I made a decent attempt? Does she like it?

  Aside from one major cock-up, I'd say the date went well. I thought she was going to bolt and my chance was destroyed. I wanted her to know I cared but yeah, It didn’t come out the way I imagined it would. Seeing happiness radiating from her, was a turn on. Knowing the huge grin spread over her face was because of me. The more time I spend with her, the deeper I’m falling in love. I never knew the meaning of true love until now. In reality, I should take a step back and save us both from ending up hurt but it’s impossible.

  The best moment of the evening was Isabelle initiating the kiss, she took me by surprise. Her touch felt like electric shocks, radiating across my abdomen. Fuck, I needed her. I knew I needed her due to the fact of the attraction heightening between us. She's vulnerable and not ready for the truth.

  Isabelle hesitated when she realized where I was leading her. I watched the happiness fade and morph into worry. I would love to know, what's was going through her head? Perhaps this wasn't a smart move, I gathered with me spending every night with her, she would be okay. I anxiously run my hands through my hair, does she think I want sex? Shit, this wasn't one of my best idea's, I explain I only wanted to hold her in my arm’s. She's quiet for a couple of seconds but then she agrees. Not long after she curls into my side, her breathing levels out has she floats into a serene sleep.