Burdened Souls: Can Love Save a Burdened Soul? (The Burned Souls Series Book 1)

by Jessi McPherson

  Chapter 18

  Caleb and I sat on the floor with the wedding books in front of us. “When are you meeting the dress designer for a final fitting again?” he asked

  “Sunday. Luigi is coming by tonight with the dinner menu for us to try. I told him it didn’t matter because we would love anything he made, but he insisted.”

  “Are we still going to Jake’s after dinner and stuff here?”

  “Yes. Dillon already reserved the VIP section and Cameron is footing the bill. I can’t believe it’s all coming together so soon.”

  “Honey, you give me a project and I never fail. You know that. It’s also lucky we know people who can pull strings. In a little over a month you will be a married woman.”

  “Thirty-four days and counting. Are your parents coming for Thanksgiving?”

  “Yep. I told mom to be here around three, is that ok?”

  “Oh yeah. I’m really glad you decided to move in with us.”

  “Are you kidding? It’s less than half the rent and I still get fed. I can finally start saving to by my own house and I get to hang with my best girl. So how did Marcus take you putting in your notice?”

  “He was a little upset but I told him it was either that or a ridiculous amount of time off. Between wedding planning, therapy, and the trial coming up, it would be a mess. I still have to work out my two weeks.”

  He nodded and moved the pictures of the flowers to the center. “I really like the red and white roses with the silver.”

  “Yeah, me too. Hey, when is that cake tasting?”

  He looked through our calendar. “You have one with Bittersweet tomorrow afternoon and one with Pure Cakes the following day. Did you want me to schedule a couple more or wait to try those first?”

  “Let’s wait.”

  “I thought you two were planning a wedding not taking over the world,” Dillon joked, walking into the living room. My heart picked up its beat and the butterflies were fluttering as I stood to greet him. His lips were soft and melded right to mine. “How is your morning going?”

  “Busy, but we can take a break for you,” I said and kissed him again.

  “Great, so I got some bad news.”

  I frowned. “OK.”

  “I can’t go to the tasting tomorrow. I have to fly to New York.”

  “What for?”

  “I have a meeting with some investors. They called today to ask me to come to them,” he said, looking down at me. “It’ll only be for a few days. I’ll be back Monday afternoon.” Dillon had been working hard on something lately. He told me is was big surprise and as soon as things fell into place he would let me know.

  “Alright a few days. I can handle that I guess,” I said, pouting.

  “No pouting, love.”

  He sat with us for a couple hours while we made new plans and finalized others.

  “Love, it’s about time to go,” he said, looking down at his watch. It was my last Sunday session with Doctor James.

  “OK. We will talk later, Caleb,” I said, gathering up some papers.

  “OK have fun.”

  “Josi, good afternoon.” Doctor James shook my hand.

  “Hey doc.”

  “You seem upset. What’s going on?”

  “Dillon is going to New York for a few days tomorrow and I’m just nervous. It’ll be the first time we have been apart since I went to Iowa. I guess I’m just nervous, is all.”

  “Well that’s to be expected. You have made progress in overcoming the trauma Wade put you through. Use the steps we talked about, and remember you have support.”

  “I know, it was just unexpected.”

  “OK shall we begin?”

  “Yep,” I said, getting comfy on the couch.

  “Today I want to talk about your attack again. The trial is coming up soon, correct?”

  “Yes, I have to go up next week for a couple of meetings and it should start the first part of December.”

  “Have they given you an idea of when you will testify?”

  “Sometime toward the end.”

  “OK. Well let’s get started.

  I laid there recounting the entire evening. He had heard me tell it several times already.

  “It seems to be getting easier for you to talk about,” he commented, shutting off the recorder.

  “It seems,” I said. “The nightmares are few and far between now. Honestly, the last time I had one was when we last talked about it.”

  “Really? Well I’m hoping the more you talk about it, the easier it becomes. How are you and Dillon doing?”

