FORGOTTEN
BY YOU
Carlie Sexton
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright 2014 by Carlie Sexton. All rights reserved.
Published by Carlie Sexton Romance
No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of author’s rights. Purchase only authorized editions.
Cover Image by Najla Qamber Designs
http://najlaqamberdesigns.com/
Edited by Marion Archer
www.makingmanuscripts.com
The author acknowledges the copyrighted or trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this book of fiction:
Ciao’s Italian Restaurant, Four Seasons, Orkin, San Diego Police Department, San Diego State University, Sea World, Starbuck’s, Studios Architecture, Walgreens
Dedication
To Heather Carver and Kristie Krainock Wittenberg, two amazing friends. Forgotten by You wouldn’t be the book it is today without our brainstorming sessions. Your input was invaluable to me and I couldn’t have done this without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love you both dearly.
Acknowledgements
So many people have helped me, taught me, listened to me, advised me, and loved me through this incredible venture. Of course, none of this would have come to fruition if not for a dear friend at work Darren. Thanks Darren for not knowing the meaning of anonymous and sharing so much with me so I could realize this dream of being an author.
To my amazing friend Raine, you have inspired me and taught me more than I could ever imagine. Thank you for your support and love. You are a gift to everyone who knows you.
To my dear friend Jacelyn, writing books alongside of you has been more incredible than I could have imagined. Being able to talk to you every day about our characters, developing our stories, and fulfilling this dream has been extraordinary. I am so grateful to have you in my life.
To Najla Qamber, thanks for making another gorgeous cover.
To my spectacular editor Marion Archer. You have helped me in ways that are immeasurable. You have taken my words on the page and not just tidied them up, you have shown me how to breathe life into them. I’m so grateful for you.
To my street team. You’re tireless in your efforts to share my books. Thank you for you love and dedication to me and the books I have written. You all are such a blessing to me.
Finally, to the bloggers who have read, reviewed, shared, supported, and become treasured new friends. Thank you for reading my work and posting on your phenomenal pages! Without you, I don’t think anyone would know I’m alive!!
I love all of you so much!
xoxo~ Carlie
Chapter: 1 Charlie
New Year’s Day
“That was some party, wasn’t it?” I asked Mitch, as he drove us home. “What a way to start the New Year.”
“Yep.”
“I can’t believe Natalie and Mac actually got married in Vegas. How did we not know? She’s so good at keeping secrets,” I said, slightly shaking my head.
“Yeah, that’s a good trait.”
“You didn’t seem too surprised today when they announced they were married in Vegas. Why is that?” I eyed Mitch suspiciously. A grin spread across his handsome face, his eyes crinkling in the corners.
“I already knew, sweetie.”
“What? How did you know and I didn’t?” I can’t believe it. Natalie is one of my best friends.
“You’re on an as-needs-to-know basis,” he said, glancing over at me, his eyes lit with mischief. That was my man. He always had a way of knowing things. He could read people and find out just about anything about them.
I rolled my eyes. “When did you find out?”
“Mac told us when we went golfing.”
“You mean to tell me you have known about this for the last few weeks and didn’t tell me? I can’t believe you, Mitch Hawkins,” I said, pretending to punch him in the arm. It was really just a tap, since I didn’t want to hurt my hand on his steely muscles. “I can’t believe Mac couldn’t keep a secret when Natalie could.” Men. And they say we talk too much. I had to laugh to myself.
“Apparently so. I promised not to tell, so I didn’t,” he said, continuing his cat-that-swallowed-the-canary grin. He was having way too much fun knowing about something I didn’t know.
“Well, the important thing is Natalie’s very happy. Mac brings out the best in her,” I said, a little teary eyed.
We pulled into our garage and Mitch turned off the car. Looking over at me he said, “How are you feeling about your two best friends getting married so quickly and extravagantly?”
“I’m thrilled for them,” I said, but deep down I was a little envious. I didn’t really want to admit that to anyone…even my fiancé. But Mitch was a perceptive man and had a way of pulling things out of me, even when I didn’t want to divulge them. One of the many things I loved about him.
“Charlie,” Mitch said, taking my hand, “it’s only human to feel a little jealous.”
Damn it! “I’m not jealous. They both deserve to be happy, really,” I insisted. Was I trying to convince him or myself I wasn’t jealous?
Mitch tilted his head, his ruggedly handsome face looking at me with all the love in the world. His blue eyes piercing right through me, and my defenses. “I don’t have the kind of money Neil and Mac have. We’re never going to own an ocean front home or a yacht or fancy cars.”
I pressed my fingers lightly to his lips. “What we have is far more precious than anything that can be bought, Mitch. I wouldn’t trade you for all the money in the world. You’re the only man for me. You’re the only thing I need.”
Mitch took hold of my fingers and kissed them. “Let’s go inside, beautiful,” he said, his desire for me alight in his eyes. No one could love me as well as he did.
