A Courtesy Call (Green Division Series Book #2)

by Monahan, Ashley

  “Aiden? What time is it?” She asked in a haze.

  “It’s late, well, early technically. It’s the middle of the night,” Aiden fumbled every thought he tried to complete. “Someone came all the way across the Atlantic when they heard you were hurt. I didn’t want to make him wait any longer to see you.” Aiden looked over his shoulder to Mike.

  The room was dimly lit, but Raleigh could make out his silhouette.

  “Mike?” Mike stepped forward. “You flew all the way out here?” She pulled herself upright.

  “Take it easy Miss.”

  “Aiden, I’m okay.” She patted his hand.

  “I’ll leave you two alone.”

  Aiden walked past Mike and out the door.

  “You flew to Paris...” Raleigh couldn’t believe it.

  “I got a panicked call from Cass telling me what happened.”

  “And you flew all the way out here for me?” She said in disbelief.

  “I sure as hell didn’t fly out here to see Aiden.”

  Raleigh smiled. She patted the side of the bed. Mike’s heart skipped a few beats, she didn’t point to the door. Deep bruises showed on her tanned skin, a large bump on her right temple visible even in the dark of night.

  “How bad were you hurt?”

  “A few bruises. And a little concussion.” Raleigh downplayed it. “I’m a bit sore.”

  Mike sat on the edge of the bed with her. Mike raised his hand to the side of her face. Taking the back of his hand, he ran it lightly down her jawline. The thought of nearly losing her once again overwhelmed him.

  “I can’t believe you came here.” She truly was blown away. It was shocking enough to see him in North Carolina, she was floored he flew all the way to Paris.

  “You know I’ve never seen Paris. The cab driver told me Paris was the city of love and anything can happen under the city lights.”

  Raleigh’s eyes weren’t contemptuous as they had been at their last meeting.

  Mike leaned forward and softly kissed her forehead. “I’m hoping my cabbie was right.”

  Raleigh reached up to him and pulled him down to her taking him in an embrace.

  “We have to stop meeting this way though.” Raleigh closed her eyes and rested her head against his chest.

  “In beautiful places all over the world?”

  “Through near death experiences.”

  Mike pulled back and with a single finger tilted her chin upward. “I agree.” His lips softly brushed against hers. “I’m glad you’re okay. And glad you didn’t kick me out the door as soon as you saw me.” He softly kissed her again.

  “I don’t want you to go anywhere. I didn’t want to leave you in North Carolina, but I was hurt. I thought I didn’t mean anything to you.”

  “You mean more to me than you could possibly know. Not just because of my accident.”

  “It was only a week.” She felt the same as him, but still questioned the possibility of falling so hard so quickly.

  “A week I’ll never forget.” His breath brushed against her ears and sent chills down to her toes. “I know it’s crazy and you’ll probably throw me out for admitting this, but I’ve fallen in love with you Raleigh.”

  He kissed her with more want and pulled her tight into his chest.

  “Owe...” Raleigh drew in a deep breath as pain shot through her.

  “Oh God, I’m sorry! I hurt you.” Mike pulled back and rested his hands on her sides.

  Raleigh didn’t say a word in response to his admission of love.

  He loves me? He said he loves me...Aiden was right....

  “I shouldn’t have made that last confession.” Mike said let down.

  “I love you too.” She ran her hands through his cropped hair. So soft. “And want to see what we have.”

  Mike smiled overjoyed that she’d returned his sentiment.

  “But you live in Maine. I live on the road. And when I’m not on the road, I live on the opposite end of the eastern seaboard. How can we be any more than pen pals? I’m not giving up racing. You love being a warden and I know you wouldn’t give that up. I don’t expect you to. So where does that leave us?”

  Mike’s happiness instantly drained. “You’re jumping too far ahead.”

  “Why set ourselves up for pain?”

  “So that’s it?”

  “How else can it be?” She kissed him sweetly, not wanting the words she’d spoken to be true. Mike wished he had an answer.

  “I don’t know, but I don’t like that option.” He cradled the sides of her neck.

  “If you have a different option, I’m more than open to it.”

  Mike could come up with none.

  “Lay down with me.” The way she was sitting caused her pain. Mike kicked off his shoes and crawled into the bed with her. He exhaled deeply and brought his hand to her lower back. She melted into his side.

