by Cary Hart
Text copyright ©2016 by the Author.
This work was made possible by a special license through the Kindle Worlds publishing program and has not necessarily been reviewed by Marina Adair. All characters, scenes, events, plots and related elements appearing in the original St. Helena Vineyard Series remain the exclusive copyrighted and/or trademarked property of Marina Adair, or their affiliates or licensors.
For more information on Kindle Worlds: http://www.amazon.com/kindleworlds
Saving Forever
The Forever Series (Book 2)
St. Helena Vineyard Kindle World Novella
Cary Hart
By Cary Hart
St. Helena Vineyard Kindle World
The Forever Series
Building Forever
Saving Forever
Broken Forever (Coming Soon)
Cover design by Reina Torres
Editor: Dani Hall, DMH Editing Services
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the St. Helena Vineyard’s Kindle World, where romance is waiting to be uncorked and authors from around the globe are invited to share their own stories of love and happily ever after. Set in the heart of wine country, this quaint town and its cast of quirky characters were the inspiration behind my St Helena Vineyard series, and the Hallmark Channel movie, AUTUMN IN THE VINEYARD. I want to thank these incredible authors for spending time in St. Helena, and all of you readers who are adventurous enough to take the journey with us.
I hope you enjoy your time here as much as we have.
Warmly,
Marina Adair
CONTENTS
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About The Author
Links
To Britt, I could never have written this book without your never-ending encouragement and the late-night texts that told me to “suck it up.” Thank you for always believing in me, even when I lost all hope.
Prologue
6 weeks ago
Daisy
This should be one of the best nights of my life. Turning twenty-one only happens once and I should be living it up, but tonight I find myself distanced from the party.
It was only supposed to be a few of us having a couple drinks on our private beach. Then a friend told a friend and the next thing you know it’s a bigger fire with an even bigger crowd.
“Hey, guys! I’m a little tired, I think I’m going to head in,” I tell the group, pointing back to my grandparent’s cottage, but no one hears me.
Jogging back to the house, I can’t help but replay the conversation from earlier today.
“Daisy, you’re twenty-one, when are you going to take responsibility for yourself and do something with your life? Mom and Dad can’t support you forever,” Lillian, my older sister by ten years, drills into my head.
“Lil, I have a job…and I’m house-sitting for Nonie and Pops.” I give her a sideways glance to gauge her reaction.
“You have done nothing with your life except frolic back and forth between home and this rundown shack.” She looks around, disapproval written all over her face. “What do you find so special about this place? It’s falling apart and in need of major renovating. This house is taking up space on a prime piece of real estate.”
Here she goes again. She won’t stop until this place is on the market. “Can you just imagine what this could be if—”
“DON’T!” I raise my voice, bringing her attention back to me. I know what she is going to say. “Don’t even go there, Lil. This house may mean nothing to you, but it means everything to me.” I start feeling sick just thinking about it not being here.
“I think you are just being selfish now. If they sold this property, they would be set for life and could travel year-round instead of a couple months here and there.” She grabs a towel and heads toward the bathroom.
“But this is my home,” I whisper, knowing she can’t hear me. Lillian doesn’t get it. She lacks the sensitivity gene.Foregoing sleep, I grab my favorite hoodie, a blanket and head to my spot. Just me and the endless deep blue.
When I get there, I spread out the blanket and take off my flip-flops. Tucking my hands in my hoodie, I let the breeze carry my thoughts away, just looking out over the water and wondering about today.
Maybe Lillian is right?
I’m not sure how long I’ve been standing here lost in thought, but my legs are starting to get cold. Sitting down, bringing my knees up to my chest, I pull my hoodie over my legs.
Looking back in the direction of the party, I contemplate returning, but instead I settle in and get comfortable. I lean back on my elbows, throwing my head up to look at the stars.
“Holy shit!” I jump up to my feet, taking a few steps back to put some distance between me and the lunatic suddenly standing before me. I’m going to die.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you. I was just dropping someone off and noticed you standing out here.” He looks confused.
Maybe he’s drunk.
“Nice try. You can’t see this spot from the parking lot.” I take a few more steps back, looking between him and the party. I wonder if I can outrun him to get close enough to scream for help.
“You’re right. When pulling off, I received an important call, but dropped my phone. I pulled over, right up there…” he points back to the railing where a car sits on the other side. “…I had to get out to get to my phone. When I was trying to call them back I noticed you out here.”
“So you decided, ‘Hey, I’ll just go to a complete stranger and see why they are standing out here alone?’ Yeah, I’m not buying it.”
Running a hand through his hair, he exhales and tips his head back. “Yes, that is what happened and honestly, I don’t know why I’m here.”
He looks confused and lost. I know the feeling. I don’t know what comes over me, but decide to take a chance. “Well, are you going to stand there staring at me all night or you going to cop a squat and keep me company?” I pat the spot next to me.
