From This Moment

by Lexi Buchanan

  Looking around, I can hear music coming from somewhere before realizing it’s my cell. I reach for it. “Hello.”

  “Rona, how are you feeling? You were so exhausted last night, I wasn’t even sure if you’d remember that I left,” Cade’s husky voice fills the cell and my body. I shiver at the warmth that washes over me at the sound.

  Feeling wicked, I say, “Oh, I remember you leaving. I remember what it feels like being carried in your arms. I remember what you smell like, and most of all . . . I remember what you taste like.” I end on a smile because I know what I’m doing to him.

  After what sounds like a groan, he responds, “You do realize, I’m now sitting in the conference room with the client due at any minute. Now, I’ve to stand to greet him with a rather large erection.”

  I laugh. “Sorry, but I couldn’t resist. Are you okay? Did you sleep well?”

  “I slept like crap because you weren’t nearby.” After a pause, he says, “I have this fantasy of you naked, spread out on the conference table in front of me with your ankles around my neck and my mouth between your thighs.”

  I’m speechless. He’s never been so explicit before, but I love it. “That . . . was . . . evil.”

  He chuckles. “Payback, sweetheart.”

  Sweetheart? I like that.

  “I’ll give you payback. When you get home, I’m going to get you naked and put my hands and mouth all over you. When you can’t stand the teasing anymore, I’m going to put your cock between my legs, where you’ll find me very hot . . . very wet . . . and very tight. I love you Cade, hurry home.” Laughing, I hang up on him.

  After a steamy shower that does nothing to work out my libido, I get dressed and head downstairs where I find a note from Jake saying he’ll be back soon.

  I make a light breakfast and eat it while I watch deer meander through the yard. It’s funny how peaceful it feels here—how right it feels that even the deer aren’t hurried. As I finish my breakfast I hear the doorbell chime and quickly walk through the house to answer it.

  Opening the door, whatever greeting I was going to say flies straight out of my head. “Nick, what the hell?”

  He looks rough. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?”

  “No, I’m not. This isn’t my house.”

  What the hell is he doing here?

  “Hang on a minute. I never told you where I was staying.”

  How did he find me?

  “A friend of mine followed you back here yesterday. Oh yes, he saw you all kissy face with that older guy. Your taste has gone downhill.”

  God, I really want to hit him, and if he doesn’t leave I will. “He’s a better guy than you ever were, or ever will be.”

  I start to slam the door in his face but he stops the momentum with his body, pushing his way inside and shutting the door behind him.

  Fear lances through me and I cast a glance around the room, hoping for something to put between us. Backing away, I slip my hand into my cardigan pocket and feel the reassuring weight of my cell phone. Pressing down on what I hope is the number three button, I can’t help the silent prayer running through my head that Jake is going to answer. Thank God I thought to program both Cade and Jake into my speed dial.

  “I think you better leave now before I call the police.”

  He walks slowly toward me while taking in his surroundings. “You don’t think I’m going to let you do that, do you babe? Shame on you!”

  “What the hell do you want, Nick?” I back up into the kitchen and make sure the breakfast bar between us.

  He has an evil grin on his face. “Money, of course. We both know you have plenty of it.”

  I try to keep my voice steady. “After how you played me, you have no chance of getting any money out of me. I really think you should leave.”

  “I’ll leave when I get my money and not before.” He starts to move slowly around the breakfast bar.

  I start backing away from him, but there isn’t really anywhere else to go.

  Keep him talking and it might distract him . . .

  “If you need money why haven’t you sold the car I bought you?” I’m still inching away from him.

  He laughs at me. “Why would I do that? I love my car and you can give me more cash.”

  “If you want money, why did you cancel the wedding?”

  “Let’s just say my conscience got the better of me.”

  “Well, you’re not getting any more out of me—”

  Then I scream as he dashes around the breakfast bar and grabs me.

  His hand wraps around my throat and I gag at the feel of his skin. Had it always felt so slimy, so dirty?

  “Shut up,” he seethes.

