by Rhonda James
“I know, I love you too big brother.” I lifted on my tiptoes to give him a kiss. “I promise I’ll call, but I need your number.” I pulled out my phone, and he quickly typed his contact information onto the screen, then sent a text to himself so that he would have my number.
I stood in the doorway, watching them walk away, and my stomach did a little flip as I thought about how quickly this family had welcomed me into their lives and loved on me. Just the fact that they made an effort to come by one last time to see me made my heart overflow with emotion. This had already been a special day, and having it end on this note made it even better.
Sebastian came up behind me, slipping his arms around my waist, and rested his chin on my shoulder.
“I love your family and friends. You’re a very lucky man, Sebastian Miles. It’s going to be even harder to leave now,” I moaned, waving one last time as they pulled away.
“I told you; they’re your family too. No matter what happens with us, they will always be there for you. That’s how they are; it’s what makes them so special. Come on, let’s go hang out and talk.”
I turned, following him toward the man cave, where we always hung out, but when we got to the door he kept walking, toward his bedroom. I stopped, pulling back on his hand.
“I thought we were just talking.”
“We are, I just want to lie down and hold you, just once more before you leave me. If I don’t get to do this, I’m not sure I can handle you leaving. Just let me have this, please,” he pleaded.
We entered his room, and he guided me over to the bed, where he sat down and patted the space next to him. I sat down tentatively; this was the first time we had been on a bed since we’d confessed our feelings for one another. He turned on his side and pulled me against him, in a spooning position. Once we were settled, he threw a quilt over us, and he buried his face in my hair, breathing deeply.
“I feel bad for Chris, he’s really taken to you. You know you’re going to have to make good on your promise to call him and check in from time to time. He always wanted a little sister. I think it’s great that you two found each other.”
“Me too, he seems like a really great guy. I’m glad that it doesn’t bother you anymore. I mean, now that you know we don’t have romantic feelings for each other,” I giggled.
“I hope that I’m the only man you have romantic feelings for.”
“You are.”
“Good. Now that we’ve established that…” He turned my face to his and met me with warm lips, kissing me tenderly. As the kiss deepened, I twisted my body toward him, slipping an arm around his waist. Our mouths parted, and I felt his tongue glide over mine, twisting and turning in a seemingly choreographed dance. We paused momentarily, taking a quick breath, before picking right back up where we left off, caught up in the throes of a newly acquired passion that was about to end all too soon. His hand moved to cup the left side of my face as his lips moved delicately over my jaw and continued down my neck. I felt his body shifting and soon I was pinned beneath him as his lips once again found mine. I wrapped my arms around his back, holding on for dear life, not wanting to let go, even though common sense told me I probably should before things got out of hand.
“Brooke,” he whispered breathlessly, “You know that I want you, don’t you?” His knees settled between my legs.
“Sebastian, we’d better stop before this goes too far. It’s too soon.” I panted, holding onto his biceps to steady myself. “I love you but I need to wait.”
“Wait?” He cursed softly and lowered his head. “Oh man,” he rolled onto his back and rubbed the heel of his hands over his eyes.
“I’m sorry, I just think we need to wait. I need to see where this goes before I give myself to you. I want something more than just sex; I need romance.
“I thought I had been romancing you. You’re leaving tomorrow, how am I supposed to romance you from afar?”
“I guess you’ll just have to be creative. You’re a bright guy, if you want it bad enough you’ll figure it out. Besides, I think I deserve the full court press, don’t you?” I nudged him playfully.
“Actually, you’re right.” He sat up, bringing me with him as we now sat cross-legged on the bed. “You deserve that and so much more. I’m sorry Brooke, I wasn’t thinking straight. Before you, being with a woman usually involved sex. I’m just so mixed up with you leaving. I’m scared of what will happen after you get on that plane.” He pulled my hand to his chest, splaying it out palm down over his heart. “When you leave tomorrow, you’ll be taking a huge piece of this with you. Take care of it please, it’s pretty fragile.
“I promise to guard it with my whole heart.” We settled back against each other, my back to his front, and fell asleep together.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
Sebastian~
Well, today is the day I have been dreading for the past nine days. Today she is leaving. I’m not typically an overly emotional person. but there is an all too familiar feeling of sadness that is beginning to take up residence in my heart. I will miss her, not just physically, but emotionally as well. When I am around her I find myself wanting to be a better man, her outlook on life, in spite of all the baggage that she is carrying, is fresh and positive, and honestly, those are two things that I need a whole lot more of in my life.
When I woke this morning, I found Brooke still snuggled up to me, almost as if she had belonged there all along. I couldn’t recall a time when I had slept next to a woman when all I did was hold her all night. She had told me that she wasn’t ready to move to that level of intimacy in our relationship. At first it had felt like a small slap in the face, but last night, lying there holding her like that, I totally understood. She wanted me to romance her from afar, a challenge I eagerly looked forward to taking on. Brooke would be the first woman I had the opportunity to romance, with Charlotte I had just been too young and inexperienced to do it right. This time, with Brooke, I wasn’t going to leave any stone left unturned, I intended to make her feel special, even if it was from a thousand miles away.
