Passionate Kisses 2 Boxed Set: Love in Bloom

by Magda Alexander

  “No way! Look, I know this damn story by heart already. I can take you through everything. Don’t make her go back on that plane again. You don’t know. She’s-We lost our families in a crash twenty years ago. This was the first time Becca’s been on a plane in the air since then. You can imagine why this isn’t a good idea.” Hunter held her tight, waiting for some kind of response. “I know you want answers, of course. So do I, but I don’t think she can get back on that plane.”

  Becca clutched his shirt, burying her face against him.

  “Okay,” one of the officers finally replied. Hunter caught his sympathetic look.

  “Almost done, angel. I’m going to check the plane. I’ll be right back.” Hunter cupped her face. Her eyes were bloodshot and swollen, with dark circles beneath them. Her lips quivered and she nodded, pulling away from him.

  Hunter left Becca with another officer for a few minutes while he surveyed the plane. He had that whole story committed to memory, so standing in the middle of where it all happened, he watched the events unfold in his mind. Hunter pointed everything out to the cops before he couldn’t take it anymore. He bolted toward the small bathroom and emptied the contents of his stomach into the toilet bowl. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead.

  “Oh, Bec,” he whispered, staring down at the trail of blood droplets from the man’s blood. “We done up here?”

  They were. He jumped to the ground, not looking back as he ran back to her.

  She turned around and saw the state he was in. Her face crumpled.

  “Angel.” He wrapped his arms around her, taking in the fact that no matter what happened, he still had her. She was here. They both might have been in a fragile state of mind, but he hadn’t lost her. It could have been so much worse. “I’m so damn sorry, sweetheart. Come on. I’m going to get you out of here.”

  Hunter led her out of the chaos, aiming for his car. She held her purse and leaned on him. Once they were out of the crowd, he stopped, cupped her face and kissed her jaw. “I was so scared when I heard you on the other end of that phone and realized you were in danger. I should have stayed right where I was-”

  Becca covered his mouth and shook her head. “Don’t start blaming yourself, Hunter. It’s not going to do you any good. It happened. No matter how we wish last night turned out differently, this is what it is. It won’t do either of us any good if we keep wishing we’d done this or that.”

  When she finished signing, he took her hands in his, kissing each fingertip. They had so much to talk about. “Should I-how do you want to handle letting your grandparents and everyone know what’s going on?”

  Becca frowned as she ducked her head to climb into the car. Hunter hurried to the driver’s side, as he saw a few news vans pull up. He started the engine and looked to her for a response.

  “That didn’t even cross my mind! How terrible am I! They’re going to want me to go home to Vermont.” She buckled her seatbelt and heaved a sigh. “Would you be all right contacting them?”

  “Of course. I just don’t want them to find out over the news. As much as I tried to shoo them away, who knows what’s going to be divulged during newscasts. Bec, what do you want to do now? I’ll understand if you want to go home to Vermont.”

  Her lips parted and a little squeak came out. A tear slid down her cheek. “I don’t want to give up. I want to stay here with you. I may have an apartment in Vermont, but home is where you are. We survive through storms, remember? I won’t lie, I’m scared. I’m scared of losing you to the demons you carry. I do love you.” The moment she pointed at him, Hunter leaned over to kiss her.

  “I love you too. Forever. I promise you, I will do what it takes to get past this. I shouldn’t have run out this morning. I just-the thought made me die inside when I realized I hurt you, especially after being so damn stubborn about not talking to someone. Never again!” He reached for her hand. “Do you think it’s true, Bec? That she really is a third survivor?” The woman could have been blowing smoke.

  “I don’t know. I guess we can always look up my dad’s information and see if any of her story checks out.”

  “I’m sure the police will be looking, too.” He didn’t want to leave it up to just them. Hunter wanted answers of his own, and knew Becca would, too.

  This was one hell of a storm. Hunter hoped the end was in sight. He drove away from the scene, lucky to have Becca still here and willing to work things out.