Chapter 2: Mitch
I watched as Charlie got out of the car, taking in the view of the curve from her waist to her hip, her long dark hair cascading down her back. She was the most gorgeous creature on the face of this earth. I was going to do everything in my power to love her like she deserved and make her happy. I had loved her since the moment we met and she was the only woman for me. She was the perfect combination of submissive with some sassy mixed in.
Right now, I knew exactly what she needed. Opening the door that led inside our townhouse, I scooped her up over my shoulder.
“Mitch,” she squealed.
I swatted her perfect backside and said, “You’re not going to think about anything but me for the rest of the night. Trust me.”
I continued to our bedroom and put her feet on the floor. Turning her body around, I whispered, “Sweetie, you look so hot in this little tight dress. I’ve been waiting all day to lift your skirt up and do all sorts of things to you.” My hands slid up her side and found their way to her delicious breasts that I loved to have my hands and mouth on.
Her moan let me know I was headed in the right direction. I walked her toward the wall so she could steady herself, lifted her skirt, and pulled down her thong. Making my way to her sweet spot I slid my finger right in.
“Mm…you’re so ready for me,” I said, my breathing becoming heavy. There was nothing like being with my girl.
Nipping at her ear, I undid my belt, unzipped my pants and pulled them down along with my boxers.
While I removed my pants, I told
her to turn around and once I had them off, I pressed her against the wall, kissing her while my hands secured around her bottom. Sliding her up the wall, I whispered, “Wrap your legs around me.” As she did, I slipped inside her, filling her like I always did, hearing the moan I loved so much.
My fingers dug into her hips as I thrust in and out of her slowly. She kept her gorgeous eyes on me like she always did when we were together. “Charlie. You. Feel. So. Good.” Each word came out slowly as I thrust into her.
“So do you, baby,” she said on a breath.
“This is just the beginning, baby.”
Chapter 3: Charlie
Mitch did as he promised and I thought of nothing but him for the rest of the night. He had a way of taking over and ruling me—heart, mind, body, and soul. He was an in-charge kind of guy and I loved that about him. It was evident from the moment we met at San Diego State.
I was in class with my soon to be ex-boyfriend, although my ex didn’t know it at the time. It was the first day and I was excited to have classes with my friend Kate. She and I had gone to middle school together, but not high school, so we had lost touch, but ran into each other at the Del Mar Fair during the summer. She was with her boyfriend at the time, David, and I was with…I don’t even want to think of his name—Eric. Kate and I picked up right where we had left off, the sign of a true friendship.
I was deep in thought contemplating about how to break up with Eric, when Kate, David, and Mitch arrived in class. David introduced Mitch and from the second my hand was in his, I felt it. Chemistry. Something about Mitch beckoned me to him like a ship to a lighthouse in a storm. Something in his kind face and handsome smile made me feel safe.
Eric felt it too, because jealousy and anger oozed from his body. I could tell by his stance. Eric was almost in fight mode, although fighting with Mitch would have been pointless. Mitch was like a mountain compared to Eric.
It was undeniable. The pull Mitch and I had between us? It was like two magnets having to connect because there was simply no choice. I attempted to downplay the smile on my face while we exchanged the common pleasantries people say when meeting. Mitch’s expression was one of warmth, with a hint of invitation, making me melt on the inside. There we were having a private moment. The only problem was it was in front of everyone.
More students came into the classroom, and Kate, David, and Mitch found seats. So, there I was, with Eric to my left and Mitch to my right. I could feel the tension emanating from Eric and I knew I was in for it the moment we were alone. His jaw was tight and his nostrils flared. He had a temper. A really bad temper. I was beginning to think he might hit me or worse in one of his rages, making me both afraid to stay with him and afraid to break up with him.
When class was over, we all decided to get something to eat. Eric begrudging agreed and I was grateful to not have to be alone with him yet. He and I were the last ones to walk out of the classroom and he grabbed my arm and squeezed so tightly I thought he was going to break it. I couldn’t help crying out and Mitch heard me. He turned around to see Eric glaring at me, giving me a warning look that said I better behave the way he wanted me to or else.
Mitch stopped in his tracks, his fists clenched. “Looks like you’re hurting her, man. I suggest you let go.”
Looking at Mitch, I saw a knight in shining armor swooping in to rescue me.
“I’m not hurting you, am I, Charlie?” Eric asked in a chilling tone.
It was time to find my backbone and be free from Eric. “Yes, you are,” I said in a quiet voice, tears beginning to well in my eyes.
“Let her go, or you and I have a problem,” Mitch said with a feral look on his face. When I saw the fierceness Mitch displayed in protection of me, that was it. I chose him. Period. Kate and David had turned around when they noticed we weren’t behind them and were watching the scene unfold before their eyes. I could tell by the look on Kate’s face she was worried.
Eric wisely let go. “This isn’t over,” he said against my ear in a menacing voice.
