In My Arms (Philadelphia Series)

by Plendl, Taryn

  ***

  We spent the next day at the spa, pampered and spoiled, scrubbed and polished, leaving with the smell of chocolate on our skin.

  I can’t remember ever feeling so relaxed. We had a late lunch at the café in the spa and snacked on light fair and yummy desserts. After, we finally decided to take that walk.

  “Did you grow up in Philly?” Trevor held my hand as we stroll around the garden.

  “Yes. My mom is in Clearwater, Florida now, so it’s just me out here now. I have an aunt in Philly, but now that I’m in my own place, we don’t see each other much.” I explained.

  “Where’s your dad?” He asked as we stopped and sat on a bench.

  “He died when I was five. Cancer.” I smiled and shrugged. I didn’t want him to feel bad. Really, I don’t remember much about the end of his life, but I do remember always feeling so loved by him. That is what I carried with me. I told Trevor just that and he smiled back at me, pulling me against him as he placed a kiss on my temple.

  “How about you? Where did you grow up?” I asked.

  “Allentown. My family is still there. I don’t get back there as much as I’d like to, it’s really sad considering its so close, but next time I go, I would like to take you with me.” He looked at me hopeful.

  “I’d like that.” I grinned.

  We spent a couple hours around the gardens just talking and getting to know each other better. Being with him here was like a dream. As much as it scared me, I was falling in love with Trevor. There was no doubt in my mind. I was taking a big chance with my heart here, but the more time I spent with him I realized he just might be worth it.

  “Want to go ice skating?”

  “What?” I looked at him like he’d lost it.

  “Yeah, they have year round ice skating here.” He looked so excited, like a little kid.

  “Sounds fun!”

  Several falls later and with a sore butt, that I’m pretty sure was developing a bruise in the shape of the skate blade, we decided to head back to the room.

  Neither of us felt much like going anywhere, so we ordered room service and snuggled up in bed and watched movies.

  As the second movie was ending, I felt Trevor kissing the back of my neck and almost instantly I was ready for him. Unlike before, we went slow, cherishing each other’s bodies and making sweet, slow love on our last night.

  Chapter13

  Trevor

  I watched Ava from across the desk. It has been two week since our amazing weekend away, and we haven’t had a whole lot of time alone since. I was getting cranky and short, but if I really think about it, it is only because I miss her.

  Granted, I see her and her gorgeous curves, long hair that I would love to run my fingers though and amazing smile every day, but it’s not enough. I long to hold her in my arms, touch her soft skin and make sweet love to her. Oh god! I’m pussy whipped, just like Nick said.

  I’ve known it for awhile. It hasn’t been the right time yet, but I want to tell her soon, whether or not she feels the same, I need to let her know that I have fallen hopelessly in love with her.

  There isn’t anything that I don’t love about her. Her sarcasm and wit are fun. She is strong and driven and so good with her creative thinking. She is so caring and a good friend—she is everything I was looking for, when I wasn't even looking. But as strong as she tried to be, there was a vulnerability about her that made me feel so protective of her. I couldn’t help that I went all alpha male anytime a man approached her. She had no idea how attractive she is.

  “Like something you see Mr. Dawson?” Her question brought me out of my thoughts.

  I leaned forward and smiled. “You have no idea.” I spoke low and deep and I could see that she was squirming a little as she watched me closely.

  “Well, what are you going to do about it?” She cocked her head to the side, giving me her sweet smile in a challenge. I sighed, there wasn’t much I could do right now, which is where my frustration stemmed from. We had so much work to do right now in a short amount of time. It just wasn’t possible to duck out early.

  “We need to go out this weekend.” I sat back. “Round up Talia and we can hit a club. I need to dance with you.” I winked.

  “That sounds perfect. These new accounts are sure monopolizing our time, huh?” She looked like she might be as frustrated as me. I nodded before digging back into my work.