  He made a long list of phone calls that day, one of them including an appointment to deal with his nightmares. Becca held his hand as he spoke into the phone. He hung up, took her in his arms and held her close.

  “I don’t want anymore nightmares after the one we just lived through,” he whispered. “First step down. Next week I have a referral.”

  Becca raised her head. “I’m proud of you.”

  “Not as proud as I am of you. Once again, your strength came through today. I was so afraid I’d lose you on more than one occasion.”

  “You won’t lose me, Hunter. We’ve come too far to fall apart now.” She slid her arms back around him.

  Chapter Thirty

  Two days later, a phone call from the hospital came in. The man who’d been flying the plane was awake and asking to see Hunter and Becca.

  She didn’t want to get her hopes up, but maybe he had answers. Becca spent the last couple of days trying to make sense of what the woman said. She’d known something, and the fact that she’d only given bits and pieces to Becca frustrated the hell out of her. She could easily chalk it up to the woman trying to toy with her, but without anything to go on at all, it haunted her. It ate at her.

  Maybe the accomplice could shed some light. She could only hope.

  Becca shivered, standing in the middle of the room surrounded by unfinished paintings. She hadn’t been able to concentrate. Everywhere she went, every time she closed her eyes … it didn’t matter where or what. She kept seeing that woman’s face, thinking she was there, coming back for her.

  She hadn’t been this scared in a long time.

  Hunter finally hung up the phone and reached for her. “Maybe he’ll have more information and we can put an end to this hunt.”

  Becca leaned against him. Normally she could take comfort in Hunter’s arms. While his touch still provided a sense of relief, that complete feeling of him being her safety net was gone.

  That scared her. Hunter had always been her safety net. Without it, she felt lost. She wanted it back.

  Becca pulled out of his arms so she could communicate. She still couldn’t find the words to speak. “When does he want to see us?”

  “As soon as possible. The doctor suggested we come by now, if we’re up for it.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  No need to waste time. Stepping around Hunter’s outstretched hands, she made a beeline for the door.

  Her phone buzzed again. She sighed, wondering if it was from her grandparents or Vince. They’d been insistent she come back. Of course, Becca declined. While she didn’t feel safe anywhere, going home to her apartment and then having to deal with them just didn’t sound appealing. They’d hover. Who knows what they would say or do? It had been a long time since she’d lost her ability to speak in her adult life and dealing with that around them…

  No. She was better off here.

  “Bec.”

  Hunter’s tone was pleading. She turned to face him. She’d begged and hoped he would let her in and now, she didn’t know how to open up and tell him all her fears. He knew she had terrible dreams, and as much as he tried not to hover, she kind of felt like he was.

  Instead of going forward, they were going backwards. They were in the same place, except it was her that held back this time.

  “What do I do here, angel? I don’t know how to help. Maybe it’s that I can’t. Do you know how bad it’s killing me?” He closed the space between them, took her hands in his and kissed her fingers. Worried eyes studied her face. “I know you don’t want me to bl
ame myself, but I can’t help it. That night … if things had been any different, maybe you wouldn’t have gone through that. Damn it, Bec, how do we get past this? I can’t lose you.”

  If only she could tell him she didn’t want to lose him either.

  Never had she been so doubtful. Becca put on a brave face to try and hide it, but Hunter knew better. She knew he knew better, but it didn’t stop her from holding it in anyway. Is that what he felt like? And she’d pushed him to try to deal with it?

  Becca pulled her hands from his. “She would have found a way to get to us. It was her plan for years. If it wasn’t a few nights ago, then it would have been a different time. I’m sorry for everything, Hunter. I know I’m pulling away. Just give me time.”

  “You know that I’ll always give you time. I know I’m hovering. I don’t mean to. I’m just so scared for you, for us right now. I guess I can say I get how you feel now.”

  Becca kissed his cheek. “I love you, Hunter. Just know that. Please, let’s go see what he has to say.”

