ESCAPE INTO ROMANCE- 4 Book Bundle

by Patrice Wilton

  That had become difficult in the past year, with Leila’s schedule and Callie’s illness. Leila was new to teaching university courses and had been amazed at the enormous number of prep hours it required. She also had research to do, grant applications to write, and students to counsel. Not to mention all the unexpected trips to the hospital. She and Callie had had to cut their visits to Sundays. They would all go to church together, and then return to her in-laws’ for a big lunch.

  Margaret answered the phone, and without preamble Leila told her that she had met Ryan. She didn’t expect her mother-in-law to immediately ask all about her son, but neither did she expect the long silence that followed her announcement.

  “Margaret, did you hear me?”

  “Yes, I did, Leila, and I’m trying to gather my thoughts. I feel quite overwhelmed. I really didn’t expect that you would see him.” Leila heard a stifled hiccup and knew Margaret had been drinking. She continued, “I was quite sure he would not agree to it.”

  “He didn’t have much choice. When I arrived, I found out he was on a diving boat and wouldn’t be back until the next day, so I had someone take me out to the boat. He owns the diving operation, did you know that?”

  “How am I to know anything? He hasn’t spoken to us in fifteen years.” Margaret’s voice was ice cold, but there was a slight tremor in it. “How did he look? What did he say? Did he ask about us?”

  “He didn’t know about Nick. It was quite a shock. I didn’t realize no one had ever told him.” Leila tried to keep the accusation out of her voice, but she didn’t understand what had kept this family apart. When Ryan went to jail she could imagine the complexity of emotions that everyone who knew and loved him had to deal with, but when he’d been freed, how could his parents not have rejoiced and welcomed him back? They only had two sons. How could they not love them both and support them equally?

  Nothing in the world would ever make her turn her back on her daughter. Even if she was guilty of something heinous, Leila could not imagine her love dying, and to never speak to her again was unthinkable.

  “We haven’t spoken in years,” Margaret said, as if that explained everything. “He’s never called, and we don’t have his phone number.”

  “I do. Do you want it?”

  “No, it’s too late now.”

  Leila’s stomach churned, and she was both angry and sick at heart. She knew her in-laws were good people. They weren’t unfeeling monsters, and they had loved Nick as much as any parent could. They had grieved as much as she had at his sudden death. What had Ryan done to make his parents disown him?

  She had been with him for less than twenty-four hours, but she believed in her gut that he was a trustworthy man, a man who had been severely wronged and still bore the scars. He was worthy of love and respect, worthy to be called their son.

  “I don’t understand, Margaret. I met him and he’s very charming. I think you and Jack would be pleasantly surprised.”

  “No, you don’t know what you’re talking about.” Her mother-in-law sounded agitated. “He has his secrets, Leila,” Margaret said flatly, “and so do we.”

  Leila knew better than to ask what kind of secrets. Maybe she’d learn one day, or maybe not, but she figured it was best not to dwell on the past. “He’s very happy in the charter business. He has a wonderful boat and takes people out diving in the most spectacular ocean reefs in the world. It’s amazing, it really is.”

  “You certainly seem to have fallen in love with it,” Margaret said sharply. “I hope Ryan wasn’t part of the attraction. I would hate to see that, I really would.”

  “Margaret. Don’t be ridiculous. I loved Nick with all my heart, and I have no feelings for Ryan except compassion. I do think he got a rotten deal in life, but he’s made lemonade out of lemons. Good for him, I say.”

  “Well, I’m happy for him, but I’m sure you’ll never get him to agree to donate a kidney to Callie. The man I remember never had a thought for anything or anybody but himself.”

  “He agreed immediately. He was quite excited, as a matter of fact.”

  “Oh, is that so? Well then, why isn’t he here?”

  “He hoped I would be able to bring the kidney home with me. He didn’t want to leave Australia to come here for the procedure.”

  “Selfish. Didn’t I tell you?”

