I covered Charlie with the blanket and then went around to the other side of the bed and lay down next to her. Inhaling her hair was intoxicating, and I spooned my body against hers. Hopefully when she woke up she wouldn’t mind my proximity.
Breathing her in, I remembered back to the weekend she stayed with us. Mitch had fallen asleep while we watched some chick flick. At the end, someone died and Charlie was tearing up. I put my hand on her arm and asked if she was okay. That’s when I realized staying in California was out of the question because my heart was racing just touching her. I was a senior in college and hadn’t gotten over my brother’s girl. I knew I never would. My love for her had grown and even though I went out with other women, none of them compared to her. So I began applying to firms on the east coast a couple of months before graduation. No one knew I’d accepted a job until I was packing up my things.
My mom was livid and I expected her to yell at Charlie about it, inform her that I was in love with her. But, she didn’t. She closed my bedroom door behind me and didn’t come with me to the airport. She told me to stay away until Charlie was out of my system. My dad drove me to the airport and I didn’t even have the guts to say goodbye to my brother. I left him a lame letter saying I was offered a job and had to start right away. I texted and emailed, but didn’t actually speak to him. We’d had a fight about my feelings for Charlie a couple of days before I left and I just couldn’t face him, even on the phone.
Now here I was, in bed with his woman, while he was in the hospital remembering his love with Heather. I’d give up just about anything to be the man she was in love with. Maybe if Mitch rejected her enough she’d turn to me for comfort. My arms were more than happy to hold her, make her feel safe and secure. Holding her now made me realize I wanted everything from her: her heart, mind, body, and soul. I didn’t want to share anymore with my brother.
Chapter Eighteen
Mitch
It was seven in the morning and I was expecting the doctor to give me the green light to go home. All of my tests came back normal, and he thought being in familiar surroundings could help my memory.
Dr. Grayson finished writing my prescription and handed it to my mom. “Mitch will most likely still experience acute pain from where his head hit the cement. This prescription will help with the pain.”
“Any special instructions, Doctor?” my mother asked.
“Mitch needs to be in a calm, soothing environment. No stress at all. I’m releasing him because his tests are normal, but any signs of vision loss or headache, bring him to the hospital immediately. I want you to come back in a week for a check-up. If anything changes, notify me right away.”
He handed my mother his card. “I’ll make sure he follows your instructions and he stays relaxed.”
The doctor nodded. “Mitch, if you feel anything out of the ordinary, you need to return to the hospital. Your brain is healing, but it’s not a hundred percent recovered. Take it easy.”
“I will, Dr. Grayson. Thanks for everything.”
Heather wheeled me out and my mother trailed behind. I felt awkward holding the box of pictures Charlie had brought me to show our life together while leaving the hospital with another woman. I’d seen some reruns of The Twilight Zone before, and it definitely seemed like I was starring in one of them. Still, nothing made sense.
“We should stop at the pharmacy on the way home,” my mom said as she followed.
“Yeah, there’s a couple of things I need from the drug store too,” Heather said.
They got me situated in the car and Heather drove us to the pharmacy. I rarely came here for anything since I hated to take medicine. We walked up to the counter and gave the young woman the prescription.
The pharmacist came up to the front and extended his hand to me. “Mitch, it’s a surprise to see you here with a bandaged head. Hope it isn’t too serious.”
I shook his hand but had no idea who he was. His nametag read Eric Machado. Must be someone I met sometime during the last few years.
“Eric, I’m sure I should know you, but I’ve had some memory loss due to my head injury. I can’t place you right now.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. We had some classes together in college. I knew Charlie.”
I nodded.
“So, you two aren’t together anymore?”
“Well, apparently we’re engaged, but I simply don’t remember. I can’t remember anything after graduation from high school.”
“Wow, that sucks.”
“Yeah, the doctor has no idea if my memory will come back. It’s a giant clusterfuck.”
