by Marisa Logan
“He took advantage of you, didn’t he?” Olivia said, her face hard and angry.
I felt the tears begin to fall. I gathered up the trash and turned away to toss it. Olivia met me at the trash can. She put her arm around me and I stiffened.
“My friend called the cops and they came just as Kirk started to beat him in the living room for interfering. They found me barely conscious upstairs. I fought back and, from what the doctor said, I had a few broken ribs and contusions on my face from where Kirk pressed me down onto the bed. The cops threw Kirk in jail. We were all put in new foster homes and I never saw my friend again.”
Olivia sighed deeply.
“Now I know why you keep to yourself so much. You’re afraid to let anyone in,”
“If it hadn’t been for me, none of those boys would have lost their foster home. Some of them had lived with Kirk for years without any trouble. I came in and ruined everything.”
“No, you didn’t,” Olivia snapped, “he was sick. He shouldn’t have had any children in his care.”
We grabbed up our purses. Olivia checked her phone.
“I’m sorry, sweetie. We need to get back. We only have thirty minutes.”
I nodded and tucked my drink into my bag. She tucked her free arm into mine as we walked, pulling me closer for a shoulder bump.
“You know, I’m glad you told me. I hate that you had to go through that but now I know why it took you so long to let me in. I was beginning to think I smelled or something.”
I chuckled half-heartedly.
“Now I know it's just because you needed to make sure I wasn’t crazy or something. I can stop applying deodorant every hour or so. It’s getting expensive.”
A burst of laughter escaped me. I shook my head at Olivia as we entered the building.
“I’m glad I haven’t run you off,” I said as we reached her desk in the lobby.
“You haven’t,” she replied, settling in, “and Gwen?”
“Yes?”
“You don’t need to be alone with anything that bothers you. I’m right here, just a call away.”
I smiled and entered the elevator.
***
I was happier at the end of the day. Mr. Steel wasn't in the office for most of it so I had time to deal with some of my confusion and anxiety.
Besides Olivia, I don’t think anyone else knew about my years in foster care or Kirk. I wanted to ask Mr. Steel exactly what he knew. Every time I was around him I felt different, less introverted. He felt so familiar that I couldn't help but open up around him. I was afraid I'd let go completely and never be able to guard myself around him again.
I wished I'd never taken this job. At the same time, I’m glad I moved out of my comfort zone. I had a dear friend in Olivia. My attraction to men wasn’t as dormant as I thought; maybe I am healed after all. All I need to do is find another job, something that allows me to keep my apartment, and food on my table, without all of this tension.
As I prepared to leave, the phone on the desk rang. I grabbed it, my purse and coat tucked under my arm.
“Good afternoon, Mr. Steel’s office.”
“Gwen.”
My mouth went dry.
“Yes, Mr. Steel?”
“I’m downstairs in a car right outside the door. Meet me there,” his voice husky but smooth rushed over me, “don’t keep me waiting.”
He hung up. I put the receiver back into the holder, blinking.
He was downstairs, waiting for me.
I really wanted to dart out of the building, run all the way to my apartment and lock myself in. I could feel my heart pounding.
I rushed downstairs before I could even think. I said a quick goodbye to Olivia, who watched me through the glass front doors as I approached the car.
The door popped open as I walked up and I got in, closing the door behind me. Mr. Steel sat next to me. He gestured at the driver to continue on before turning to me.
I was a mess, my hair flying everywhere, sweat ruining my makeup. He didn’t seem to notice, took my coat and purse from my arms and tossed them on the seat across from us.
“How do you know about me? How do you know Kirk?” I blurted out, staring at him.
He smirked and reached out, pulling me closer to him. My hand fell on his chest as I leaned over. His lips touched mine and I moaned. I couldn’t stop myself as I leaned into him, my hand wrapping around his neck. He kissed me deeply, his tongue teasing mine before letting me go.
“I promised I would find you, Gwennie. Once I did you would never be alone,” he said softly, his face calm.
I looked into his brown eyes. They were suddenly so familiar to me that I couldn’t believe I didn't notice before now. I could see those eyes staring back from a much younger, chubbier face, as he picked me up from a fall. His hands, gentle and strong even then, wiping the dirt from my knees. His arms wrapping around me as we read.
“Lou?”
He laughed, a bright, shining laugh in the back of the car.
“I know I’ve changed more than you have. I couldn’t believe it when I saw you during the interview. I had to make sure before I could make my move. I didn’t want anyone to feel like I favored you at work. It was bad enough I hired you for my secretary position without any experience.”
“Where did you go? I tried to send you letters but they always came back,” I said, laying my head down against his chest.
“I got lucky. A wonderful set of parents adopted me from my last foster home. They raised me, sent me to college, even helped me set up Steel International. You’ll love them,” he replied. His arms tightened around me as he pulled me closer. I could feel his lips move against my hair as he spoke.
