Braver With You (Great Love Book 1)

by A. Hart

  I broke the silence, clearing my throat "Ethel used to talk about Elwin and I literally got Goosebumps from the love I felt. I'm glad to hear her love was returned." Cal smiled stroking my cheek lightly. "That it was, a thousand times. Gramps was the most honorable man I had ever met and I've never seen a man more in love. The world’s definitely darker without him." He set his gaze on the stars. "I like to think that he's still here. Maybe somewhere in the stars, glancing down on us, lighting up the world each night with his bright smile." I glanced up at him in awe. "Calvin Smith you are the most sweet, caring and romantic man I have ever known..." He looked down on me, eyes tracing my face. "How so?" I bit my lip again and if I kept doing this there was going to be a hole through my lip by the end of the night. "I've never met someone who could look at things the way you do, you see life in such an interesting way. It makes it all seem that much more....beautiful..." He smiled at me cupping my cheek. "That’s because it is beautiful...if I chose not to see the light in it...the dark would swallow me whole."

  I swallowed hard at the thought. "That’s not possible." He smiled lightly again "Not with you around...you're my light Emerson...my sun...shining through the shadows on my darkest days... I am braver with you" My heart began beating faster. I had to be dreaming, this was perfect. Suddenly my thoughts were interrupted as his lips crushed on mine. I kissed him back running my fingers through his soft hair. He pulled back lightly and looked into my eyes "Easy Tiger...the night’s still young...” I smiled knowing that going “easy” was going to be very difficult with this man.

  We laid on the blanket, holding each other, talking about everything under the stars and eating my favorite chocolates. I was impressed. He remembered much more than I could ever expect. After an hour or so he sat up and kissed me again, this time much more sensual. His tongue filled my mouth and danced with mine, his hand firmly placed on the back of my neck, gently pushing my lips further into his. My body filled with desire as I tasted him. Suddenly he pulled back and put his hand out, then pulling me up onto my feet, close to him. I licked my lips wanting, needing more.

  Cal placed his hand on my cheek looking into my eyes. "You have the most beautiful eyes Emerson..." I laughed putting my hand over his. "Very smooth Mr. Smith. I'm sure you tell all the girls that you bring up here that." He cut me off "No." Dropping his gaze and then returning it to mine. "I've never told a girl that and I've never brought one here..." I paused in shock. Was he saying what I thought he was? Or was I just reading into that too much? His hand drifted down to mine. "You ready to head out Darlin'." I nodded.

  Cal handed me the flashlight again as he trotted down the hill to Macey who was starting to lightly stomp her feet in anticipation to run again. He walked her back up the hill, lantern in hand. I held the backpack out to him. Cal smiled as he loaded it up and then held it out, prompting me to put it back on. I slide my arms in one at a time as he glided it on. It was oddly sensual. Cal had a way of making the most mundane task turn me on.

  We hopped on Macey and galloped back to the stables. It was dark but I could see the outline of the trees and the beautiful landscape. I pictured him growing up visiting Ethel here. I could see him running through the trees as a little boy. I smiled at the thought. I knew then that I wasn't falling in love with Cal but I was already head over heels for him. I sighed at the realization that he might not feel the same and I couldn't blame him, it was a little soon. I couldn’t help how I felt. It was out of my control. It was like he had me under a spell and suddenly all those annoying cliché’s about relationships made perfect sense.

  I took a deep breath and watched the land as we flew past it. I really could stay here forever with him. I longed for more. I held him close and nudged my face against his back again, taking it all in. I relished in feeling safe, happy and at peace…at least for the moment.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Calvin

  We had drove back to Emerson’s on the back roads, listening to music and talking. I could do that forever, talk to her...listen to her. Emerson made everything easier and enjoyable. I had reached for her hand at one point and was surprised when she laced our fingers together and then leaned over to kiss my cheek. Her sweetness was endearing and fascinating. It was late by the time we pulled up to her duplex. I looked over at the clock and realized I had lost track of time 12:11 am. When we began walking towards the door, her hand in mine, I got a gut feeling that something wasn’t right. I stopped walking and began to slowly pull her back into the shadow of the neighbor’s car. I looked around to see if there was a red car anywhere to be found but it wasn’t.

