by Jill Downey
“You’re the boss.”
The two men huffed, panting as they pushed and drug the heavy ‘Sasquatch’ out the front door. The wind practically ripped the door from its hinges. They had to scream to be heard over the roar of the mighty ocean and storm. They had backed up right behind her small sports car, so they didn’t have far to go.
The grizzled leader yelled, “On a count a three…one…two…three…” they managed to lift it onto the truck bed and claw their way against the wind, to get into the vehicle. They raced out of the parking lot despite limited visibility.
Julian hung back weighing his options. When fifteen minutes had passed with no sign of Faye or her friend reappearing, he began to wonder. Pulling his hoodie tight around his head he jumped out of the rental car and hunched down low against the wind he ran inside.
He shined his phone’s flashlight around the room. He found Faye lying motionless on the floor, a pool of blood around her head. He panicked. He didn’t know what to do. Should he move her? He couldn’t leave her here to die. He felt for a pulse and was relieved to find it strong and steady. But he also knew they might not believe that he wasn’t responsible for harming her.
The other woman was sitting up and appeared groggy but awake. He made a split-second decision and then tenderly slipped one arm under her knees and the other supporting her neck and lifted Faye into his arms. He brushed his lips softly against hers, squeezing his eyes tightly shut against the wave of longing he felt. She smelled like flowers. He’d always loved the way she smelled.
Brushing her hair back from her forehead, she moaned. “Shh, you’re safe. I’m here my beautiful Faye. I’ll take care of you.” She was so pale, all of the color drained from her face. He wanted to cradle her against his chest and never let her go. He stepped out into the storm.
50
Jesse arrived at Faye’s place and was surprised that her car wasn’t there. He mentally braced himself for the onslaught of driving wind and rain as he pushed open the truck door. He ran in slow motion as the wind pressed him back and the relentless rain pounded. Where the hell is she? And Maddy. He spied a note on the kitchen counter and the letter from Julian sitting right next to it. His blood turned to ice when he read Julian’s note. Had she gone out to meet him? No way. She would never do something that risky. Then he picked up her note to him and was flooded with relief. She was with Maddy. They were at the bar. He raced back out into the storm and headed to The Pelican.
Julian opened the car door and tenderly slid Faye onto the passenger side seat. As he was buckling her in, he was grabbed from behind and picked up with so much strength, that at first, he thought the hurricane had done it. As he was thrown to the ground he looked up and saw the outline of a man standing over him. The rain made visibility next to zero, and he feared the men had come back to finish Faye off.
“Leave her please. Don’t hurt her.”
“You crazy fucker. What did you do to her?” the male voice yelled, just barely heard above the screaming winds.
“Nothing! It wasn’t me! I saw two men follow her in, they came out with a statue, she didn’t come out, so I went in and found her lying in a pool of blood.”
The wind kept blowing the man back even as he held onto the car door to anchor himself.
“I memorized the license plate number. I swear, I’d never hurt Faye.”
Jesse forced himself to keep from jumping on top of Julian and beating him within an inch of his life…but for some strange reason he believed him. “Where’s Maddy?”
“Inside, she was just coming to.”
“I’m going to go in and get her. If you leave with Faye, I’ll hunt you down, I swear!” he yelled.
Maddy appeared at the door just as Jesse got there. He shouted, “Maddy, come on. Faye’s hurt, she’s unconscious, we’ve got to get her to the hospital.”
Maddy held onto Jesse as they fought their way back to the car. Her eyes went wide with shock when she saw Julian in the driver’s seat. “You!” Maddy hissed, “What the hell is he doing here?”
“Just get in Maddy. We’ve got to get help. You need to be checked out as well.”
“I’m fine.”
“No arguments.”
They climbed into the back seat and Julian sped away. Jesse called out directions and when they arrived, he had Julian drive straight up to the emergency room entrance. Jess jumped out and ripped open the passenger door, then gently pulled Faye from the car and raced inside. Julian parked then he and Maddy followed him.
