Tough Love (Hidden Secrets)

by Belden, P. J.

  She nods her head in my chest. We stood there for a few minutes before I pulled away from her. Kissing her lightly on the lips, I smiled at her.

  “Come on, let’s tell everyone our news.”

  She laughs. “Okay.”

  We walk back into the dining room and all eyes are on us. Taking advantage of the situation, I lean down and apologize in her ear ahead of time. She looks at me scared. That causes me to laugh harder.

  “Shannon’s house looks great. Good thing Kylee came to decorate it to cover your ass aye Nick.”

  “Yeah sure was a great idea. Just like using Jake to score dates.”

  “Nah, I don’t need Jake anymore.”

  “I wouldn’t be so sure,” he teases.

  “Oh but I am, because just a few hours ago Shannon agree to marry me,” I said, winking at Shannon.

  “Say what?” Nick said.

  Everyone looked shocked so I held up her hand to show them her ring. My mom sat there and stared at me for a moment.

  “Mom? Are you okay?”

  “Jackson, you really have overcome a lot to get to this point. I didn’t understand before why you were so closed off, but I do now and baby I couldn’t pick a better woman for you.”

  “What do you mean?” Kayla asked.

  Again, I explained to everyone about Hannah. How I blamed myself and how much more I love Shannon. I even told them about going to Hannah’s grave before going to Shannon’s to tell her everything.

  “I’ll always love Hannah, but just not in the same way anymore.”

  My eyes then met Eli’s. His eyes seemed sadder than everyone else’s. “What’s up, E?”

  “I brought that hurt on you. If I hadn’t been a pussy, you wouldn’t have had to go through that.”

  “No man. Don’t apologize for it. I’m glad I got to know her, to love her. She was an amazing woman and I think being with her made me better. At least she led me to an amazing woman, anyway,” I said looking at Shannon. “I’m not a whole man, but you’ve accepted the pieces of me that are left and with those pieces I will love you more than any other man can. I love you.”

  “I love you too,” Shannon’s voice cracked.

  “Yes!” Mary and Kayla exclaimed.

  We both turned toward them with confused looks on our faces. This caused Kayla and Mary to start laughing. I look at Jason and Tobey and they both shrug their shoulders.

  “You’re going to sisters day now,” Mary and Kayla sang.

  This made Shannon laugh and I smiled. Then turned my attention to Sebastian and Atreyu who just high-fived each other.

  “What’s going on over here?”

  “We knew it at the cabin that you were getting married. Grandma Jane tried to tell us that you just fell asleep, but we knew.”

  “How did you know?” Shannon asks.

  “Because he’s the only one that’s made you smile.”

  I hear Shannon’s breath catch and I put my arm around her. “Well I’m glad it was me.”

  “Me too,” they say together.

  The rest of the dinner went well. Everyone was in higher spirits and I couldn’t be happier. Finally everything had fallen in place and my life was finally whole again.

  “I was wondering if I could keep the boys tonight?” Mary asked.

  “Oh, uh, I…”

  “You guys are going to have to give her time to come to terms with everything before she’ll be comfortable with letting the boys out of her sight again.”

  “Sissy, we’re okay. We want to stay. They will watch us. Please,” Sebastian begged.

  “What do you mean ‘come to terms’? What’s happened?” Jason asked.

  I watched Shannon glance at Kayla and Kayla’s face drops, her hands flying to her mouth. “Oh my God! They were really kidnapped weren’t they?” She exclaims shocked.

  “I, uh…,” Shannon’s head drops and she nodded.

  “Why would you tell me they were just hiding?”

  “Because they called right after. They were going to do an exchange, me for the boys.”

  “But the man said he wasn’t going to hurt kids so when the mean lady left he took us home. It was a really long walk, but the guy was nice,” Atreyu says.

  Just then, Shannon’s phone started ringing again and a small scream escaped before her hands covered her mouth. This was really beginning to piss me off. She didn’t even reach for her phone. When I went to say something, she just shook her head. I was willing to let it go… for now.