“Are you all packed?” I asked, as I entered her room. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, holding a framed photo of all of us that Nikki’s fiancé had taken when we were at Mom and Dad’s house for dinner. When Natalie came in last night she had handed it to Brooke as a memento of her time here. Mom had written a note to go along with the photo. Inside it she told Brooke that she always had a place in our family and that their home was now her home as well, she was welcome anytime. I could tell that she had been crying, so I sat down beside her and held her for a moment.
“Yeah, there wasn’t much to pack,” she shrugged. “We should probably get ready to go,” she spoke softly.
“Sweetie, I know you’re having a hard time with this, so am I. You know that we’re going to be okay, right? If that’s what you’re worried about it’s not even an issue. As much as my ego would like to think that this is all about me, I’ve got a feeling that it is something much more than that. You’re having a hard time leaving all of them aren’t you?” she nodded slowly. “I understand that, they filled a gaping hole in your heart. But don’t worry, I know my family and they will be calling you regularly. I’ll make sure Mom and Natalie have your number and your email.” I placed a hand on her chin, and she lifted her eyes to mine. “They won’t forget you. None of us will.”
“Thank you,” she released long breath. “I feel like I have finally found people that love me and want me around and now I have to walk away from it all. I’ve gotten spoiled being around your family. Please promise me that you will never take them for granted Sebastian. They are precious. I would give anything to have that kind of care and love from my family. Don’t ever forget how incredibly fortunate you are. You are a very rich man, and I don’t mean financially.”
“I promise. Thank you for helping me remember that. I love my family very much, and you’re right, I am very lucky. But, as rich as I am to have them and all of this,” I swep
t my hand over the space before us, “you coming into my life made all of that look like chump change.”
“You’re just trying to sweet talk me,” she bumped me with her elbow.
“Well, if that’s the case, then I think you’d better prepare for a sugar overload.” I pushed her gently down on the bed, kissing her one last time before heading to the airport.
I don’t care what time you pull into LAX, that place is always a nightmare to navigate. I had driven as slowly as I could, without ticking off the other drivers, trying my best to delay saying that final goodbye. I circled around a few times before I was able to find a place to park, she kept insisting that I could just drop her off, but I wouldn’t have any part of it. I needed to be able to send her off with a proper hug.
“Promise you’ll text me before you board the plane?”
“Yes, I promise,” she smiled, crinkling up that adorable little nose. “And I promise to text you when I land, and call you when I walk in my apartment. Anything else?” she winked.
“Yeah, call me before you go to sleep, I want to hear your voice before you go to bed. Then, call me when you wake up so I can hear you when your voice is all cute and sleepy sounding,” I rubbed my nose playfully against hers.
“You do realize that there is a three hour time difference?” she chuckled.
“I know. I’ll just pretend that I’m going to bed too.” I puckered my lips and gave hers a teasing smack.
“I’d better go in, it looks like it might take a while to get through security.” We both looked through the glass and saw long lines waiting to go through the security scanners. “I’m going to miss you so much.”
“I’m going to miss you too, but we’ll see each other soon.”
“I think I need another bone crusher,” she pouted, her soft pink lips turned down pitifully.
“I’ve always got one of those for you. Come here.” She stepped into my waiting arms, and I slipped them around her small waist, then gripped my wrist tightly, before pulling her in for the tightest bone crushers I had ever given. For a brief moment, it felt as if we were so tight that we had actually bonded together, becoming one.
“I’m so thankful that those men mugged me that day, without them, I wouldn’t have had the best week of my life. I love you Sebastian.”
“It’s been the very best week of my life as well. I love you, Brooke, so very much.” Then, our lips pressed together for one final mind-blowing kiss, one that I’m sure neither of us will soon forget.
Brooke~
That kiss rocked my world; I felt it spread through my body like a raging fire, alerting all of my senses to respond. His lips felt like silk on mine, and the way his tongue would mingle with mine and make itself comfortable, all of it made my legs weak and rubbery. Walking away from him had been one of the hardest things I had experienced in a long time. The only thing that made this parting easier had been the knowledge that I would get to see him again at some point in time, unlike my last parting from Devon. There really was no comparing the two men. They were complete opposites in the looks department, both good looking, but where Sebastian was dark haired with tanned skin, Devon had been blonde and very fair.
Getting through security had taken some time, forty-five minutes to be exact. I pulled out my phone to check the time, and the background image brought a smile to my face, it was a selfie that taken during our last walk on the beach. He had been holding me, and I pulled out my phone and snapped it. I made my way through the busy airport, stopping to buy a bottle of water and a cup of coffee, before settling into my seat near the gate. I had only a short time to kill before I boarded the plane, so I decided to send him a quick text.
Me: I’m about to board the plane, just hanging out waiting for them to call my zone.
Sebastian: Did you remember to take your Dramamine?
Me: I just bought a coffee and water, and I’m taking it now. Thanks for reminding me
Sebastian: You’re welcome, that’s what good boyfriends do
Me: So, you’re officially my boyfriend now?