They took her back immediately for testing. Over Maddy’s protests, she was getting checked out as well. Jesse felt like puking. She had appeared lifeless, her delicate face as pale as a ghost. Her lips colorless. Her hair was matted with blood. Fuck fuck fuck! What had she been thinking? Why the hell would she ever think that was a good idea?
Jesse paced the floor. He’d just hung up from talking to Kyle and he was going to notify the police, then head over to the hospital. The storm complicated everything. Julian sat huddled in the corner, off by himself.
An hour after Kyle arrived a nurse came to get them. “Follow me. She’s been moved to her room. Dr. Thompson is the doctor on call. He’ll come in to speak with you soon.”
Relief flooded Kyle. Dr. Thompson had been his doc after the car accident that had almost killed him. The same accident that brought Ella into his life. Ella and Andy Thompson were former colleagues and good friends.
Julian looked uncertain about what to do, but Jesse gestured with his thumb for him to follow, so he did. Getting off the elevator, they passed a waiting room and Julian said, “I’ll wait here. I don’t want to cause any trouble.”
“We’ll let you know once we talk to the doctor,” Jesse said.
Jesse stepped into Faye’s room and saw that she was awake. In that exact instant he realized how tightly he’d been wound. He was finally able to take a deep breath. His eyes were glassy as he approached her bedside.
She was still pale as hell, but she was smiling at him and he knew she was going to be okay. Jess leaned down and softly kissed her, then rubbed his thumb across her cheek. The doctor entered the room, his expression relaxed, exuding confidence as he filled them in on Fays condition.
“She’s going to be fine. As I told her, she’s suffered a mild concussion, we’ll keep her in overnight as a precaution. She’ll have to take it easy for a few weeks, but the CT scan was negative for swelling or bleeding. The blood you saw was from a superficial cut from the blow.”
“Thank God!” Kyle said, scrubbing his hands across his face.
Dr. Thompson smiled, “Always a good night when I can give loved ones good news. How’s Ella? Tell her to stop in and visit the old gang. We miss her.”
“I’ll tell her.”
“How about her friend?” Jesse asked.
“She’s fine. Not even a concussion. She says she never completely lost consciousness, just got her ‘bell rung’ quote unquote.” He smiled. “I’ll be here for another couple of hours, but the nurses know I’m available by phone if I’m needed. By the way. I just heard that the storm has changed its course and is heading back out to sea.”
“Great news! And Doc, thanks.”
“You’re welcome. Don’t forget to tell Ella what I said.”
“I won’t. Did you know we’re pregnant with twins?” Kyle said.
Andy Thompson’s eyes widened in surprise then a smile spread across his face, “Congratulations. I don’t think I need to tell you, you’re one lucky man. Ella is something special.”
Kyle nodded his head, “Yes, I don’t know what I did to deserve her but I’m not questioning it.”
He gave Faye an encouraging smile, “You might have a headache for a few days. I recommend over-the-counter acetaminophen, but your concussion is a very mild one. Take it easy, listen to your body, and you’ll be as good as new in no time.” He pivoted on his heels and briskly left the room with the nurse following him out.
Faye smiled weakly at Jesse a
nd Kyle. “I’m sorry to put you guys through this. What happened?”
“What do you remember?” Jesse asked.
Faye’s brows drew together, “I remember realizing I hadn’t boarded up the back window, so when Maddy got home we went over to do that. We went inside and that’s the last I can recall. Who found me? What happened?”
“Some men followed you in, apparently hit you over the head, and made off with the statue.”
“Sasquatch? Why would they want to take him?”
“Good question," Kyle said. “We have no idea. Here’s the part that gets even more bizarre. Julian was there and saw you go in, followed by the men, when they came out and you guys didn’t, he went inside and found you lying unconscious. He said Maddy was already awake, so he wasn’t worried about her. He claims he was taking you to the ER when Jesse showed up and they brought you here.”
Faye’s eyes were huge in her pale face. She looked at Jesse, “Is this true?”