  “Shannon, I can understand why you’d not want to let the boys out of your sight, but maybe them being out at our ranch is safer,” Mary suggested.

  That was a good point. Mary and Tobey were out in the middle of nowhere and owned a serious amount of land all around their house. It would get the boys out of sight for a little while until whatever this is blows over.

  Just as I was about to suggest just that, she turned to the boys, “Do you want to go there?”

  “Yes, we love it at Aunt Mary’s. Uncle Tobey even helps us ride the horses.”

  “Okay, I guess. It does make sense.” She looks at Mary and Tobey. “Please, watch over them for me. If anything were to happen to them…”

  “I know hun. We won’t let anything happen to them.”

  The night went on with no further phone calls and the boys were starting to dose off. Mary and Tobey gathered up the boys and head back to the ranch. Shannon and I left shortly after them.

  “Since meeting you, the boys have been away from me so much, I feel like I’m losing them,” she mumbled, staring out the window.

  “No, beautiful. Think of it this way, they have a family. They have a lot of people that love them.”

  “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

  We walked into her house. She locked up and walked into the kitchen checking the back door. Anger boiled in me, at the thought of her not feeling safe in her own home.

  “Would you like me to check all the windows?”

  “Yes, please.”

  Going around checking the windows, I finally got a full view of the changes that were made in the house. Nick really did an amazing job. This house felt so new, yet a glimmer of the old home still remained. Once the check was done, I walked back out to the kitchen and wrapped my arms around her as she stood at the counter.

  “Hey beautiful, we need to discuss something.”

  “Oh yeah? What’s that?”

  “Living arrangements…”

  “Oh I thought since you brought your clothes you were moving in here,” she said turning around with a smirk. “Did you think I wouldn’t go through the boxes and bags?”

  “Well, I’d hoped not before I’d asked,” I said grinning from ear to ear. “So…Is that what you want?”

  “Yes, actually. I love this house now.”

  “I do too.”

  “Would you be willing to come in and help me out tomorrow?”

  “Why what’s wrong?”

  “I fired Rachael because of the stupid shit she was doing at the office to fuck everything up. It’s just if I don’t get some reliable help soon then I may never be home,” I said pouting.

  “Of course. I think it’d be fun to work together,” she says with a sexy smirk.

  “Oh damn…”

  She laughs and walks away to get ready for bed. Just as she walks into the bedroom her phone vibrates on the counter. I look at it seeing she’s got a text.

  You’re days are numbered bitch! I’ll get you and there’s going to be hell to pay!

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  The Stalker

  Sitting outside Jackson’s office, I waited to see my love. I’m hoping to see him in better spirits today. He’s been so sad lately. The urge to run to him and make him feel better was strong. There were a few times there that I had to restrain myself to keep from doing just that. It was made easier when a pregnant woman started showing up.

  I didn’t see him much this past week. He’s been holding himself up in his apa
rtment, only coming out to work. It was hardly worth climbing the fire escape all the way to the top floor to find him not in his room. I couldn’t see him at all. His bed was a mess so he must have been in his bed at some point, but I never saw him.

  Now, I sit here and hope for my short glimpse of him so I could make it through and be able to focus. I miss seeing him all the time. He’s just not himself anymore. This little bitch has something to do with it and I know it. She’s no good for him and yet he still stays with her. He could have the best life with me. All the happiness he could ever dream of could be found within my arms, but he doesn’t see that.

  How could one person want to suffer so damn much? He seemed to want to suffer. If he didn’t he’d be in my arms right now. This man was extremely frustrating. But I can’t help but be pulled to him. From the first moment I laid eyes on him, I knew, I knew he was meant for me. Jackson was all I saw at that restaurant, even over my date.

  “Are you sure this guy is for me?” I asked.

