A Torey Hope Novel Series: The Complete 4-Book Box Set

by A. D. Ellis

  And then, those thoughts registered in his brain. What the hell? He purposely didn’t date because of Beckett. He had never been emotionally attached to any female. Why in the world did he want to imagine more with Audrey? Sure, the sex had been out-of-this world; he hadn’t had sex in a very long time so anything would have probably seemed outstanding. True, he felt more connected to sex with Audrey than he ever had. But, he couldn’t start a fling with this woman. Because of Beckett, he had to set a good example. He wouldn’t mind another night with Audrey, maybe that’s what he should be imagining. But, there couldn’t be imagining anything more with Audrey.

  Jeremiah turned his attention to Beckett, who was still holding Audrey’s hand and looking at her like she was the best thing since sliced-bread. He was pretty sure his little boy was already as infatuated with Audrey as he himself was feeling.

  “Beckett, buddy, just how do you know Miss Audrey?” Jeremiah grabbed Beckett’s other hand and brushed away the thoughts of how right it felt to walk hand-in-hand with his son and Audrey.

  “Miss Audrey is Nick’s friend and Miss Elizabeth’s sister! I met her at the center. She was sad about a mistake she had made. I told her to say she was sorry and move on. That’s what you teach me, right Daddy?” Beckett’s beautiful golden-flecked eyes, which were so much like Jeremiah’s, were magnified behind his thick glasses as he looked up at his father solemnly.

  Jeremiah had to suppress a smile as he nodded an affirmative to his son. He had a feeling what Audrey had been feeling bad about. She had already apologized and they were moving on, but he made plans to give her a rough time about getting advice from a four-year-old.

  “That’s right, Beck. Once you’ve said you’re sorry, there’s no need to dwell on it; just move on and don’t look back. Learn from your mistakes, but don’t let them dictate your life.” Jeremiah knelt down and spoke softly yet surely to his son. “Now, let’s get this party planning meeting started. You ready to tell Miss Audrey what you want at your party?” Jeremiah’s heart melted as Beckett enthusiastically nodded his head and walked faster, tugging at Audrey’s hand, to take a seat at the picnic table.

  “Ok, Daddy, let’s talk about my party. Miss Audrey, I want dinosaurs. Lots of dinosaurs!” Jeremiah laughed at Beckett’s demand. Mr. and Mrs. Jordan chuckled indicating they weren’t surprised. Jeremiah was amazed at the amount of words Beck had spoken in just the time he’d been here today. Maybe being around Audrey was good for him. Perhaps Jeremiah could use that to bring her around more often. He could play on her obvious affection towards his son and ask her to help him with his social skills. He had a feeling that Audrey would do anything he asked regarding his son. Maybe she would come around a little more than necessary because of Beckett.

  Chapter 16

  Audrey

  Beckett Jordan is a wise old man, a heart breaker, and a clown all packed into a small little body which faces some challenges; he doesn’t let those challenges stop him though. During the time we planned his party, I got the feeling that Beckett is a lot like Nicky. He doesn’t like the stares and rude comments, but he has a strong confidence in himself. He recognizes his challenges and limitations, but he doesn’t let them rule him. My gut said that Beckett Jordan was going to be very good for me. My heart wanted to say that his father was going to be good for me too; my brain said that Jeremiah was only going to be a problem.

  Beckett entertained the adults with his sweet requests for his birthday party. He was a fairly typical 4-year-old. He wanted hot dogs, cake, and juice, and, of course, dinosaurs. Lots of dinosaurs! I knew the perfect place for the cake; I mentioned to Jeremiah that we could go and see some samples sometime soon. He started to say he didn’t need to go because he trusted my opinion, but quickly caught himself and agreed. I wanted to think it was because he wanted to spend time with me, but I knew that he was just agreeing so that he would get the perfect cake for Beckett.

  Next on my list of places to go was the party supply store. Dinosaurs are super popular, so I knew that the party supply store in the town over from Torey Hope would have all that we needed. However, I liked to try to keep business local if possible, so I made a note to visit the local hobby store which was run by Nate Morgan’s uncle, Dale. While I was penciling all of this in my notebook, Jeremiah leaned over and whispered, “Maybe we could organize places to go and just make a day of it?”

