I Carry Your Heart (Heart Series Book 1)

by C. M. King

  * * *

  After a few days Joel returned to the hospital, to find his ribs were bruised not cracked, so would heal faster. The stitches had been removed from his face but the bruises and cuts would take longer to heal. My Mother had called several times to check up on us, but she knew to keep her distance. I was enjoying our time together, we felt like a regular couple but we both knew it would eventually have to come to an end, much to our dismay.

  When I returned home from the shops, I was greeted with a grinning Joel. Who was sat reclining on the sofa, looking overly excited with my laptop open. I groaned inwardly. I could only imagine the kind of pornographic sites, he might have accessed while I’d been out.

  I narrowed my eyes, bending down to kiss him. His lip was starting to heal, so we’d more than made up for the kisses we’d missed out on.

  “What are you looking at?” I asked peering at the laptop screen. Hoping nothing nude was about to pop up and scar me for life.

  He turned to look at me, with an anxious look on his face. “Don’t get mad but I’ve booked us a week away in Cornwall for next week.” His eyes searched mine for a response and he didn’t have to wait long.

  “Cornwall? It’s bloody March, we’ll freeze.”

  He laughed at my reply. “Well it’s paid for now so we’re going, I have another week off sick and you’re on your Easter break, so we might as well use that to our advantage. I’ve booked us into a nice cottage, we can stay hauled up in there if the weather is too cold.” He grinned, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

  I pursed my lips in that ‘oh we will, will we’ way but who was I kidding? Being alone with Joel was my dream scenario. “So you think you’ll get lucky huh?” I teased grabbing his hair, so his face was looking into mine.

  “Yeah, I have good odds, let’s just say they are in my favour.” He winked and pulled me onto his knee, wrapping his arms around me.

  “I can’t wait to get away from here, even it’s just a week, you and me and some alone time. We can hit the beach, the shops, do all the touristy things and finally get to act like a couple, I can show you off in public.”

  His smile made me melt. I pulled him into a kiss, to show him how much I loved, cared and appreciated his kind gesture. “Sounds perfect, when do we leave?” I asked, resting my forehead against his. Enjoying his warm breath tickling against my face.

  “Sunday.” He grinned, squeezing me tight.

  I kissed him again, enjoying the connection our mouths and tongues made.

  Would I ever get enough of these lips? I knew my answer before even asking.

  Chapter 13 - Holiday

  The cool, gentle breeze swept through Joel’s hair and I smiled, as he rhythmically drummed his fingers against the steering wheel, in time to the beat of the song. It was a gruelling three and a half hour drive to Cornwall, but the hours only seem to melt away sitting next to Joel. I was mesmerised by him, as he sang away. The soft, silky tones of his voice, hypnotising me with every note. The aviator sunglasses he was wearing, only helped in winning him extra points in the sexy department. Every time he glanced over he flashed a smile, and it made my heart beat that little bit faster.

  We held hands throughout. It was like we didn’t want to break the connection of skin on skin. I chuckled each time he placed my hand on his thigh, in between gear changes. I was almost certain by the end of this holiday we’d become so attached, we’d need to be surgically removed from each other.

  I switched between different radio stations, attempting to find a decent song. I burst out laughing the moment the music filled the car.

  “What?” Joel asked, looking at me quizzically. His intrigue only made my laughter worse.

  “Nothing.” I snorted, still laughing. I pretended to look out the window as a distraction, watching row upon row of sheep flash by.

  “Izzy.” He squeezed my knee, bringing my attention back to him. I knew he was waiting for me to look back round.

  My eyes flashed to his, before quickly looking away. “No you’ll get even more big headed,” I said, trying to conceal the humongous grin behind the cuff of my sleeve.

  God I had the worst poker face ever.

  “Tell me,” he pleaded and squeezed my knee harder. But his insistence only made my laughter worse.

  “You just remind me of someone,” I said eventually, when my giggles subsided.

  “Who? Someone cute?” he asked smiling, sliding his glasses down his nose. Our eyes locked together and I could see the interest they held.