Pulling out his phone, punching a few buttons, he curses, “Damn it!” Looking at his watch he continues. “Thanks for the offer, but I have to pass. My phone is dying and I need to respond to this email.”
“So?” I don’t know why I’m testing him, but there is something about him. I’m not ready for him to go.
“I have to respond to this…I wouldn’t expect you to understand,” he spits out, suddenly venomous, while turning and walking away.
“You’re right!” I holler back to the stranger. “I don’t want to sit and watch life pass me by, I want to live it.”
Stopping, he turns around to look at me one more time.
I wave.
He cocks his head and smiles.
“So, what do you say? Live or watch?” I torment him.
Looking back at his car, then back at me, the stranger fights an internal battle.
“Maybe this one can wait until tomorrow.” His deep voice overpowers the crashing of the waves and into my heart.
Slowly he begins to return, coming to a stop at the edge of the blanket. He removes his shoes one by one before he takes a seat. He looks awkward and out of place sitting here, but I feel as if he belongs.
“So, stranger, you have a name?”
“No names,” he’s quick to respond. “This is out of character for me, my world…” he pauses “… it’s compli
cated. Tonight I just want to be a stranger, sitting by the ocean with a beautiful young lady.”
I don’t mean to stare, and I know it’s crazy, but I feel as if we have shared much more than names in the past 10 minutes than some do in 10 weeks. The way he makes me feel when he is near has me curious and scared at the same time.
“See something you like?” His voice nearly knocks me down.
I have been so consumed with my thoughts, I forgot I was staring at him.
I shake my head. “I’m sorry, I …” Deciding to go for honesty, I blurt out, “It’s just, I can’t help but feel connected to you. I’m not sure what brought you here, but I’m glad you are.”
“The feeling is mutual.” He reaches out and puts his hand on my leg.
I shiver.
“Are you cold?” he asks.
I nod my head, unable to speak.
“Here.” He pulls me next to him, wrapping his arms around me and shielding me from the breeze.
Tucking my face into the crook of his arm, I breathe in his scent.
“Why were you out here alone? Some stranger could see you out here and give you some lame story, luring you back to his vehicle,” he asks, raising his eyebrows as he awaits my response.
“HA! All serial killers wear coke-bottle glasses…so, I’m safe.” I’m not sure if this is true or not, but it sounds good.
“Actually, that isn’t true. What you probably saw were images after they were incarcerated, wearing state-issued frames.”
“Huh, interesting.” I look up at him, able to see his eyes for the first time. The moon is full and high, the glow bouncing off the waves and hitting his eyes just right. So blue, they almost seem transparent.
He looks down, his gaze piercing through me. “What’s that?”
“You don’t wear contacts?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Well, you’re not going to kill me then.”
“BAHAHAHAHA!” His laugh barrels through his chest. It seems even louder with my head pressed against his side, and I can feel every vibration of his words. “Has anyone told you that you are different?”
“Different? Hmm…nope, can’t say they have.” Confused, I ask, “Is that a bad thing or good?”
“Babe, it’s good, refreshing…different,” he reassures me.
Still cold, I shiver and bring my arm around his chest, trying to find a spot to keep my hands warm. I notice his shirt is now untucked, and I place my hand there and feel its warmth, inching my hand up until it’s secured under his shirt. Hearing his breath hitch from the coldness of my hand, I think about removing it, but once the warmth hits I decide he will have to physically remove it if it bothers him.
“Still cold?”
“Yeah.” I hesitate. I don’t want him to go and I’m afraid if we get up, he will leave.
“Here, let’s try this.” He lies back and pulls me halfway on him, adjusting the blanket so it covers us both.
“That’s perfect, and feels good.” I snuggle in and get comfortable.
“Yes, it does.” He bends his head kisses my forehead in an intimate gesture. Then he pulls me up a little farther, kissing my nose.
I lift my chin, wanting more. He senses my need and brushes his lips on my cheek next to my ear, whispering, “Tell me to stop.”
“No,” I rasp, turning my head towards his, wanting more.
“I’m not good…” he licks my neck, the cold air hitting it sends a chill down my body and a heat between my legs. “…for you.”
“I’m tired of people telling me what to do,” I say impatiently.
I run my hand further up his shirt as he pulls me in tighter, rubbing his leg in a slow motion that hits all the right spots between mine.
“Please, kiss me.”
That’s all the approval he needs and he slams his lips to mine, sending a current so unbearable through me that I need more. Grabbing his shirt, I roll to my back, pulling him on top of me, desperately needing the pressure of his body on mine.
Throwing my arms around his neck, I pull him in, deepening the kiss. Rocking back and forth trying to gain the friction for the release I crave.
“Please, more,” I beg.
