Tag You're Mine

by T L Osborn

  “Maybe if I hadn’t focused so much on your friendship with Courtney, I would’ve seen the real danger.”

  “How could you? I lived with him and didn’t see it.”

  She has a point, I guess.

  Riley picks up her coffee and takes a sip. “I hope this tastes better than it looks,” she says.

  “Would you like a hand to butter your toast?” I ask.

  “Please, just butter.”

  “No spread?”

  “No, thank you.”

  I let go of her hand and help spread the butter on the toast. After cutting it, she picks it up and takes a bite. Riley finishes her toast and coffee, then pushes the tray away. I move it for her, then help her get comfortable beneath the blankets. She cuddles with the teddy I gave her, reaching her hand out of the blankets for me to hold.

  “Sleep, baby. I’ll stay here until you wake again.”

  “I’m sorry I can’t stay awake any longer.” As her eyes begin to close, I move my chair closer and lean down to kiss her hand. She smiles softly as she falls into a deep sleep. I stay with her, content with simply holding her hand, just being with her. I’m hoping this is the start of fixing us too. I really do.

  I thought I’d lost you baby, but now I’ve got to put this right.

  Riley

  I hear the sound of hushed voices; it sounds like James and Courtney.

  Opening my eyes and peering over to where they’re seated beside my bed, James flicks his eyes to me and smiles when he sees I’m awake.

  “Hey beautiful,” he says as I roll over, but my IV line pulls, so I stop.

  “I really wish they’d take this out,” I complain.

  “They will, but not yet.”

  I wriggle myself up and move the back of the bed upward, then relax against the pillows. This bed is so damn uncomfortable, I can’t wait to get out of here.

  “I heard the nurses say the doctors are coming around soon, so hopefully they have some good news for you,” James says.

  “How have you been?” I ask Court. None of this has been easy on her.

  “I’m okay. Your parents came and packed up your bedroom yesterday. That was hard. The police are done with their investigation in the house, so I’ve asked Gavin’s family to come pack up his stuff. Well actually, to come and collect it since I’ve already packed it.”

  “What are you going to do for roommates?” I ask.

  She shrugs. “I think I’m going to sell the house; perhaps buy something smaller, just for me and maybe get my own dog. I’ve missed having Poppy around.”

  “If you want somewhere smaller to live, my apartment will be available just after the new year for you to move into,” James offers.

  He’s moving?

  “Are you moving?” I ask, but before he can answer me, the curtain opens and a few doctors join us.

  “Miss Fields?” one greets me.

  “Yes.”

  “Looking at your chart, all your vitals are looking good. How is your head feeling?” the same one asks.

  “It’s okay. I haven’t felt dizzy today and I managed to eat this morning,” I reply as my stomach growls. The doctor smiles. “I was wondering when I can go home?” I ask.

  “Well, another night here for observation and more eating, then we can see about sending you home tomorrow? You’ll be on strict bed rest for at least the first week, but don’t push yourself. If you get dizzy, stay lying down.”

  “Of course, what about work? I’m a self-employed photographer. I don’t get sick leave,” I say.

  “No work for at least the first week and ease back into it. Right. We’ll leave you to it; sounds like lunch is making the rounds. We’ll get you sorted tomorrow when we come around to make sure you’re feeling better.” With that, they leave and I turn to James and Courtney with a sigh of relief.

  “One more night, I can handle that.”

  “I’m just glad you’re okay. I wish I’d been home or at least known the extent of his feelings. I’m so sorry I left you guys alone.”

  “Court, it’s okay. How could you possibly know? We both lived with him for heaven’s sake. We both thought he had a girlfriend and maybe he did at one point. I don’t blame you,” I say.

  She smiles. “Hey, I gotta run, I have to be at work. I’m glad you’re awake for me to see you. We’ll catch up soon, maybe for a girls’ night if that’s okay with James?”

  “Absolutely fine with me,” James replies.

  “Yeah, get me out of here first.” I laugh.

  She hugs me goodbye, then leaves.

  I turn to look at James. “So what did I miss while I was asleep?”

  “Not much. I did pop out to the shop though and grabbed you a few things. I picked up some chocolate in case you get hungry and some magazines for reading. I thought about getting you a book, but I figured at least with a magazine you can flick through it instead of concentrating if you’re tired.”

  “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

  He shifts in his seat and reaches over to clasp my hand in his. “I’ve got something to tell you. I’ve been seeing a counsellor to help me move forward with everything.”

  “How’s it going?”

  “Great. At first I was nervous to even talk, but I think it’s helping. I’m more open and willing to talk about things now. I feel like a huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders and I can be a better man.”

  “James, you’re already a good man.”

  He shakes his head. “No, a good man wouldn’t have treated you the way I did. For that, I will forever be sorry. I only hope we can repair things.”

  “We can. I’m so glad you told me.”

  “I don’t want to keep secrets from you. I should’ve told you about the baby in the first place, but you were right when you said I was the one standing in the way of healing,” he says. I squeeze his hand as I shift my body to look at him. “Baby, I’ve been really lost without you. The last two weeks have been hell. I’ve been existing, not living. You’re the one who makes my heart come alive. I’ve missed waking up with you in my arms and I deeply regret how I treated you.”

