ROUGH WATER
A Songbird Novel
Melissa Pearl
© Copyright 2016 Melissa Pearl
http://www.melissapearlauthor.com
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All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, businesses, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, actual events or locales is purely coincidental.
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Cover art (copyright) by Mae I Design. All rights reserved.
http://www.maeidesign.com/
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License Notes
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Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
ROUGH WATER
Sometimes love is more than a feeling…it’s a choice.
Justin Doyle loves his new wife, Sarah.
Deeply. Madly. Passionately.
And he wants a divorce.
A few weeks into their marriage an unforeseen tragedy strikes, bringing their lives to a screeching halt.
For Justin, the loss hits him in deep and profound ways. He is wracked with a guilt which feeds his belief that he has never been—will never be—good enough. Sarah tries to be there for him while she deals with her own sadness, but he pushes her away…to a place neither are sure they can recover from.
The one thing they need most is each other. And it’s the one thing they don’t have.
Can they find their way back to the place they were before? Or is wedded bliss just a fairy tale?
Note
For the last six Songbird Novels, I have placed the playlist here, but one reader suggested to me that I should put it in the back, as the song list can give too much away. So that’s what I’ve done. If you’d like to see it first, you are welcome to follow this link to find it at the end of the book.
For Jason Mraz
Your songs and voice touch my heart. Thank you for inspiring me with your beautiful, creative, intelligent music. You’ll forever be one of my favorite artists.
Chapter One
Sarah
“I now pronounce you husband and wife.” The minister smiled between us then winked at Justin. “You may kiss your bride.”
Bubbles made up of giggles and fairy dust rose and popped inside me. I was positive I’d never been so happy in my entire life. Justin smiled down at me, his gentle eyes bathing me in his warmth and devotion. He was the best man I’d ever met. Yes, even better than my dad. From that first night we met and stayed up talking until four in the morning, I knew I’d love him for the rest of my life. Dating him was easy. Being with him was natural. So far, there’d been nothing hard or complicated about our relationship.
I could say with certainty that nothing would ever break us. Our marriage was going to be perfect.
Justin’s arm slipped around my waist, and he pulled me toward him. Gliding my fingers around his neck, I relished the touch of his hand on my cheek. His thumb rested on my jawline as he tipped my head back and met my lips.
People started clapping as soon as our mouths touched, but it was white noise—a distant sound that couldn’t breach our moment.
Justin skimmed his nose against mine before pulling back. His eyes glistened as he mouthed the words, “I love you.”
I smiled so wide my face hurt then turned to the guests and shouted, “I’m Mrs. Doyle!”
Raucous laughter was followed by a loud cheer while Justin blushed and wrapped his arm around my waist.
People called me Sparkles—it was a nickname my dad gave me because whenever I smiled, my eyes seemed to glitter like the stars. I’m pretty sure my eyes were acting like supernovas that day.
“Angel” by Casting Crowns started playing through the sound system. I grinned at Justin then followed my best friend, Jane, and Justin’s brother, Blake, behind the altar so we could sign our marriage certificate.
The wedding was taking place in my family church. It was a massive building with huge glass windows that let in copious amounts of light. The modern decor was all straight lines and clean edges. Not my first choice, but my parents really wanted me to get married there, and I was too excited to be wedding the man of my dreams to put up any kind of fight.
“Selfie,” Justin whispered, gently nudging my arm and lifting the phone above us. I did a cheesy grin while people in the congregation tittered at our antics. Justin took two pictures then slid the phone back into his pocket.
Still grinning, I rested my head on his shoulder while Jane signed her name on the documents. It would take a lot to extinguish my smile. I was pretty sure I’d be living with a permanent grin from this day forward. My cheeks were hurting, but I didn’t care.
“This is the best day ever,” I murmured to my husband. Eeekkk! My husband!
He kissed my hair and squeezed my hand. We watched Blake shift around Jane and lean over the white table to sign the documents. The emerald engagement ring on Jane’s finger glittered under the lights. She and Blake were actually engaged before us, but Justin’s big brother insisted we marry first. It was the sweetest gesture. The couple told us we could have the first wedding, under the condition that at the end of our two-week honeymoon, we met them in England to attend their summer ceremony. It was an easy sell.
Blake scribbled his name then winked at me, flashing me one of his brilliant smiles. I’d grown up with three older sisters. They all had partners now, but none of them felt like brothers…not the way Blake did.
The four of us were a little family unit. Until a week ago, we’d all been living in the same house, ten minutes from the Stanford University campus. College brought us together, and nothing could break that bond. It wouldn’t surprise me if Jane and Blake ended up moving from Palo Alto to LA. We could find houses on the same street. Better yet, we could start having babies around the same time and grow our family even bigger.
*****
I brushed my hands down my cream and gold dress then swiveled to check out the back in the mirror. Man, I loved this wedding dress. It was the first one I’d ever made. I designed it for my final college assignment, knowing I’d be wearing it soon after graduation.