  “I won’t give up on you.”

  “I don’t want you to.” Raleigh rested her head on the same pillow as Mike, staring into his disappointed eyes. “Let’s enjoy tonight and not worry about tomorrow.”

  “By the way you talk, tomorrow you’re going to say goodbye permanently.”

  Raleigh wanted to cry, but kept the tears at bay. “Mike, shut up and kiss me.”

  Mike nuzzled her nose against his then did as she asked. They spoke no more words. Instead they enjoyed one another’s company, trying not to think of future.

  CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

  EIGHT MONTHS LATER

  “Miss, I’m bloody terrified,” Aiden admitted. His deep blue tie was cockeyed and Raleigh fixed it for him.

  “It’s natural to have second thoughts, but if you aren’t ready, you need to decide now.”

  “I’m ready, it’s all these people that terrify me.”

  “Oh you’ll be fine.” Raleigh patted his back. “Maybe this will take the edge off of it.”

  “Captain Morgan?”

  “A few nips and you’ll feel better.”

  “Right, I’m sure Cass would love the smell of that on my breath.” Aiden passed it back to her. “I’m ready for this to be over.”

  “It’s your wedding day, be excited.”

  “Right.” Aiden looked at himself in the mirror. His groomsmen busied themselves in the corner with another bottle of Captain. “Fuck sticks.” Aiden looked over at his brothers. “I don’t want you falling down the aisle. Put the bottle down. That’s for later.”

  The three older men laughed and continued their pleasure.

  “She’s a lucky lady.” Raleigh smoothed his suit.

  “I’m the lucky one, Miss.”

  *****

  “I’m only going to try to talk you out of this one more time.” Mike’s little daughter was all grown up. “You’re only twenty. You have your entire life ahead of you. You’re too young to get married. What is the hurry?”

  “I love him.” Cass said confidently. “Besides, everything in this wedding is non-refundable and you’re already paid for it all. Do you want to do this twice?”

  “I would if you’ll wait another ten years so I can afford it again.” He stood and looked at Cass.

  In her floor length mermaid gown she was stunning.

  “My God, you are beautiful.” Emotion overcame him.

  “Oh Dad, don’t make me cry.” She crossed the room and hugged him. “You’ll mess up my makeup.”

  “I love you, hun. If he ever hurts you, let me know and I’ll take care of him.”

  Cass laughed.

  “You joke, but I know you really like him.”

  “He’s not a bad man,” Mike admitted.

  “He loves me. And I’m happy. I’m always happy when I’m with him.”

  Mike pulled back from their embrace. “He’s a lucky man.”

  *****

  “Deep breaths.” Raleigh tried to calm Aiden. “It’s alright.”

  Poor Aiden was a mess. Thankfully he still appeared dapper and handsome in his panicked state.


  “Deep breaths.” Aiden repeated and followed her advice. “Now what?”

  “Now you trot your little ass down the aisle with a smile on and don’t let on to anyone how terrified you are. Be brave man, be bold.”

  “Quoting one of my favorite movies.” Aiden smiled.

  “Yes. Now, let’s go.” She hooked her arm in Aiden’s and walked him to the entrance of the ceremony.

  “I’ll talk to you on the other side.” She released his grip and walked away, taking a seat at the front.

  Aiden took a deep breath and looked at the crowd in front of him.

  *****

  “This is it Daddy.” Cass peered through the doorway.

  “You ready?”

  “Yeah,” she said confidently.

  “Let’s go.”

  Music played queuing Mike and Cass’s entrance. They walked in step to the music. Thoughts of Cass’s childhood and innocence ran through his mind. Her favorite thing to do as a young child, play with baby dolls attentively taking care of them. He saw that next phase of her life. Having children. That would make him a grandfather. Sweet Jesus he was too young for that.

  When they reached the alter Mike had a difficult time letting go.

  “I love you Cass.” He kissed her cheek.

  “I love you too.”

  Aiden offered his hand and Mike took it in a firm grip, no doubt causing a mild amount of pain.

  “Owe.” Aiden quietly said. Mike smiled and eased his grip.

  “Take good care of her; I know you will,” Mike whispered to him.

  Aiden’s smiled nervously. “I will sir, I promise.”

  Mike nodded then walked back to his seat at the front of the church. His face was flushed with emotion.