  I lift his hand to mine. “We got this. Together, not apart.”

  “But first we need to get you out of here.” He chuckles as my lunch is delivered. One look at the meal and suddenly I’m not hungry. It’s not appealing at all: sandwiches, some sort of fruit salad, cheese and crackers. “Yes, we definitely need to get you out of here. The only thing appetizing on this plate is the cheese.”

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Riley

  I’ve been given the all clear by the doctors; at least for the next six months. They’ve even said I can go back to work at a slow pace and to take things easy since I’m self-employed.

  It’s been a few weeks since the incident and I’ve seen James every night for dinner. I’m sitting outside, reading, while I wait for him to arrive when my mother comes out the door.

  “Riley, the police and James are here to see you,” she informs me.

  I put my book down and go into the lounge. James comes over and opens his arms which I step into; his cologne familiar, musky smelling, just like the teddy he gave me. I inhale him deep, not wanting to lose his smell.

  “You okay?” he asks.

  “Yeah,” I say, stepping back, then turn to the police officers.

  “I’m Detective Tobias Thompson and this is Constable Edward Rogers. We’re here to give you an update about your case. We can tell you we’ve completed the investigation into your attack. We have charged Mr Gavin Combs with assault, intent to rape, battery and use of illegal drugs. We know you were drugged the night he attacked you, but you were lucky enough, that by the time it fully kicked in, you’d been knocked out and James had arrived, or things could’ve gone a different way. You will be asked to testify in court. Also, you can ask for compensation after what he did to you and you’ll be asked to do a victim impact statement, but only if you choose to.”

  “Okay, is there anythin
g else you need from me?”

  Detective Thompson shakes his head. “Not at this stage.”

  “Thank you.” I take the card from him and tuck it into my pocket.

  “I’ll leave you to your evening now.”

  “Thanks for everything, Toby,” James says as he stands.

  “No worries.”

  The police leave and James turns around to face me. “Are you okay? That was a lot to take in.”

  “I don’t think I’m going to be okay for a very long time. Do you think you could give me the name of your counsellor?”

  “I’m right here beside you, no matter what.” He wraps his strong arms around me and I lean against him. “Also, Simon and Aria are doing a pre-wedding party as they’re not doing the traditional night apart. They’ve said I can bring you with me and you’re welcome to stay the night since Aria wants you there for the wedding preparations the next morning.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yup. That’s if you want to join me? There’s no pressure for us to share a bed. I’m still worried I might accidentally roll over and crush you during the night.”

  “I’d love to join you. We’ll sleep together, we’ve been apart for too long. I want to be with you.” He smiles down at me. “When is the party?”

  “Friday night. I’ll come by early afternoon to pick you up.”

  “I’m looking forward to you seeing the dress I’ve picked out for the wedding.” I slide my hand into his and pull him towards my room so we can be alone, even if it’s not for too long.

  “How’s the counselling going?” I ask him, closing my bedroom door.

  “Good. I’ve probably got a few more sessions to go. I’ve also decided I want to let some balloons off for my son, so I can heal, and let him go.”

  “You never have to let him go. Don’t let him be forgotten. You loved him and still do; there’s nothing wrong with that.” I sit on the bed beside him. “I think it’s courageous of you to want to do a memorial. That can’t be easy.”

  “Will you be there?”

  “I wouldn’t be anywhere else. Now, want to see my dress?”

  He shakes his head. “Surprise me.”

  “Oh, you’re in for a huge surprise.”

  He grins. “Come on, baby, if we stay in here any longer I think I’m going to strip you naked and do all the dirty things I’ve wanted to do to you for the last few weeks.”

  “You’ll get the chance this weekend.”

  “I hope so.”

  So do I. I’m ready to let him back in. He’s sweet, honest, kind, caring and loving and all mine. A thought crosses my mind, but I don’t share it with him immediately. I’ll show him rather than tell him. This broken man is mine to help fix and I’ll stand by his side as long as it takes.

  James

  “So does this mean you two are back together?” Simon asks nodding towards the living area of his home where Riley is standing, sipping champagne with my sister.

  “I think so. I’m not really sure,” I reply.

  “She’s here, it’s a good start. You deserve to be happy.”

  “I want to thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the last few weeks and all of your support.”

  He smiles. “Anytime, but you better be coming back to work on Monday because your replacement CFO is shit.”

  I throw him a grin. “You mean he can’t count?”

  “He definitely can’t count.” Simon chuckles.

  “I’ll probably have my work cut out for me.”

  “It’ll be good having you back, the place hasn’t been the same.”

  Glancing into the room, I find Riley looking at me, her face lights up with a beautiful smile, making me feel all gooey on the inside. She’s awoken my stone cold heart, and made me worthy of feeling love again. I’m amazed she’s even taken me back considering how broken I am, but it says a lot about her. I’m hoping someday soon she’ll agree to move back in with me, then we can get our relationship back on track.

  “What are you thinking about?” Simon asks, breaking me out of my head.

  “Asking Riley to move in with me.”

  “That’s a big step.”