  ***

  “Hey, how come when a woman is pregnant everyone rubs her stomach and says congratulations but no one rubs your balls and says good job?” Nick asked as he took a drink of his beer.

  “Where the hell did that come from?” Tom asked, laughing at his friend.

  “This woman in my office is pregnant and I swear every time someone walks past her, they are rubbing her belly. It’s creepy.” He shuddered. Ava and I looked at each other and just shook our heads. It never seemed to amaze me, the things that came out of Nick’s mouth.

  “Hey guys, sorry I’m late.” Talia slid in next to Tom.

  “Wow, you’re looking hot tonight Talia!” Nick winked at her.

  “Oh Nick, save your breath for your blow up doll.” She winked back at him and we all laughed.

  “You do look nice.” Tom spoke softly, but I could still hear him. Talia smiled at him sweetly. I was beginning to wonder if there wasn’t something there, but neither of them ever hinted at anything. I would have to ask Ava later.

  I put my hand on Ava’s leg and drew small circles with my fingers. She put her hand over mine and smiled at me. She was so amazing. It was hard for me to be around her and not touch her. I pulled our hands up to my lips and kissed her on the knuckles. “Want to dance baby?”

  “I’d love to.”

  We slid out of the booth and headed to the dance floor where an upbeat song was playing I grabbed her hips and pulled her close to me as we started to move with the music. I swear the girl was made for me and me alone. We fit together perfectly.

  “I miss you.” I nuzzled her ear.

  “We see each other every day Trevor.” She giggled.

  “It’s not the same Ava. I can’t touch you and kiss you whenever I want at work. It’s killing me.” She was rubbing her hands through my hair. I closed my eyes and groaned. “Oh Ava.” I sighed. Leaning down, I claimed her mouth with mine, pressing soft kisses on her mouth and trailing them down her jaw and onto her neck.

  “It would be rude to duck out this early Mr. Dawson, and you’re starting something that I can’t help but want to finish.” She moaned, leaning her head back in the process, opening up her neck.

  “Let’s go get a drink. If I keep dancing with you I may toss you over my shoulder and take you back to my cave.” I chuckled at the thought. I lost all self control with her.

  We headed back to our friends who were deep in conversation at the table. When we approached, they all seemed to stop talking. Ava and I looked at each other. “What are you all talking about over here?” Ava asked.

  “Nothing really. We are all just living vicariously through you two lovebirds.” Talia smiled at us.

  Right after we sat down a tall guy came and asked Talia to dance. She shrugged and accepted the invitation. As she walked away I noticed Tom had his fists clenched, looking down at the table.

  “You okay?” I whispered.

  “Fine.” He sounded short and I knew without a doubt that there was something more to this. It was so unlike Tom to react this way. He obviously liked Talia. It was also obvious that he wasn’t going to talk about it now, so I let it drop.

  Nick disappeared with another random woman and asked Tom if he could catch ride with one of us. Talia offered and mentioned she was hungry so they decided to go get some food. Ava looked tired and I wanted nothing more than to take her home and tuck her in my bed with me. Our nights out were becoming pretty tame, but I was okay with it.

  I ran a bath for Ava and I and we sat there for a long while. I washed her as she laid against me, softly kissing her neck a
nd shoulders. She was drifting off, so I lifted her out and wrapped her in a towel, drying her and then carrying her to the bed. We didn’t bother with clothes, just climbed between the sheets. I pulled her into me, wrapping my arms around her. “Goodnight my sweet Ava.” I whispered in her ear.

  I lay there listening to her breathe until it was slow and even and I knew she had fallen asleep. “I love you.” I whispered before I let myself fall asleep too. I was such a chicken shit!

  ***

  Ava left by mid morning to run some errands with Talia. I decided to head to the gym. I needed a good workout to clear my mind and figure out where I wanted to take my relationship with Ava. I loved her. I had never said those words to anyone before her, and it scared me.

  I ran on the treadmill for awhile and then decided to spar a bit on the mat with some other martial arts instructors. It was just what I needed to get myself focused. I showered and dressed before walking back to my place.