“They didn’t want me to have any reminders of my past foster homes so they sent the letters back. My parents told me all about it when I confronted them after I hired an investigator.”
“Investigator?”
I sprung back, struggling a bit in his arms. He shushed me, his arms pulling me back to him.
“I had to know you were who I thought you were. I can’t tell you how many women have taken advantage of who I am, how much I’m worth. I had to know, Gwennie.”
“Fine.” I huffed.
“God, you sound just like you did at six. Spoiled and determined to get your own way.”
“I do not!” I said, indignant.
He laughed, his chest vibrating beneath me.
“You do. I’m so glad to see you haven’t changed. I worried about you, you know? At first, I was sad you didn’t recognize me. I know my name had changed. I haven’t gone by my first name since I was adopted. Once I realized that you kept yourself apart from everyone else, I wondered if you had changed from what that bastard did to you,” he remarked.
“Olivia says I haven’t. That it wasn’t my fault and I shouldn’t hide.”
“That’s right,” he sighed, “you don’t need to. I’m taking you to my place and we’re going to make up for lost time. I’m never going to leave you again.”
“What about Stefanie?” I asked.
“Stefanie Gilles? She’s just a tease. She’s more like a sister than anything else. We went to school together and our parents are really close. She recognized you from all my stories.”
“Oh.”
“Yes, oh. I told you in the hospital before social services took me away that I would come back for you. Remember? I asked you to marry me when we were old enough.”
I remembered more as I let go of the pain and tension. I could remember him standing in my hospital room, his arm in a sling, tears dried on his cheeks. They let him say goodbye before he left. He grabbed my hand and promised me--he promised me--
“You don’t have to keep a promise you made when we were kids! Why would you even want to, after everything that happened?” I leaned back so that I could look at him again.
He grinned.
The car slowed down and stopped. He allowed me to get back onto my own side. Helping me into my coat,
we stepped out of the car. We were at his manor. He held his hand out to me. I placed my hand in his and he led me to the front door.
“Do you really think anyone would ever measure up to you? I’ve known I wanted to marry you since the first time I saw you,” his face grew sad, “unless, of course, you don’t want me. I can understand, all these years since. What he did.”
I drew closer to him taking his hand. We walked into the manor together.
“I guess we’ll never know unless we try.”
Chapter 6
Upstairs in his bedroom, he handed me a small velvet box.
“Think of that as a promise. If you can find it in yourself to stay, I will marry you. If you can’t, I will always protect and provide for you. It’s the least I can do.”
I opened the box slowly. Inside was an emerald set in white gold, surround small by citrines. I gazed at it before turning to him.
“I wanted something that meant more to you. I had our birthstones placed inside a setting.”
“How did you-”
He waved his hand.
“Almost anything can be taken care of quickly if you have money.”
I set the box down on the nightstand. I could feel his steps as he came behind me, his hands wrapping around my waist.
“I hated that I couldn’t protect you,” he said, his chin on the top of my head, “I couldn’t keep you safe. You’ve always seemed like the perfect partner to me. Your wild curly hair, your sweetness. I never found someone that could make me feel loved as much as you, even at such a young age.”
I turned in his arms and shyly pressed my lips to his. He deepened the kiss, backing me slowly towards the bed.
I never experimented with sex during college. I was too afraid to try, wondering if I would ever be able to be free again. Dominic made me feel safe.
“I want to love you. Can I?”
My heart was racing. He nodded and leaned in for another kiss, working his way down my neck and across my collarbone.
The last of my tension melted as he slipped his hands around my waist and I giggled.
“I can’t believe you’re laughing. I’m trying to create some romance here.”
I laughed again until he brought lips to mine in a tender kiss. We spent the next hour getting to know each other again...very well.
***
“I think that was a good try.”
I laughed.
I could see the ring in the velvet box beside us on the stand, shining.
“Do you think I can try it on?”
He laughed.
“You can.”
THE END
Keep reading for bonus books.
Bonus Book 3 --Dream About You
A Contemporary Romance
(Clean Version)
NANCY WALSH
Copyright © 2016 by Nancy Walsh
All rights reserved, worldwide.
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned or distributed in any printed or electronic form.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Description
Tina was just the bridesmaid in her oldest friend's wedding. She should be happy for her, right?
It would help if they weren't a match made in hell. It would also help if Tina wasn't head-over-heels in love the groom.
Tina is torn between wanting to be a good friend to Jessica, and having what she really wants, which is Jessica's new husband, Steve.
It's a dream she can't afford to wake up from; wanting to make her way in life on her own terms, with someone who wants the same things she wants.
This is a 10,000 word contemporary, second chance romance story.
Chapter 1
As I sat sipping my cocktail, I kept thinking about the situation I was in. I had just been a bridesmaid in my oldest friend’s wedding, and I couldn't bring myself to be happy for her.