  “Huge for me,” I say. “Oh, and I haven’t told her the best bit… I bought a puppy.” A clatter of metal upon metal rings through my ears.

  “You bought a puppy? What breed and why?”

  “Yup. Maltese-Shih Tzu cross, same as Poppy and I have to admit I’ve been a little lonely since Poppy passed away and Riley’s been gone.”

  He bursts into laughter. Bastard. “So you’re basically telling me I won our bet.”

  “What bet?”

  “The two bottles of whiskey I bet you that you’d be engaged within a year. You’re already thinking about marrying her, aren’t you?”

  “I’ve already got her ring.”

  He slaps me on the back. “I’m really happy for you.”

  “She’s got to say yes first.”

  “She will.”

  “Who would imagine both of us going from playboys to married men within a year?”

  “Mel’s turn next,” Simon says.

  After spending a few hours talking with my family, Riley and I are finally alone and cuddled together in bed. I’m in awe of how far we have come with our relationship, but also the changes I’ve made within myself and it’s all been with her help, love and support.

  “I love you,” I say. “I’m never going to tire of telling you that. Until I met you, I’d never thought about falling in love again, but you awoke something in me, Riley. You made me feel alive again. I started seeing a counsellor because I want to be the kind of man you need: strong, dependable, fun and a man you’re proud to say is yours.”

  “I was and still am proud to say ‘Yes, this is my man’. James, I’ve wanted nothing more than your love. I want to be here for you in times of hardship and grief.”

  “I still blame myself for what happened with Gavin and I even told the counsellor that. He believes, like you, that I shouldn’t feel guilty, but I can’t help it. I want you back. I sure as fuck don’t deserve you after the way I treated you. What did a fool like me ever do to deserve someone as loving and sexy as you in my life?”

  “I think you hit a tree,” she says with a light laugh.

  “Best fucking accident I’ve ever had.” I chuckle while she snuggles into me.

  “I love you. Sweet dreams, babe.”

  Gripping her tightly within my arms, I know that right now, I’m one lucky man to have such an amazing woman by my side.

  Riley

  Watching James from across the dance-floor, I’m certainly one lucky girl to have him in my life. He’s changed for the better over the last few weeks. He’s happier, smiling a lot more, and most importantly, he’s relaxed.

  I’ve snapped loads of photos today of Simon and Aria’s beautiful wedding. James made my heart pound hard and blood pressure soar when I first saw him in his black tuxedo. Lust builds within me like a fire burning brighter every time I look at him. There’s a craving, I need him to love me like he needs air to breathe; the way I love him.

  He glances across the room, and crooks a finger at me. With footsteps, as light as a ballerina, I glide across the floor, unable to resist his magnetic pull.

  “Would you like to dance, Miss Fields?” he asks, holding out a hand to me.

  “I’d love to, Mr Billington.” Sliding my hand into his, he leads me out onto the floor.

  He nods to the DJ who turns on Elton John’s, Something About The Way You Look Tonight. He twirls me around and around.

  “You look absolutely stunning tonight,” he says, pulling me close to him and sliding an arm around my waist.

  “Thank you. You look just as handsome, that suit does things to me.”

  “Oh, yeah, what sort of things?”

  “Giving me naughty ideas.”

  He chuckles. “We might have to do a tuxedo photoshoot for you to use as muse photos.”

  “I thin
k that can be arranged.”

  We keep swaying to the music and another song comes on, this one I’m not sure of the name, but we are joined by Simon and Aria. I look up at James, and wrap my arms around his neck. “I think I’m ready to come home.”

  “Home?” he asks, giving me a puzzled look.

  “Yeah, your place. I think if we’re going to fix things, why not just jump into the deep end,” I say.

  He looks at me with his big chocolate eyes. “I’ve been thinking about that too. I wanted to ask you to move in with me after our birthday, but obviously with what happened, I never got around to it. Are you sure it’s what you want?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “We’re going to have a new roommate,” he says.

  “We are, who?”

  “He’s small, fluffy, black and caramel coloured and a Maltese-Shih Tzu cross puppy like Poppy. I know nothing can replace her, and no other dog will, but I must admit things have been lonely without her.”

  “You bought a puppy?”

  “Yup. So what do you say, want to move in with us?”

  “Yes, yes, yes!”

  He picks me up, spinning me around as our lips connect. When we part, we come up laughing and gasping for air.

  “Tonight you’ll move in. Please say yes.”

  “Yes. I’ll move in tonight.”

  “Good, because I’ve got some house plans I need to show you. I’m building us a home. We can’t live in that apartment forever and we’ll be able to move in just after New Year’s.”

  “Oh, so that’s what you meant by offering Courtney the apartment,” I say, connecting the dots from his statement of a few weeks ago.

  “Yes. She’ll rent it off us of course, but it’ll be a fair price.”

  “She’s going to love it. You’re the best boyfriend ever.”

  “I want to be more than your boyfriend one day.”

  “You’ll have to ask my dad first.”

  He chuckles. “I don’t think he’ll turn me down.” He lifts me up, spinning me around again. Our mouths crash together, fusing as one, letting our kiss express everything we need to say, want to say, and haven’t said.