  He nodded, still watching her with a pained expression. “Of course.”

  Becca’s stomach formed knots. This was killing her, too.

  Time. It would just take time.

  Was time on their side?

  On the drive to the hospital, Becca stared out the window, clasping her hands tightly together. This was the first time she’d left the house after two days. It felt kind of weird. Normally she loved getting out, but right now, all she wanted was the peace and solace of comforting surroundings. That seemed to be the art room Hunter had set up.

  Was she becoming a recluse?

  I’m going to drive myself crazy with these thoughts! Geez! I’ll be okay! everything will be okay!

  It just had to be.

  The hospital was a blur. There were sounds, movements and people around her, but Becca felt only partly aware of them. She clung to Hunter’s hand for dear life, scanning the crowds as if she were looking for a specific face.

  Hunter squeezed her hand. She squeezed back.

  They approached a help desk and Hunter told the woman behind it who they were there to see and that the man had specifically requested them. After a few minutes, she directed them to a room.

  Acid churned in Becca’s stomach. As they entered the elevator, she wondered what she was about to learn.

  A doctor met them right in front of his door. “He’s not fully with it, but he’s been insistent. There’s a guard at the door because of the circumstances, so if he manages to try anything, someone is right outside. Just don’t agitate him. He’s still a patient first.”

  Hunter nodded. “I get it. We’re just looking for answers and hoping he’ll deliver on them.”

  The doctor’s brows raised and his caramel colored eyes were warm. “Just a half hour or so, if even that, okay?”

  “Fair enough. Thank you.” Hunter faced Becca. “Ready for this?”

  She nodded. “I need these answers. I’m more than ready.”

  “Then let’s hope he’s willing to give us what we need.”

  Sucking in air, Becca entered the room first. She half expected to see the woman at his side, but that was silly. She was in hiding, wanted for questioning. Why would she be here? Trying to rationalize a fear wasn’t helping.

  Sorrowful blue eyes met hers. The man was sitting up in bed. They weren’t sure he’d survive, but here he was. Becca stood feet away from him, but her gaze never left his face.

  She jumped when Hunter rested his hand on her shoulder.

  “What is it you wanted?” Hunter asked coldly.

  “I-I guess I wanted to apologize and explain.” Regret filled the man’s voice.

  “That would be a good idea.” Hunter didn’t hide his anger.

  “Your plane, I-”

  “My plane is the least of my concerns!” Hunter raised his voice. Then he must have remembered what the doctor said, because he spoke quietly the next time. “What I really want to know is who you are, who that woman was, and what your agenda with Becca and I was.”

  “Right.” The man let out a deep, agonizing sigh. “Want to sit?”

  Hunter led Becca to a set of chairs and they each lowered themselves into one.

  If only her voice worked. She had so many questions.

  “I don’t think I ever knew her real name. She changed identities a few times since we met. I met her as Brittney Rovers. She’s been an angry, messed up girl for a long time. Wasn’t until about eight years ago that she let me in on some of her past. Look, I’m ashamed of the shit I’ve done-”

  “I don’t want any of your ‘I’m sorry’. I just want answers. If you were in on the plan to kill us or scare us, then I want to know why.”

  Hunter said exactly what Becca felt, but she still wished the words came from her own lips.

  “I don’t have many answers, but I do have something you can have.” The man pointed to a drawer. “Her journal. Kinda messed up, but it might have a little insight.”

  “How do you have it and the cops don’t?”

  Becca reached toward the drawer, opening it tentatively and pulling out the item. With shaky fingers, she opened it. As much as she needed to know, it still felt strange reading someone’s personal thoughts. She shoved that thought away quickly.

  “I had it in my pocket. I found it the night before we … did what we did.” He couldn’t even say it. “I know she knows something about your families, but she never let me in on that much. I didn’t even know what her plans were completely until that day. Had I known before..”

  “She knows what about our families?” Hunter asked, bewildered.

  “I told you man, I don’t know! I think it has to do more with her than you.” He pointed at Becca.