Sebastian: Yep, and you’re officially my girlfriend.
Me: That’s so cool. My boyfriend is Sebastian Miles. I’m a lucky girl.
Sebastian: Ha ha. Well, just think how lucky I am. I get to be Brooke Caldwell’s boyfriend. I think that if this were a contest, I would be the obvious winner.
Me: Boyfriend, you say the best things
Sebastian: Love you beautiful. Now, go take your medicine and board the plane, and if you fall asleep I hope you dream of me.
Me: You know what’s so funny about that, even before I met you I used to dream about you. So I would say it’s highly likely I’ll be dreaming of you, only now the dreams will be of things we actually did, instead of what I would do if I ever met you.
Sebastian: Miss you already.
The flight home was uneventful, thankfully, and when I exited the airport I found Jade parked and waiting for me. When she saw me approaching, she hopped out and ran over to me, squealing with delight.
“Oh, I am so glad that you’re back home! I’ve missed you girl.” Her arms opened, inviting me in for a hug, and she squeezed me tight. “I hope you don’t plan on leaving anytime soon, it is pretty boring around here without you. Marmalade even grew tired of my complaining.”
“That’s pretty bad,” I laughed. “I’m not sure how many trips are in my future. I know he wants to see me again,” I grinned and shrugged.
“Wow, that is so amazing Brooke. Do you have pictures? I’m dying to hear about all of it.” I opened up my phone and showed her the photos we had taken during the week. She nearly deafened me when she saw a picture of me with Dek; I couldn’t wait to give her the picture that he signed. When she saw the one of Sebastian and me on the beach, she held her hand to her mouth, and her eyes got watery. “Oh my gosh Brooke, I can totally see how much he loves you in this photo. Look at his face, the way that he is looking at you. He isn’t just looking at you; he adores you. That is so precious.” She hugged me one more time before turning back to the car. “Okay, we have to get home, I want to hear all about it, even though I am sure that I will be insanely jealous, I need to hear about how you two fell in love. This is so exciting!”
“You have no idea how exciting it is,” I replied softly, still staring at the photo, but now through eyes that had been fully opened. I sent Sebastian a quick text.
Me: Landed safely, now telling Jade our love story.
Sebastian: Be sure to leave a few things to her imagination, not knowing that stuff will put her over
the edge Call me later.
After we arrived back at the apartment, and I finished my story, I took my bags into my room and started unpacking. I came across the photo that Dek had signed, and I went back out into the living room to find Jade.
“I have a present for you, well two actually.”
“Oh goody, presents! Let me see,” she wiggled her fingers in the air, trying to grasp the items. “Oh, I love it!” she exclaimed when I handed her a Paradox band T-shirt, signed by all of the guys. Then, I pulled the second gift from behind my back and waited for her reaction. “Holy crap! Did he actually write this to me? Get out of here! He wants to meet me? I think I’m going to pass out. You know CPR don’t you?”
“Jade, calm down, you’re going to hyperventilate. Breathe sweetie. Yes, he actually signed that, after seeing your picture first. He insisted that I show him a photo before he wrote that to you. He even talked about you the last time I saw him,” I smiled smugly.
“No way! What did he say?”
“Oh, you know, that he thought he would come to Michigan with Sebastian and meet my cute little friend.” She punched me in the arm and screamed. “Ow!” I protested, rubbing the affected area.
“Sorry, that is just about the best thing I’ve ever heard. I can’t believe you got to spend the whole week in his house, and in his arms. That’s so romantic. It sounds like you two are pretty serious, how is it going to work l
ong distance? Is he going to play the field while you are away?”
“I don’t know,” I frowned. “I don’t think so. I think he’s pretty committed to this.”
“Well, I think it is just so romantic. You got to live the fantasy of most of the girls in the continental United States, that is wicked awesome my friend.”
“Yeah, it was,” I replied dreamily.
Later that night, I called Sebastian to say goodnight, we talked for an hour, he told me about his day in the studio, and, for a short time, I was able to pretend that I was still there with him. Sleep that night had been slow to come, but when I did finally manage to drift off, I dreamed sweet dreams of the two of us walking on the beach, collecting seashells, and stopping to kiss in the sand.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Sebastian~
It’s been two weeks since Brooke left to go back home. Things with the band ramped right back up after she left. For both of us it had been a bit difficult to jump right back into the normal routine as if nothing had happened. We knew that something special had taken place, and we both wanted desperately to hold on tight to the magic that had enveloped us during our time together.
“Sebastian, we’re going to take it again, from the top.” I nodded, slipping the headphones back over my ears. We had been in the studio for most of the day, and I was having trouble working my way through one of the new songs. Each time I sang it through I found something that I didn’t like about the lyric and I would change it up, by the end of a long day everyone was getting tired of waiting for me to get it together. My concentration was shot. The music started up in my headphones, and I closed my eyes, images of Brooke filled my mind and I started in on the song, singing it all the way through this time and feeling content with the result. When the song was over, I pulled off my headphones and Johnny, our sound technician, came out and clapped me on the back.
