Forgiven (Touched Series #2) (17 page)

James looks at me as I continue to laugh and then huff at Bo. “Well, if you hadn’t run into the back of me I wouldn’t have fallen in the first place.” I smack his shoulder lightly and he blows me a kiss.

“I certainly missed a lot.” James wipes his mouth with his napkin and smiles. “Stormy. The dinner is amazing. Is this something you’ll be offering on your menu? It’s delicious.”

I sit up straight and smile, my pride swelling. “Actually. I was thinking about it. It’s a new recipe I just thought up yesterday but hadn’t tried it out yet. You really like it?” I ask hopefully.

Without thinking twice, he reaches out and covers my hand with his. “It’s fabulous!” Looking down quickly he removes his hand, grabs his napkin and wipes his mouth. “It will be a hit at the restaurant, you must add it to the menu.” I can feel my face heat up and am sure my face is bright red.

We end up having a great time and I’m more relaxed by the time he leaves. He actually kissed me on my cheek and we exchanged phone numbers. I asked him if he wanted to come by tomorrow to check out another new dish I’m creating and he agreed. Now, Bo and I are lying in bed, in each other’s arms, and I look up at him feeling overly happy. “He’s actually really nice. I wish Mom had known.”

He squeezes me and smiles softly. “I know but at least you know him now. I know he regrets not seeing you grow up. I’m so happy for you.” I get comfortable, but I don’t think I can go to sleep. I finally feel like my life is turning around, finally coming together. I get my cast off next week. The restaurant opens shortly after. Bo’s almost healed even though his right eye won’t ever be but he’s getting used to it and is so positive about it not changing anything. I couldn’t have gotten through all this without his love and support. I’m gonna marry him, one day.

Chapter Seventeen

A week has passed and Stormy finally got her cast off. Her arm is pretty stiff but they gave her some exercises to do to help loosen it up. She insists she needs to go to the beach and get some sun on it, telling me she looks uneven. Girls. Even though she should have probably waited longer, we made love last night. She said she was a little tender but we couldn’t help it. We were both so horny and we basically pounced on each other. It was all I could do to go slowly knowing she wasn’t fully healed yet. I was so worried that I’d hurt her that I called Dr. Phillip the next day and he said it was okay as long as she wasn’t in pain and to be careful.

I’ve gotten everything ready on the computers in the offices, including the POS systems for the registers feeding into our computers and the restaurant opens tonight. Stormy is driving me crazy worrying about everything, but I keep assuring her that it will be great. Her dad has been coming over daily since our first dinner together, and Stormy is getting more and more relaxed around him. I even caught them in the kitchen laughing yesterday as I stood in the doorway just watching them. Now, she’s downstairs getting things ready. My phone has been ringing off the hook from my parents, my sister and then her dad as I finish getting dressed. When I’m finally ready, I look out the front window and down at the front of the building, cars lined up and down the street and a line of people waiting to get in the doors. After locking up the apartment, I head downstairs and into the entrance in the back of the restaurant. Staff and family are buzzing around everywhere, and I turn my head hurriedly looking for Stormy. As I walk through the room, I catch a glimpse of her at the front entrance and walk briskly until I reach her. I smile at people as I take her elbow, the surprise look on her face as I pull her around the corner into the small hallway making me laugh.

“Hey. Just stop for a moment and catch your breath.” I grasp both of her upper arms and look into her eyes that are searching mine and she finally relaxes, dropping her shoulders and letting out a deep breath. “Good girl. Now….” I lean down and kiss her full lips and she pushes into me as she returns it. “Go out there, be fabulous and greet your guests. It’s showtime.” Her eyes move up to mine and gives me a warm smile. She starts to walk passed me but I grab her arm and lean down, my mouth to her ear, “Oh! You look beautiful tonight but you always do.” Her head turns and she kisses my cheek and I watch as she squares her shoulders, head held high and walks around the corner. That’s my girl!

As the evening progresses, I’m amazed at how many people are here. Not only is the place packed but there’s a line at the door and outside waiting to get a seat. At the end of the night I’m walking back from the bathroom and stop, watching Stormy and James standing together at a table, visiting with some customers and laughing. Then I saw her put her hand on his arm, and they both stopped and just looked at each other. It was a tender moment, one that got caught as the photographer we hired was walking around. Perfect!

We made slow and sweet love that night, from the adrenaline of the night and from all the love we feel. We laid in each other’s arms, hers thrown over my waist as she slept and I rubbed her back lightly as I stared up at the ceiling thinking about how far we’ve come. She’s always been in my life but now she is my life.