  “Of course I am. He’s liked you since he saw you at the bar. Actually even asked about you to Derek. Just calm down. It’s time to spread your wings.” Tracy said.

  Nodding my head, we started walking toward the table where Derek and my blind date sat. I was one of those girls that were never allowed to date. Even through college, my father had me tailed so I couldn’t even date then. My father was strict on the purity of marriage. He’s no longer around so I’ve decided to see what my father was keeping me from. With the help of my friends Tracey and Derek, they were helping me find quality and not quantity.

  When we got insight of the table, the guy looked up at me and froze. A smile spread across his face as he stood from the table. I watched as he wiped his hands on his jeans, licked his lips and reached his hand out to me.

  “Hi, I’m Michael Jones. It’s so nice to finally get to talk to you.”

  “Hi. Um, it’s nice to meet you too.” I said standing there awkward.

  “Hey babe, can you…oh hell just come with me Derek so these guys can be alone for a moment.”

  Michael was a good looking man. He had dark blonde hair with dark blue eyes, a beautiful smile. My friends chose well. He definitely stirred things in me. He smiled softly at me.

  “You are so beautiful. I hope you aren’t too freaked out by me asking about you to Derek.”

  “No, not all. I’m actually kind of flattered to be honest. No one has ever been interested in me like that.”

  “Seriously? No one? Well they’re stupid, but can’t say I’m not happy about it,” he winks at me.

  After some conversation, basically small talk, I couldn’t help but ask. “What about me made you want to find me?” I couldn’t look him in the face.

  Taking my hand in his, “First thing that caught my attention were your eyes. You were sitting at the bar talking to Derek. They were sad, but God were they beautiful. I couldn’t pull my eyes away from you. Your hair, face, and yes even your body. When I finally got up the nerve to walk over to you, you ran from the bar.”

  “Yeah, it wasn’t a good night. So why bother hunting me down?”

  “Hunting you down? That sounds so scary,” he laughs. “When I couldn’t quit thinking about you, seeing you everywhere, even when I closed my eyes. I knew I needed to know you. Then when I finally learned your name, it suited you and made you real and not just this dream I felt like I was living in.” He pauses, giving me a skeptical look. “Do I sound corny?”

  Shaking my head, “No not at all,” I blush.

  Looking down at my hands, I looked up to say something when my eyes caught the vision of a man walking in. The light almost seemed to be carrying him in on its rays of light. He was beautiful. Dark hair, kind of messy, a smile that took my breath away, and a body that set mine on fire, I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

  “I’d really like to take you on an official date if you’d agree.”

  Just as quick as this guy had entered he was gone. Turning to look out the window, I couldn’t see where he went. Was he a sign that the guy before me was not meant for me? Looking back at Michael, I just didn’t know. Michael brought me to life too, just not like this stranger did.

  “Yes, I’d like that,” I smile shyly, but my vision goes back out the window searching for this stranger that just crossed my path.

  It wasn’t until a few months later I found out who this guy was. It was by pure accident when I had come in for a job interview and saw him sitting there behind the desk. His warm smile greeting me and telling me to take a seat, it was then that I knew I would have him. He was mine even if he didn’t know it.

  It took me a long time to get his routine down, but when I finally did I was able to see him every day. The only time I couldn’t see him was when he was at home, but that would be changing soon because his home will soon be mine, as will his heart.

  Jack’s car came into view and my heart jumped in my chest. It will only be a few minutes now and I will be able to see him. Today I plan to talk to him. After careful recon, I found out this morning that she was no longer with him. Kind of anticlimactic for me because I sent her a text last night that I just know sent her running to those little freaks of hers. Oh well. She was away from my Jackson and that is all that matters.

  I watch as he parks his car and climbs out. He looks happy today. Better than happy, even. Then I watch him hurry around to the passenger door as it opened.

  “No fucking way!” I screamed to the inside of my car.