  “Great. So when do you want me to schedule another appointment?”

  “I still want to see you once a week. Once the trial starts, we might bump it up if it starts to bother you.”

  “Sounds great, Doc. Thanks.”

  “Have a good day, Josi.”

  “So how did it go?” Dillon asked and kissed my forehead.

  “Good. We talked about the attack. He is concerned the trial might affect me, but he said we’ll wait and see.”

  “Do you care if we don’t go straight home?” he asked, pulling out into traffic.

  “No, I don’t mind. Caleb is at work already. What did you have in mind?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  We drove for about twenty minutes before he turned off. The sign on the road said we were headed to Cleary Farms. I couldn’t hide my smile.

  “Really?”

  “Yep. We have talked about it. I think you would feel more comfortable if I ever have to leave again. It won’t be very effective tomorrow but it can still keep you company.”

  We pulled into the driveway where an older couple was waiting.

  “Good afternoon. Mister Shade, correct?” the woman asked.

  “Yes. Good afternoon. This is my fiancé, Josilyn.”

  “Welcome. My name is Caroline and this is my husband, Earl. I’ll take you back to the puppy pens. Have you thought about which breed you’re interested in?”

  “I just thought I’d let her look and decide.”

  I could hear the barks and yips from here.

  “Do you breed them here?” I asked as we entered the building.

  “We do breed a couple, but mostly we rescue and rehome,” she explained. “We breed golden retrievers and German shepherds. We also have three litters of mixed pups.”

  There was a giant pen set up with all the pups playing. I fell in love with two of them as soon as we entered the pen. A male and female pup came right up and made themselves comfortable on my lap.

  “What kind are these?” I asked, stroking their fur.

  “He is a golden retriever/cocker spaniel. He shouldn’t get much bigger than knee-high. She is a German shepherd.”

  We pulled them into a separate area to play.

  “You decide. I can’t choose, I like them both,” I told Dillon, snuggling them.

  “Then we’ll take both.”

  “Really?”

  “If that’s what you want.”

  I leaned over and kissed him. “I love you. You know that?”

  “I had an idea.” He paid her and got all the documents we needed.

  They made themselves comfy on my lap as we drove to the pet supply store to grab what we needed.

  “I think they will be perfect additions for our family,” I said and kissed his hand. “Yes they will, and in time give you the comfort you need.”

  We walked the aisles and picked up everything.

  “You are amazing,” I said as we loaded up the truck.

  “Nah. Just showing you how much I love you.”

  “You don’t have to buy me things.”

  “Oh I know that, but I like to,” he said and kissed me softly, “So have you decided on names?”

  “I think he looks like a Kobe and she looks like a Kira.”

  “Those sound good to me.”

  We walked them around the house and the yard, then we put together the dog pens and laid their blankets in
them. Dillon attached their collars as I put their food and water out. Kira wasted no time making herself at home. We when walked in the living room she was snuggled on the couch.

  “Oh, that won’t do,” Dillon said, getting ready to shoo her off.

  “She’s fine, let her sleep,” I said, sitting down next to her and picking up Kobe.

  “These two will be spoiled rotten,” he said, looking at us.

  We lay there on the couch relaxing until Dillon decided to cook supper. The pups got their second wind, so we put them outside while he cooked. It was nice to watch him move around the kitchen.

  “I love it when you smile,” he said, dicing some mushrooms.

  “I love that I have a reason to smile,” I confessed.

  We decided a quiet meal and early to bed was a good idea. I think we are both worried how I’ll handle tomorrow.

  “I wish you could take time off and go with me. I hate leaving you,” he whispered, pulling me close.

  “I have the kids now. I’ll be fine. Caleb doesn’t work tomorrow night so he’ll be here. It will be fine.” I slid his hands around my waist and he gently kissed my neck.

  “Dinner will burn,” I reminded him.

