Forgiven (Touched Series #2) (4 page)

I look around the room which consists of the kitchen and living room and then back at her. “Where’s Bo?” She places a wrapped framed picture in the box and looks back at me.

“He went to get a couple more boxes. He should be back soon.” She lays her hand on mine. “Would you like him to take you back to the house? I can finish up here. Looks like this is all there is left to do.” She smiles sweetly.

“Oh! I don’t want you to have to finish. I can do the rest tomorrow after the service, really.” I start to feel so guilty. She and Knox have been so kind, and I don’t deserve any of it.

She smiles again and then begins wrapping up another picture. “Nonsense. It’s no trouble and I’m almost done. Why have to come back here again tomorrow, especially when you’re grieving. Bo can load up everything you want to take with you in his Jeep and I can bring this last box when I’m done. I may not even need both boxes he brings. One will probably do it.”

Our heads turn when the door opens, and Bo walks in carrying two boxes and his face bright with his gorgeous smile. He sets the boxes down by Jade and then walks to the back of the couch, leans over me and kisses my cheek. The guilt starts feeding on me, but I try to shrug it off the best I can. It’s better for him if I do. “You ready to go home, Peaches?” he asks as he smiles still leaning over me. Home. This has been my home for as long as I can remember, however, his house was always like a vacation but also a bit of a second home to me.

I look at Jade, who’s smiling at me and then back up at Bo. “Yes. I’m ready to go.” He winks at me and walks to the bedroom to get the few boxes there, and I head over to my small makeshift bedroom, gathering up my things there. It’s sad that by the time we get everything loaded all my belongings that mean anything to me all fit in his Jeep. Once back at the house he helps carry everything up to my room and won’t let me make the second trip with him, telling me I should rest and he’d get what’s left. So sweet. I begin unpacking my clothes and take out a few of my favorite pictures, placing them on the dresser, desk and nightstand. By the time I’m done I lay down on the bed, kick my flip flops off and just look out the window. He came for me. He could have been waiting and followed us here. I could have just put Bo, Jade and Knox in danger. What have I done?

“There all unloaded!” My head snaps to him, and I give him my best smile. He sets down the last box and walks to me, sitting on the bed. “You tired, baby?” I nod but keep smiling. He’s so good to me. He reaches over, brushes some of my long hair off my shoulder and then cups my face. “I’ll let you settle in and rest. You have a big day tomorrow. Come get me when you’re ready. I’m sure dinner will be ready in a while.” Leaning down he kisses me and then rubs his thumb along my jaw. Finally, he stands and leaves the room, closing the door quietly behind him.

I turn back to the window and just stare. Trouble has always had a way of finding me. It didn’t help getting involved with the wrong people. I’m so fucked up and now I may have fucked up their lives too.

Chapter Four

I leave my room and take a run on the beach. This is my favorite time of day here. The sun is starting to rise making the blue in the ocean change from dark to light and there’s a cooler breeze. My mind begins thinking about Stormy. Something’s off. I get that she was scared and fighting for her life, but she didn’t see what the asshole looked like? Maybe. I get she’s had a really hard life, and I know she ran with the wrong crowd. Hell, I’ve had to get her out of jail more than once. There’s more to this than she’s telling me. I can feel it. We’ve always had a special connection, and I know when something’s not right.

The house is quiet when I return, and I run up the stairs, two at a time and into my bedroom, grab a clean wife beater, boxers and shorts and head into my bathroom. After getting the water just right I step into the shower and walk under the heavenly spray. Damn, that feels good. My body aches from the run but my cock aches even worse. Being a virgin at the age of twenty two is most likely unheard of, but I’ve only had the desire for one woman. Stormy. Running, playing basketball and studying have helped to keep all the women at college away from me. I’ve always had an excuse to give them and believe me there have been a ton of them. Chip off the ole block, ya know? But none of them mattered, none of them were Stormy. She and I have fooled around, quite a bit, but never made love. I know she isn’t a virgin. Shit, I know she’s been with a ton of boys and men, but I also know in my heart, they meant nothing to her. She’s always been a rebel, ever since she was old enough, but I know she loves me. I’m gonna marry her one day.

