Chase Me

by Farrah Rochon

  If I’d known this is what would come of this weekend I never would have invited you to come on this cruise.

  The mental torture those words inflicted was worse than anything he’d endured, even during the worst moments of his marriage to Jacqueline. That’s how he knew his feelings for Indina ran so much deeper than even he had realized. He’d spent the past week vacillating between cursing himself for pushing her, and being just as upset that he’d waited so long to tell her how he really felt.

  Griffin knew he ran the risk of scaring her away. He knew if Indina wasn’t ready to take that next step, he could lose her. He’d come to the point where he was willing to take that risk. He just hadn’t considered how much it would hurt.

  It hurt so damn much.

  He’d been in agony for over a week, but Griffin knew the agony would have lasted a lot longer if he had kept his feelings bottled in. He couldn’t stomach the thought of going on the way they had been, not after the time he and Indina had spent on that cruise ship. Not after getting to know her and her family. It would have hurt more to return home and only have a part of her, especially after getting a taste of what his life could be like if Indina gave him all of her heart.

  And yet, Griffin had lost count of the number of times he’d had to stop himself from calling her and begging for any little crumb she was willing to give him. He’d had to turn off the sound on his text messages after he realized he was damn near getting anxiety attacks every time a text came through, hoping, praying it was from Indina.

  But none of them had been from her. He hadn’t heard a peep from her since they said their lackluster goodbye at the port once they arrived back in New Orleans. This same woman he’d made love to at least once a week for the past eight months hadn’t reached out to him even once since their return.

  And that’s what hurt him more than anything. How could she just move on after all the time they’d spent together?

  “Shit.”

  Griffin massaged the back of his neck. He had to shake himself out of this. He couldn’t go on mired down in this funk he’d found himself in since he stepped off that boat.

  His phone vibrated and he nearly knocked over a cup of pens in his haste to reach it. The stupid burst of hope he experienced at the possibility of it being Indina deflated when he realized it wasn’t her. But a smile still drew across his lips as he opened the text message from his brother. It was a picture of his nephew in a baseball uniform with the news that he’d made the team at his junior high school.

  That was one good thing that had come of the cruise. Being with the Holmes family over the course of those three days had driven home just how much Griffin missed his own family.

  Last week, while making the hour and a half long drive back from Baton Rouge, he’d pulled up Garland’s contact on his cell phone and made a call that was several years overdue. When his first attempt went to voicemail, Griffin figured his brother wasn’t ready to mend fences. But just as he’d tossed it on his passenger seat, his phone rang, with Garland on the other end of the line.

  They talked for Griffin’s entire ride home. Once he pulled into his driveway, he sat in his car for another hour, trying to cram everything he’d missed over the past two years into a two-hour phone call.

  Over this past week, he and Garland had either talked or texted every single day. The two had caught up on everything that had been going on in each other’s lives, and Griffin had invited his brother to bring the entire family down to New Orleans sometime in the fall. He still couldn’t believe he’d allowed his ex-wife to come between them for so long. He would never make that kind of mistake again.

  Griffin didn’t miss the irony that it was at Indina’s urging that he’d worked out things with his brother, yet he’d blown up everything with her.

  How was he supposed to act the first time he saw her again? As if the last week had never happened? Or worse, as if the past eight months hadn’t?

  “No.” Griffin shook his head.

  He wouldn’t do that. He couldn’t. There was no way in hell he could forget about the time he’d spent with Indina. No way he would throw away the future they could potentially have together.

  Indina could argue all she wanted that sex was the only thing they had going for them, but those three days on that cruise proved her wrong. They may have started out as coworkers with benefits, but there was so much more between them. They had the potential to grow their relationship into something that would last, if only he could convince Indina to see that it was worth fighting for.

  The doorbell rang just as Griffin picked his phone up to call her.

  “Dammit,” he cursed as he made his way to the front door. Probably the repairman who was supposed to work on his stove. He’d forgotten to call and cancel the technician after fixing it himself.

  Griffin opened the door, preparing to tell the technician he could leave, when the sight before him stopped him cold.

  Indina stood on his top step. Her light brown eyes brimmed with regret and the subtle misery Griffin had recognized in his own eyes every time he’d looked in a mirror this past week.

  “Hey,” she said, a timorous quiver in her voice.

  “Hey,” he returned.

  She cleared her throat. “Do you mind if I come in?”

  He opened the door wider and motioned for her to enter.

  She walked into the house but didn’t go past the foyer. She turned to him, and after a deep breath, said, “I don’t even know where to start. An apology maybe?”

  Griffin swallowed past the lump that had instantly formed in his throat. “What are you apologizing for?”

  “Because I hurt you,” she said. “And that is the last thing I ever wanted to do, Griffin. What I said on the veranda that night was callous and wrong. I gave you the impression that I was sorry that you joined me on the cruise, when nothing could be further from the truth.”

  Even as relief threatened to bring him to his knees, he couldn’t help the cautiousness that continued to beat throughout his bloodstream. Why hadn’t she called him? Why had she stayed away all week?

  “When I didn’t hear from you this week, I thought you’d decided that you were done,” Griffin said.