I received the highest mark I ever had, and the dress scored me an interview at Echelon Fashion. I started a week after my honeymoon. Talk about things falling into place. Mom and Dad were letting Justin and me live in one of their houses for minimal rent. It was in the Pacific Palisades, which we’d never be able to afford normally. I’d scored the dream job at a company I’d been admiring for years, and I’d just married the perfect man. Life was good!
“You nearly ready?” Jane popped her head into the hotel bathroom. “I think they’re about to start the first dance.”
“Okay.” I grinned, the bubbles inside me still going crazy. I was a champagne bottle, overflowing with excitement…a giddy girl who couldn’t wipe the smile off her face. My cheeks were going to be so sore the next day, but it didn’t matter. I was Mrs. Doyle. Nothing else mattered but that.
I ran my finger under my lips and brushed my cheeks before gently repositioning the sparkly headband I’d made to go with the dress.
“You look gorgeous. Come on.”
I took Jane’s outstretched hand, and we
bustled to the ballroom. Her long dress swished across the carpet, and I checked the back to make sure it was still sitting straight. I’d made all the bridesmaids’ dresses as well. It had been a labor of love…passion. Designing and creating clothes had been my greatest joy for as long as I could remember. Wedding outfits were my favorite.
I let go of Jane’s hand and straightened one of the crisscross straps across her shoulders. That was better.
She spun with a knowing grin. “Would you stop fussing. The dresses are perfect. This night is perfect. Everything you did has made it spectacular.” Holding my shoulders, she bent down and gave me a loving kiss on the cheek. “You were born to create magic like this, and I can’t wait to see you do it all over again in a couple of weeks.”
It was her turn to be giddy. Her pale cheeks flushed pink as her green eyes shone.
I held her elbows and jumped up on my tiptoes. “July is like the best month ever!”
“Totally!” She dipped her knees then wrapped me in a hug.
“Love you, Janey.”
“Love you too, Sparks.”
“All right, all right, that’s enough with the hugging. You’re gonna make each other cry and then makeup will run. It won’t be pretty.” Blake sauntered up behind his fiancée.
I pulled away from her and giggled, dabbing beneath my eyes to make sure I still looked presentable. Blake ran his hand lightly up Jane’s long neck, gazing down at her with unchecked affection. I knew that look. Justin gave it to me every day.
“Justin’s going nuts waiting for you to get back.” Blake pointed at the double doors behind us.
“How can you tell?” I grinned.
“His eyebrow’s twitching.”
I tipped my head back with a laugh. Justin was an expert at keeping the big feels on the down-low. He let me and Blake in, but when it came to the rest of the world, his guard was secure and his emotions in check. I’d never seen him lose his temper or raise his voice…or even cry. The only thing to give away his stress was his stutter that tended to appear whenever he got really nervous…or tired.
Thankfully, he’d breezed through his wedding day so far. A couple of little trip-ups during his wedding speech, but as soon as he turned to face me, it disappeared.
I loved that I could bring out the calm in him.
Slipping past my best friends, I headed back into the ballroom, swishing around tables and stopping to say hello to various guests.
“Your dress is divine.”
“You look stunning.”
“Such a talented girl.”
“I’m so happy for you, dear.”
I thanked each person as I worked my way through the room, my eyes seeking Justin the whole time. He was at the head table, chatting with my sister, Maria. He kept glancing over his shoulder, no doubt looking for me. I shuffled to the left, so I’d be in his line of sight next time he looked across.
“There’s my girl.” Dad’s deep voice caught my attention.
“Hey, Daddy.” I rose to my tiptoes and gave him a kiss.
He smiled down at me. His ever-present pride was touched with a sad nostalgia.
“Daddy,” I chided. “You promised.”
“I know.” He sniffed. “I just can’t believe my baby’s gotten herself hitched.”
“To a wonderful man.” I rested my hand on his broad chest. It looked so tiny sitting against the white square in his breast pocket.
I had always been Daddy’s precious baby girl, the youngest in the pack, and he never wanted me to leave the nest. He was a powerful man who ran his own record company. He was used to getting what he wanted. Letting me go had never been on his radar, and he’d struggled to do it.
However, in the last few months, he’d stepped up and really shown himself to be the father I adored. He’d offered Justin a position at Torrence Records working in the law department. Justin would study for his law degree part time while gaining experience working for my father. They’d also offered us the house in Pacific Palisades. It was a huge sign of respect, and Justin had said yes without hesitation.
Things had fallen into place perfectly.
Justin’s eyes locked onto me. I could feel his gaze and turned to smile at him. His eyes skittered over my dad before coming back to me.
“I’m going to go have my first dance now,” I murmured.
“Okay, Sparkles. But I get the next one.”
“I’ll be looking for ya.” I winked.