  Jackson kisses her, presses the button for his car alarm and they walk into the office together, hand in hand. What the fuck is he doing back with her? Looking around to make sure no one was looking, I made my way over to the building. Carefully I peered around the corner to see them at the desk. He’s running his hand up and down her arms. Anger boils deep in the pit of my stomach. I’m sure if someone could see me now there’d definitely be steam coming from my ears as I watch him lean down and kiss her.

  This little bitch was pissing me off. How was it that he still wanted her. She obviously hurt him and he’s still standing there like she’s the only girl in the world. Those are supposed to be my looks. Those are supposed to be my kisses.

  Why is this little tart getting everything that is supposed to be mine! I stormed back to my car and took off. I guess I have planning to do after all!

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Jackson

  “Wow, it is just weird having you here and not for an appointment.”

  “Hey I was here more than that, just didn’t stay long,” she winks at me.

  Shaking my head, I needed to keep focus on getting the office back in running order.

  “Okay, Kayla’s tried to make heads or tails of most of this stuff, but even she doesn’t know what Rachael has done. So whatever you can come up with that allows me to work effectively and efficiently have at it.”

  She nods her head looking around, “Okay you go do whatever it is you need to do and I will handle the front. You called Mary, right?”

  “Yes, Princess. The boys are good.”

  She nods her head again. “Okay, go do your thing now. I’ve got it covered out here.”

  Kissing her on the head, I head into my office. There really was still one hell of a mess to clean up. It makes me wonder how long Rachael has been doing this. Again I’m kicking myself in the ass for not firing her before. She should have been fired when she walked in on me and Shannon kissing.

  Staring down at the pile of files on my desk, I just couldn’t believe how long it’s taking to get this shit under control. I had called all morning patients and canceled yesterday. This morning was about trying to get some functionality back in the office. I worked on the files for a while before I needed to stretch. Walking over to my office door, I watched Shannon work away on the computer. She’d glance down at something, then frantically type away. She was just so damn beautiful and I can’t believe she’s all mine. Her face changes and she starts shaking her head.

&nbs
p; “What?” I asked concerned.

  “She…She…,” she looked at me scared.

  “What,” I asked alarmed and moving to her side quickly.

  “She was researching me, my family, my brothers, everyone. Why…Why would she do that?”

  “I don’t know baby. I don’t know,” I stared at the screen as if it would tell me the answer.

  “That’s not even the half of it. She had installed a tracking program to all computers on this network. Jack,” she says turning to me with a sad look, “she was stealing from you as well.”

  “What?”

  “And it wasn’t just you. From what I’ve found, she’s padded bills and taken directly from your account linked to the office. Jackson you’re looking at a lawsuit or chance of losing your license if the insurance companies find out about this.”

  I stumbled backward, sliding down the wall and dropped my head to my hands. It was hard to breathe. My livelihood was at stake here. How long had this gone on? Shannon’s warmth filled me as she wrapped her arms around me.

  “I’m sorry, babe. Maybe you should call Eli or your dad and see what your options are?”

  Lifting my head, I smile at her. “That’s a great idea.”

  “Good because I already called them and they should be here…” She says as the door opens.

  I kiss her on the lips and stand.

  “What’s going on? Shannon called and said you need some legal advice about something?”

  “Uh, yeah,” I look at Shannon.

  “Let’s take this into Jack’s office,” Shannon says taking charge.

  We all walk into my office. We all sit down in the sitting area. My father and Eli are looking real nervous. Can’t say I blame them right now. I’m scared myself. This will ruin me. Everything I’ve worked so hard for will go up in flames. Honestly, I don’t know how I was going to get out of this.

  “Okay guys. Jack asked me to come in and help him get things under control. Well when I sat down at the computer, I notice some strange flashes. This caused me to run some checks…”

  Shannon starts running on about all the things she did about check some system thing and talking about Trojans (no not the condoms) and a bunch of other stuff. She was turning me on with the brainiac talk. I never knew she knew all this stuff about computers. Have to remember to talk to her about this later.