  A familiar face caught my attention. I stopped and watched her for a minute before she noticed me and a smile spread across her face. I jogged over to her and swung her up in my arms, twirling in a circle. “Oh my god Rachel! What are you doing here?” I set the small brunette down, cupping her face in my hands and looking at her. “You look beautiful!’

  “I missed you. I hope you don’t mind me showing up unannounced.” She smiled.

  “Never! I miss you too! You’re always welcome here.” I kissed her on the forehead and wrapped her in my arms, just in time to look up and see a devastated Ava staring at us. I pulled back quickly. “Ava wait.” I stepped toward her as I released Rachel. She shook her head, turned and ran around the corner. “Ava!” I yelled, trying to catch her. She was gone before I could get to her. I put my hands on my knees, feeling like I had a brick in my chest. I felt a small hand on my back. “Honey? Who was that?”

  Chapter 14

  Ava

  “Stupid Ava!” I was so mad. How could I let myself fall into this again? What was it with the guys I chose to get involved with? I threw clothes in a suitcase, paying very little attention to what I was packing. I needed to get away to think.

  “Damn it!” The stupid phone wouldn’t stop ringing. I scrolled through the missed calls. All Trevor. Over twenty text messages. I couldn’t bring myself to open them. I wanted to get out of there before he decided to try to talk to me in person.

  I grabbed my makeup and hair things and tossed them into my bag. I was going to turn the phone off, it was driving me crazy. Shit. I knew I needed to call Talia. She would freak if I just up and left town without telling her.

  I dialed quickly as I was headed out the door.

  “Hello?”

  “Talia?” I started crying.

  “”What’s wrong Ava? Are you okay?” She was worried.

  “I’m fine. Not really, but I need to get out of here for a couple of days.” I was sobbing now.

  “What happened Ava?”

  “I caught Trevor with another woman.” I could barely get it out. The image of him with the pretty woman in his arms, the way he looked at her with just happiness. The way he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her on the head.

  “What the fuck?” Talia snapped.

  “I know. I can’t believe it happened again.” I leaned against the wall by the elevator, trying to find a Kleenex.

  “Are you sure that’s what you saw?” Talia asked.

  “Talia, he was holding her, swinging her around, holding her face and looking lovingly in her eyes before he wrapped her in his arms and kissed her on the forehead. When he saw me he stepped back from her like he’d been caught. What do you think?” I bawled. I was angry, but more so at myself that anyone else. I had allowed this to happen again.

  “I just can’t believe it Ava, I mean the guy was head over heels for you.” Talia claimed.

  “Well, I know what I saw Talia, and of all people I thought you would believe me!” I exclaimed.

  “Take a step back from the ledge Ava! Of course I believe you. I’m just shocked.” She sighed. “Do you need me to come over?”

  “No, I’m going away. I’m going to see my mom for a few days. I just didn’t want you to worry. Please don’t tell Trevor where I am, okay?” I insisted.

  “Okay honey, text me and let me know when you get there. I’m sorry Ava.”

  “Me too Talia, me too.” I hung up and groaned when I heard another text come through.

  ***

  “Thanks mom.” I said as I took a drink from the coffee that she sat in front of me.

  “Ava, do you want to talk about it?” My mom had been great the last couple of days. She didn’t push me and she didn’t hover.

  I had sent an email to Mr. Jameson and told him I had a personal emergency that I needed to go out of town for. There were several things I could work on from my laptop, and he seemed to be very understanding. I’m not sure that would be the case if he knew what those personal issues were. I was going to have to figure out what to do about work when I got back, but I couldn’t imagine working with Trevor right now. I was too hurt.

  “Oh mom, it turns out my knight in shining armor was just some liar in tinfoil.” I groaned.

  “Honey, please don’t let this harden your heart from moving on. You have so much love to give. I hate the thought of you shutting everyone out.” She put her hand on my arm.