  She stared up at me "What?”. I shook my head whispering "Something’s not right." She tilted her head in confusion "What are you talking about?” I dropped her hand and very seriously told her "Emerson Get in the truck, lock the door and stay down." Hands on her hips she whispered. "What the hell is going on? Tell me I can handle it." I broke my stare from the front door long enough to give her a serious glance and sighed. "Someone’s in your house."

  Emerson’s face twisted into a scowl "How could you possibly know..." I cut her off "because Emerson, this is my job for God’s sake, I am trained to detect when there is an intruder. Does anyone have a key?" She stiffened and shrugged "Yeah Sarah, my sister Elliot... my parents". I looked at her briefly in disbelief "Jesus Em...how do you expect to keep track of all those keys...anyone could get into your house." She chewed on her lip lightly "Yeah I guess...I hadn't worried about that until last night.” I shivered remembering her eyes filled with horror and I knew that I wasn't going to let that happen. Over my dead fucking body.

  I sighed "Okay Em it might just be one of those people but I can't understand why they would come over at midnight and why they would wait in the dark." Her eyes flickered up at me like she agreed that it was odd. I slid off my socks and shoes which allowed me to be stealth on her wooden floors. I placed them on the ground and she shot me another confused look. I lightly touched her hand "So sweetheart I need you to please get in the truck, lock the door and..." She cut me off rolling her eyes "Get down." I smiled "Exactly, I told you that you were a quick learner." She quietly laughed and kissed me "Be safe please." I laughed at that. This was a day at the beach for me.

  As I began to trot along the shadows of the building, I glanced back to see Emerson locking the door and then ducking down, disappearing... good girl. I prepared myself to most likely be faced with having to attack or disarm someone. Knowing that I had secured all the windows and would have a rough time getting in quietly, I chose to quietly unlock the front door. When I opened it I noticed that the lights were off, typical for an intruder to try and pop out. I quietly checked each room and then moved my way back to her bedroom. I stopped outside the door as I heard a familiar sound, light rumbling…snoring? What the hell was going on? I quietly walked into the room and saw a woman. She was small and dressed in a party dress and heels. Her curly blonde hair sprawled out on the bed. I leaned over slightly to notice it was Sarah, Emerson’s friend. I sighed in relief and then walked back out to Em.

  I knocked quietly on the window and was pleased when Emerson did not show herself. I admired her smarts. I said "Em it’s me Cal....its all clear Darlin’'". She shot up and smiled "Told you!" I laughed "Yeah yeah well I was right there is someone in your house." She tilted her head, more curious than concerned "What? Who?" I helped her down from the truck and locked my door. "Sarah. She’s, well she’s asleep on your bed." Her face went serious as she began reaching into her purse frantically. "Shit..." I looked at her curious "What is it sweetheart?" She frowned "Seven missed calls and a gazillion texts. I brought my phone this time but I forgot to turn on the volume. She was probably worried about me. I didn’t think we’d be out this late. I was supposed to text her when I got home" I shrugged grabbing her hand, thankful that she had such a caring friend "It’s ok Darlin', you can explain now and I'm sure she will understand" She laughed.

  This time when we walked in her apartment Emers
on turned on the light and closed the door loudly, locking it. I heard the heels hit the floor in her room and then "Emerson Marie Williams…You were supposed to text me after your date with beef cake....Where the hell..." She stopped when she saw us standing there. Her hair was tossed about and her face looked sleepy. I had to hold back my laughter at how comical she looked.

  Emerson said quietly "I'm so sorry. I forgot to turn on the volume and I was...we were...." Sarah shot her a scowl and then looked me up and down smiling. "Busy?" Emerson’s cheeks turned bright red. "Yeah..." Sarah laughed waving her hand at us "Okay whatever as long as you’re fine but maybe I should get handsome’s number so I can keep track of your clumsy ass." I chuckled a little because Emerson was clumsy, not overly so but enough that I had noticed it and found it adorably charming.

