Saving Me (Finding You #3)

by Amanda Mackey

  Once in the car away from Joe, Kyle and I let out our true feelings about the house.

  “It was just so cold. It reminded me of some medieval castle that’s been in one of my movies. I can’t imagine living in it. I expect that it would even have ghosts.”

  I breathed out in relief. “I’m so glad you picked up on that too. I felt like I couldn’t breathe in there and it was so dark. Every light in the house was on in broad daylight.”

  The next two houses we looked at did nothing to impress us either and I was starting to wonder if we were just too fussy. Joe was running out of addresses in a suitable price range so everyone was nearly ready to call it a day.

  “Do you have anything at all left on the list that we might like? It’s got to be different from all the ones we’ve seen so far,” announced Kyle in a straight forward manner.

  “Well, I only have one left and I wasn’t going to show it to you as it’s somewhat out of your price range. It’s only just come on the market and it’s not in this neighborhood. It’s about another ten minutes north of here. Would you like to see it?”

  Kyle looked at me for a response. I nodded slightly to him.

  “Okay, we may as well. You never know. It might be the one.”

  So we bundled ourselves into the car again, tailing Joe’s late model white Buick, and off we went. My stomach roared to life with all the ferocity of thunder.

  “I promise that when we’ve looked at this last house, we’ll get some lunch and take it down to the beach,” vowed Kyle, rubbing his own stomach. “And then tonight you can have dessert.”

  I sizzled inside and had to wind the window down again to get extra oxygen into my lungs. His need for me was an addiction that I didn’t want to cure. I was gridlocked in my own crushing lust. I would never tire of his affection. For years I’d craved attention and genuine affection and now that I had more than enough I soaked it up willingly.

  “Maybe I’ll eat my dessert first,” I teased, staring straight ahead.

  Kyle drew in a breath and tightened his grip on the wheel. “Keep that up and I’ll pull over right now.” His right hand rested on my knee and slid higher, making everything south of my navel melt into a puddle.

  I playfully pushed his arm away, resisting the urge to place his hand where I really wanted it. “No, you naughty boy! You need to focus on driving!”

  “How can I focus on driving now?”

  “Am I distracting you, Mr. Rutherford?”

  “Yes, Ms. Livingston. You are.”

  “Good. Now pay attention to what you’re doing.”

  “I was trying to but you pushed my hand away.”

  “Very funny! As much as I love you touching me anytime, anywhere, I also love this car and I don’t want you crashing it.” I’d turned slightly to face him now, enjoying the light banter.

  Kyle gave me a breathtaking, all American white-toothed smile before placing both hands on the wheel and focusing on the task of driving.

  That smile did crazy things to my insides. Ice turned to heat. Blood turned into liquid gold. Dark became light. Suppressed need became animalistic. It took all my effort to keep my hands on my lap and not move across to straddle him as he was driving and feed on that hungry mouth with its plump, juicy lips.

  His mouth upturned ever so slightly as if he knew the power he had over me and he was enjoying that fact immensely.

  The road narrowed even more, with just enough room for one car. The lupines grew thicker, enriching the air with their resplendent aroma. Sand littered the quaint lane as the view of the ocean disappeared behind the fragrant flowers. Turning the narrow corner and reaching a dead end, we were there.

  I inhaled sharply. Situated in front of us was my dream home, as magnificent as any house could be. It was perfect! It had a definite Asian feel with slanted roof-lines and rendered cream walls. Intricate stonework featured in the pavilion entrance with a colossal timber front door. Glass windows and feature walls only gave a hint of what hid inside but it looked impressive.

  “Oh Kyle! It’s perfect!”

  He squeezed my hand as if to agree, but didn’t comment.

  We parked the cars under a large oak tree that reached for the sky on the circular driveway.

  Joe was out first and at our side as we took it all in.

  “Well, as I said it’s a little more expensive than the others I’ve shown you, but let’s worry about that later. Come and look through it and then we’ll talk price. The current owners want it sold so they may be a little negotiable.”