“Mitch, I’m gonna pick up a few items. I’ll find you when I’m done,” Heather said.
“Is that your sister?” Eric asked.
“No, she’s my girlfriend. We haven’t seen each other in a long time, but somehow we’ve picked up right where we left off.”
“Wow, you and Charlie must have broken up then. You were so into each other.”
“I honestly don’t know where things stand right now.”
“Oh, well, I’m just surprised, is all.”
I was trying to read Eric’s face. His furrowed brow did tell me that Charlie and I not being together did, in fact, surprise him.
“So, were we pretty good friends in college? I wish I could remember.”
“Yeah, I’d say we knew each other well. Hung out. Studied together. The usual college stuff.”
“And so you became a pharmacist?”
“Yeah. I just started here not too long ago.”
“Well, it’s good to see you, man. I’m gonna check on my girl. Mom, will you wait for my prescription?”
“Sure, honey. I’ll wait here. You go on and find Heather.”
Twenty minutes later and my prescription was ready. I assumed I had a job, although, with no knowledge of the past seven years, it’s doubtful I’d be able to do anything there anyway. Would they hold my job open for me? My mom assured me she had contacted my boss and they were aware of my injury.
I needed to get things taken care of and work out what my new future would look like. Life with Heather? Well, that felt somewhat normal to me, so it seemed like the most logical choice. I couldn’t imagine an alternative.
After we settled into my old room, Heather reminded me we needed to get my clothes from my townhouse. The one I shared with Charlie. How surreal. It was after nine, so perhaps now would be a good time to go there. She should be at work.
Chapter Nineteen
Charlie
When I walked in the door, candles were flickering throughout the living room. Mitch had moved the coffee table and spread a blanket on the floor. He’d made an indoor picnic for us, surprising me after a long week at work. My first week with the company. My thoughtful man had struck again and I so loved him for it.
As I closed the door behind me, Mitch appeared carrying a tray of cheese, crackers, and red grapes. I spotted a glass of wine waiting for me.
Mitch wrapped his free arm around me, whispering, “Welcome home, baby.”
“It’s good to be home with you,” I responded in his ear, nipping at it a little.
“I want you to relax. I know your first week has kept you on your toes.”
My first week had been insane, but I had survived. Now Mitch was giving me a reward for all my effort at work. My man seemed to have the gateway to my heart and pulled out the stops just when I needed him to.
Mitch raised his glass to make a toast. “To surviving the first week at your dream job. I’m so proud of you, baby.”
We clinked our glasses and each took a sip. Before I could say anything, Mitch was offering me cheese and crackers. I had a couple of bites before he took me in his arms.
“I hope you’re not too hungry right now. I have something other than food in mind.”
“You know I love all of your ideas, baby,” I said, caressing his face with my hand.
Before I knew it, Mitch had my blouse and skirt removed. He wasn’t one
to waste any time. Lifting his shirt over his head, I gazed at his chiseled chest, tracing the muscles of his abs with my finger. I didn’t know why, but every time I saw Mitch’s chest, I got weak in the knees. He was…perfect.
Mitch put his hands on my face and began kissing me, slowly, teasingly at first, making me want him that much more. My hands slid up his abs, over his broad chest, finding their way to his muscled arms. He pulled us to the floor, unhooking my bra on the way down.
His kiss captured my mouth, making me tremble, and a wave of excitement raced through my body. I began undoing his belt and Mitch helped with removing his jeans and briefs. There he was, my gorgeous man, all mine in every way. My Adonis that even Michelangelo wouldn’t have been able to capture completely.
Slipping off my panties, he found his way to my hot, wet core and inserted one finger inside me. My sticky juice was all over his fingers as he began stroking my clit, kissing me at the same time. He knew exactly how I loved to be touched and I knew I’d be screaming out his name in no time. When it came to my body, Mitch had made himself an expert.