  I looked at Sarah and responded "Handsome’s name is Cal and I'm all for Em's safety so hand me your phone." I put out my hand and she flopped her phone into it. “I know your name soldier.” She said dryly. I chuckled as I entered my number and she stood taking in Emerson’s blushed face. Emerson sighed "I didn’t see your car...did you..." Sarah cut her off "No I went to the club remember I told you before I left earlier?” I nodded my head, that’s right I remember now. She continued. “When you wouldn’t answer my calls I had some idiot that came with the group drop me off here. I thought you would be home earlier. I was going to just stay the night but I can see that I am going to be an intrusion so I will just call a cab..." I handed back her phone and shook my head.

  "Unnecessary, I will take you but does this idiot drive a red car?" Both girls tilted their heads and looked at me in confusion. “Uh no it was black…why?” I shrugged it off “eh no reason but please let me drive you.” Both girls seemed to just brush it off and Sarah began protesting “No it’s really..." I cut her off "Sarah, I would feel much better if you would please let me take you home." She laughed and looked at Emerson. "A real gentleman huh?" Emerson laughed and nodded. "Where do you live Sarah?" I asked politely. "Literally five minutes up the road." I nodded "Okay let me know when you want me to take you..." She cut me off "honestly I had one to many margaritas and really need to sleep so now is fine, I just needed to see my girl." She winked at Emerson and I smiled. I was filled with joy that Emerson had Sarah. "Okay no problem."

  I walked towards Emerson and placed my hand on hers. "Do you want to come Darlin' or would you prefer to stay here, my truck may be a little crammed and you don't care for tight spaces..." Her face went blank and she smiled up at me surprised, again? Did she think so little of me? That I wouldn't remember these things about her? I knew that ever since she practically lived in MRI machines she felt panicked in tight spaces. “I think I'll wait here if you don't mind Sarah?" Sarah smiled. "Alone with this beef cake? When would that ever be problem for me? Don't worry he's yours...I get it...but I can look." She looked me up and down and then winked at Emerson who shook her head with laughter at Sarah.

  Sarah walked over to Emerson and gave her a big hug "Don’t do anything I wouldn’t" Emerson laughed again "Go home Drunk Version of my best friend." Sarah laughed as we walked out the door. I turned around and pointed at Emerson "Lock this." She saluted "Yes sir." I laughed and waited outside the door until I heard it click. As Sarah sauntered to my truck she turned to me “Told you I did a real number on her? She looked hot huh?” I smiled. “I always think she’s…” I cleared my throat. “Hot” I shook my head with a sigh “but yeah you did well.” She nodded with a smile and jumped into my truck.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Sid

  I sat in my car hoping that the dumb prick would leave soon. I almost had my opportunity when he left her alone in the car, idiot, he came back too quickly and got to her before I had the chance to leave my car. I watched the house waiting. I was going to teach that bitch a lesson. I didn’t care that she was Cal’s flavor of the week, he would get over it and eventually he would forgive me like he always did. He thought he was so tough but I had him right where I wanted him. I almost got him out of the way earlier at the stop light, I ran the light and tried to hit him hoping it would put him in the hospital for a day or two and get him the hell out of my business.

  He didn’t know her like I did. I had been watching the stupid whore for months now, wasting nights and days following her, leaving her hints that she never picked up on. I took a drink from my flask and thought about all the ways that bitch had wasted my time. I pursued her, willing to give her everything and this is the pay back I get? She humiliated me more than once, making me look like I couldn’t handle my woman and God Damn it she was my woman. Soon enough she would understand that and would never question me again. I took another swig, yeah she would learn.

  I had spent all day following these two idiots. I was shocked on Friday when I saw the two of them hugging. It was just like that whore to hug someone so provocatively the first moment she met them. When I followed them to the bar that night I hoped that Cal would leave it the hell alone since he barely knew the damn bitch but of course Cal always had to be the hero. I shook my head and thought about how I followed him to drop off his sister. I would have stayed and made my move then but that other whore showed up and ruined everything. Then I followed them to that ridiculous date, if that’s what you called it. I swear that he saw me or at least knew someone was watching. I had been on my way to follow them wherever the hell they were going next but one of my idiot lackeys called me saying a drug deal went sour. I had to go do some clean up. So here I was waiting.

