Her Love Lost (Love Shattered Series Book 1)

by Unknown

  “Hey Dexter. I’m Lillian. No harm no foul. Hello to you too Robert. This speechless lobster looking thing beside me is my big sister Courtney,” So I was correct about the sister thing. Courtney sent Lillian a death glare at her lobster remark and if it was possible her face flamed even brighter.

  Courtney pushed a piece of hair behind her ear and looked up at me shyly. Even with her face flaming red she was the cutest thing I have ever seen. She stuck her hand out and I took hers in mind and I felt a full on shock jolt in my hand that went up my arm and sent goose bumps over my entire body.

  “Ow. Not only do you go around kicking your balls at innocent girls, you also go around shocking the shit out of them too. What are you wearing one of those shocking jokester rings on your hand or something.” She asks jerking her hand away and shaking it violently.

  No baby girl, I was not wearing a shock ring but I sure as hell felt that shit too, I think to myself. She has to know that was a connection she just felt right? One that I have never felt with any other woman before her. Everyone but Courtney busted out laughing, because she had just insinuated we go around “kicking our balls at women” I know she didn’t mean it the way it came out but it was so damn cute and funny. Okay, I am starting to use way too many cutesy words around this girl.

  “So ladies, how would you feel about going to dinner tonight with Robert and I. Ya know like an apology dinner. To show you gals how sorry we are for having been so careless with our balls here” I winked at Courtney

  “Then we can head down to the beach to a bonfire that’s going down tonight that some of the other cast members will also be in attendance at,” I looked over at them hopefully. I don’t know what it is about this Courtney girl but I feel like I need to get to know her better.

  Lillian answered for both of them. “We would love to. Where can we meet you guys at and what time?” Courtney sent her another look like are you sure that’s a good idea and Lillian gave her an affirmative head nod. So the younger sister is calling the shots now I see.

  “No need to meet us anywhere. We will pick you gals up. Just send us the address. Here take my phone and type in your phone number where we can text you the info in a little bit.” I handed over my cell phone to Lillian and she typed her number in. I took the phone back when she was done and sent a text to her.

  The phone that pinged with an incoming text however didn’t come from Lillian’s pocket it came from Courtney’s. Courtney took out her phone and looked at it and scowled at her sister. Lillian just shrugged. I mentally high fived Lillian for that because now I had my girl’s number. Yes my girl.

  “Great. Now you have my number. We will text you ladies and let you know what time to be ready.”

  With that Rob and I turned to walk away from the girls. I was super excited about tonight. I had a date to plan. One hell of a date that would wow the socks off Miss Courtney. I had a lot of making up to do where that girl was concerned.

  I looked over my shoulder to see the girls in a heated discussion. No doubt, my girl Court was trying her damndest to convince Lillian that going out tonight was not a good idea. I had no worries though. I knew I’d be picking up these two tonight and showing them the time of their lives. After all, who would pass up the chance to hang out with the actors from one of Americas top rated television shows?

  Chapter EIGHT

  Courtney

  I can’t believe I have let Lillian talk me into this. This is so out of character for me to be going out with a couple of strangers. Even though they are famous guys, I still don’t really know anything about them. Dex texted us a couple of hours ago to let us know they would be picking us up at Seven O’clock. Currently, Lil and I are sitting in front of the mirror and Lillian is doing my make up for me. I hardly ever wear makeup so when she saw my usual dash of powder and a thin layer of eyeliner she talked me into letting her doing my make up for me. She said I needed to look smoking hot on the arm of a TV star. Her words definitely not mine. I could care less what I look like I don’t want to look fake I just want to look like myself.

  “I can see the wheels turning in that head of yours.” Lillian looked at me with skepticism. Her eyebrows were furrowed and she was biting her bottom lip. Something she always did when she was thinking or worried.