  “Is there any way that you and Jack could talk to him? Let him know that you’d like to welcome him home again? I think…” Leila bit her lip, knowing she was treading on slippery ground. “I think he feels that he can never come home again. Isn’t that sad?”

  “You don’t understand, Leila, and I don’t expect you to. Just accept the fact that we know better than you and leave it at that. What about your sister? She’s young and in good health.”

  “She’s an okay match, but not ideal. The doctor is hoping to find one that’s better.”

  “Well, I’m sure you will keep us apprised of the situation. We’ll see you on Sunday, won’t we?”

  “Of course. We’ll pick you up at eight-forty as usual.”

  “Make it half past the hour. It takes Jack longer these days to get in and out of the car.”

  “Of course. Give him my love.”

  After closing up the house Leila went to her room. She was still on a different time zone—a day ahead of everyone else in New Jersey—but even as exhausted as she was, she didn’t think she’d be able to sleep. Her mind was going a mile a minute.

  She took a warm shower, then lay in bed thinking about the past few days. Even though her reason for going to Australia was a terrifying one, in some ways it had been almost like a holiday. She hadn’t had a getaway since Nick died. She’d been too busy working and worrying to think about taking a vacation, especially once Callie had gotten sick.

  If Nick’s death had been a staggering blow, then Callie’s kidney failure had been a life-altering catastrophe. Everything in her own life, any half-formed plans and dreams for her future, were on hold until her daughter was well. There would be no life until Callie was off dialysis and out of danger.

  She had no right to enjoy herself as much as she had. But feeling guilty had not diminished the pleasure, not one iota. The warm sea breeze on her face as they sailed had been wonderful—but not nearly as much as the night dive with Ryan. She remembered how he’d kept her afloat while he taught her to snorkel, and remembering filled her with heat and made her body deliciously alive. It had been a long time since she’d felt anything from the waist down, and it was nice to know she still could feel something.

  She wished Ryan was lying beside her right now. Touching her. She shouldn’t be wishing it, but she did.

  His hands on her bare skin had felt so right and so good—and it might be horrible and selfish of her to think of it and long for it—but she wanted to prolong the pleasure. It had been five years since she’d felt any sexual urges, and Ryan’s touch had reawakened her.

  She kept her eyes closed so she could relive and savor every thrilling second of being held and touched. And kissed. The memories should fill her with shame, yet they didn’t. If she had had a chance and circumstances had been different, she might have stayed longer and enjoyed them more.

  She tried telling herself that he was her brother-in-law. Callie’s uncle. It was Callie who needed him. She really shouldn’t be having sexual thoughts where he was concerned. But it did no good. She was aroused and he was the reason why.

  Her mother-in-law had called Ryan selfish, which he may or may not be. But one thing was for certain, she had her own selfish reasons for wanting to see him again.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Ryan rolled over and a warm leg brushed against his. He peeked an eye open and saw that Jamie was awake. “Morning, luv. Sleep well?” he asked, dropping a kiss on her bare shoulder.

  “Uh-huh. But I got about a billion things to do today. I wish I could stay in bed with you and have hot sex all day, but I told my sister I’d babysit her two little monsters while she goes out and
gets her hair done.” Jamie stroked his chest. “It’s their anniversary tomorrow and she’s getting her hair colored and cut, which takes three hours. I get best sister award.”

  He kissed her. “Sure you do.” He stretched and yawned. “Let me make you some breakfast before you dash off.”

  “No, don’t bother. I’ll take a quick shower and then get out of your hair.”

  “Righto then. I’ll make us some coffee. You have time for a crumpet?”

  “Yeah, I think I can handle that.”

  He watched her walk into the bathroom and enjoyed the view of her tight little tush. She was a hottie, no doubt about that. But she was also nice and didn’t expect much from him, which was just the way he liked it. Once a girl started getting possessive, it cooled his jets. He enjoyed the way things were with Jamie—simple and casual.