“Yep, but I’m not entirely convinced he would have brought you here if I hadn’t shown up. I guess we’ll never know.”
“Where’s Julian now?”
“In the waiting room. He managed to get the license plate of the men that did this to you. The police issued an APB. The storm isn’t helping any, but at least we have something to go on.”
Jesse held onto her hand stroking it with his fingers. Faye brought his hand to her lips. “I’m going to be fine, but you look like you just buried your favorite puppy.”
The corner of his mouth turned up. “I think this shaved about ten years off my life.”
“God, I hope not!” she said, laughing. She grimaced and put a hand to her head, causing Jesse to jump up from his seat.
“Are you okay? Should I call the nurse?”
Faye held up her hand, “No I’m fine. My brain’s just rattled.”
Kyle said, “You should get some rest. I’m heading out. I love you sis,” he said as he leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I’ll let Julian know how you’re doing on my way out.”
Tears shimmered in Faye’s eyes. “Okay. Tell him I got his note and that I understand and tell him I said goodbye.”
“I’ll tell him. I’ll also tell him as grateful as we are, I’ll be escorting him to the airport myself on the next flight out of here.”
Faye smiled, “That will be so sweet!” Then she closed her eyes.
“I’ll be here until she gets released. I’ll update you if anything changes,” Jess said.
Kyle gave him a quick hug. “Thanks. I’m glad Faye has you.”
“Likewise.”
51
It had been a week since Faye had been released from the hospital. Jesse had insisted on bringing Faye home to his house. He was so solicitous that Faye had to fight to even pour her own cup of coffee.
“You’re spoiling me, you know that?”
“Your point?”
“I’m fine. It’s been a week already!”
“I like taking care of you.”
Faye hesitated, then said, “And I love having you take care of me, but I’m not going to break. We haven’t made love since the accident.”
“I’m afraid I’ll hurt you.”
She smiled tenderly at him, “Come here, you big lug.”
He sat down on the edge of the chaise lounge and took the hand she held out to him. He raised it to his lips and kissed her soft palm. “Faye, I don’t know how to describe what it was like to see you unconscious and bleeding.” His voice cracked, “I thought I was going to lose you.”
She tugged and pulled him down on top of her. “Kiss me.”
He tentatively brushed his lips across hers. Faye put her hands behind his head, her voice low and sexy, she said, “You’re going to have to do better than that.” Her tongue darted out and licked his bottom lip. He groaned.
“Are you sure?” he asked.
“If you don’t make love to me now, I’m going to lose my mind.”
He stood and leaned down to scoop her up into his arms. He carried her to his bed and laid her on top of the covers. As he straddled her, he slowly began to remove her clothes. She held up her arms as he pulled her shirt over her head. His whiskey eyes that she got lost in every time, smoldered with desire for her. He kissed and licked seductively as her skin was laid bare.
“Faye,” he whispered. She felt his erection throb against her as he covered her body with his own. He trailed open mouthed kisses…her neck, her breasts, her belly, until he reached her sweet moist center. Parting her thighs with his forearms he licked her until she was delirious with need.
Her fingers gripped his hair, holding him as she moaned. “Jess…Jess…”
Kissing his way back up he found her lush swollen nipple and put his mouth over her and suckled until she cried out, “I need to feel you inside of me!”
Jesse rolled on a condom then kneeled between her thighs. His knees spread her legs wider as he guided his shaft to her wet entry. He pushed inside, her snug vagina enveloping his hardness. He moved his hips gently at first, but as she bucked beneath him, he thrust faster…almost desperately, until he exploded inside of her, his whole body shuddering with the intensity of his orgasm.
Faye peaked seconds later. “Oh, God, Jess…” panting, her body continued to tremble as wave after wave of sensation had its way with her.
As their breathing slowly returned to normal, Faye said, “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”
Jess smiled, “Why didn’t you just say so.”