  “This just isn’t me, you know that. I don’t do spur of the moment and certainly not with random guys I just met. This is just weird for me, the only guy that’s ever taken me out was Dave, and this sort of feels like I am betraying him.” I let out a sigh, I know I shouldn’t feel this way, but I can’t help how I feel.

  “Oh Dear sister of mine. What are we going to do with you? No one is asking you to marry the guy. We leave in one week. Why not make the best of the week while were here? I hate to be blunt, but Dave is not coming back Court. He is gone, and I don’t think he would want you to feel this way. He would want you to be happy. It’s been two years girl it’s time for a change.”

  “I know he would want me to be happy. I guess you’re right. One week of fabulous company in an amazing little town. That is if he even wants to see me after tonight. With the dazzling life he leads he will probably think I am a bore.” We both laugh at that, and then Lillian tells me that the way he was staring at me today in the park leads her to believe that he thinks of me as anything but a bore. He looked like a man smitten with my beauty. Again, Lils words, because I have a hard time believing a famous guy would be smitten with me.

  We finish getting ready with thirty minutes to spare so we decide to pop open a bottle of wine and have a few glasses to loosen up before they get here. Well I have a few glasses. Lillian just pours a glass and takes a sip here and there. She says, her obstetrician says it’s okay to have a few sips to relax just don’t make it a nightly or weekly thing. So she usually fills her glass to fit in socially, and I end up drinking it for her because what can I say? I love me some wine.

  We talk about random things, and I know this is her way of keeping me preoccupied so I don’t have time to think about the situation, or else I will run and hide and not come out until everyone has already left for the night. Childish yes, but I have not been this nervous since my first date with Dave. Heck this isn’t even a date. They probably really just want to apologize for kicking the soccer ball at us, and wine and dine us so we don’t sue their asses. Speaking of soccer balls, I can’t believe I insinuated-sexually- I might add that they walk around kicking their balls at innocent girls. Oh my God. Could I act like any more of a dork around this guy?

  Anyway, I would never sue them. Maybe I should just call them up and tell them all of this isn’t even necessary, that we promise to forget to whole thing if they call off all these shenanigans of dinners and bonfires right now. Yes that sounds like a great idea. Where is my phone so I can make that call?

  There is a knock at the door. Shit too late. Gahhh

  “Um Lillian you can get the door, I ugh, I’m just going to run to the ladies room real fast. Be right back.” I rush out of the room like my pants are on fire.

  Once I get inside the bathroom I can hear Lillian telling the guys that I will be right out and asks them if they would like a glass of wine before we leave. I hear Robert say, No that we have a reservation to make that we need to get going soon.

  I place my hands on the counter top in the bathroom and look at myself in the mirror. You can do this Courtney. You are a grown woman. This isn’t a date. I take a few deep breaths to gain my courage. I hear a light knock on the bathroom door and then his voice. Dexter’s voice. For some reason just hearing it puts me at ease.

  “Hey Cor are you okay? If so, we gotta get going sweetheart. Our reservations are in thirty minutes.” Dexter says through the door.

  Did he give me a nick name? Cor? Then the term of endearment “sweetheart” has me swooning like a teenage girl on prom night.

  “Yea, I am fine. I will be out in just a second” I call back to him.

  With one last look in the mirror I nod at myself for strength
and head out the door to my date for the evening. Not that kind of date. I am going to have to keep reminding myself of that all night long I can see that now. I may put up a good front but I can feel this pull to him. Even when I was chewing his ass out earlier I could feel it. Man I can’t believe I chewed out a famous actor. The very one we set foot in the town to stalk down. Then I go and embarrass myself after I felt that jolt through my whole body. I didn’t know how to react so I blurted out the first thing to pop in my and asked him if he was wearing a shock ring. I snort to myself. Seriously, I must have looked like the biggest loser to that guy.

  Once I reach the foyer, there he is. Dexter in all his masculine glory. I find it hard to swallow when I look in his eyes. The same look of longing I feel is reflected back to me in his gaze. I smile and say, “Hey guys sorry about that. Are you all ready to head on out? I wouldn’t want to be the reason we miss out on our reservations.”

