“Sure you can.”
“Really, we can take a different room. I feel terrible I’m making you sleep in a different room when it’s your house.”
“It has the best view in the house. I thought you might enjoy it.”
“Brett, why are you being so nice to me? You hardly even know me.”
“That’s not true. I know a lot about you.”
“Like what?”
“You like coffee, your favorite color is light blue, you work for an advertising company, you’re honest, you’re confident but since we have met you have felt less confident. I think in your head you’re wondering how many girls I have brought here and the answer is none. I haven’t brought anyone here.”
“Why me then?”
“To be honest.” He turned to me and then back at the road ahead of him. “I don’t have an answer for that. I have been trying to figure that out since I brought you here. I like you. You are different than most of the girls I meet. You didn’t throw yourself at me and expect me to buy you gifts and shower you with my affection. You’re like a breath of fresh air and I don’t know what to expect from you. Most women wouldn’t question me doing things for them. You’re funny and you don’t have to try to keep my attention. I want to be around you. I don’t know. Maybe that doesn’t make sense but there is just something that draws me to you and I want to spend time with you and get to know more about you.”
“Wow. And just so you know, I like you too.” I smiled as we pulled into the driveway and parked.
“Come on. Let’s find you a swimsuit and get in the hot tub.”
“Sounds perfect.”
We made our way inside and found a swimsuit in his sister’s room and sure enough, it still had the tags on it. I tried my hardest not to look at the price tag but couldn’t help myself. Two hundred and fifty dollars. There was no way I could afford something like this. I tried to hand it back but he just smiled and said he would buy his sister a new one. I followed Brett to his room so he could get his trunks out of his dresser, before taking them to the guest room to change.
I quickly changed and pulled my hair into a ponytail and went to find Brett.
“Come on, the hot tub is this way.” We made it to the back of the cabin where the hot tub was. We stopped before we walked out on to the deck. Luke and Mandy had beat us to it. They couldn’t see us but that was only because they were too busy with each other to know that we were even there.
“Looks like the hot tub is occupied.” I laughed.
“Want to watch a movie instead?”
“Sure.”
Mandy
The hot tub was the best part of the day. We weren’t even it for more than ten minutes before he pulled me closer to him and one thing led to another. The next thing I knew clothes were removed and neither of us were wanting to let up.
“Want to finish this in my room?”
I could only nod.
He hoped out of the hot tub then helped me out and wrapped a towel around me, before wrapping one around himself. He took me by the hand and pulled me along as we made our way to his room. Once alone in his room, we dropped our towels. We stared at one another before his hands found me. He pulled me to him as his lips crashed against mine. Our tongues intertwined together as my hands went into his hair. He pushed me back to the bed until I fell backwards landing on the bed.
He quickly climbed on top of me and my legs instantly wrapped around his waist pulling him closer to me.
* *
We laid in bed naked and breathed heavy.
“You want to get something to eat or are you ready for round number two?” Luke whispered into my ear.
“I should probably check on Lex. But food would be great right now and then maybe round two, three, and four for dessert.”
“I’m not sure I am going to let you out of my bed. I am nowhere near done with you.”
“Well you’re going to have to feed me if you want rounds two, three, and four.”
“Fine, let’s get some food and then you are all mine.”
Chapter Eleven
Lex
We were sitting in the living room eating pizza when Luke and Mandy finally came down to join us. Not that we didn’t know where they were. We had seen them in the hot tub, then heard them as they ran upstairs to Luke’s room.
“There you are. How was ice skating?” Mandy plopped down next to me and stole a piece of pizza from the box.
“It was fun. And look, Mandy, no broken bones. How was tubing?”
“It was a lot of fun.” She smiled as she lifted the pizza to her mouth.
“What about the hot tub?” I asked as she took a bite.
“Ahh. It was nice. How did you know I was in the hot tub?”
“Because we were going to use it but didn’t want to interrupt the two of you.”
“Oh.” She paused. Then shrugged her shoulders. “So what are your plans for the rest of the night?”
“Not sure yet. Brett, what’s the plan?”
“I was thinking we would head back to town. I have something I want to show you that I think you’ll like.” He looked down at his watch. “Actually, we need to get going in a few minutes if you want to get ready. Wear something warm. It gets a little cold at night.”
“Come on Mandy. Help me figure out what to wear.” I said hoping she would take the hint and not make an excuse to stay down here so that I couldn’t question her about what she was really doing.
“Coming.” She shoved the last bite of crust in her mouth and followed me up to the room.
I waited until we were upstairs before I started questioning her.
“So you little slut, spill.” I said as soon as we were behind closed doors.
“Lex, it was amazing. Oh my god, you have no idea. I think Luke has broken me for any other man.”
I pulled on a thick sweater and my black flannel lined leggings as Mandy laid sprawled out on the bed staring at the ceiling going on and on about how amazing Luke was in bed.