  The vast living and entertainment areas were covered with shiny, off-white Italian tiles that complemented the slightly darker walls. Compared to the previous houses this one was warm and welcoming. I imagined adding my own personal touches to it as we walked from room to room, slowly this time, savoring it.

  The kitchen was to die for with an added skylight above to let in extra light and it made the one at the apartment look miniscule. A large larder the size of a room hid behind double doors. I wondered if we would have enough pots and pans to fill all the cupboards and then decided that it would be a good excuse for a shopping spree. Kyle lingered nearby with a smile on his face, clearly enjoying my reaction to the house. His head nudged to the right to draw my attention outside, beyond the massive glass wall. A bright, glistening reflection nearly blinded me as the sun rebounded off the water of the pool. It looked similar to the Sapphire Island setting and drew me over to stand beside Kyle.

  He knowingly winked at me. It was as if he could read my thoughts. I grinned at him for being so observant and rewarded him with a firm but quick kiss before we followed Joe into the bedroom wing.

  The master suite overlooked the pool with its own private terrace. Plush beige carpet felt glorious underfoot and the walk-through closet leading through to the bathroom looked like it was huge enough to house a truck. Two giant, delicately carved pillars with real ivy twisting upward stood at the entrance to a round spa bath. I immediately pictured making love to Kyle in it and as I thought this, I caught his gaze before it roamed over my body, silently undressing me. When he did that I felt naked, regardless of how many layers I had on.

  “You’re so stunning when you’re thinking of sex,” he whispered to me when Joe walked out to take a phone call.

  “How did you know what I was thinking?” I said, more to hide my embarrassment than to glean an answer.

  “I know that look you get in your eyes. Plus, I was thinking the same thing.” He closed the gap and pulled me to him, arching my neck up so his lips could open on mine.

  My hand molded to the back of Kyle’s head to pull him in firmer, desire exploding inside me at our little forbidden tryst. Joe could have walked in at any second, which made my heart sprint faster.

  “Angel, do you have any idea what thoughts cross my mind when you are near? I’d get arrested if I voiced them in public.” A moan escaped him as he kissed the corner of my mouth.

  “Well, I can only imagine, but as we finish this tour of the house I want you to picture me in that black lacy number that I haven’t worn for you yet, standing in the doorway thinking wicked thoughts.” I let him go and walked out, turning once to see him close his eyes, almost grimacing as if in the pain of withdrawal.

  I found Joe and let him lead me through the rest of the rooms ahead of Kyle. He would have to take a few moments to compose himself and let the effects of his longing, simmer. It was empowering.

  Joe and I were done in another ten minutes, stepping outside to wait for Kyle.

  The realtor made himself scarce to let us discuss the house in private. I didn’t know if leaving us alone again would be such a good idea but as Kyle stepped through the wall of glass he looked in control and calm—utilizing his fine acting talent. I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm.

  “Kyle, I love it! I think you already know that, and judging by your reaction, you do too. It has its own private beach out the back and a large yard for Daniel to play in. What do you think?”


  He looked at me and for a split second I was worried he didn’t like it, but when he took me in his arms and kissed my mouth tenderly, I knew his answer.

  “I love it just as much as you do. I don’t care what it costs. You and Daniel are worth every cent. I would spend all I have just to see this look on your face. Oh and by the way, the next time you put those torrid images in my head, I’m going to have to drag you aside regardless of where we are and let you put your money where your mouth is. You nearly killed me back there.” His fingers cleverly trailed a path down the side of my neck, where his hand opened and slid inside my shirt and under my bra to cup my breast.

  My breath paused as he played with my nipple in gentle circles.

  “Do you know what I’m going to do with you when I get the chance?”

  “I think I have some idea.” As much as I wanted to take this further we had business to take care of, so I gently pushed him away again. “Hold that thought. Now if you don’t mind, we have an answer to give Joe.”