  “Indeed we are. Milady?” Dexter gives me a questioning look and offers me his elbow. I take it and we head out the door. Once we reach the elevator Dex looks over at me and tells me I look beautiful. For some reason I believe he really thinks this. The way he is looking at me says it all.

  “Thank you. You don’t look so bad yourself. I must say I do appreciate this look on you better the pale bloody face vampire version from television.” I look up at him through my lashes and think to myself. Not that I wouldn’t mind you taking a bite on my neck and sucking my blood.

  I look up to Dexter’s shocked face and realize I said that last part out loud. His mouth is gaping open and his eyebrows have shot up two inches on his forehead. Great, just great. Way to embarrass yourself yet again Courtney.

  “Ugh…. I didn’t umm yea just forget I said that last part. That was for my mind only it wasn’t supposed to be said out loud.” I place my hand over my eye and peek up at him through my fingers.

  I can tell he is trying to hold in his laughter for my sake. His eyes are glowing so bright, and in that moment with the smile that’s taking up his whole face his eyes takes my breath away. He is a sight to behold.

  Chapter NINE

  Dexter

  She seriously just said she wouldn’t mind if I bite her neck. I know it was the vampire version of myself that she was referring to, but the thought of my lips being on her body in any form, causes my dick to tighten in my pants. Damn, she is so fucking beautiful. The way she just spits out whatever is on her mind whether it is intentional or not is adorable. I can sense a deep sadness within her though, and I want to get to know her, and find out why it’s there and who or what put it there. I want to know everything about this amazing woman however; I know it’s not going to be as easy to convince her as it was to convince myself.

  I thought about her all afternoon. I just couldn’t get her out of my head, and the time couldn’t pass by fast enough for me. There is just something about her that has be mesmerized. She has put a spell over me, and has me acting on emotions I have never felt before. I sat around staring at the clock willing the afternoon to go by.

  Once we made the reservations at the Ristorante Di’italiano. I text Courtney letting her know we would pick them up at seven and all she replied back with was a simple, “K” this girl would be one tough nut to crack. After that, I spent the rest of the day trying to get her out of my head. It was no use.

  I know she is embarrassed by the remark she made so I try to hold in my laughter and let it slide. The blush on her cheeks and the way she is peeking up at me through her fingers is fucking cute as hell.

  “So I hope you ladies like Italian food. We are taking you to the best Italian restaurant in the state of Alabama. Trust me, I know you think Alabama and you don’t think Italian food but this restaurant is to die for.” I offer up, trying to break the ice.

  “Oh Italian, a great choice we both love it. I am sure it will be delicious! I can’t wait to give it a try.” She smiles up at me. She has the most amazing deep dimples on her cheeks. So cute. God I am turning into a fucking girl when this chicks around.

  We all pile into my Suburban. I open the door for Courtney, offering her the front passenger seat. I help her in with my hand gently on her arm letting it linger a bit before closing the door, and head around to the driver’s side and hop in while Rob and Lillian take the back seat. Wow I had forgotten we even had company there for a minute. I am sure Rob is pissed I left him to keep the very pregnant Lillian entertained for the night. Oh well, he will get over it. I take a look in the rear view mirror and it seems that maybe he is all right about it after all, their heads are bent in together and they are whispering to each other. Huh interesting. I will have to ask him about that later tonight. I wonder how far a long she is and if it’s even safe for her to be traveling this far along. She looks about ready to pop but I wouldn’t tell her that. I feel that would come across as rude, and if I want to stay on big sisters good graces that means keeping nice with the little sister.

  I clear my throat and ask, “Lillian how far a long are you?” I look over my shoulder to make sure she heard me.

  “I am six months along now. I know, I know I look like I am about to pop. You don’t have to say it. I can tell by the look on your face your scared I am about to give birth on your comfy leather seats back here.” She kids. Alrighty then. Awkward silence follows for a minute before I begin again.