His hand continued as his kisses made their way down my neck and to my left nipple. Swirling around it with his tongue, a tight rosy bud formed. He scraped his teeth over my nipple and that was my undoing. Everything crashing around me, I screamed out. Mitch whispered in my ear, “I love hearing you come.”
Waking up abruptly, I found myself in Garrett’s arms. For a split second, I thought Mitch was holding me, taking me from elation to disappointment to guilt. What was I doing in bed with Garrett? Had I lost my mind too?
Garrett was sound asleep, but I couldn’t move with his body holding onto mine. Carefully, I lifted his arm, placing it on his side. I slipped out of bed and headed toward the bathroom. Grabbing the chenille robe off the hook on the back of the bathroom door, I wrapped myself up in its coziness. I wondered how I ended up in just my bra and panties. I guess I should be grateful I at least had them on. It would’ve been really embarrassing to have Garrett see me completely naked. Once was enough back in college. He was my fiancé’s brother, after all. He’d always been wonderful to me, but I didn’t want something to happen that couldn’t be undone. After all, Mitch could be remembering his life right now.
Walking back into my bedroom, I noticed Garrett beginning to stir. “Thanks for staying with me last night…looking after me.”
“No problem,” he said, sitting up. His shirt was off and seeing his chest reminded me of Mitch. They were very similar in their appearance—the tall, dark, handsome, muscular type.
“I hope you don’t mind that I undressed you. I wanted you to sleep comfortably.”
“It’s fine. Really no different than you seeing me in my bathing suit,” I said, but somehow it was. We’d been in bed together and something could have happened. I’d always really liked Garrett and if I had met him first…I don’t know what would’ve happened.
“Are you okay?” Garrett asked.
“As okay as I can be. I should find my phone and call my parents. They might be worried about me.”
Garrett grabbed my phone off the nightstand next to him. “Your mom called last night. I told her we were here and I was gonna keep you company.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks. I hate for her to worry.”
Garrett sat there staring at me for a moment. I wondered what he was thinking. Tension filled the air and I didn’t know how to handle it. What to say? What to do? My hands were fidgety from his gaze.
“I make a pretty mean omelet if you have the ingredients,” Garrett offered.
That’d work. We’d get out of this bedroom and hopefully I’d start feeling more comfortable.
“Breakfast is my favorite meal, so I have everything you need. If you’re really hungry, I can make pancakes.”
“I’m pretty hungry. Haven’t eaten since yesterday afternoon.”
Garrett proceeded to get up and put on his jeans and shirt. “I’ll get things started.”
After he left my bedroom, I got dressed. The awkwardness was beginning to wear off and I hoped by the time I was done with my first cup of coffee everything would be back to normal.
The smell of eggs and turkey sausage made my stomach rumble as I entered the kitchen. The last thing I ate didn’t exactly stay put. “Would you like coffee?” I asked, assuming he would.
“Yes, coffee is a must.”
“How many cups?”
“I usually drink two or three.”
I no sooner flipped the switch on the coffee than I heard the front door open. Garrett and I looked at each other.
“Are you expecting anyone?” he asked.
“No. Whoever it is has a key. Mitch is the only other—”
I walked out of the kitchen to find Mitch and Heather standing in the doorway. What the hell?
“Mitch, you’re back.” I couldn’t stop myself from running to him, practically throwing myself into his arms. He stood there frozen and didn’t hug me in return. The coldness from him chilled me to the bone and I let go, even though I didn’t want to. I stood there staring into his eyes searching for the man I knew, but he wasn’t there. A stranger stared back at me.
“You still don’t remember.”
“No. I’m just here to get some of my things.”
I barely swallowed down my disappointment as his words echoed in my mind.
“I’m glad they released you and you’re up and around.” I didn’t know what else to say. I really wanted to scream, cry, throw things…have a full-on tantrum, but that wasn’t going to do any good right now. Remaining calm was my best course of action.
“Yeah, all my tests are normal. They had no reason to keep me. Heather’s gonna help me get some things if that’s okay.”