  “I knew you were upset,” she said. “I was trying to give you space.”

  He stepped up to her. “I don’t want space, Indina. I want you.” He took her hands in his. “Look, we both have our baggage. I allowed what happened with my ex-wife to color my thoughts on relationships for so long that I couldn’t recognize a good thing when I was staring directly at it.”

  “I did the same thing,” she said. “I wouldn't allow myself to get too close to you. My body? Yes. But this?” She placed a hand over her heart. “I was too afraid to leave it unguarded, Griffin. It’s been broken one too many times. I wasn’t willing to take that chance.”

  He glided his fingers along her cheek in a gentle caress. “Are you willing to take it now?”

  Her eyes fell closed as she leaned her face into his palm. The air grew thick as she remained silent. Finally, she opened her eyes and looked up at him.

  “I am,” she whispered. “I’m willing to trust you with my heart. It scares me, Griffin. It scares me so much.” She covered the hand that rested on her face, turn her head and kissed the center of his palm. “The only thing that scares me more is the thought of going the rest of my life feeling as miserable as I’ve felt this past week. This week gave me a glimpse of what my life would be like without you in it. There’s nothing that could be worse than that.”

  The sweetest relief blossomed in his chest. It was so strong he ached with it. Griffin cupped Indina’s face in both hands and tilted his head forward until their foreheads met.

  “I started falling in love with you months ago, Indina. I tried not to, because I knew it wasn’t what you wanted. But every single day the feeling just grew stronger and stronger.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her quivering lips. “All I ask is that you give this a chance, a real chance
. Let me inside your heart. I promise you I’ll handle it with care.”

  He kissed her again. Long and slow and lasting. He kissed her as if it was the last time he would ever get the chance to do it, and sensed his heart expanding with gratitude at the knowledge that this was only the beginning.

  Griffin felt Indina’s mouth stretch into a smile beneath his lips. He pulled away slightly and asked, “What’s so funny?”

  Her smile flourished into a thing of beauty. “Just when I thought I was done chasing love, it found me.”

  “Yes, it did,” he said. He drew her into his arms. “And it’s never letting you go.”

  Epilogue

  The distinct smell of charcoal and pecan wood imbued the air as the Holmes family gathered in Alex and Renee’s huge backyard for yet another gathering. Indina had spent the first half hour fielding questions from the women in her family who wanted to know if Griffin’s presence at a second Holmes family function meant their relationship had progressed to more than just coworkers with benefits. Indina could still feel herself blushing as she confirmed their suspicions.

  To say he fit right in with her family was an understatement. He’d known them for less than a week, yet Griffin seemed more comfortable than any of her previous boyfriends, even the two she’d dated for several years. It was still much too soon to even consider what their next steps would be, but Indina knew her family was already rooting for her and Griffin to make a trip down the aisle. Renee had revealed as much when she admitted there was a betting pool on where the wedding would take place. Most thought another cruise would be ideal.

  Indina wasn’t ready to think that far ahead, but she couldn’t help the excited tingle that ran through her at the thought of a wedding on the top deck, or maybe even that beautiful private beach in Mexico.

  Watch it, girl. You’re getting ahead of yourself.

  Yet, when Griffin looked over at her and winked, she thought maybe it wasn’t so far-fetched.

  The picnic soon evolved into a full-on party. Indina doubled over with laughter as she watched Griffin being passed around from one Holmes woman to another. It started with her Aunt Margo, who pulled him up to dance with her when an old O’Jay’s song came through the speakers. Monica was next, cajoling him to join in as Liliana taught them some new dance move that was all the rage on YouTube. Even Willow, who for once seemed to be enjoying herself, hopped out of her seat when it was time to do the electric slide.

  Indina didn’t think she could feel any more content…until she spotted her dad’s smiling face. Her chest nearly burst with joy at the sight of him looking so happy.

  “Hey, come over here. It’s Uncle Toby and Auntie Sienna,” Jasmine called. All twenty-plus of them gathered around the table as Jasmine held up her iPad. It didn’t matter that they’d all been to the hospital yesterday when Sienna gave birth to Baby Jonah.

  Indina’s heart squeezed as she watched the sweet baby resting peacefully in Toby’s arms. “I’m sorry you two have to miss this,” Margo said. “But at least we have a christening to look forward to.”

  “Somebody’s going to bring me a plate, right?” Toby asked.

  “I’ll be at the hospital this afternoon,” Eli said. “I’ll bring it.”

  Sienna, who had been playing camerawoman, flipped the phone’s camera to her face. “See how he’s just worried about himself?” she said. “You’d better bring two plates, Eli.”

  Eli gave her a salute. “Aye, Captain.”

  Sienna and Toby signed off once the baby woke for his feeding, and Reid cranked the music back up.

  Indina noticed the uniformed police officer the moment he entered through the wooden gate that led from Alex and Renee’s front yard.

  “What in the—” Indina set her drink down and followed him.

  The music stopped as the officer approached the table where her brothers and cousins were playing dominoes.

  “Ezra Holmes?” he asked.

  Ezra stood. “I’m Ezra Holmes.”