  He shut of the burners and pulled me close. He lifted my shirt over my head, tenderly kissing my stomach as he did. I shuddered as desire flooded my body. The power he had over my body amazed me. I lifted his shirt, stroking my hands over his hard muscles.

  “Only a day, right?” I asked, sliding my hands to his jeans.

  “Just one day, love,” he said. He began trailing kisses along my neck.

  He lifted me onto the edge of the counter and slid my pants off. His mouth quickly dove between my folds. I tried to swallow my moans as my orgasm built. I wanted him inside me.

  “Please, Dillon,” I begged, tugging at his locks.

  He gave into my request and slowly slid his length inside me. I hissed my pleasure through gritted teeth. I barred down on his arms as he lifted me and quickened his pace.

  “I love you,” he said and captured my lips. I cried out as he pushed deeper inside me. He buried himself to the hilt with each stroke.

  He slid out slowly and I turned around, leaning over the counter. His hands massaged my back. The marble top was like ice against my pert nipples. He went deep and hard inside me, filling me quickly. His relentless pace is exactly what I needed. My pleasure built as he increased the pressure on my clit.

  “Come hard for me, baby,” he whispered in my ear. My body wasted no time giving in to his request. It shot thru me like lightening. He found his release shortly after.

  ***

  I held his hand as he waited to board his plane. “I’ll call you as soon as I land,” he said, pulling me in for a hug.

  “OK, I have to work at four. What time is your meeting?” I asked.

  “It’s at two. I’m not sure how long it will take. I’ll send you a text.”

  I kissed him softly and hugged him tighter. “I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you too, love.”

  ***

  Kira and Kobe were so sweet and cuddled with me as I sat on the couch crying. I knew it was only for a day but my heart hurt with his absence.

  This really sucks. I texted him while making lunch.

  Kira jumped suddenly, knocking my phone in the sink water.

  “Damn it!” I yelled, quickly snatching it up and pulling it apart. Kira whined at my feet. “I know it was an accident sweet girl,” I said, rubbing her head. I laid my phone out on the table, pulled out a zip lock bag, and filled it with rice. I could only hope it was still alive.

  I finished making my lunch and grabbed my laptop to email a couple people about my dead phone.

  Hey baby, Kira decided my phone needed a bath. I am trying to dry it out but email me if you can.

  Love you, hope your flight went well.

  Caleb, Kira drowned my phone. I’ll see you after work

  Marcus, my phone is dead. Email me if you need me before work, Josi.

  I kept myself busy cleaning and getting supper ready. All Caleb had to do was put it in the oven. My email pinged right before I left for work.

  Sorry baby. Just got into the hotel. I did text you before I saw your email. If your phone lives text me if not email me later.

  Love you truly

  Dillon

  I sent him a reply.

  Have a great meeting I’m headed to work now. I will check back with you after.

  Love you more

  Josilyn

  ***

  “So you drowned your phone?” Marcus said, stocking the server station.

  “Yeah. Hopefully it comes back on when I get home. It sucks because Dillon is in New York for the day and I can’t text him.”

  “Well I’m sure you’ll be busy enough tonight and it’ll dry out by the time your shift’s over.”

  “Yeah I’m sure it will.”

  Marcus was right, we were busy for a Monday. It was a nice distraction. I was cashing out my tickets when I got an eerie feeling someone was watching me. I looked around but no one was there. I still couldn’t shake that feeling as I got in my car.

  ***

  I was sitting on the outdoor couch putting my phone back together when the pups started barking beside me. They took off for the fence.

  “What’s got them riled up?” Caleb asked walking out with two glasses of wine.

  “Probably a squirrel, rabbit, or some other animal,” I said. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I watched as my phone pinged to life. “Oh, thank goodness.” I called Dillon as soon as I could.

  “Hello, love,” he answered. I could hear the smile in his voice.

  “Hey. How was the meeting?”