  His breath on my ear sent shivers down my body as I remembered his mouth doing more than just whispering to me. I swallowed and tried to compose myself. “Sure, that sounds good. We can start at Morgan Craft and Hobby, head over to the party supply store for anything we can’t get here in town, go sample some cake, and then go price out the food for the party. We will have to pick all of the food up closer to the party.” I did my best to make this sound very business-like, but deep down, I felt shaky and excited as Jeremiah and I discussed plans to spend the day together.

  We worked on a guest list. I had suggested that they not invite more than 5 other children; it would be hard to keep that many 4-year-olds entertained and gathered up. Beckett requested that Nicky Morgan be invited and I had to smile at that. Nicky would be thrilled to come to Beck’s party. Jeremiah suggested that we invite Nate and Beth and their parents as well; the Johnsons needed to meet more people here in town. We finalized the guest list and moved on to what entertainment we would have.

  My go-to bounce house idea didn’t seem like a good one for this party. Beckett wasn’t as strong as other kids and his limp put him a little off-balance. Put him together with other kids his age hyped up on sugar in a bounce house and we would just be asking for bumped heads and crying. Scratch that idea.

  By this time, Beckett had wandered off to play on the playground with Grandpa Jack. Jeremiah and I decided we could do a dinosaur piñata and pin the horn on the triceratops along with lots of sidewalk chalk for drawing dinosaurs on the driveway. Jeremiah wanted most of the games and treats to be a surprise for Beckett, so it was good that he wasn’t around as we discussed what would go in the goodie bags. Jeremiah had written a price limit on my notebook paper when we first got started. I had glanced up at him when I saw the large number; he shrugged and rolled his eyes slightly, indicating that his parents were pitching in on the party cost.

  Jeremiah said it looked like we had a good start on our plans and I agreed. He headed over to get Beckett as I gathered up my belongings. While I was putting my notebook in my bag, I noticed Judy Jordan watching me. She smiled kindly and when she spoke, I felt that ever familiar longing for my own mother. If she had not died when I was 10 years old, would I have become a victim to Cal and Duke? Would I have turned to sex as power? I had fond memories of my mom, but I was bitter about being left without her. Judy Jordan reminded me of what my mom would have been like at this age.

  “I don’t know what’s going on between you and my son, but I like it. I like it a lot.” Judy spoke directly to me, hiding nothing, yet her voice remained soft and kind. “Jeremiah was such a sweet, caring boy; even in high school, he was a good kid and didn’t cause much trouble. But, after he came back from his deployments, he was a different man, detached, aloof with everyone but his father and I. He got messed up with Beckett’s mother; we are so blessed with Beck, but his mother is nothing but trouble. Until today, I hadn’t seen a sparkle in my son’s eyes since before he left for overseas. But, today, he seems more alive, happier. I attribute that to you. I don’t know you at all, but if you bring the sparkle back to Jeremiah’s eyes, then I’m rooting for you. Just don’t hurt him or Beckett. He distances himself from relationships because of Beckett. I think he believes it will protect Beckett, but Jeremiah needs to date and spend time with someone his own age. He needs to find love and be loved.” Judy’s eyes looked at me with such hope I almost wanted to cry.

  “Mrs. Jordan, I don’t think that Jeremiah and I are going to go much further than this party. He seems like a great guy and I can tell he’s a fabulous father. But, I have enough baggage to get me
to Africa and back about 5 times; I don’t want my past to drag him down, especially because of Beckett. I don’t plan on hurting either of your boys, but I don’t think it will ever even come to that point.” I tried to let Judy down easily with my words; all the time thinking how nice it would be to have Judy as a mother, or at least a mother-in-law.

  Judy grabbed my hand and patted it. “Just plan this party together and be friends. You never know what may come from that. Just don’t be opposed to the idea. I have a feeling about you and my son.” Judy’s kind eyes and smile mesmerized me and I almost believed her. Instead, I just smiled and we waited for the boys to head our way.