I lather up the soap then take my thick, hard cock in my hand. My eyes close and I imagine it’s Stormy’s small hand. Fuck! My other hand presses against the cool tile, holding me up and I stroke from base to tip. As I imagine Stormy’s light emerald green eyes looking at me, her white teeth peeking through her parted lips as she smiles, I begin stroking faster and faster. I press my mouth against my shoulder to muffle the moan that leaves my mouth as the liquid from the tip of my cock squirts out meshing with the cascading water. After drying off, brushing my teeth and running a comb through my short hair, I quickly get dressed and head back downstairs. As I walk through the living room I hear voices in the kitchen.

“Yes, but he doesn’t want to make basketball his career. With his business degree he can take over the company someday. He’s got a good head on his shoulders. Not many men have common sense along with good business sense. That’s hard to find. And Pearl? She wants to continue advancing her painting career. She doesn’t want to run our company. End of.” Dad’s voice is loud and clear, and he’s right about Pearl and me, but I’m not sure taking over his company is what I want. I’ve not really decided yet what I want to do. Guess with only three months left of college, I need to start really thinking about it.

All conversations drop when I walk into the kitchen, head over to the fridge and get out the orange juice, pouring it into a tall glass and then stand there chugging the entire thing. I fill it up again, put the juice back and walk to the table, sitting down next to Mom. “Morning!” She smiles at me, leans over kissing my cheek and then Dad raises his eyebrows.

“Off to class soon?” He smirks.

My eyes roll of their own accord. Stormy is rubbing off on me again. “I don’t have any classes today, Dad. But I do need to study, later. And with Celia’s funeral….” Sheesh!

He looks down at his breakfast, taking a bite and then looks back at me. “Yes, I can understand that. It will be a sad day today. Glad you don’t have any classes. I was just telling your mom, with your great common business sense and your degree in business it would be great if you came to work at the company after you graduate. You could even do some things now, in your spare time, if you’d like. There’s a corner office with your name on it.” Beats go by as he just looks at me. Here we go.

“Um, Dad. I’m not sure what I want to do yet. I was kind of thinking about helping out at the restaurant, help get it up and running and see where that leads.” My eyes close as I wait for the unleashing that’s about to ensue. Silence. This could go two ways, and I’m thinking it will not be the ‘good’ way.

I open my eyes when he clears his throat and look at him, my heart beating fast with what’s about to hit. “Actually, that’s a really great idea.”
What?
“I’m sure Stormy would appreciate that and with me designing and contracting the renovation, if you could help get the PR work going and figures working, it would help out a lot. Thanks, son.”
Wow, didn’t see that coming. I’m in shock.

“Stormy would appreciate what?” We all turn our heads when she walks into the room. Her smile huge as she fixes herself a plate of food and grabs orange juice from the fridge. She looks radiant today, her cleavage protruding from the half white tank top that ends barely under her breasts, and her legs looking extremely long in her short, blue jean shorts. I lick my lips as I scour her body. Mom kicks me under the table, and I shake my head coming out of my trance.

“Uh, was just thinking about helping get your restaurant up and running. Do you mind?” My eyes widen in hope for her answer. She turns, her smile overwhelming me and winks. Bringing her plate and juice over to the table, she sits down next to me, the smile still glowing on her beautiful face.

“I’d love that actually,” she says leaning over with her chin resting on her hand, elbow on the table.

“You know Knox will be working over there, overseeing the contractor and crews and I’ll help out too. But first…. We need to get ready for today,” Mom speaks up as she butters a piece of toast. I watch as Stormy sits back in her chair, her face morphing from a glowing smile to one of grief.

“Way to ruin the mood, Mom,” I grumble as I take a bite of my eggs. Moving my eyes to Stormy, I see her lightly push her plate away, her eyes down, and I’m sure her appetite is gone. “Hey,” she looks at me when I take her chin in my hand and lift her face, “eat. You’ll need your strength today. Celia would want you to be strong and wouldn’t want you to be sad and not eat. Do it for her.” Her smile is small, but I will take whatever I can get.