  “That was sweet,” Raleigh whispered to Mike.

  “I should beat his ass.”

  “It’s not his ass I want you beating.” Raleigh shot him a devilish grin.

  “That can be arranged too.” He kissed her cheek and curled her hand in his. The smile that crossed Mike’s face was a familiar one and Raleigh read it.

  *****

  The hotel reception room was exquisite. Raleigh took care of the reception. No expense, or detail was spared. Colors of white, blue, and silver decorated all around.

  “Where’s Dad and Raleigh?” Cass scanned the room looking for them.

  Aiden cleared his throat.

  “Have you seen them?” Cass asked Jen.

  “Ah.”

  “I’m sure they’ll turn up shortly.” Aiden fidgeted with his collar uncomfortably.

  “Are you serious?” Cass laughed. “They are too old for this crap. My god, they think they are teenagers. And at our wedding?”

  Aiden laughed too.

  “We could disappear too.” Aiden kissed his bride.

  “When our guests have left.” She smiled. “We’ll have plenty of time for that.”

  Aiden pulled her away to the dance floor.

  *****

  “It was rather cruel of you to make me wait an hour and a half to have you.” Raleigh ran her hand down his chest.

  “I’m not a religious man.” Mike pushed her hand down further. “But for some reason using the back room in the church to fool around seemed wrong.”

  They rested on the bed in their hotel room above the reception hall, the party taking place three floors below.

  “He sees all anyway.” She grinned.

  “We should get back down to the reception before they notice we’re gone.”

  “It’s only been...” She looked at the clock. “Shit, forty five minutes. Damn, you’re good.” She rose from the bed and slid her dress back on.

  Mike pulled her back into the bed and jumped atop of her.

  “We need to get back down there.” Raleigh reminded him.

  He leaned against her and it was hard for her to push him away. In more than one way.

  She kissed him teasingly then pushed her hand against his chest. “Later.” She promised.

  Mike leaned his full weight against her, sighed, and then rolled over. He couldn’t keep his hands off of her. It had been two weeks since he’d last seen her and he only had her to himself for another week and a half before she was to run away yet again.

  “Later,” he agreed and breathed huskily.

  The two dressed and Raleigh opened the door. One foot out into the hallway, he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck lovingly.

  “Hmph,” a disgusted snort came from beside them. Raleigh smiled at the elderly couple passing in the hallway and waved sheepishly.

  “I swear Harold.” The white haired woman scowled at Raleigh and then at Mike.

  “Good afternoon, ma’am. Sir.” Mike laughed. “Have a good day.”

  “Seems you already are.” Harold, the very frail looking man behind the crotchety old woman, winked at Mike.

  The couple continued down the hall in the opposite direction as Mike and Raleigh.

  Ding. The elevator sounded, but it had many floors to descend to their level.

  “You’ve made me the happiest man.” He took her left hand and kissed a large diamond on her ring finger. “I’m glad you’re coming home with me to Maine.”

  “It’s my home too.”

  Ding, Ding, Ding

  The elevator grew closer.

  “Glad despite the fact that I’ll be gone for weeks at a time?”

  “I can live with you running away so long as I know you’ll come running back to me.”

  “Always.” The elevator door opened and Mike and Raleigh stepped inside in one another’s arms. Mike pulled her into the corner with him.

  “Do you think we have time?” Mike looked at the floors ticking down.

  “That red button is there for a reason.”

  They continued their heated passion and then another ding signaled they were on the ground level of the hotel.

  “Jesus Christ, can’t you two keep your hands off of one another?” Jen said hardly surprised. “This is your daughter’s wedding.” Jen stomped her foot. “And Aiden’s.”

  Both of them smiled then looked at one another.

  “We’ll be there in five minutes.” Raleigh looked back to Jen.

  “Five minutes my ass.” Jen started to walk away. “Don’t worry, I’ll explain to the newlyweds their friend and father are too busy having sex.”

  “Jen!” Raleigh called after her as she walked back toward the hall. Jen didn’t answer, nor would she give them the satisfaction of seeing the giant grin that crossed her own face.

  “What do you think?” Raleigh brought her hands to Mike’s neck.

  Ding

  The elevator doors closed and they went sky bound.

  “Five more minutes.” Mike smiled.

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