  Jeremiah’s parents headed home with Beckett. He and I made plans to meet up a couple days later to do all of our errands. Walking our separate ways, I heard Jeremiah climb into his Bronco and start it up. He pulled up beside me, “Audrey, I’m such an ass, I didn’t remember that your car was in the shop, let me drive you home.”

  Angel Audrey thought this was such a nice offer. Devil Audrey immediately thought about inviting him in once he got me to my place. I split the difference and decided I’d take the ride, but not invite him in. Jeremiah jumped out of the truck as I headed towards it. He opened the passenger side door and once again slid his hand across my lower back as he helped me climb in. I decided that I could get used to him helping me get in the Bronco.

  I expected the ride home to be awkward, but it wasn’t at all. I asked Jeremiah what was going on with the Shelly situation; I automatically didn’t like the woman because she had deserted Beckett and was trying to hurt Jeremiah. But, would I rather she be in their life? If she were, would I be playing the role I’ve signed up for?

  Jeremiah sighed heavily and shook his head. “I forgot I spilled all that to you at the bar. Sorry about that. Shelly is Shelly. She will bluster and taunt to get some money out of me, then she will go away for a while. She doesn’t want to be a mom; she probably just needs money to get her next few fixes. I can’t believe I ever spent time with a woman who would get messed up in using people for drugs and money. My dad and I need to sit down and decide what my next step will be.” Jeremiah didn’t elaborate so I let it drop, but not before I felt my stomach flip-flop over his statement. What would he think about me and my past? One more indicator that there was nothing in a future with us, I am not the type of girl for him.

  “So, tell me about Nick Morgan. Beckett seems almost as taken with him as he is with you.” Jeremiah smiled easily as he asked about the man who was fast becoming one of my closest friends.

  “Ahh, Nicky is such a sweetie. Until recently, I didn’t have a lot of friends.” I ignored Jeremiah’s questioning look and continued. “Nicky didn’t like the way I was acting but instead of ignoring it like most people, he called me on it and offered to be my friend. Once I got my shit together a little, Nicky has been there for me. He is brutally honest, but doesn’t have a mean bone in his body. He is accepting of people, yet he has such a confidence in himself; he doesn’t let people steamroll him. He’s completely functional, probably more so than his parents let him be. He and Beckett have a lot in common with their physical challenges and their personalities. He’s completely safe to be around Beckett, I can see them becoming very good friends; it would be good for both of them. By the way, Beckett is absolutely adorable. You’ve done a fabulous job with him; you should be proud.” Talking about Nicky and Beckett made me feel warm and fuzzy inside. This was an unfamiliar feeling and I wasn’t sure if I wanted it to stay or go away.

  “Alright, that’s a bit too much serious and sweet for me. Let’s do something easier. Favorite junk food?” I smiled at the bark of laughter that came from Jeremiah as I abruptly changed subjects to something lighter.

  “I try not to do too much junk food, especially around Beck. He needs to stay healthy so we only splurge every so often. But, if I’m being honest, I was pretty chubby during my tween and teen years. Once I hit about 16, I grew about 6 inches in a year and really thinned out. Donuts, those powdered sugar cinnamon ones; chips, pizza, and a big fountain pop are weaknesses for me. So, I try to just keep it all out of the house. What about you, Sweets? Do you like sweets?” Jeremiah’s eyes twinkled and I heard the laughter in his voice as he addressed me with that ridiculous nickname.

  “You just like trying to get me riled up, don’t you?” I asked, trying to sound offended, but grinning as I spoke.

  “Well, I think I saw you pretty riled up the other night and I have to say that I enjoyed that. Very much.” Jeremiah’s voice came out rougher, sounding like sex with a voice, and I shivered involuntarily.

  “Well, my weakness is chocolate toffee almonds. I can eat my weight in them. I convince myself that they aren’t too terrible for me because almonds are pretty healthy. But, in truth, I know they are terrible.” I chose to ignore Jeremiah’s reference to the other night and just kept my answer light.