The next morning I went to our beach and jogged. Well, I started out jogging but ended up running. My limp is fairly gone now and the strength in my leg is almost back to normal. When I turn to come back to the house I see Dad running towards me and I can see his smile better once he reaches me. “Hey, Dad,” I say stopping to catch a breath. He pats my shoulder and points to the sand and I nod as we both have a seat. “What’s got you all excited this morning?”

He looks out at the ocean and then back at me. “I’ve got everything set up for your plan now you just need to figure out when to do it.” He nudges my leg with his and I laugh.

“Dang! I don’t know who’s more excited about this. You, Mom, Pearl or me. I think I’ll wait for a few weeks and let the dust settle with the opening of the restaurant. Oh! Speaking of Pearl. How’s it going with the bar opening? We’ve been so busy we haven’t had a chance to catch up.” I scoop up a bunch of sand in my hand and let it fall through my fingers.

“It’s going great. Opening next Saturday night as planned. Will you all be able to come over once you’re closed?” His brows raise and I give my best smirk in return.

“Are you kidding? Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Stormy is going over tomorrow to help Pearl, during the day. I wish Stormy would feel comfortable enough to hire a manger so she won’t have to be at the restaurant all the time. It would be nice if she had some free time but it’s hard to find someone you can trust, ya know?”

He stands and I follow suit, unsure of what he’s doing. “Come on, son. Your mom wants to talk to you about that.” Curious I follow him back to the house, our running becoming faster and I actually beat him this time. Mom’s sitting at the kitchen table as I stop by the fridge and grab a couple of bottled waters, throwing one at Dad on the way there.

“What’s up, Mom?” Twisting the cap off I take a huge swig and watch her face like up and looks like she’s about to burst. God, I hope she isn’t gonna tell me she’s pregnant.

She looks at Dad, smiling, and then at me. “Well, we’ve talked and I want to help manage the restaurant. That is, if it’s okay with Stormy. I’m bored at home and I think it’ll be fun. Don’t worry, I know its hard work too and some long hours but I’m up for it.” Her face is beaming with her news.

I put the cap back on and set the bottle on the table. “Wow, Mom. That would be great! I was just telling Dad it would be hard to find someone that Stormy could trust and feel comfortable with when she’s not there. This is amazing news.”

She bites her lip and wrings her hands. “You think Stormy will be okay with it? I mean, I know that she trusts me but this is her restaurant, well, both of yours but I’d really love to help out.”

I stand up abruptly and lean over, kissing her on the cheek. “I think she’ll love it. Can I tell her? Or do you want to?” I ask eagerly. This is perfect! I can’t wait to share the news.

“Oh, no! You can talk to her about it. It might be better coming from you. Are you sure you don’t mind? I mean…. Dad and I could come over later and we could talk about it together.”

I kiss her again and start to leave. “Nope. I’ve got this. This is the best news ever.” I turn my head to Dad when I get to the doorway. “Dad, thanks for your news too. See ya.”

On the way home I stop and pick up some flowers and when I walk into our apartment the aroma of something great fills up the place so I follow it to the kitchen and see Stormy dancing by the stove, ear buds in place from her iPod and I just stand there watching her sexy moves. Damn, she’s fine. Her long dark hair is up in a high ponytail, the tight short shorts and tank top showing off her slim figure and I can’t seem to take my eyes off her sexy ass. Plate in hand she turns, stops and smiles. “Are those for me?” Shaking my head out of my lustful thoughts, I walk over to her, take the plate from her hand, setting it on the breakfast bar and wrap my arms around her tiny waist. She comes to me without hesitation, our mouths collide and our tongues immediately zone into each other’s. “Mmmmm,” she moans, her nails digging into my upper back as our kissing becomes heated quickly. Finally, her hands move around until they are flat against my chest, pushing just a little until our mouths release and she gives me her beautiful smile. “I’ll never get our lunch ready and be able to get downstairs in time. Pearl is already watching over the restaurant for me.” I bring my hand around, still holding the flowers and she takes a step back as I hand them to her. Bringing them up to her nose, her eyes close as she breathes in. “These are lovely,” she replies, opening her eyes.

“The food smells great. What are you making?” I walk over and grab a Coke from the fridge and head over to sit at the table. By the time I’m seated she’s at my side setting a plate with the most delicious looking grilled sandwich on it. I look up at her and watch as she sits down beside me with her own plate.