  While Jamie took her shower, he made coffee and then clicked on his computer to check his emails. He rarely used his computer except for business correspondence. He glanced quickly down the list, figuring he’d get to the important stuff later, once Jamie left and he’d had his morning run.

  There was an email from Leila, and for some reason that made his stomach muscles tighten and his mouth go dry. Maybe she’d sent a picture of herself. He’d like one to remember her by. Not that it was likely he’d forget her gorgeous big blue eyes, the cute turned-up nose, or the full generous lips that practically begged to be kissed. No, he didn’t need a picture, but he wouldn’t mind one under his pillow.

  Instead of a picture of herself, though, she had sent him at least a dozen photos of Callie, his niece. She was a cute kid, but she looked a lot sicker than he’d thought. Her face was unhealthily pale and drawn, and her brown eyes had deep dark bruises under them. Leila had sent some pictures of when she was younger too, when she’d been a happy, healthy child, with a perky expression and confident smile. Even in the more recent pictures he could see she had spunk.

  He touched the monitor, stroking Callie’s cheek. This was Nick’s baby, his niece. He liked the sound of that. It meant he did have some kind of family, someone he could remember in his will. Not that he planned on dying anytime soon, but it was nice to know that maybe he could do something for somebody, make her life a little better. He didn’t have to wait until his death, of course. He could give his niece a kidney—maybe. And if the transplant went well, perhaps she’d like to come and visit him one summer. Her mother too. They could go out on his boat for a week and he could teach them to dive, and show them the un-frickin-believable world that existed under the sea.

  It was hard to explain to anyone who didn’t get it, but diving was like nothing else in life. It was so calm down there, with no noise or earthly distractions. A world where everyone coexisted and worked together according to plan. Of course, like as on dry land, big fish fed off the smaller ones, but he understood and respected that. It was simply a part of nature.

  Survival of the fittest. Just as he had survived in jail, and had found a way to rise to the top when he was out of it.

  “Ryan? What are you thinking about?” Dressed in her T-shirt and shorts Jamie sauntered into the room. “You look a million miles away.”

  “I’m not. I’m right here.” He grinned. “Coffee’s ready, and I promised you a crumpet, didn’t I?”

  They took their coffees and a plate of crumpets dripping in butter and jam outside to his patio, where they could watch the surf roll in on the beach. “So what are you up to later today?” she asked. “Going out on the boat?”

  “Yup, I am. I’m taking Jared out again.”

  “Is he still selling drugs?” She wiped some strawberry jam from the corner of her mouth. “I don’t know how you can put up with these losers. They deserve what they get, if you ask me.”

  “Kid made a mistake.” He kept his tone of voice neutral. No point in getting upset. “He spent six months on a farm—a correctional institute. Seems he’s paid his dues, if you ask me.”

  She eyed him curiously. “I don’t get it. Even his own parents kicked him out, but you’re sticking up for him.”

  “Somebody has to.”

  “Why? He’s a creep. Selling marijuana to some middle school kids. What about them? Why don’t you care about the innocent children he wronged, instead of this loser?”

  “Stop calling him that,” Ryan snapped. He stood up quickly. “You want some more coffee?”

  “No. I’ve got to be going.” She stood up too. “Look, I’m sorry. I know that what you do is really great and all that. You’re a bigger person than me, I guess.”

  “It’s just something I like to do.” He worked with troubled youths in an outreach program, and it wasn’t because he was a do-gooder. It was his payback. If he could save just one kid from a life of crime or jail, then it was well worth his time.

  “Well, I think it makes you pretty special.” She stood on her tip-toes and gave him a kiss.

  “No big deal.” He put his hands on her shoulders and moved slightly away. “Have fun with your nephews.”

  “Oh, yeah. Just how I want to spend my day, running after a two and a four-year-old.” She grinned. “Want to take me out to dinner tonight as my reward?”

  “I wish I could, but I don’t know what time we’ll get in. This is Jared’s day, and sometimes we stop and have a bite to eat somewhere. Sorry. I’ll make it up another time.”