  We pulled up to my apartment. I didn’t linger in the Bronco, although I got the feeling that the two of us could have talked for an hour or two without getting bored.

  “So, I’ll text you in a couple days and we can go do our party errands. Just text me if you have any questions between now and then. Oh, and I don’t want to sound tacky, but can you bring the deposit check when we meet up next?” I hated asking for payment, but my bills were depending on it.

  Jeremiah told me to sit tight; I fought between being irritated that he told me to stay like a dog and feeling warm and tingly because it was so sweet that he was going to open my door again. I slid over to the door and did my best not to gasp when his large hands clasped firmly around my waist. He pulled me entirely too close as he let my body glide down his. My traitorous nerve endings snapped and crackled; I gave Jeremiah an exasperated look. I had to look away when his heated eyes met mine.

  “Listen, Angel, I know we said this was business only and we had agreed no strings, but I have to tell you that I could be persuaded to a couple more no strings evenings if you’d be up to it.” Jeremiah’s expression and voice told me he was at war with his feelings. He wanted me and more of what we started the other night; he didn’t want to want me. I pretty much knew exactly what he was feeling.

  “I think we should focus on the party for now. I really do have more baggage than one person should have and I don’t want to drag you or Beck down into my mess. Besides, I’m not a relationship type girl. I go from fling to fling, nothing serious. That’s not what you need.” I purposely threw that in there in hopes of pushing him away a little. My body and my emotions were feeling way too much for this man; I didn’t know how to handle the pitter-patter of my heart and the giddy feeling in my chest, so I did what I knew how to do. I pushed, I hurt. But, I couldn’t bring myself to turn Devil Audrey on full-force, so I think Jeremiah saw through me.

  As we walked up towards my apartment, Jeremiah grabbed my hand. “Sweets, should your door be open like that?” There was an edge of worry in his voice and my stomach instantly felt like something was wrong.

  “Well, I wasn’t planning on asking you to come in, but given the circumstances, I think I will invite you in.” I tried to sound nonchalant about my apartment door being cracked open, but I was seriously worried. Had I just not gotten it latched correctly or was someone in my apartment? Jeremiah reached down and grabbed a large stone I had sitting next to my door. It was about the size of a baseball; I have no idea why I had it sitting there, but I was glad for it now.

  “Wait here. Do not come in until you hear me say it’s ok. Watch in case he runs from around the back.” Jeremiah seemed to morph into military mode and I was instantly reminded that this man was the same as Cal and Duke. No, not the same, but my mind and emotions had a hard time separating that.

  Chapter 17

  Jeremiah

  He gripped the rock in his hand and prepared for the unknown as he pushed the door open the rest of the way. He felt relieved that he had been in the apartment once before and had a vague idea of the layout. Once through the
door, he walked slowly down the short hallway, bracing himself against the wall and surveying the living room in front of him. With that room clear, he glanced toward Audrey’s bedroom to his left; a sound at his right made him jerk his attention toward the kitchen. He forced himself not to jump when he saw the greasy, dirty man standing in Audrey’s kitchen.

  As if he wasn’t already on edge enough, the man spoke to Jeremiah and pissed him off even more. “Who the fuck are you? I was hoping Audrey and I could spend a little quality time together; it’s been a while since I had a piece of that ass and I was looking forward to it. I don’t mind if you want to join in; we can make it work as long as I get first dibs.”

  This asshole was out of line and needed to leave now. Surely Audrey didn’t really know this dirt bag; did Audrey sleep with him? He knew she said she had a lot of baggage; hell, this douche standing in front of him was a whole steamer trunk of baggage all on his own it seemed.

  Jeremiah hollered for Audrey to come into the kitchen. He felt his heart break a little when he saw the look on Audrey’s face; she obviously knew this man, he wasn’t just some random crook caught breaking into her apartment. He could tell that Audrey was furious to see the man in her kitchen, but he also recognized a look of defeat and concession. He watched as the Audrey he’d just been laughing and talking with was traded for a crass, flippant, obnoxious girl he didn’t even recognize.