Mom reaches across me, placing her hand on Stormy’s with concern and worry on her face. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. I didn’t mean to ruin your happiness but we only have about an hour before we need to leave.” Stormy looks over at Mom and sighs.

“I know. I guess I just want to get it over with but at the same time, I’m not ready to say goodbye.” I see wetness in her eyes and my heart breaks for her.

“Oh, honey. Just remember, you’re not really saying goodbye, you’re saying until later. You will see each other again. It just won’t be for a long time but know she’s in your mind, heart and soul, so she’s really not too far away.”

I place my arm around Stormy’s shoulder, and she leans into me, a tear rolling down her face. “Thank you, Jade. I’ll be fine. I just need a little time to come to terms with losing her but in the end, I know she’ll always be with me,” she says brushing the tear away.

Not long after, we all disperse to our rooms to get ready for the service. Once I’ve changed into my suit I step out into the hallway and look across into Stormy’s room. She’s just standing there, gorgeous in her black dress with black high heels, staring into the full length mirror. Quietly walking into her room, I bring my arms around her waist, her beautiful eyes look at mine in the mirror, and she sighs. “I never wore dresses very often. Mom always loved me in them, but I was such a tomboy.” She sighs again and smooths out the front of her dress, staring at it.

I lay my chin on her shoulder. “You’re beautiful.” Her eyes snap up to mine, and she smiles.

“You have to say that because you love me.” She stares into my eyes, our reflection in the mirror showing how well we look together, and her eyebrows suddenly crease, her eyes gleaming with a questioning look. “Why do you love me so much, Bo? I’m nothing but trouble.”

My heart once again breaks for this girl I love. “Because. Deep down, you have a heart of gold. You are the sweetest person I know, beautiful inside and out and because I fell in love with you when you were an innocent girl, one who knew no wrong in the world, one that captured my heart, not ever letting go.” She turns in my arms, her mouth pressing against mine in an instant and right then, right now, the girl I love is in my arms, the one that stole my heart so long ago. Our mouths move together when she finally breaks free, and I lean my forehead against hers. “Come. Let’s go say goodbye to your wonderful mom and begin your life again. Your mom will be so proud of you. Start over fresh, start over with your new family for support. Let me love you and protect you. I’ve given my heart to you.”

She looks up and smiles. “If only I could forget the past, but I’ll try. I wish I could tell you….” She shakes her head as her smile grows. “Never mind. No more sadness today. Let’s go celebrate Mom’s life.” She takes my hand and I follow eagerly.

♥    ♥    ♥    ♥

I’m not even nervous as I stand looking at my mom. She’s beautiful. She almost looks like she’s just sleeping, but my heart knows better. Leaning over I place a kiss on her cheek, a tear drops on her face and I leave it, hoping she’ll take a small piece of me with her. I know she’s already gone though. I turn around, walking to the front row and not looking up at the small crowd of people in the church. My mom made a lot of friends while working at the restaurant so the small church is rather full. I sit down beside Bo, his arm moving around my shoulder quickly, but again, I don’t look up. I only stare at my clasped hands in my lap, afraid that if I look around I will begin sobbing uncontrollably. The minister stands at the podium, speaking loving words of the only person who’s ever truly mattered to me, ever given me the love that I didn’t deserve and the one person I could always count on to be there for me, no matter all the wrongs that I did in my young life. She always told me my life would turn around, someday, that I would become something that I could be proud of. God, I hope she’s right. All the guilt I’ve felt for so many years overwhelms me until I hear the minister’s voice breaking me free from my thoughts. “So, I ask you to join me in celebrating the wonderful and caring life of Celia Reece, beloved mother and loving friend to all who met her.” Everyone stands and Bo takes one of my hands, helping me to rise and then the tears flow endlessly down my face as I watch the minister bless my mom over her casket. I numbly sit back down with the rest of my row, Jade squeezing my shoulder, Bo and Knox sitting down silently and my eyes shift past Knox to see Pearl had made it after all.