  “It went great. I have to stay one more day.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes, sorry love. I was waiting to see if your phone worked before I told you. They want me to stay to go over some financing things. I have great news that I can’t wait to tell you.”

  “It’s ok. Tell me your news.”

  “Don’t be upset. It’s only one more day. I’ll be home first thing Tuesday morning. I already booked the latest flight tomorrow night. I should be at the airport by 2 a.m. I promise. I want to tell you in person. I think you are going to love it. How are our babies?”

  “Great. Chasing animals around the yard right now. Kobe did have an accident but that’s to be expected. I’m going to let them sleep in the bed tonight.”

  “Oh, are you? Replacing me already?”

  “Maybe. They do snuggle very well.”

  “Well they can hold my place until I’m home. I plan on showing my girl just how much I missed her.”

  “And how much is that?”

  “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

  “Maybe I’ll put that toy to use while you’re gone.”

  “Will you now?” he said, then laughed. “Yep going to have blue balls all day. I can tell. That picture will be stuck in my head.”

  “Good. Now we are both suffering.”

  I got a funny feeling in my stomach again but couldn’t find the source.

  “You got quiet. What’s wrong, love?”

  “Nothing. Just had a funny feeling today. It’s just my mind messing with me since you’re not here. I think it’s going to be a rough night.”

  “I’m sorry, love. Maybe Caleb will sleep with you.”

  “He already said he would. Can I call you before I go to sleep?”

  “Of course. I’m going to jump in the shower and will be waiting to hear from you.”

  “I love you, Dillon.”

  “I love you too, Josilyn.”

  “You two are adorable,” Caleb said, standing up. “I’m going to find a movie and pop some popcorn. Sound good?”

  “Yep. I’m just going to check my messages then I’ll be in.

  He nodded and went inside. I had five voicemails and three text messages. The first two were from Dillon.

 
“Just landed call when I’m in the hotel.”

  “Just got you email. So, if your phone comes to life just know I love you so much.”

  The third was from my lawyer.

  “Josilyn I tried calling. I left several messages please contact me as soon as possible it is urgent.”

  I quickly dialed my voicemail before calling him. The first two were reminders of my doctors’ appointments. The next three were from him.

  “Josilyn. It is very urgent that I speak with you, please contact me.”

  “Josilyn. It’s Mr. Collier again. Please call me as soon as you can.”

  “Josilyn. I can’t go into details over a message. There is a chance you are in danger. Please call me.”

  I quickly dialed his number.

  “Josilyn thank goodness. I was afraid I was too late.”

  “Mr. Collier. What’s going on?”

  “Josilyn, Wade escaped.”

  I couldn’t breathe as I sat there and listened to him. My world shattered instantly. I knew he was here.

  “He faked being sick to get transferred to the hospital. They aren’t sure how he got around security, but he did. They didn’t contact me till this morning. He is believed to have escaped around midnight last night. I’m not sure if he’ll come after you but I have contacted your local authorities and they should be in contact with you. I am surprised they haven’t been already. We need to set you up with a bodyguard or security of some kind. I’m sorry, Josilyn.”

  “I’ll call the authorities right now and let them know I am home. Please keep me informed if you hear anything. Thank you for calling me, Mr. Collier.”

  I sat there trying to find the strength to dial the phone. I needed to call Dillon. He picked up on the first ring.

  “Well that was fast,” he said through laughter.

  “Dillon,” I said, panic evident in my voice.

  “Josilyn, wants wrong?” he said quickly. “Josilyn. Breathe. Tell me what’s wrong.”

  I tried to contain my fear. “Wade escaped custody. Dillon, I think he’s already here. I think that’s the funny feeling I’ve been getting.”

  “Call the police, love. I am booking the next flight home. Go in the house right now and lock the door. I am so sorry I left you.”

  “They are on the way. Dillon, I’m scared.”

  “I know, love, I know, but you need to do what I’m telling you. Set the alarm and don’t open the doors for anyone but the police OK?”