When she finally took a break I took that moment to let her know that this was Brett’s room.
“Well don’t worry about me tonight. I’m staying in Luke’s bed and I may never leave it.”
“You little slut. Have fun and I will see you in the morning.”
“Ready to go?”
“I am. So where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise but I promise you’re going to love it.”
We got in the car and headed for town. When we finally came to a stop I was in complete awe.
“Are we?” I couldn’t even finish my question.
“We are.” He smiled and walked me over to a large wooden sleigh. It was decked out for Christmas and even the driver was in costume wearing a Santa outfit.
“I can’t believe you did this. It’s amazing.”
“I’m glad you like it.” He helped me into the sleigh then climbed in behind me.
He pulled out two small thermoses and handed me one. “Hot cocoa?”
“You’ve thought of everything haven’t you?”
He smiled at me and threw his arm around me pulling me closer to him. He pointed out little things around town as we cuddled together in the sleigh. This was by far the most romantic thing that anyone had ever done for me.
When we stopped under a street light Brett pointed up. Mistletoe. I smiled and leaned into him pressing my lips to his. He pulled me closer, deepening the kiss as I wrapped my arms around his neck. Breathing heavily, he pulled back a little. “You ready to head back?” I nodded. I was more then ready to head back to the cabin.
Chapter Twelve
Waking up the next morning wrapped in Brett’s arms felt amazing. I hadn’t felt this close to someone for a long time and with Brett it was different. I wasn’t quite sure what it was, but I didn’t want it to end and today we were headed back to Florida. This was it. I was going home and Brett would walk away and I would probably n
ever see him again. I knew this was coming. I just didn’t think it would hurt this much. I had just met him and I already didn’t want to leave him.
“Morning.” He whispered as he pulled me closer to him.
“Morning. What time are we heading back?”
“Few hours.”
“I should get up and get my stuff packed.” I tried to pull away from him.
“Not yet. Besides the plane will wait for us.”
“Well then at least let me get up to use the bathroom and then I am all yours. Well for a few more hours at least.” He pressed a kiss to my forehead before letting me go. I slid out of bed and quickly made my way to the bathroom trying to hurry up so I could spend just a few more minutes with him.
When I walked back out, he was sitting up in bed.
“Lex can we talk about something?”
“Sure.” Shit. This is where he says this was fun but he has to get back to his life. I crawled into bed and sat next to him.
“I’m not sure what this is between us but I want to see where it goes. I don’t want to walk away without knowing for sure.”
“Are you asking if I want to be your girlfriend?”
He laughed “Yes, I suppose I am. Would it be so bad to see where things go with me?”
“I think I like that.”
“Good. Now get back under these blankets. I’m not ready to take you home just yet.”
Epilogue
Christmas Day
Two years later
Lex
“Hurry up, he’s waiting you.” Mandy yelled at me as I stood in front of my wedding dress I had just changed out of.
“I know, and he can wait a few more minutes.”
“Okay but its your honeymoon your going to be late for.” She laughed.
“I know. I just can’t believe that two years ago you dragged me to an ugly sweater party where I would meet my future husband.”
“And just think, you wanted to stay home that night.”
“I know. Thank you Mandy for being my best friend and my maid of honor and for dragging me out of my house that night. I don’t know what I would do without you.” I pulled her into a hug. “Now go make up with Luke. He is miserable without you.”
“Well he deserves it. I want him to sweat it out just a little bit longer.” She smiled.
“You are so evil.” I laughed.
“I know.” She laughed.
About The Author
Elizabeth Hayes lives in the Midwest with her crazy family and house full of pets. She enjoys the peace and quiet of living in the middle of nowhere. When Elizabeth isn’t writing you can find her reading a book, gardening or cuddling with one of her four dogs.
Links
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Elizabethhayesauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EhayesAuthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabeth_hayes_author/
Other Titles
The Finding Series by Elizabeth Hayes & Ashlee Taylor
Finding Salvation
Finding Redemption
Finding Christmas
Hades Angels Series by Elizabeth Hayes
Faith
Melody
Demons Of Darkness Series by Elizabeth Hayes
Lost In His Darkness
Lost in Our Darkness
A CHANGE OF HEART
SHARI J. RYAN
Copyright – Shari J. Ryan 2016
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
Edited by: Lisa Brown
Disclaimer: While it is not necessary to read A Heart of Time in order to enjoy this book, it may help with additional details.
PROLOGUE
JUNE
FIVE YEARS AGO
Having a best friend is one of the most important parts of life in my opinion. I’ve gone most of my life without one, secluding myself, hiding as a mutant in the confines of my bedroom. It wasn’t always this way, but as a child, I didn’t realize how instrumental friendships are in life. I was the bookworm, the studious kid, the one who would rather go exploring alone, rather than gossip and shop with friends. Maybe there was a reason for this and maybe my life was designed to be one of unity to prevent heartache of others.