  I shudder in fright as I gasp for air.

  He takes hold of my arms and shoves me against the refrigerator. “You are going to transfer two hundred thousand dollars to my account in the Caymans.”

  Jake where are you? Please hurry!

  I can’t hold my tears anymore; I’m crying in earnest. “What makes you think you can get away with this?”

  “I know I can get away with this, because you aren’t going to tell anyone. If you do, a friend of mine will come after your boyfriend.”

  He sees my shocked expression. “I’ll be free and clear because you don’t want anything happening to him.” He smiles while still pinning me to the refrigerator.

  “What do you mean? Who is he? What have you done?”

  He takes hold of my arm and drags me toward the stairs. “You’re better not knowing. Now quit stalling and tell me where your little notebook is so we can get on with this. I need to disappear.”

  Now we’re getting somewhere.

  “Why do you need to disappear?”

  He looks ready to hit me. “Because I stole from the wrong guy. Now I suggest you shut up and get your notebook. I know that’s where you keep all your account numbers, except passwords. That’s damn inconvenient, otherwise I would have done this myself by now.”

  I hesitate on the first step and as I do, Jake bursts through the front door, surprising both Nick and me. As Nick turns to face the onslaught from Jake, my knee moves of its own accord and plows straight into Nick’s balls. A loud squeal fills the room as Nick buckles under the force of my kick and I run over to Jake, straight into his arms. “Thank God, you’re here.”

  His arms squeeze tightly around me and I feel safe, at least for the moment. “I heard you over your cell. You’re okay now.”

  Nick sneers. “Well now, I thought you were with the older guy. Perhaps I got it wrong, and then again, perhaps you’re with both.”

  By now he’s practically on top of us, Jake puts me behind him and as Nick gets in Jake’s face, Jake pulls his arm back and slugs Nick hard. Staggering back, Jake grabs Nick’s arm and drags him out of the house, just in time to see a police cruiser pull up.

  *~*~*~*

  I sip the coffee and try to will my hands to stop shaking as Jake thanks Sheriff Jacobs for everything he has done. I ignore the view of the car outside and the angry face of Nick staring out of the back window as I take another sip—trying to will the warmth through my body. I feel cold and a part of me knows that I’m in shock from what happened. I’d managed to make it through the questioning by Sheriff Jacobs, but I don’t remember what I said, or what Jake said. All I remember is collapsing onto the sofa and being given the coffee mug that I’m now hanging onto for dear life.

  The click of the door closing makes me jump, and I watch as the Sheriff’s cruiser navigates down the driveway behind the tow truck pulling Nick’s car back to town.

  Jake crouches down in front of me and carefully takes the cup from my hand. He grasps my cold fingers and rubs them to give me some warmth. “Hopefully, that’s the last time you’ll see him. You must promise if he gets in touch with you again that you’ll tell either me or my dad.”

  “Okay.” My body begins shaking even harder.

  Jake moves to sit across from me. “I need to ring my dad a
nd tell him what’s happened.”

  I lean forward. “Jake, no. Please. He doesn’t need to know right now. I’ll tell him tonight. He’s in Denver and will only worry about me. Please leave it, and I promise I’ll tell him tonight when he rings.”

  “I’ll leave it for now.”

  “Where were you when I called?” I ask, falling back into the sofa in relief at Jake’s acceptance of me talking to his father later.

  “I’d already turned up the drive. I left the truck and came in on foot while putting you on hold and called Daniel for back up.”

  “Thank goodness, I was really frightened. He hasn’t done anything like that before.”

  “Hopefully he’ll leave you alone now that Daniel is involved.”

  “Jake, he said he has stolen from the wrong guy and needs the money to disappear.” I rub my forehead, feeling a headache brewing. “He also said he has a friend who will come after my boyfriend, if anything happens to him. I’m really scared.” I start to weep uncontrollably.

  Jake moves to wrap his arms around me. “Rona, please don’t cry. Everything will be all right. I don’t know what he was going on about, but Daniel is a good guy and will run his prints. He’ll try to get to the bottom of this, okay?”