  I rolled my eyes with the absurdity of his question. “Well duh!”

  “Who?” The intrigue was building in his eyes, as he patiently waited for my reply.

  I bit my lip, deciding to wind him up a little. “Danny Devito.” I threw my head back and my whole body shook with laughter. That was soon brought to a halt when he hit the brakes, pulling over sharp into the layby.

  Oh God.

  The smile soon slipped from my face.

  He spun around to look at me. “Tell me who or I’ll tickle it out of you.” I could see he wasn’t kidding. My eyes widened in horror when he unbuckled his seatbelt. He moved towards me with an amused glint in his eye.

  I held my hands out as a protective shield. “Don’t you dare,” I yelled, releasing my own belt, pushing myself away from him. My fingers desperately clawed open the car door, but I’d barely got it open a few inches, before he dragged me back inside. He pulled me tight up against him, as his breath tickled my face.

  “Okay okay, I’ll tell you – the clue is in the song,” I said smiling, stroking his face. I was hoping it was enough to appease him, to keep those fingers at bay.

  He scrunched his eyebrows in confusion. “Take my breath away? What Top Gun, Tom Cruise?” His face looked slightly bewildered.

  “Yeah, Tom was hot in Top Gun, it’s the aviator glasses and the smile that’s killing me.” I pretended to fan myself, but I actually did feel hot being up close to Joel.

  “So I’m turning you on?” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively and flashed a smile again, making me melt further into the seat

  “Do you really need to ask?” I slowly slipped off his sunglasses, to stare into those baby blue eyes of his.

  I was losing it already.

  They always had a way of hypnotising me, so I had no control.

  He pulled me in closer. “So do I take your breath away?” he asked, stroking his nose against mine, as I gasped lightly.

  I grabbed his face with both hands. “Enough of the stupid questions and kiss me already.” I pulled his lips down onto mine and moaned softly when our tongues caressed together, losing ourselves in the rest of the song.

  After a few minutes he pulled away panting. “I’ll take that as a yes then.”

  * * *

  It was already dark when we pulled up outside. The soft glow of the streetlight gently highlighted the quaint features of the cottage. It was everything I imagined it to be, and it seemed unreal that this would to be our home for the next week.

  I smiled at Joel, who was looking over seeking my approval. He needn’t have worried, it was perfect. I leaned over kissing him, to show him my appreciation for his arranging such an amazing holiday.

  After unloading the car we quickly acquainted ourselves with the cottage. After a quick meal we headed to bed, the exhaustion of all the travelling finally taking over.

  The next morning I woke to an empty bed. My hand skimmed over the bunched up cold sheet beside me. I sat up quickly, momentarily confused by my surroundings, until it hit me we were in fact on holiday. I yawned loudly, stretching out my limbs. I breathed in the delicious aroma that was beginning to filter through. My stomach growled loudly, I was more than ready for Joel’s surprise. I heard his cursing getting louder and I chuckled, listening to him banging around in the kitchen, at his attempt to make me breakfast in bed.

  Joel walked through grinning moments later, carrying a tray filled with scrambled eggs on toast and coffee. I smiled feeli
ng overwhelmed by his kindness. Breakfast in bed was a rarity in my house, with my Mother hating any form of mess.

  “Hey, great timing, I thought I was going to have to wake you.” He grinned at his words, I knew what kind of wake up call he had in mind. He placed the tray down onto the bed and handed me my coffee. “For madam,” he said bowing.

  I giggled at his act of chivalry. “Why thank you kind sir, you are too generous.” I took in a deep breath and my head filled with the rich aroma. I took a sip and it was heaven to my taste buds.

  Joel climbed back into the bed, lifting the tray over. He placed the delicious feast down in front of us, but I couldn’t help but notice the red mark on his hand.

  “Hey, what happened to your hand?” I asked frowning, lifting his hand up gently examining it.

  He tensed, pulling away slightly. “Ugh burnt it on the hob.” He pulled a face and tried to shrug it off but it looked nasty.