I haven’t had much time to spend with her for last last couple of years, but when we were in middle school and high school we were inseparable. I love her and always wanted her to be happy, but she didn't deserve Steve. She treated him like crap.
I would have loved to be the one dancing with him in my wedding gown. He’s the only man I've ever loved. I should've done something before the wedding.
Jessica and I met Steve three years ago when we went out dancing after finishing our finals. When he walked up he was immediately attracted to her and asked her to dance. Who could blame him though, compared to her I might as well have been invisible.
They started dating and we spent an amazing year hanging out, getting to know each other, and talking about the future. Jessica had no drive to succeed, so she didn't talk about her plans for the future. She made disparaging comments about our future plans, and said we were wasting our time trying to realize our dreams.
She wanted a guy that would take care of her so she could live a glamorous life. Most guys looked past that, probably because they wanted to sleep with her. I guess that happens when you're a gorgeous little princess.
That's what she liked about Steve. He was such a sweet guy that he took her crap in stride and let her get away with it.
“Christina!” Jessica's voice pulled me out of my daze. I looked up and saw the last thing I needed right then, Steve and Jessica walking over. I finished the rest of my drink and faked a friendly demeanor.
***
“Hey Jessica,” I said giving her a big hug, “hey Steve! Are you guys having a good time?” Steve gave me a huge smile. “I’m having a great time. Today is the happiest day of my life! How are you?” I looked at Steve, gave him a huge smile and said, “I’m having a great time. It was such a beautiful wedding and this reception has been a blast. I saw Jessica’s dad doing the funky chicken, and died laughing. Make sure you both save me a dance. I haven’t seen either of you in so long, I want some alone time with each of you to catch up."
“What about you Jessica, did you have a fun time today?”
Jessica ordered a drink and said, “I’d be having a much much better time if I could get a drink. Let’s face it, the open bar is the best part of the whole day.”
I shook my head at her, thinking, That spoiled little bitch doesn’t even appreciate her husband on their wedding day.
“Surely that can’t be the best part of the day. It’s your wedding day! You’re finally married to the man you love. I can’t wait for that to happen to me.”
Jessica shrugged and said, “Getting married was nice, and of course I’m happy. Right now I just want to drink and have fun.”
I saw the hurt in Steve's eyes, and it broke my heart. I could see how bad Jessica’s comment made him feel, because whether or not she meant to, she said she enjoyed drinking more than marrying him.
If you were with me, things would be so different. If only you knew how I felt all those years ago, maybe you’d be married to me instead. I forced the thoughts out of my head.
My friend married this man I love and I'll never be with him. Even if I could have him, I would never do that to her. It’s just not in me to be a homewrecker, no matter how much better his and my would be.
“Why don’t we ever see you anymore anyway? I know you went off to college, but what are you doing now? Are you working or still going to school?”
I thought for a moment before responding. “Both. I’ve been trying to get my degree in English Literature and Creative Writing. As far as work goes, nobody wants to hire a writer who hasn’t published yet, but I can’t do anything until someone hires me. It’s a vicious cycle that I hope I can break some time. In the meantime I work in a cafe, and do small writing jobs for local newspapers and magazines to make a bit of side money and try to build up my portfolio. What about you guys, have you had anything interesting going on? Steve what are you doing for work?”
“I’ve been working for my dad running one of his car dealerships. I would love to break out and do my own thing, but it’s good money and he wants to retire soon and pass the business over to me. I'd love to do something creative like writing, but I don’t know how we’d support ourselves if I tried to change career paths and go to college at this point. I suppose I could just start writing and try to get published on my own, but I barely have any time as it is, I would hate to think how stressed I would be if I was trying to build a writing career and manage the dealership.”
Jessica huffed, “Well, we definitely need you working Steve. I’m supporting you while you try to find a creative outlet. Besides, there’s no point in it. You make good money managing the car lot, and you stand to inherit a very successful business.”
I hated the way she talked down to him. She she wasn’t willing to do anything that would make him happier.
“I've never really had dreams for the future or career goals.” Jessica said, “But I've gotten to know the boutiques around our area pretty well. I've also become a foodie, and I'm compiling a personal list of amazing restaurants. I was thinking about starting a fashion and restaurant blog, but that seems like a lot of work. By the way, we should totally get together for lunch and shopping one day, our treat of course. Steve you don’t mind if I take Tina out shopping do you?”
I could see he did mind, but he insisted she take me out for a day of fun. I graciously accepted their offer, and promised Steve to try and keep her out of trouble.
Jessica insisted that we have some drinks together, and ordered shots for the 3 of us. I didn’t want to do shots, but couldn’t turn the bride down on her big day.
“Baby, please take it easy today, I’m begging you,” Steve said, but Jessica brushed him off and downed the first shot without us. I touched his shoulder and suggested we just do one celebratory drink, and he begrudgingly agreed as she downed another drink. We each took one of the last 3 shots.