  Moving slightly away from Jake so I can look at his face, I ask, “Do you really think so? I couldn’t bear it if something happened to your dad.”

  “Yes, I do. C’mon, mop up and we’ll get lunch, then I’ll take you to see my house on the way to Anna’s. By the way, you’ve been invited for the afternoon. Beth and Elise will be there. That’s if you feel up to it?” His eyes are full of worry as they search mine.

  “I could do with the distraction to take my mind off everything,” I tell him as I stand up and head to the kitchen. I can feel him fall in step beside me.

  Stopping, I reach up and kiss him on his cheek. “Let’s put some ice on your hand first. And thank you, Sir Galahad!”

  He laughs. “I’m not Sir Galahad, but I’m glad I was around to help you.”

  “Me too. Now sit while I find some ice.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “Hmm. A smart ass as well as a pretty face.” I grin.

  Jake chuckles.

  “So, tell me about Elise.” I want to know what he’s up to. It must be something, because he appears happier somehow.

  “What do you want to know?”

  “What are you doing to win her back?”

  “You’re just like my sisters,” he moans. “If you must know, I’ve already won her back. We just have a few things to sort out first.”

  “A fast worker.”

  “Yeah.” He smirks. “Just like my dad.”

  Laughing, I put the ice pack on his hand. “I’d have to agree with you there.”

  “Ouch.”

  “Really? It hurts?” I certainly didn’t do anything to warrant an ‘ouch.’

  “I should have warned you that I’m not a very good patient.”

  “I actually believe that.” After wrapping his hand with an ice pack, I suggest, “Let’s get that lunch made so I can go see this castle you’re building and meet the woman who has your heart.”

  He gives me a fast glance. “You aren’t going to give her the third degree like my sisters would, right?”

  “No, Jake. I promise to behave.”

  We fall into a busy silence, both alone with our thoughts; although I’m sure Jake’s are happier than mine. Despite feeling reassured by everything he said, I can’t help but feel doubt hanging from me like cobwebs. What will happen now that Nick has been arrested? My brow furrows as I cut some fresh veggies to go with our lunch.

  I feel Jake’s eyes on me and look up to catch his assessing look. The sandwiches finished, he’s simply watching me from across the room. “So, you and my dad, huh?” he finally says.

  The cobwebs of worry burn away under the heat I feel for Cade. “Oh yes.” I grin, but sense Jake wants me to say more. “What can I say? He’s the sexiest guy I’ve ever met.” Seeing Jake’s grimace, I decide to continue. “He has a great body and ass, just—”

  “I think I get it,” he interrupts.

  I can’t help, but laugh, before my mood turns serious again. “Honestly, I love him. I don’t know how it happened so fast, but there was this instant connection. It’s kind of terrifying but at the same time, it’s exhilarating. I don’t know what the future holds, but I hope with all my heart it will include your father. I’ve never been so attached to anyone before in such a short time. I just hope your sisters are as accepting as you are.”

  “It might take some time, but eventually they will. My dad has been alone for a very long time and when they see how happy he is now, they’ll accept you. Besides, you have me on your side, so it’s a given.”

  Chapter 11

  Rona

  Jake’s house is going to be amazing when it’s finished. It’s a huge wooden structure with a wraparound porch and large windows facing out toward the mountain range. He doesn’t take me inside, claiming I’m not in the proper footwear to go onto a construction site, but from outside, it’s spectacular. I don’t argue because I have a sneaky suspicion he wants Elise to see inside first—its only right. As we walk around the property, Jake fills me in on all the details for the house. There will be a large open plan room to include a kitchen, living room, and dining section with four bedrooms toward the back of the house.

  It’s beautiful.

  After the short tour, we head over to Anna’s. I’m nervous about seeing Anna and Beth, but I’m looking forward to meeting Elise. I actually think about whether or not to pretend it’s Jake that I’m interested in, to see how she reacts. It’s one way of finding out if she’s serious about Jake or if she’s doing something to get back at him for walking away from her way back when.