  “Mom, I may not have anyone lying next to me, but at least I won’t have anyone lying to me either.” I stood up. “I think I’m going to take a walk on the beach. I need to clear my thoughts.” I kissed my mom on the cheek before I walked out the back door.

  There was a soft breeze blowing. It felt great as I moved through the sand. I slipped off my sandals and dragged my toes through the warm sand. The waves were rolling in almost methodically. It was peaceful. I sank down into the sand and pulled my knees to my chest, draping my sundress over them and hugging them. I let my head drop and rested it on my knees, listening to the water as I cried another bout of tears that I thought would never stop coming.

  Chapter 15

  Trevor

  “Okay Trevor, Tom told me you insisted on seeing me, so this better be good.” The pint-sized blonde walked through my door with her hands firmly planted on her sides.

  “Talia, I need to explain...” I started.

  “Trevor, where is the laundry soap?” I turned around at Rachel’s voice. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t know you had company.”

  “So it’s true?” Talia shook her head in disbelief.

  “What’s true?” I asked.

  “There is another woman. I almost didn’t believe Ava when she told me, but here she is right in front of me.” Talia looked at Rachel.

  “Talia, I want to introduce you to someone who is very special to me.” I motioned for Rachel to come closer.

  “Don’t Trevor. I have no desire to meet your…”

  “Sister.” Rachel and I said at the same time.

  “Wait, your what?” Talia paused.

  “Sister. This is my little sister Rachel.” I smiled at Talia’s shocked face.

  “Holy shit!” She shouted.

  “Yeah, exactly. Now please help me find Ava.” I pleaded.

  I watched as Talia ran her hands through her hair. She pulled her phone out of her purse and dialed. It went straight to voice mail. Ava’s phone had been turned off for the last two days, but that hadn’t stopped me from trying.

  “Ava. Call me now. We need to talk.” Talia hung up the phone and stuck her hand out to Rachel. “It’s nice to meet you Rachel. I’m sorry for the bitch treatment.” She smiled.

  “It’s okay. I would’ve done the same thing for my best friend. This has been a rough couple of days. Trevor has been a complete mess! If I’d have known the issues my visiting would cause, I would have never come.” She smiled sadly. I knew she felt horrible, but it wasn’t her fault. It was just a huge misunderstanding.

  “It’s not your fault Rachel. Ava has been through some shit and
when she saw you two together, she just assumed the worst.” She turned to me. “I’ve never seen her this bad—ever. She loves you Trevor, you know that don’t you? You better go get her.”

  “Just tell me where she is and I will.” I assured her.

  ***

  The weather was beautiful in Clearwater. Talia had given me Ava’s mom’s address and I wasted no time. I got on the next flight out, right after I told Mr. Jameson I needed to take a couple personal days. He must’ve had some Idea that something was going on. He just smiled and told me to get it figured out by Monday and bring Ava back with me. I assured him that I would.

  I drove over the bridge to Clearwater Beach and followed the GPS to a cute yellow cottage right on the beach. I took a deep breath before stepping out of the rental car, and then I practically ran to the door and knocked. My heart was beating so fast when I heard footsteps. The door opened to a lovely middle-aged woman. Her soft brown eyes looked questioningly at me. They were the same lovely eyes Ava had, and I had no doubt this was her mom.

  “Mrs. Murphy, my name is Trevor. I’m in love with your daughter and I need to talk to her.” Wow. That sounded desperate.

  She smiled softly at me and stepped to the side to let me in. “Trevor, she’s out on the beach. Be gentle with her, I’ve never seen her so hurt.”

  “I’m sorry. I promise to fix this.” I went through the back door without another word. I looked around, trying to see her. I walked out onto the sand further, trying to decide which way to go when my eyes landed on her.

  She was sitting hunched over on the sand with her head down on her knees and my heart broke for her. I knew how I’d been feeling, but I imagined she felt ten times worse, thinking that I’d betrayed her. I walked toward her, stopping just behind her when I heard her soft sobs.