  Kyle’s face was all smiles. He was enjoying this. The fact that we were soon going to own the opulent residence couldn’t be ignored either.

  “I can’t wait to tell Daniel! Thank you so much! At last we’re going to live like a normal family and have our own space to do whatever we want. We can sunbathe naked out the back if we want or kick a ball around. We can even get a dog and I really want to start that vegetable patch.”

  “Let’s just take one step at a time. We’ll get ourselves settled in first and then we can get a dog and a vegetable patch.”

  I could feel the joy radiating from him on our way to seal the deal. The day had turned out gloriously special after all and it wasn’t over yet.

  I let Kyle close the sale with Joe and took a moment to look around the yard. It was every bit as magnificent as the inside of the house. It sat at the end of a sandy lane that allowed us all the privacy we needed. I finally had the family I’d always dreamt of. It was nice to belong. To be a part of something so amazing that I still had to pinch myself.

  High wrought iron gates would keep out unwanted intruders with the state of the art security system for peace of mind. The giant oak rising tall and proud acted as a canopy above a litany of brightly colored shrubs that bravely withstood the strong sea breeze that had picked up.

  Joe carried a “sold” sticker that he splashed across the “for sale” sign standing just outside the entry gates. Kyle found me and grabbed my hand, steering me to the proof that the house was now ours.

  “Congratulations, Kyle, Dakota. You are now the proud owners of this lovely home. I hope you’ll be very happy here,” remarked Joe, walking over to shake both of our hands. The shift in his mood was evident as another deal was done.

  “Thank you. I can’t wait to move in,” I squealed, barely able to contain myself from jumping up and down.

  “Well, as soon as you get the money to us, you can start packing. The house has been vacant for some time as the owners had commitments elsewhere, even though they’ve only just listed it with us.”

  “Congratulations, beautiful girl, you are now the owner of a luxury beachside mansion.” Kyle’s face was only an inch away. I breathed in his scent and tried to comprehend the vastness of his latest gift. I didn’t know what to say. I was speechless.

  Kyle ended the exaggerated silence. “What are you thinking?”

  “Just that I really don’t deserve all of this.”

  “You deserve all this and more.”

  “The only thing I need is you and Daniel.”

  “Are you saying you don’t like my gift?” He frowned ever so slightly.

  “No! I love it. No one has ever bought me anything that could ever compare to this. It’s amazing! I’m going to love living here and I’ll never be able to thank you enough for buying it for me. For us. What I mean is, I’ll be happy wherever you are.”

  “I know you don’t care about material things. That’s one of the qualities I love about you. You’re the first woman I’ve ever wanted to do this for. I hope you don’t think it’s too extravagant.”

  “Extravagant? Noooo. I’m sure it’s just pocket change for you.” We both laughed, said our goodbyes to Joe, and then headed for the car.

  “I have enough money left to buy you that lunch I promised. Let’s go.”

  Ambling down the sandy track, so caught up in our joy, we failed to notice the same black jeep Cherokee parked on the grassy verge that had sat behind us at the school.

  Chapter Five

  Dakota

  “Let’s get some fish and chips to eat,” I suggested.

  “Fish and chips? That’s odd.”

  “No! I mean fish and fries. Sorry, I forgot you call chips, fries. I guess I’ll have to lose some of the Australian terms if I’m going to fit in here.”

  “Ha, ha, ha!” Kyle laughed fitfully. “I knew what you were talking about. I was just teasing.”

  “You like to do that, don’t you?”

  “Yeah. You’re an easy target.”

  I swatted his arm playfully.

  Are you sure you don’t want something else?” asked Kyle before I could add a retort.

  “What, don’t you like fish and chips?”

  “No, actually I love them. I just thought you might like to go somewhere a little more upscale.”

  I gently touched his face and soothed, “I told you, I’m not into fancy things. As long as I have you and Daniel, I have everything I need.”

  “Are you saying we’re not fancy?” He was looking up at me through his divine lashes, fluttering them as if that might make him so.