  I jumped out of bed, grabbing some antiseptic cream from my toiletry bag. “Here this should help it.” I unscrewed the cap and watched in amusement when Joel’s face turned to horror.

  “No it’s fine, I ran it under the cold tap.” He took a mouthful of egg, concentrating on his breakfast. I knew he was trying to ignore me approaching with the cream.

  “Joel, you need to put this on, stop it getting infected.”

  His eyebrows pulled together in frustration. “But that stuff stings like hell.” He scowled, when I squirted some onto my finger and closed his eyes.

  “I promise I’ll be gentle.” I spread the cream gently over the burn, feeling him tense slightly, while he held my hand tightly. “There that wasn’t too bad,” I said, pressing my lips against his.

  He frowned when I pulled away. “I think I need another kiss after that.” He pouted and grinned when our lips once again became reacquainted, this time enjoying more of a deeper sensual kiss. “Now I feel better,” he breathed, before snatching up his plate, quickly devouring the rest of his breakfast.

  * * *

  “So what do you fancy doing today?” Joel asked. He wrapped his arms around me, drawing me back into his chest. I let out a soft sigh, when he began placing sweet, soft kisses down the side of my neck. While I tried to maintain some concentration, finishing off washing the last of the breakfast dishes.

  The sun was shining brightly, as I looked up into a perfect blue cloudless sky. I instantly knew where I wanted to go. “We could go and have a wander, I want to go to the beach and find a shop to pick up some more supplies,” I replied, turning around to face him.

  He let out a huff of disappointment. “I knew you were going to say that.” He turned his head, looking out the window scowling, almost like he was cursing the sun.

  I pulled his face back round so he was facing me. “Well what do you want to do?”

  “You know what I want to do.” He began nuzzling my neck, his lips making me whimper with his touch. If he carried on like this we’d never leave the cottage. Ever.

  “But I want to see the beach though and it’s such a nice day, it’s a shame to waste it.” I pouted, trying my hardest to change his mind.

  He lifted his head to look at me, chuckling at my pouty lips. “Okay, you win this time.” He kissed my nose gently. “You’ll just have to make it up to me later.” He grinned and I rolled my eyes, even though I secretly enjoyed that very idea.

  * * *

  “Look at you getting crazy over a little sand.” Joel laughed, pulling me into a hug. He kissed my cheek and I smiled, as we headed towards the beach.

  I hadn’t been to the beach in years, I was not going to lie, I couldn’t wait. I nuzzled into his neck. “Thank you for bringing me here, there’s no one else I’d rather share this with.”

  “My pleasure baby.” He grinned, kissing my hair. “Now let’s hit the beach, got to keep my girl happy.” He slung his arm over my shoulder, drawing me in tight against his side as we made our way down.

  The moment my converse hit the sand I pushed my feet in further, imagining how it would feel between my toes. It was one of those cool, crisp days, the waves lapped gently against the sand, as the salty fresh air filled our lungs. The beach stretched on for miles, the golden sand twinkled against the sun’s strong rays. There was quite a few people milling around on the beach, mainly dog walkers, watching their dogs bound around enjoying their freedom, eagerly chasing and retrieving balls and frizbees.

  We both stood wrapped around each other, staring out into the sea. Both admiring the beautiful view, of the sun glistening like diamonds on the waves.

  Halfway along a beautiful golden Labrador puppy bounded towards us, the stick it was dragging along was almost as big as it.

  I giggled bending down to say hello. The puppy automatically dropped the stick at my feet, she yapped and leapt up, resting her front paws on my knees. I saw by the dog tag she was called Rosie. She licked my face excitedly and I smiled stroking her soft, little, furry head.

  Joel bent down chuckling, watching her in amusement, she immediately left me to check him out. I huffed in jealousy, watching her wag her tail in excitement.

  “Aren’t you a gorgeous girl,” he said, tickling her ears. She yapped some more, loving the attention before leaping into his arms. She licked his face excitedly, nuzzling into his chest.

  So it was true, he could charm all the ladies.