She began tickling him as he tried to escape her fingers. He rolled onto his back pulling her on top of him. Faye looked down at her man. He was golden and beautiful. His eyes often sparkling like he was in on some great joke. Joyful, kind, sexy as hell…and she was the lucky girl that got to wake up in his arms.
Jess hung up the phone. “That was Mom. She wants to have another seafood boil and invite your family. She thinks it’s time everyone meets.”
Faye grinned, “This must be getting serious.”
He shrugged, “Oh I don’t know…”
Faye punched his arm, “You don’t huh?”
“Can you round everybody up for this Sunday?”
Her mouth curved into a smile. “I’ll try.”
“Good. I’ll let Ty know to bring Addison. You’ll let Maddy know too?”
“Yes. Sounds like fun. Good timing since the bar reopens next week. It’ll be a celebration.”
Jesse’s eyes twinkled. “Yes, I think that’s what Mom has in mind.”
“I’ll make some calls now, while you cook for me.”
“You weren’t kidding about getting spoiled. I think I’ve created a monster.”
Faye pouted, “I thought you liked it.”
He dazzled her with his smile, “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Faye stretched her arms lazily overhead, then crooked her finger at him. “Come over here.”
He leaned in for a kiss. “What can I make for you your highness?”
“A cheese omelet with a side of bacon please.”
“I draw the line at delivery.”
“Spoilsport.”
52
Like last time, Faye had to admit, the Carlisle clan sure knew how to throw a party. Her whole family had made it. That is, everyone but her parents, whom she’d left off the invitation list. There was plenty of time to introduce them later.
She was still taking it easy, so she and Ruby cheered for the volleyball teams from the sidelines. Finn and Jess’s niece Matilda were playing in the pool with Big Hank, while the rest of the group fought for the bragging rights of the volleyball championship.
Her heart felt achy but full in her chest as she watched the people she loved most in the world gathered in the same place at the same time. As before, the Carlisle lines were drawn, Dylan and Connor teamed against Jesse and Sam. Kyle, Ella, Ty and Addison teamed up with Jess, while Griffin, Dylan’s wife Jen, and Maddy joined team Dylan.
Ruby patted Faye’s arm
. “Your brothers are certainly handsome devils. That Griffin, he could be a movie star. Makes even a granny like me swoon. Why if I were forty years younger, Hank would have to worry,” she cackled.
“Please don’t let Griffin hear you say that. His head is already big enough.”
“He seems like a charming young man.”
“Three words…baby, billionaire, playboy. That’s all I’m saying. Don’t get me wrong, I love him to death, but he’s just a tad bit spoiled. I may have contributed to that.”
Ruby laughed, “I’ll keep it to myself.” She looked at Faye out of the corner of her eye.
“You know Jesse really cares for you. I’ve never seen him like this.”
Faye smiled, “I care for him too, Ruby. If you’re asking me what my intentions are with your son, I’m in it for keeps. I’m in love with him.”
“Have you told him that,” she asked kindly.
“Not in those words, but I think he knows.”
“People need to hear it. My son, well… he comes off as confident, he’s as good looking as all get out, girls were always crazy about him, but… he’s my sensitive one. He was always rescuing baby birds, bringing strays home, he’s got the kindest heart…just like my Hank.”
Faye reached for Ruby’s hand and squeezed it. “That’s why I love him. You did a great job of raising strong sensitive men that respect women. Thank you Ruby. I take it we have your blessing?”
“We love you Faye. I knew the first time I met you that you were perfect for my Jesse. He’s head over heels in love with you.”
Faye’s eyes shimmered with tears. “Ruby, you know the first time I met you, when I left here, I almost bawled my eyes out. You were all I’d ever dreamed about as a little girl. You were the mama I’d wished I’d been born to. I’m not trying to put my own mama down. She did the best she could. Motherhood just didn’t come natural to her…not in her DNA. I’m not sure I deserve Jess, or you and Hank, I’m working on that. Thank you for accepting me.” Ruby looked at her with such maternal warmth that Faye’s tears spilled over.