  I sniggered helplessly. “Well, no, Mr. Rutherford. I’m not saying that. What I am saying is that you’re perfect just the way you are. Fancy is overrated. You’re more than that. You’re handsome and smart and funny and warm and kind and—”

  “Okay. Okay. I get it! Keep talking like that and I’m going to need to pull over and ravage you on the side of the road like I threatened earlier.”

  “Hmmm, now there’s a very tempting offer.”

  “I thought you were starving?”

  “I always am, Mr. Rutherford.” I wasn’t talking about food.

  A needy hum escaped from deep in his throat as he seriously considered the ulterior meaning.

  “For the love of God, baby, I’m still coming down from my R-rated thoughts back at the house. I don’t know if I can hold out until tonight. In a minute we’re going to come to the seafood café. Do you want to stop or keep driving?”

  My stomach growled again and that gave him my answer. “We’d better stop the hunger pangs first. I have a feeling I’m going to need all my energy.”

  His eyes closed to half-mast as we sped up.

  Sure enough, just up the road a little we spotted the café signs. I salivated as we parked outside and walked in to the smell of freshly cooked food. The woman behind the counter stared at Kyle as we neared and then suddenly realized who he was.

  “You’re Kyle Rutherford, the movie actor, aren’t you?”

  Kyle glanced at me, smiling. I was starting to get used to the fact that we couldn’t go many places anymore without someone recognizing him.

  The woman raced around from behind the counter excitedly. “I saw your latest movie. It was wonderful. You’re such a great actor. My daughter loves you too. She’s going to freak when I tell her you were here. Would you mind signing this napkin for her?”

  Kyle took it all in his stride, thanking the woman and then proceeding to sign her napkin.

  The middle-aged fan looked like she would nearly burst when he handed it to her. “I’m sorry to bother you but my daughter would never have forgiven me if I arrived home without an autograph. What brings you in here?”

  “Well, we were in the area,” said Kyle. “We’re a bit hungry and couldn’t wait any longer. We’d like to order some fish and a large serving of fries.”

  The woman seemed chuffed that a movie star was talking to her and ordering some
thing in her café. I tried not to giggle.

  After we received our lunch and said goodbye to the star-struck lady, we made our way down to a nice spot on the beach, directly opposite the car. The wind that blew earlier had died down to just a whisper and the water glistened.

  As we sat down, I shuddered. Apprehension grabbed me with both hands out of the blue. Goosebumps pricked my skin again like a thousand needles. Some deep, intrinsic fear gnawed away at me…a fear I hadn’t felt since living in Australia. Everything I had fought so hard for was lost to memories and there was nothing I could do to stop it. The beach faded away along with Kyle and was replaced with the kitchen that I had shared with John.

  A kitchen I had spent hours upon hours pouring my heart and soul into, preparing the food that would feed the ungrateful coward. I slid along the floor, leaving a trail of blood from the liquid oozing from my head wound. Fingers clawing at the white tiles, desperately trying to get traction to propel me over to the bench so I could reach my cell and call for help. Darkness was creeping in again, disturbing what little vision remained. I didn’t know how long I had been sprawled on the cold floor, unconscious, but upon waking, I’d lain still. Expectant. Waiting for him to finish me off. Waiting for footsteps that thankfully never came. Above the jackhammer in my head and the struggling beats of my heart there was nothing but silence.

  Inch by excruciating inch I closed the gap to the kitchen cupboards. With each movement my head erupted in pain, causing me to cry out. Each wail seemed to echo off the walls.

  Tears mingled with blood that dripped onto the tiles.

  Just as my knuckles hit the skirting at the base of the cupboards a hand touched my arm causing me to spiral out of the kitchen.

  “Are you cold?” a warm, loving voice queried.

  Waves. Ocean. Sand. Kyle. Remission. I sank into my surroundings, letting the hideous visions of my waking nightmare fade. I shook my head in response.