  “Okay.” She shrugged. “Guess I’ll see you at work.”

  When the door closed behind her, Ryan poured himself more coffee and went back to his computer.

  His reasons for helping Jared, and all the other kids on the street, ran deep. He’d messed up too. But he’d done his time and come out on top. Unlike Corbin Donovan, who’d murdered Hailey and blamed it on him. Corbin hadn’t survived more than a week once Ryan got out of jail.

  A lot of people thought he was responsible for ending Corbin’s life. After all, it didn’t take a genius to know that he’d had the most motive to want to see him dead. The truth was that although he didn’t mourn the man, he hadn’t killed him either. Hell, he’d been with a beautiful blonde that night, making up for all that lost time in prison. Several reliable witnesses had seen them in Atlantic City, a couple of hours away, when a car struck Corbin and left him to die.

  The police had questioned him thoroughly, but there wasn’t the tiniest shred of evidence linking him to the hit and run, and yet his own parents thought him guilty. They figured he might have not committed the first crime, but he sure had the second. It was easier to let them think what they wanted than to stay and try to change their minds.

  That was why he’d bought a ticket to Australia and never returned. He’d needed a new beginning in a place where he could completely reinvent himself and not have anyone pointing an accusing finger at him. And that was the exact reason he wanted to stay.

  He closed the computer. There was no point in being tested after all. He couldn’t help his niece. Sometimes there just was no going back.

  He flexed his shoulders, feeling like his muscles were all tied up in knots. He’d been feeling out of sorts ever since Leila stepped on his boat.

  It wasn’t just Leila that got his blood all stirred up, although she was pretty enough to do that. He still hadn’t accepted the shocking news that his brother was dead. He could have resented Nick growing up. Nick had always been the straight-A student, the varsity athlete, the guy who had the best looking chicks. But nobody had ever loved his brother more than Ryan had. He’d put Nick on a damn pedestal all his life, and had never even tried to measure up. Nick had been his hero, and it was unbelievable that he was gone, had been for years.

  Nick was the only one who’d believed in his innocence. He was the only family member who’d visited him in prison, and the day he was released, Nick was the one who’d driven him home. He’d thrown a big party for him, inviting all their old school friends, people they’d known all their lives. Ryan knew they’d only come as a favor to Nick. They hadn’t liked him before, and they sure di
dn’t like him now—a felon turned into a millionaire, thanks to the screwed-up legal system.

  A few nights after he’d been released, Ryan and Nick had gone down to the beach. Nick had brought along a bottle of Scotch that they shared, though Nick drank the lion’s share. At one point he waved the half-empty bottle in the air and declared that justice had to be served, and that he intended to see that it was.

  Three days later, Corbin Donovan was dead.

  * * *

  Callie didn’t like to whine all the time, but she was sick and tired of feeling like an invalid and sitting around the house. All she ever did was go to school, go to the hospital, and come home and sleep. Her so-called best friends had deserted her—preferring to hang out with people who were fun, rather than come over and watch her die. Go figure. She didn’t have much in common with her classmates anymore, and she couldn’t stand their pity, so it was no big loss. Girls her age were always talking about boys and makeup and pop stars, and didn’t have any serious thoughts—like dying.

  She thought about it all the time.

  What would it feel like? Would it hurt? Would she be writhing in agony, gasping for breath as her organs began to fail and her body started to shut down? She’d thought a lot about it, and she decided it probably wouldn’t be that big of a deal. More likely, she’d slip away in a coma or something.

  In some ways it would be the easy way out, no more fatigue or dialysis or medication and hospitals, no more feeling sickly all the time. But it would be horrible for her mom and grandparents. They would take it really hard. Especially her mom. She’d been hysterical when the police came to say Dad was in a serious accident and had been taken to the hospital. Then when he died she was inconsolable, and cried for weeks and weeks. Grandma had had to come and take care of her because her mom couldn’t even get out of bed. Callie worried her mother might never get over it if she didn’t get a kidney in time.