By this point, Garrett had come into the living room.
“It’s not what it looks like. Nothing happened between Garrett and me,” I said, feeling guilty although I didn’t know why.
Mitch shrugged slightly. “Charlie, I’m sure you’re a great woman, but I…I just don’t remember. I only remember Heather and my feelings for her.”
I tried to catch my breath, but I couldn’t. His words had knocked the air right out of me. I backed up and sat on the sofa taking in deep breaths. Garrett took over.
“I’ll show you where your things are, Mitch. Come with me.”
All three of them walked down the hall. I sat there, with the room spinning, wishing I could get off this wild ride. Tears streamed down my face and all I could do was hold onto the sofa. I could hear muffled voices and finally Garrett was back, but Mitch and Heather were still in my bedroom. The bedroom I shared with Mitch. The man I was going to marry in a few weeks. This really couldn’t be happening.
“They’ll be leaving in a few minutes,” Garrett said.
I nodded. Words failed me.
“I’m gonna check on the food. I’ll be right back.”
I put my head back on the sofa and closed my eyes. Kate should be home tonight. I needed my best friend so badly. Maybe she could help jog Mitch’s memory. They’d known each other since their freshman year of high school.
Mitch and Heather had packed a bag and were about to leave. “Heather, I’ll meet you out front in a minute.”
“Okay,” Heather said.
Mitch sat on the sofa with me. I looked at him and fought like hell to keep the tears out of my eyes.
“I know this is gonna make me a cold-hearted bastard, but I wanna break up. I wanna be with Heather and it’s not fair to string you along.”
“Mitch, you lost your memory on Saturday. Don’t you think you need a few days to rest before you make any big decisions?”
“Charlie, I don’t need you to tell me what to do. I know what I want. Nothing’s gonna change my mind. You’re gonna have to move on.”
His words were crashing down around me like a hailstorm. They were cruel and nothing he said sounded like the man I knew. Where is my Mitch?
“Mitch, I’m not trying to te
ll you what to do. You’ve just had a trauma and maybe taking a few days to yourself wouldn’t be a bad idea.”
“Again, telling me what I should do. If I wanna be with Heather, then that’s what I’m gonna do. It’s over for us.”
I looked into his steely eyes. Eyes that used to look at me adoringly, but I saw no emotion. “Take care of yourself,” I managed.
“You too,” he said, standing and then walking to the door. Suddenly, all my dreams were completely shattered. Along with my heart. I was no longer Mitch’s fiancée. I was no longer going to be married in a few weeks. I couldn’t help shaking. He’s gone. He’s left me for her. Just like that. How is that possible? I could barely breathe with the anguish gripping my heart.
Garrett had returned to the living room, but all he could do was watch as Mitch left. I sat there numb, in disbelief of what had happened. Mitch just walked out on me. He was gone.
Garrett sat next to me. “Come here,” he said, pulling me into his arms. I couldn’t be strong any longer and I began sobbing.
“It’s gonna be okay. He’s not himself. He’ll remember you, Charlie. You’re gonna have to be strong.”
I looked up at Garrett. “How do you know?”
“I know because…I’d never be able to forget you.”
“Oh, Garrett. You’re so sweet.”
“No, I’m not. I’m a man tormented by what I can’t have.”
“What are you talking about? What can’t you have?”
Garrett put his hands on my face. “You, Charlie. My brother met you first and I can’t have you,” he said, eyes filled with longing.
“I…I—”
“You don’t have to say anything. My timing sucks and I’m an ass for bringing this up now. You should be kicking me out.”
“Garrett, you’re not an ass and it’s probably just a crush.”
Before Garrett could respond, my cell phone rang. “Kate,” I said before answering it. I needed her…I just needed her.
“Kate, are you and Neil on your way back home yet?” The urgency in my voice was undeniable.
Forgotten By You (Redeeming Love #2) Page 7