I’ll never really know the whys of who I am or why I am this way, but at age twenty-four, I made my first true friend. Ellie—she’s my soulmate, but not like most soulmates who are meant to be romantically involved and spend each moment in gazing into each other’s eyes, she’s my soulmate for a much different reason.
“Do you want to meet for coffee after school? I have an idea,” Ellie says.
“An idea?” I laugh. “You and your ideas are going to get us in trouble one of these days.”
“Most definitely,” she says with a grin.
The last half of the school day flew by in a blur as I wondered what Ellie’s idea was. She’s the only person outside of my family who I have shared details of my life-altering disease with. Being diagnosed at eighteen with congenital heart-failure after living a pretty normal was pretty much the hardest news I’d ever have to swallow, including the news of dying within the year, if I’m lucky. It turns out, I’ve had this faulty heart since I was in the womb and my mild symptoms were always chalked up to other illness; common colds, viruses, bugs, I’ve had it all, but never knew until my heart skipped too many beats, causing me to pass out in the middle of my high school’s gym. After a million tests, we found an ugly diagnosis. We didn’t know at the time, but my life was about to degrade quickly.
Waiting outside of the school by Ellie’s car, I see her jog out of the back door with a smile from ear to ear. “I don’t think I contain my excitement or wait until we get to the coffee shop. Guess what?”
“What?” I say, taking her shaking hands. “Tell me!”
“I’m pregnant,” she spits out. “After all that time of trying, it finally happened.”
I’m left without words with utter elation and happiness for Ellie and her husband, Hunter. They have wanted a baby so badly and they’ve had nothing but failed attempts in the time I’ve known her, and even before that. I wrap my arms around her neck and squeeze her tightly, feeling her heart pound against my dying one. “I can’t even believe it! I’m so happy for you! Do you know how far along you are?”
“I’m already thirteen weeks. I was scared to tell anyone after losing the last two babies so early, but my doctor said this one is sticking around and he’s confident we’re going to be parents.” Ellie has tears rolling down her cheeks and all I can do is embrace her happiness and wonder what it must be like to want something so badly and actually receive it. Like a heart for me. I’ve been on a recipient list since eighteen and I’m no closer now than I was then, which sucks since I’m getting closer to the end. I haven’t told Ellie I’m not returning for the next school year. I haven’t told her I won’t be strong enough to get out of bed by that time if I’m still alive. She knows I’m dying, but it’s always been a thing to happen at an undisclosed date in the future.
“That’s incredible! Hunter must be over the moon!” I tell her.
“Oh my gosh, he already has the nursery done. He’s picked out a million names from the baby book and we literarlly spend every moment together crossing names off of our list and adding new ones. I don’t think I could have asked for a better husband and dad for our child. I’m so grateful this little girl or boy is going to have him.”
Ellie’s face falls flat as she looks down at her stomach, rubbing it with the palms of her hands. “I’m scared our child might only have one parent, though, you know?”
I place my hand on Ellie’s shoulder, forcing her to look up at me. “You knew this could be a possibility, Ellie. It was part of your plan.�
�� A plan I’m not sure I understand still, but a plan, nonetheless. Ellie has an active brain aneurysm that could rupture during any physical trauma to the head or intense activity. She calls herself a ticking timebomb.
This is why we are best friends. We’re both dying. She doesn’t know when her last day is going to be, and I don’t know when my last day is going to be. Now that she’s pregnant, there’s a good chance she just fast-forwarded to her ending, which ironically might be right around the time of mine. How sad are we?
“I know. I still want all of this. I want to leave Hunter with a piece of me, and this is the only way to do it.” I’ve told her she had the possibility of living a long time as long as she kept her head safe but she has told me there is no purpose to living if you can’t live completely. If she dies, she will have left nothing behind for people to remember her by, and a child, in her mind, was the only way to do this.
“You should tell Hunter,” I say. “Don’t you think?”
She nods quickly at me with a tight-lipped smile. “No, I want him to enjoy this time. I want to enjoy this time. It’s like tearing a bandage off. No one wants to do it slowly, right?”
“I suppose,” I tell her, wanting to hug her and beg her to change her mind about everything but it’s too late.
“I told you I have an idea,” she says.
“What is your idea?” I ask her as we start walking alongside the football field.
“If I don’t make it through birthing and I die, I want you to have my heart.”
I stop walking because I’m not sure my brain is capable of comprehending what she just said. Telling me she would give me her heart as if it were a pencil to replace my broken one, doesn’t seem okay. “I’m sorry, what?”
“You heard me,” she says, pulling me forward.
“Ellie, I couldn’t…”
“Take my beating heart out of my dead body? Yeah, you can, and you will,” she says.
Christmas in the City II Page 12