Breaking our kiss, he pushes himself up on his knees, pulling me with him. He takes off my hoodie and throws it next to us. I’m still in my bikini and jean shorts, so he gets to work untying the top, letting it fall.
‘My god, you are beautiful,” he murmurs as he reaches down to take a nipple into his mouth. Sucking, pulling and then switching to give the other the same attention, letting the cold air tease the one he just left. The sensation is too much. I need more.
Pulling his head closer to me, I lie back down, wrapping my legs around his waist, rocking, urging him on.
Kissing down my bare stomach he stops just below my navel, licking, nipping his way down. He stops only to unbutton my cutoffs, pulling them and my bikini bottoms off in one swift motion.
“I need you now.”
He pushes himself away, rips open his button-down shirt then works on his belt, removing his pants in record time. Urgency overcomes us as our bodies intertwine, connecting in one swift thrust.
My hands snake their way under his arms, pulling him closer, as I moan, “Oh God.” My fingers claw their way down his back as the pressure builds. “I can’t…I…I…please!”
“Look at me!” His voice vibrates through my body. “NOW!”
My eyes fly open, capturing a moment so raw and intense it’s as if his eyes are claiming a part of me his body can’t touch.
This moment is so powerful and passionate it brings me to my release. As my body begins to tighten, I feel his pace pick up, slamming into me, bringing me to heights I have never felt.
“YOU…” he roars, throwing his head back, slowly pumping into me, carrying out his release and bringing me to another.
Lowering himself on his forearms, he brings both palms to my face, cradling my head in his hands. “What are you doing to me?” whispering as he takes a thumb, brushing it over my lips.
This moment is much too personal for two strangers. “What are we doing?” I ask.
“Living life, babe.”
Chapter 1
Daisy
Two minutes…two minutes is how long it takes to find out. Two minutes that my life hangs in the balance…waiting.
My lifestyle is carefree, one with no worries or regrets, but that is living. That doesn’t make you end up here. Being reckless — careless — during one earth-shaking moment…that can change the rest of your life.
Sitting on the counter I turn around, put my feet in the sink and scoot closer to look in the mirror so I can examine my face for changes.
Am I glowing?
Do I look different?
Do I look pregnant?
Pulling and tugging at my face, I try to notice anything. Something to give me a sign of what the test results will be.
Nothing!
Jumping down, I pace around. Why does this seem like it’s been hours versus minutes?
One minute. Picking up the box, I double-check the instructions for the twentieth time. “One line, negative. Two lines, positive,” I repeat to myself.
Waiting…waiting…wait. One blue line! That’s good right?
Whew!
That was close, too close. Closing my eyes, I think back to that night. The best one of my life actually…until I woke up.
Rolling off of me, he gathers our clothes, stuffing them into the bag.
“Hey! What are you doing? I need to get dressed.”
“Not yet.” He pulls me up, draping the blanket over my shoulders, and hands me the bag of our belongings.
“This isn’t a naked beach and I’m pretty sure…” He bends down and picks me up, cradling me. “Hey! Put me down. What do you think you’re doing?”
“The little blue one? Is that yours?” He nods his head in the direction of my car since his hands are temporarily occupied.
“Yes, but wh
at are you doing?”
“Taking you to bed, it’s late.” He looks down at me and smiles. “You never know who may be out lurking at night, ready to prey on their next victim.”
“Ah! Yes! My hero. How can I ever repay you?” I respond to the banter.
“I’m pretty sure you are on the prepayment plan,” he says as he leans down to kiss my nose.
“You do realize I’m totally covered and you are walking on the beach, NAKED.”
“I’m well aware. Someone once told me to live…I decided to live boldly.”
I smile.
He smiles back.
Best. Night. Ever.
Once we get to the house, he carries me inside, asking directions to my bedroom.
Laying me on the bed, he unwraps me then picks me back up.
“What on earth are you doing now?”
“Bathroom?”
I point down the hall, but don’t question why he is carrying me in there. This night has been full of surprises and this moment is no different.
Kicking open the door he reaches for the light switch, trying to find it on the wall. “Care to help me out?”
“It’s by the mirror.”
Putting me down on the sink, he flips the switch to turn on the lights, walks over to the shower and turns it on.
“Towels?” He’s opening cabinets and going through drawers.
“Hallway.”
He disappears and comes back with a couple towels and a washcloth. He picks me back up and I relax into his arms, wondering what he has planned. Setting me down in the shower, he climbs in after me. “Let’s get you warm and cleaned up.”
I have never been so relaxed and felt completely taken care of by a man before. After washing me, paying special attention to the area between my legs, he turns off the water and gets out to dry off. I don’t move. I let him take care of me.
Wrapping the towel around his waist, he sees me standing there, dripping. He smiles.
“You should smile more often,” I tell him.