  “Aww, she’s so cute, I want to take her home.” I sighed, petting her some more. My Mother never let us have a pet growing up, so I always felt like I’d missed out. I blamed my lack of animals on my over zealous behaviour, whenever I was around anything puppy like.

  He grinned in agreement. “I know she’s so adorable.” He nuzzled her face, laughing when Rosie began licking him again. Joel scrunched his face, trying to avoid being relentlessly slobbered to death, which only encouraged her to do so even more.

  “She likes you,” I remarked, chuckling at his face. I was slightly envious she was enjoying all the attention Joel was paying her.

  His delighted eyes returned back to mine. “She has good taste,” he answered smugly, winking at me, trying to wind me up.

  “Can we not steal her? Just make a run for it, hide her in your coat.” My eyes flashed around for any obvious owners, to make a quick getaway.

  Joel laughed at the idea, shaking his head bemusedly at me. Part of me really wasn’t joking, I wanted to keep this bundle of cuteness forever.

  “I’m sorry, hope she’s not bothering you, she gets a little excited around new people,” the owner shouted, smiling walking towards us.

  My face instantly fell.

  Well stealing her was no longer an option now.

  “No, she’s such a gorgeous friendly dog, we were going to snatch her if no one turned up in the next few minutes,” Joel replied. We all laughed together and I slightly blushed at my less than honest thoughts earlier.

  Rosie was curled up inside Joel’s jacket, she seemed to be enjoying herself nuzzled up against his chest. I was not surprised at all. They both looked so adorable together, it did strange things to my hormones.

  “Yeah, she does have an adorable quality that all the ladies love.” He winked at Joel, as in man code for ‘good for pulling the ladies.’

  I rolled my eyes. Men were so predictable in their attempts to pull women, but to be fair he was on to something. Women generally did go gaga over puppies, we couldn’t help it. I think it had something to do with our hormones, anything cute and we were goners.

  “Oh I’ll have to remember that.” Joel chuckled and I instantly glared at him. “Joke,” he said, holding his hands up, trying to appease me.

  “Anymore of those and you will be in the doghouse,” I snapped back. Not appreciating his style of joke at all.

  Joel reluctantly handed Rosie back, giving her a sweet kiss on her head. I reached over petting her too, sorry to see her go. We both watched as the owner made his way down the beach, no doubt in search of reeling in some more ladies.

  We walked off i
n silence. Joel sensing my obvious decline in mood grabbed me, drawing me into a hug. “You’re the only one for me and you know that,” he said, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

  I pouted still feeling annoyed by his comment. “I don’t know Joel you seem to be irresistible to all the ladies, even Rosie took a shine to you,” I retorted, glaring at him.

  His face automatically dropped. “Are you serious?” He gave me a look of frustration and I couldn’t hold the smile back any longer and started to laugh.

  He grabbed me, pulling me into a kiss. “Maybe we can get a dog when we move in together?” Joel asked, his eyes trying to gauge my reaction.

  What?

  My heart literally stopped beating and my mind nearly exploded with pleasure overload.

  Joel was thinking about the future.

  One that included me and now a dog.

  I’d always been cautious, never allowing myself to think ahead that far before. I was always living in the moment with Joel, but now he was wanting more.

  “I’d love to get a dog with you.” My eyes misted over at the very thought, my mind exploring all the possibilities of a future together.

  His thumb stroked my cheek tentatively. “Good, I can’t wait till it’s just you and me together, this last week has been amazing. I don’t want to let you go, stay with me forever.” His words alone were enough to charm me, but we had to be practical.

  Ugh, I hated that word.

  “I think my Mum would have something to say about that Joel. I love being with you too, it will break my heart when I have to go back home.”

  We both knew reality was looming once this week was over. I would have to go home and face my Mum and Mike and Joel’s Dad would return, making his life hell once again.

  We held each other, walking down the beach. Our day had now taken on more of a sombre turn. I was too caught up in my own depressing thoughts, until a bright yellow bucket half buried in the sand caught my eye.