  Suddenly Cal walked out with the slut from the other night. Maybe he realized Emerson was a lost cause and picked an easier target. Good for him I thought as I took another swig and felt the burn in my throat. The adrenaline rushed through my body. This was my chance. It was now or never.

  Emerson

  As soon as I locked the door, I headed into my bathroom and finally released my overly full bladder which I had been holding for what seemed like forever. I then fixed my hair and makeup in the mirror. I pulled at my strapless bra and decided I couldn't take the extremely tight metal casing that was stabbing into my side any longer. I headed into my closet and stripped from head to toe. I grabbed some comfortable but sexy boy shorts with a lacey trim around the waist. I then grabbed a matching comfortable but cute cotton bra and slipped it on. It was so much more accommodating to my ladies.

  I searched through my closet for my black cotton shorts and a V-neck t-shirt. Slipping them on immediately made me feel much more comfortable and much more like myself. I stepped back into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. Feeling more myself made me feel much sexier than I had all night. I looked casual but with my long tan legs and a slight peek of cleavage showing I hoped he thought I looked as sexy as I felt. I pulled my bobby pins out of my hair and draped it over my shoulders, tucking it behind my ears. I took a deep breathe. Here we go I thought.

  I stepped out of my bedroom and into the living room. I pulled out my I-pod and put on my favorite playlist that had music that varied all the way from Classic country to 80's music. It was a mash up of my favorite songs. I began dancing as I headed to the kitchen to grab a couple snack foods out. Looking into my fridge I realized all I really had was left over from breakfast, salsa, milk and lemonade. I cringed at my housekeeping skills.

  I remembered I had some chips that couldn’t be too old. I pulled out the salsa and put it in a bowl alongside a bowl of tortilla chips. I dipped one in the salsa and was surprised that it tasted fresh. I smiled at myself. I brought the snacks to the coffee table and then decided I could get through another chapter on the current book I was reading. I grabbed my glasses out of my desk drawer and laid on the couch. I began to read and only got two pages in when I heard the door knob twisting. I sat up quickly with my heart dropping into my chest. What was I supposed to do…Shit…

  Sid

  It was finally happening, I had been waiting months for this, patiently watching her, learning her habits and her weaknesses. I had so many soo
ner opportunities but work always interfered at the wrong moments. I had inched around the back slowly, aware of the neighbor’s dog and its tendency to bark at anything that moved outside, dumb mutt. Luckily her duplex was one story and it was too easy to take off the screen to her window. I had been watching her quietly through the window. She bounced around the house like a little school girl, giddy and carefree.

  Oh if only she knew what waited for her moments from now… I grinned at the thought of her horrified face as I slapped that bitch around. I took out my knife and began to gently place it under the seal. I took a deep breath and let the excitement come over me. It took me a few minutes to successfully get off the screen. I began to open the window when I saw the front door open. God Damn it, what the hell is that asshole doing back here. I paused in awe. You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. I watched as he locked the door behind him. That prick was always getting in my way. I slowly shut the window and placed the screen back on.

  I tip toed back to my car and turned on the heater. Well shit, I guess I would be waiting all night for this dipshit to leave. I was going to finish this now. I wasn’t waiting any longer. As I was thinking of my plan my phone rang. Some idiot lackey fucked up a deal in Humboldt, which was over 4 hours away. It sounded like a huge fuck up and therefore someone would pay but it was going to be a couple day clean up on my part. I was so sick of these idiots interfering with my life. No one could do their damn job? It seemed like every day I had to step in. Son of a bitch. I would have to head back to my warehouse and call my crew to report for the trip. Looked like this dumb bitch would have to wait a couple days but she would be mine and she would learn her lesson. I sped off and thought of the many ways I would make her pay, grinning at my many creative ideas.