I looked him square in the face, finding courage I didn’t know I had. “Yes, it is. We’re over. I don’t ever want you to touch me again.”
“We’re over when I say so,” Eric retorted. “And that’s not today.”
Mitch took a step forward, his large muscular frame overshadowing Eric. “Man, if she wants to break up with you, then that’s what’s happening.”
During a split second, it seemed as though Eric was deciding if he really wanted to tangle with Mitch, who looked like a linebacker. “It’s not worth it. You’re not worth all this trouble, Charlie,” he said, and then stormed off. I could feel tears forming, but they weren’t from pain, but from embarrassment. I was shaking. How had I ever felt good with Eric?
Mitch gently took my hand. “Charlie, are you okay?”
“I am now. Thank you. He’s really become scary in the last few months and I don’t know what he might do next.”
“You don’t have to worry about anything. I’ve got you.”
Between the intensity of his words and his gentle blue eyes, which were looking at me in adoration, I was…his. He already had my heart and I knew I never wanted it back.
Mitch just naturally began guiding me out of the hallway, toward Montazuma Hall which housed many lunch options. He didn’t let go of my hand and I didn’t want him to.
We had lunch with Kate and David, but afterward, Mitch walked me back to my dorm. The entire time I was on the lookout for Eric, nervous about what he might do to me. But Mitch put his arm around me and said, “I won’t let him near you ever again. You don’t have to be scared.”
“How did you know?”
“By your expression and how much you are looking around. You’ve got me, Charlie. I don’t know how or why, but I just know. We’re meant to be.”
Staring into Mitch’s handsome face all I could see was sincerity. I believed him because I’d felt it too from the second our hands touched. We were meant to be.
I touched my arm in the place where Eric had left a bruise on my body for several weeks. I never had to deal with him again, at least not up close and personal. He would watch me from afar, but Mitch was always a deterrent, causing Eric to maintain his distance. That was seven years ago and now, Mitch and I were engaged to be married.
Mitch pulled me close to him as we lay in our bed, exhausted from our evening’s festivities. “What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours, soon-to-be Mrs. Hawkins?”
I loved it when he called me that. “I was just thinking about the day we met.”
“That was the best day of my life so far,” he said, while he nuzzled my ear.
“Mine too,” I replied in complete satisfaction. “I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t have been there.”
Mitch turned me on my back so we could look into each other’s eyes. “You would have found a way to get rid of him. You just didn’t realize how strong you were back then.”
“Strange how being with someone can actually change you, bring out either your best or worst. I wasn’t me when I was with Eric. I had become unsure of myself. He somehow…I don’t know…brainwashed me, convincing me no one else would want me.”
“Well, you know that’s not true. You’re very desirable and turn heads wherever we go,” Mitch said, looking at me the way he always did, with pure love on his face. It had been his confidence and affirming love that had helped me become who I was today. I felt strong. I felt cherished. I felt adored.
I smiled and stroked my man’s chiseled jaw. “I only have eyes for you.”
Chapter 4: Mitch
I continued holding my girl until she fell asleep. I couldn’t quite join her as my mind was reviewing all we had experienced in recent days. The last few months, Charlie had watched as her two closest friends, Kate and Natalie, were swept away by romantic gestures that would rival any romance novel. I was romantic in my own way, but quite frankly, Neil and Mac had put me to shame. I’d thought Kate and
Neil had a whirlwind romance, but then Mac came along, outdoing Neil in his quest to win Natalie’s heart. It also didn’t hurt they were both wealthy and could make anything happen whenever they wanted.
I could do the everyday things like flowers, candlelit dinners, weekend getaways. I knew Charlie said she didn’t care about money, but part of me felt she deserved more than me. Way more. She could get any man she wanted. Was she settling for me?
I had to push those thoughts out of my head. I didn’t know why I was feeling insecure, because Charlie was down to earth and her parents had raised her to be grateful for what she had. She was kind, loving, generous, feisty, and sexier than any woman I’d ever known. She was the total package and all my friends over the years had told me how lucky I was to have her. Never once had she indicated she was envious of what other people had. All she wanted was marriage and family. That, I could provide. Maybe part of me wanted more for her than what I could give, but being selfish, I wasn’t about to give her up to a rich guy. She was all mine and I was going to take better care of her than anyone else ever could. No other woman in this world compared to her and my desperation to have her all to myself had grown exponentially since we had become engaged. Charlie becoming my wife was all I could think about.
I continued watching my beautiful girl sleeping until I finally dozed off.
“Mm, I’m so happy, Mitch. What made you think of this, baby?”
“It’s our first year anniversary and I wanted us to have a very romantic evening,” I said, holding my girl close. She was leaning against my chest and we were both looking out on the Pacific Ocean from the yacht. All I cared about was her happiness. She meant more to me than I could even fathom.
Charlie turned in my arms. “This is the perfect night. I love that you thought of a dinner cruise for our anniversary,” she said, reaching up on her tiptoes to kiss me.
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