  “Who are you?”

  “My name is Isaac.”

  “And you don’t know where this … Brittney is?”

  “No. She knew I didn’t want to hurt anyone, and threatened me the night I tried to bow out. She’s got shit on me I didn’t want brought to light. I didn’t have a choice.” Isaac coughed, covering his chest with his hand.

  Becca looked up from the journal. What did the woman know about her family? What she’d said hadn’t made sense at the time.

  “You always have a choice,” Hunter snapped.

  “Anyway, she doesn’t go by Brittney now. She goes by Carrie, but I bet she’s had that changed quick, if she made it after that jump. She really is crazy. I don’t know if she was like that before that plane accident, but she frickin’ scares me.”

  Becca recognized genuine fear in Isaac’s eyes.

  Hunter fired question after question.

  “Were you two on the island?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did you send the letters and mess with our boat?”

  Another confirmation.”

  “The plane and animal on my porch?” Hunter’s voice raised again.

  Isaac shifted his gaze and nodded. “I’ve already told this stuff to the cops, but I wanted you guys to know, too. I hope that journal gives you something. Coulda given it to the cops, but maybe you’ll get some use.”

  He really didn’t know much about Brittney/Carrie’s plan. Becca could tell that right away. He’d been along for the ride. Maybe he was in love with her. Maybe she paid him. Regardless, she wasn’t going to get all the answers she wanted.

  “What, you’ll get cut a deal if you help find her whereabouts and go back to your old screwed up life?” Hunter curled a fist.

  Becca’s hand shot out and covered his. He met her stare briefly. His hard, angry eyes softened.

  “That was on the table, but it’s not why I’m doing this.” Isaac closed his eyes. Machines beeped.

  That was their cue to go. Becca closed the journal and motioned for Hunter to follow her.

  Without a word, they left the room. Becca slipped the journal in her purse and hoped that it would shed some light.

  “Damn it, Bec. I’m sorry. I thought there’d be more we’d
find out.”

  “There’s no way you could have known how little he knew. You’ve got to stop apologizing for everything,” she signed, looking around her again. Paranoia crept in and she wanted to get out here.

  “I’m-” He stopped and let out a better laugh. “I almost did it again.”

  They left the hospital with only a few questions answered. They knew the who, but not the why.

  Where was the woman hiding? Would she strike again?

  Chapter Thirty One

  A week later

  “I want to thank every one of you for coming out here and spending the evening with us. It’s been a long few weeks. I almost didn’t make it here tonight, but a very special person convinced me that life goes on.” Hunter fidgeted with his necktie. He’d done these speeches many times before, but this one was personal. Deep. Eye opening. He was going to pour out his soul in front of strangers, co-founders, and friends.

  The thunderous applause filled the room.

  He really shouldn’t be here tonight, but Becca had insisted. She wanted him to focus on the future and keep up with everything. She had a point, but he still worried. A lot.

  “I have a very wonderful treat for you tonight. You all know the name of the fund. The Rebecca Lange Fund. What many of you don’t know is how the name and story came about. I’m a pretty quiet kind of person. I don’t share many details about myself. Even those that have known me for a long time still have a hard time cracking me open for a peek.” There were a few laughs. Hunter met Becca’s eyes. She stood in the crowd in the most beautiful blue dress, her hair swept up in a bun. She raised her hand in a wave and nodded in encouragement.

  As supportive as she tried to be, Hunter knew she wasn’t comfortable here. That was his Becca. Strong, stubborn, trying to keep the facade, but he knew better.

  Hunter cleared his throat. He’d had plenty of water, but it hadn’t been enough. He was and wasn’t ready for this speech. “When I was twelve, I was a survivor from a plane crash. I lost my entire family. I found another survivor, and spent five days on an island with her until we were found. I had to do a lot of things during those days that I never imagined having to do in a lifetime. I had an eight year old little girl with severe injuries to help take care of. We formed a bond that still lives on today.”