  The police officer walked around her brother and pulled his hands behind his back. “You are being arrested for violation of penal code 14.20.2 under the Louisiana state law.”

  “What?” Ezra squawked.

  A collective gasp traveled across the backyard as the officer began to read Ezra his Miranda Rights.

  “What’s going on here?” her dad asked.

  “Yes, what is this about?” Indina piped in.

  “I have it on good authority that Mr. Holmes has been stalking Councilmember Mackenna Arnold,” the officer stated. “You need to come with me.”

  “Oh, good Lord,” Indina said. “Dammit, Ezra, I told you to leave Mack alone. Which station are you taking him to?” she asked the officer as she pulled up Mackenna’s number. Her friend didn’t pick up. “Dammit,” Indina curse. “I’ll be at the station in just a few minutes, Ezra.”

  She headed for the house to get her purse, but Griffin was already standing with it.

  “Well, at least I know there will never be a dull moment with the Holmeses,” he said as he handed it to her.

  Indina couldn’t help but laugh. “Welcome to the family.”

  Also by Farrah Rochon

  The Holmes Brothers

  Set in New Orleans, the original Holmes Brothers series follows the lives of Elijah, Tobias, and Alexander Holmes as they find love in one of the world’s most romantic cities.

  Deliver Me

  Release Me

  Rescue Me

  Coming this Spring!

  Read the next brand new novel in the Holmes Brothers series, Trust Me! Ezra and Mackenna’s story!

  Moments in Maplesville

  Visit the sexy, sultry, small southern town of Maplesville in my Moments in Maplesville novella series.

  A Perfect Holiday Fling (Callie & Stefan)

  A Little Bit Naughty (Jada & Mason)

  Just A Little Taste (Kiera & Trey)

  I Dare You (Stefanie & Dustin)

  All You Can Handle (Sonny & Ian)

  Any Way You Want It (Nyree & Dale)

  Any Time You Need Me (Aubrey & Sam)

  Visit my BOOKS page to see my entire backlist!

  Click to the next page to read an excerpt from Deliver Me, the very first story in the original Holmes Brothers series.

  Deliver Me

  Book One of the original Holmes Brothers Series

  Chapter One

  “You’ll have to spread your legs wider,” Elijah softly encouraged. “Don’t be afraid. I do this several times a day. I’ve never had any complaints.”

  Her breathing escalated, the hot breaths fanning his face. Eli tried to maneuver his shoulders into a more comfortable position. No easy feat in the backseat of the compact Nissan Sentra.

  “Tell me your name again, sweetheart.”

  “Cassandra,” the teenager let out in a rushed gasp. The hem of her sundress rolled down her thighs. Again.

  “This is in the way.” Eli bunched up the material and pushed the dress over her head. “That’s better. Now just relax. I know it’s scary, but it’ll be easier if you stay calm.”

  Eli ran his arm across his brow. It was hot, but the summer storm raging outside the car prevented him from opening the door. A rivulet of sweat followed a path from the matted hair at the girl’s temple, then sluiced down her jaw line. The valley between her breasts glistened. Eli captured her knees and spread her legs as far as the small space would allow.

  He had to open the door. He couldn’t do anything cramped up like this.

  Eli reached behind him and opened the back passenger door. The hot rain pelted his legs as soon as he stepped onto the slippery gravel. It wasn’t the most ideal environment, but he’d have to work with what he’d been given.

  The young girl that lay before him cried out in pain.

  “Shh.” Eli quieted her with calming words while his fingertips rubbed the area giving her the most pressure. Expertly, he soothed away the ache, but he knew at any moment it would return worse tha
n before. He could no longer wait. Neither could she.

  He reached down between her legs. “This is going to hurt.”

  The girl gasped, her back arching. “Oh, God. I can’t take this.”

  “A little more. That’s it. It won’t be too long.”

  Her earth-shattering scream pierced the air.

  “Okay, Cassandra, I need you to push. We’re almost there.”

  Where in the hell was the ambulance?

  Eli freed one hand and reached into the pocket of his khaki slacks, retrieving his cell phone. He speed dialed Methodist Memorial Hospital and waited impatiently for the operator.

  As soon as he heard the click, he barked into the phone, “I requested EMS twenty minutes ago. Tell them to get to the 2700 block of Pine Street now,” then slammed the phone shut and shoved it back into his pocket.

  “Why isn’t the ambulance here yet?” the girl asked between rushed breaths.

  “They’ll be here soon.” He smoothed the damp hair back on her forehead. “I told you not to worry. I’ve delivered more babies than I can count. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  Eli rubbed the base of her torso with gentle circles. He felt the muscles contorting underneath his palm.

  “Okay, Cassandra, this is going to be a big one. Grab onto the headrest and push as hard as you can.”

  She did as she was told, gripping the driver’s side headrest and nearly pulling herself off the seat with the force of her push.

  “That’s perfect. Keep pushing until I tell you to stop.”

  The tiny brown baby entered the world riding a wave of fluid. Eli caught him in the palm of his hand and turned him over, quickly wiping away the film from the baby’s mouth and nose. A sharp cry filled the car.