He chuckled then looked over the tables and raised his hand at the MC. The mic came on and a smooth voice wafted over the crowd. “Okay, folks, it’s time for the first dance. I believe Justin has hand-picked this song for his lady love.”
I stopped on the edge of the dance floor, anticipation firing through me as Justin’s shoes echoed on the shiny wood. Taking my hand, he raised it to his lips as “She’s Got A Way” by Billy Joel filtered into the room.
Aw, of course he did.
Justin was a man of few words, but he always found the best songs to tell me what his heart was really saying.
My giggle was soft and breathy as he gently tugged me onto the floor. He lifted his arm, and I spun beneath it. My dress floated out like a Cinderella ball gown before he pulled me back against him. His solid chest pressed against mine as his arms wrapped around my waist, holding me safe and secure. I gazed into his eyes. The bubbles inside were overflowing. My eyes glistened as I swayed against him and listened to the words. Justin’s gaze told me he meant each and every one of them.
Chapter Two
Justin
“Your Body Is A Wonderland” played in our sea-view room. John Mayer’s smooth voice blended with the sweet sounds coming from Sarah’s mouth. I covered her lips with mine, swallowing her moan as I shifted inside her, grinding deeper until she tore her lips from me and let out a smile-inducing cry.
“You feel so good,” she groaned, gripping my ass cheeks and driving me even deeper.
I buried my face in her hair and thrust into her, our naked skin slapping together as the pressure built inside me. Our sizzling energy grew, contrasting with the mellow song, until we were moaning in unison. The heady friction increased to a blinding explosion. I held her to me and shuddered, my cry muffled in the crook of her neck as I emptied myself inside her.
Rising onto my elbows, I gazed down at her gorgeous face. She was shining. She had been our entire honeymoon, and I hoped to keep that look on her face for the rest of my life. With a giggle, she reached for the remote and rewound our honeymoon song. John Mayer’s guitar riff started up again as I rolled off her and rested my head on my arm. Starting at her belly button, I traced a soft line up her body, rounding both breasts before tracking up to her collarbone. She closed her eyes with a wistful sigh as the ocean breeze ruffled the net curtains covering the open window.
“This is perfection.” She ran her small fingers up my arm, her face the picture of tranquil beauty.
We only had four days of our honeymoon left. Tomorrow, Blake and Jane were arriving, and we’d be caught up in a whirlwind of wedding prep. The last ten days had been nothing but perfect. Since meeting each other four years earlier, we’d never spent this much time alone. After we got engaged, we moved in with Blake and Jane. I loved living with my brother and his girl, but having Sarah all to myself had been everything I didn’t realize I’d been craving.
Mr. Torrence’s offer of his house in LA didn’t seem like such a bad idea anymore. When he’d first suggested it, Sarah had jumped up and hugged him so fast, I hadn’t even had time to think about it before agreeing. Living in a place owned by my in-laws wasn’t exactly the start I wanted. Especially since my father-in-law scared the living crap out of me. But Sarah had been so touched, and encouraged, by his offer that I couldn’t refuse her sparkling eyes. Blake told me it’d be okay and it was a great way to really get ourselves set up.
“You’re not going to find rent that sweet anywhere else, lil’ bro. Go for it.”
Blake had a point. It was an
easy start to the marriage. We could save more money and start putting aside some funds so Sarah would be able to set up her own business one day. She had big dreams but still wasn’t sure she could make them come true. I was going to prove her wrong.
My finger crested Sarah’s chin. I traced a line around her soft lips and over her nose before splaying my hand across her cheek and pulling her close to me. She nestled against my chest. It was her turn to draw now. Her finger wove around my chest, a soft tickle that would soon lead to more.
A smile pushed my lips wide. I wasn’t going to complain about spending the entire day making love to my wife.
*****
I stood behind my brother, snickering at him while he straightened his chocolate brown bowtie for the tenth time in fifteen minutes.
“D-dude, would you s-stop. You look great.”
“I know.” Blake shook out his shoulders before running a hand over his head. His wild curls had been tamed into a stubby ponytail that looked like a rabbit’s tail at the nape of his neck.
He did look great. In true Sarah style, she’d taken into account looks and personality. Blake and Jane’s wedding was completely different from ours.
We went for smooth lines and minimalism.
Blake and Jane were the opposite. Unlike my black tux, Blake wore a chocolate brown suit with cream pinstripe. Blake hadn’t seen it yet, but his wife was in a stunning dress—the top half a fitted bodice covered in hand-cut leaves. Sarah had painstakingly made each and every one, creating a mix of orange, red, and yellow awesomeness. In spite of the fact this was a summer wedding, Sarah and Jane had decided on an autumn theme. When I suggested they wait and actually get married in the fall, they both balked at me like I was crazy.
“I’ve waited long enough to marry your brother, thank you very much.” Jane’s pointed look shut me up, and so my big bro was having a cross-season wedding.
Rough Water (Songbird #7) Page 1