“This, my love, is a new sandwich I’m trying out. Let me know what you think.” Her chin rests in her hand as she watches me intently. I grin and pick it up, taking a huge bite and my eyes close immediately with the succulent tastes that invade my mouth. Damn, my girl can cook! When I open my eyes, she’s looking at me with such concern that I feel bad for dragging out my response.

“Oh, my God, woman! This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted. Well, almost the best thing.” I lean over, put my hand around the back of her neck and pull her to me, kiss her and whisper, “You’re the best thing I’ve ever tasted. No comparison.” Her blush is beautiful as it spreads across her cheeks then down her neck and onto her chest. “You’re even more beautiful when you blush, Peaches.” Her gorgeous green eyes sparkle as she stares into mine. I release her neck and dig back into my delicious sandwich and look over at her as she takes a bite of hers, the smile on her full lips not leaving while she eats and my heart is full of love. When I finally swallow and take a drink, I look over at her and smile. “So, you’re going over to the bar tomorrow to help Pearl?” She nods and swallows her bite. “Good. I know you all haven’t gotten to spend much time with each other.”

She sets her sandwich down and smiles. “I know. I can’t wait to see her and I want to help her. She’s done so much for me, for us.” She looks down at her plate as a frown appears. “I knew going into this I’d have to spend most of my time in the restaurant.” She looks up, her frown leaving quickly. “And I’m good with that. I just wish I had a little more time to help her and have more time for us.”

I take her hand, rubbing slow circles across the top with my thumb. “Well, if you want, Mom wants to help out. She’s bored at home and would like to maybe be a manager?” She sits up and a smile shows brightly on her face. “That is, if it’s okay with you. She’s actually really excited about it.”

“That would be awesome. I wouldn’t have to worry about anything because I trust her. She really wouldn’t mind?” Her eyes are bright and her whole demeanor has changed.

I laugh. “Mind? She’s giddy about it. With Dad working so much she has so much time on her hands, she can’t wait. I’m sure she’d start learning the ropes tonight if you want.” I jump, a bit, when her chair slides across the floor and she rises.

“This is great! I’m going to go call her right now!” She takes a step to me, bending down, and kisses me hard on my cheek. “Thank you. I love you.” And with that, I’m left to finish eating by myself but so worth it. I’d do anything to see that brilliant smile of hers and whatever it takes to make her happy. I’ve got some more things to work out with my plan. Tonight will be perfect to make some last calls.

♥    ♥    ♥    ♥

Best news ever! After taking a shower and getting dressed, I give one last kiss to Bo and go downstairs. The restaurant is already full and Jade is waiting for me, talking to Pearl at the hostess stand. I give her a big hug and begin showing her around, explaining everything as we go and am so pleased with her excitement. After two hours, I’m watching her as she takes over and I couldn’t have a better manager than her. She’s handling everything as I would, poised and professional and the customers love her. I’m so happy that I don’t even know what to do with myself.

“Why don’t you take the rest of the night off? Go spend some time with Bo. It’s not like you’re far away and can come here if I need you, right?” Jade’s voice suddenly bring me out of my thoughts and I smile at her words.

“Are you sure? You’ve only been at it for a couple of hours. I don’t want to leave if you’re uncomfortable.” My hands are fidgeting in front of me and her head tilts as she gives me a tender smile then laughs.

“I’m more worried about if you’re comfortable leaving me in charge.” She grasps my shoulders and turns me towards the hallway. “Go. This is a great time to show you what I can do to make you feel comfortable leaving me here. I know it’s only the second night and the place is packed but I’ve got this. You can always come down in a while and check on me. Trust me.” My head turns and I smile, nodding slightly.

“Well, okay, as long as you’re sure.” She nods back and I walk down the hallway to the back door, my head turning back slightly as my hand lays on the doorknob. She’s already talking to Pearl and I watch as a customer approaches her, both smiling. I take a deep breath, open the door and head to the apartment. When I open the front door I immediately see Bo laying on the couch, TV on but his eyes are closed and his light breathing indicates he’s sound asleep.