  “Right…..So where are you lovely ladies from? I gather that since you are staying at a hotel you guys aren’t from around here.” I break the silence. Courtney chimes in as if the silence was uncomfortable for her as well.

  “We live in North Carolina. New Bern to be exact. We are down here for the week. This is kind of embarrassing, but we were actually here for the tours, and to stalk you two and the show to see if we can catch y’all filming while we were in town.” Courtney looks over at me from the corner of her eye probably trying to see if what she just admitted bothers me. Surprisingly it doesn’t, normally that kind of thing would turn me off from a woman. Everyone always wants to meet me and be around me for my fame. I can sense that it’s different with Courtney though. I don’t feel that way at all around her. She may have said they were here to “stalk” us, but I am not picking up any stalker vibes from them.

  “That is a really nice place to live. I have family not too far from there actually, in Swansboro. We love the beaches around there, especially in the spring. We find lots of shells and fun things on the beach that time of year. We have even seen sea turtles hatching while we were there before. Oh and sorry to burst your bubble but we are off from filming this week, so I guess it’s your lucky day that we ran into each other today at the park.” I wink at Courtney and her eyes are full of excitement.

  “A guy after my own heart.” She lays her hands over her heart and continues. “I basically live there for the shelling. We always travel down to Shack and find the best stuff there. Have you ever been there? That’s my go to place for everything. If I’m Sad I head to Shack, if I am lonely I head to Shack, just need some Vitamin D? Yep, you guessed it. Head to shack.” She laughs.

  “I have never been there before. I heard it is only accessible by boat and my family doesn’t have one, so am I right to assume that you own one?” I ask.

  “Yeah I do. Why, you looking for a free ride over?” She smirks and then sighs. “My husband bought one for us for our five year wedding anniversary.” She looks over at me surprised that she just revealed that information. Shit, she is married? Maybe divorced? Maybe that’s the reason for the sadness in her eyes. I sure hope so, because the thought of her being married sends a pang of jealousy through me. I am not sure why. I just met this woman, but she has already wormed her way into my heart. So I have to ask.

  “You’re married then?” I pull up in front of the restaurant and park the SUV and glance over at Courtney.

  “Ahem,” Lillian clears her throat from the back seat. A diversion tactic I am sure so Courtney doesn’t have to answer my question. Lillian continues, “Maybe we should
all go ahead and head on inside?” she asks.

  “No, Lillian it’s okay. I’m fine really.” She turns her body towards me in the front seat of the car and explains.

  “No I am not married. Well technically, I guess you could consider it that but I am not. For Christ sakes why is it so hard for me to just come out and say this? My Husband he is……My husband is dead. He has been for over 2 years. He died in an explosion at work.” Her eyes are sad but she keeps her composure.

  I look at her in shock. Holy Shit! It had to have been the New Bern Construction explosion that happened two years ago. It was all over the news, all over America. I feel terrible for bringing it up. I feel horrible now for hoping she wasn’t married, because in that moment I would give her husband back if I could. Even if it broke my heart not to have her, I would do anything to get that look out of her eyes. Even if it meant, shredding my heart in the process. In this moment I am speechless. I don’t know what to say next.

  Crickets.

  Chapter TEN

  Courtney

  Everyone in the car is completely silent at my revelation. I am at a loss for words. We were having a good time carrying on a nice conversation and I want it to continue on that way. I don’t want everyone to feel sorry for me. So I look around the car and say.

  “It’s alright guys, it’s been a long time. I miss my husband very much but I am okay. Really I am. So let’s just get on with the evening. I can smell the yummy flavors from the restaurant out here in the car and my mouth is watering so what do ya say? Let’s go get our grub on.” I open my car door and just like that all the tension in the car vanishes and everyone lets out a laugh. The truth is for the first time in two years I really do feel like everything is going to be okay. I feel happy and I am finally looking forward to this evening.