  Climbing out of the car, I look at Jake. “Aren’t you coming in?”

  He shakes his head. “Elise is already here. That’s her car over there. I think I’ll pass this time because my sisters will know there’s something going on when I’m not ready for them to know yet. I’ll see you later for dinner though. I think we’re eating here. Hope that’s okay?”

  “Yes, that’s fine.” Turning to head toward the house, I see a woman I haven’t met before looking through the window. Guessing it’s Elise, I turn back to Jake and to his startled surprise plant a kiss on his lips. “Thanks again, for earlier.”

  I don’t think it’s wise to mention Elise at the window.

  Beth opens the door for me. “Hi, Rona, glad you could make it. Come in and I’ll introduce you to a friend of ours.”

  Walking into Anna’s house, I notice Elise straightaway. She’s a slim blonde and really beautiful.

  “Elise, this is Jake’s friend, Rona. Rona, meet Elise,” Beth introduces us.

  As she does, I walk closer to Elise so I can shake her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. I hear you’re getting married soon, congratulations.”

  Should I be saying things like this? I want her to like me, not hate me for pretending to be with Jake. I certainly don’t want to cause him even more problems with her.

  Still looking at me—or glaring, I’m not sure which—she finally takes my hand. “You’re the girl I heard about whose fiancé left her an hour before the wedding.” Her claws are out; very interesting.

  I smile. “Yes, he did. It stung when it first happened but I realized I don’t love him. If we’d gotten married it would have been a big mistake. In the end, he did me a favor. I just hope I don’t see him again.”

  She seems at a loss with my reply, I continue, “Meeting the sexy Mr. Matthews sure as hell opened my eyes. He’s yummy, don’t you think?” By saying Mr. Matthews, I’m not actually lying, but I’m wanting them to believe I’m referring to Jake.

  Hearing someone choking in the background, I turn, and watch Anna head for the kitchen. I hope she doesn’t realize I’m talking about her father. I don’t want to lie too much.

  With a frown, ignoring
my ‘yummy’ comment, Elise asks, “So I hear Jake has been taking you around town.”

  I grin. “Yes, we went up on ‘Big Red’ the other day. It was pretty terrifying really, but I stayed burrowed in Jake’s chest the whole time.”

  “Will you excuse me?” Elise says abruptly before dashing out of the room. I watch her go, my brow furrowed in confusion.

  “Hi, Rona, how are you? Join us in the kitchen.” Beth calls on her way through the living room.

  “Hi, Beth.” She’s already gone.

  Just then my cell starts to ring. I know it’s Cade, as I’d selected a ring tone for him, different from anyone else in my address book. “Hi, handsome. You still missing me?”

  He laughs. “I sure am. What are you up to?”

  “I’ve just arrived at Anna’s house—a girls’ get-together. Beth and Elise are here as well.”

  “At least you’re not on your own. I’ll be back sometime tomorrow evening, earlier if I can swing it.”

  “I’ll be waiting. How’s everything there?” I ask, closing my eyes, listening intently to his voice.

  “Everything is going as planned up to now. I have another meeting in about five minutes. What did you do this morning?”

  Heck, I certainly won’t tell him while standing in Anna’s living room and he’s outside a meeting room. “I just hung around and made lunch, nothing interesting.”

  “I need to go. I’m thinking about you and will call you later tonight.”

  “Okay, I love you, Cade,” I whisper.

  “I love you too, stay safe.” Then he’s gone.

  I hope Cade won’t be too upset later when I tell him about Nick. Bringing my mind back to the present, I head toward the kitchen where I can hear the others chattering away.

  “Rona, come join us. The coffee is to your right. I came to get you but you were on the phone, so I thought it best to wait.”

  “Thanks, Anna.” Pouring coffee into a cup, I take a seat at the table. “When should I see a fresh snowfall? I love the snow and didn’t get enough while living in Ireland.”

  Anna grins. “Snow is actually in the forecast for tomorrow afternoon.”