Creeping in quietly, shutting the door as softly as I can, I take light steps towards him and bend down onto my knees and just watch him as he sleeps. He’s so gorgeous, sexy and looks even younger as he sleeps. I can’t believe we’re together, nothing in our way now and that we can finally be happy. I take the bottom of his t-shirt in my hand, bringing it up to view his flat stomach, his tight abs and begin pressing soft, light kisses as I move up. He stirs in his sleep, a slight smile on his lips as I continue. I reach a nipple in my quest and suck it, nipping the peak and look up through my lashes as his eyes open. He grabs my upper arms, pulling me across his body and his mouth crashes against mine. Before I know it, he’s flipped me and is hovering over, my shirt is already untucked, and my bra pushed up over my breasts and his mouth is covering one nipple while his hand is kneading my other breast. “Ungh, God, Bo!” I moan as his touches and lips overtake me. The heat in my body filling me from the inside and I being to buck and wither underneath him.

“God, you’re so beautiful, your body is so sexy, so perfect and all mine.” His mouth makes it way down my body. His fingers pull down my dress pants along with my panties and my back arches. My legs wrap around his slim waist as his mouth kisses my pussy and his tongue delves into me. I can’t stop my hips from bucking against his mouth, the need for him to be inside me overwhelming as my body’s heat turns into a burning flame.

“Bo! I need you!” I shout, my hand pulling on his muscular arms as my feet push against his firm butt trying to get him closer. He doesn’t hesitate but I feel the loss as he stands, discarding his clothing quickly but his warmth envelopes me, and my fire heats back up quickly when I feel his hard cock push inside me. “Ungh! Yes!” I scream. He pulls out and then plunges back into me hard then we begin a rhythm only we can have together and I start to lose control. I watch the most beautiful sight in the world as he closes his eyes, his body shuddering with his release and the look on his face is of utter serenity, extreme pleasure, causing me to come so hard that I lose focus. His body collapses on mine helping my shaking to subside with his weight, our chests heaving against each other’s and my legs drop on either side of him in exhaustion.

He looks up at me, his smile beautiful as his hand reaches up and cups the side of my face, his fingers delving into my hair and his eyes sleepy but full of love. “God, woman. You’re gonna be my death, I swear. I don’t think I’ve ever come that hard. You’re so amazing.”

I lean up, kissing his gorgeous lips and smile. “You’re amazing, my love. I know I’ve never come that hard before. But this time I got to see your beautiful face. I love you.” His mouth presses against mine and we’re lost in each other again. It’s not long before he’s asleep, still laying on me, and I feel the most loved I’ve felt since my mom was still alive, long before I got into all the trouble and I’m finally at peace.

“I’m heading over to the bar. You ok in there?” I shout through the bathroom door at Bo, who’s been in there for what seems like forever. After dragging ourselves up to bed last night, calling Jade to make sure all was okay, I slept so hard after our physical activities. We had slept for a while, woke up and made love again, he carried me upstairs to our bed and we made love again. We were both more than exhausted by the time we finally fell asleep but it was the best workout I’d ever had.

“I’m fine! You go ahead. I’ll come in a little while. I wanna do some stuff on the computer, going over figures and stock from last night first,” he yells back.

Smiling, I head out of the apartment, down the back stairs and through the alley. I walk down the sidewalk, stopping at the crossing light and then once the sign changes to ‘walk’ I cross and head to the building across the street. The bar sits about half a block from the restaurant on the corner, with a huge parking lot behind it so it only has one neighbor building on the right side. Pearl really lucked out landing this, even though the circumstance of the old owner dying by the hands of Ricco was unfortunate. I felt bad for so long but Dr. Anderson helped me to realize that even though I’m the reason for his demise, it wasn’t my fault. I had no control over what he or Ricco did but I still feel sorry for him and always will. Once I get to the front door, noticing the ‘We’re Hiring’ sign in the window, I knock hard so she’ll hear me and am startled when I’m pulled into her arms as soon as the door opens.

“Oh, Stormy! I’m so glad you came over. Come in!” She shrieks in my ear. Grabbing my hand, she pulls me in, closing and locking the door behind me and I take in the view. Straight ahead and to the right are tons of table and chairs, all made out of wood, a stage for live bands in front with different colored lights beaming down, giving it a great atmosphere. I scan the room to the left to see more table and chairs and then a hallway, which I’m guessing leads to the bathrooms and office and then left of that is a huge half circular bar, also made out of wood. The mirrors in back of wooden shelves making all the bottles of different liquors seem magnified. I finally look at Pearl, who’s beaming in excitement and can hardly stand still. She pulls on my hand, leading me to the bar and I sit down on one of the leather cushioned barstools and watch as she walks behind it then leaning her elbows onto of the counter, smiling. “Isn’t it magnificent?”