Once the crowd is gone, Knox rises and stands before me and I look up at his serene face. “We’ll just give you a moment alone. We’ll be in the lobby when you’re ready.” I can only nod as he leans down and places a kiss on my cheek. Jade leans over and does the same and then I look up to see Pearl standing in Knox’s place. She leans down and hugs me, my arms not moving to hug her back as I can’t seem to move.

“I’m so sorry, honey. Know that I love you and I am here for you. Celia was a great woman and I’ll miss her.” I nod slightly then her arms leave me.

Bo’s voice whispers in my ear, “Do you want me to stay, Peaches? I will if you’d like me to.” My eyes move to his gorgeous and concerned face, and I simply shake my head. “Ok, I’ll be out there waiting for you.” He kisses my cheek as well and then leaves me.

I wait for a few minutes to make sure everyone is gone, checking to make sure before I rise from my seat. When I reach the casket and look down at my mom for the last time I lose it. It seems so final to shut the lid and I have so many things I want to say. “Mom. I don’t want to let you go. I’ve done so many horrible things and I’m ashamed. I’ve let you down so many times. And now I think I put the Dunway’s lives in jeopardy. I’m scared, Mama.” I bow my head, sobbing until my head hurts and then lean down and kiss her forehead. “Protect me, Mama. I wanna be a good girl again but I need your help. I love you, Mama. Go with God and I’ll see you later.” I turn around, wiping my face with a ton of squished tissues I’ve been holding and hold my head up high as I walk into the lobby.

Bo looks up as soon as I enter and is by my side immediately. I smile and nod as he leads me from the church and to the limo. I don’t look up as people walk by the limo, then it moves and we make our way to the cemetery. It only takes a few minutes to get there and I take his hand, putting on my sunglasses as he leads me to Mom’s plot. There’s a small gathering, the sun is shining bright and we all stand as the minister says his final words. People begin to leave, touching me, kissing my cheek and I just stand there numbly.

“We’ll wait for you in the car, honey,” Jade whispers as she walks in front of me.

I feel Bo’s arm around my waist, and as I turn to him, my arm quickly moves around his waist as I close my eyes and cry into his shoulder. He comforts me, rubbing my back and whispering sweet words in my ear but when I open my eyes, peering over his shoulder, I still. Ricco is standing far away next to a tree, his arms over his chest and sunglasses on his face, but I’d know him anywhere. My eyes scan around and see Jade, Knox and Pearl standing by the limo talking, not noticing him, and then I look back at him. Is it not enough that he attacked me at the apartment? No, it’s not and it won’t be until he has me again or kills me. Panic overwhelms me, and I squeeze Bo tighter.

“Everything’s going to be okay, Peaches. I’m going to take care of you now. You know that my family has always been your family. We’ll always be here for you,” he whispers in my ear.

His words should be comforting but all I can think of is how much risk I’ve put them in. I don’t know what to do. Finally, he releases me, bending down so he can look into my eyes and then stands, hugging me again. When I peer over him this time, Ricco is gone. I look around, frantically, but he’s nowhere to be seen.

“Come. Let me take you home. I think a hot bath with some of your peach salts will work wonders.” I let him take my hand and lead me back to the car all the while my eyes looking around. Jade, Knox and Pearl notice us and get into the limo as we get closer. Once seated the car begins to take me back to a place where I’ve always felt comforted and loved. But now? I’m scared to death for everyone who lives there.

“So Dad said he designed an apartment over the restaurant along with a couple of offices but it’s huge. I don’t think you should live there though. I’d rather you stay here with us,” Bo’s talking as he sits on the floor by the tub. I’m immersed in bubbles watching my finger move around on top of the water and feeling the wonderful hotness soak through my body. “The crews are starting on the restaurant tomorrow. Aren’t you excited?” I look over at him and smile.

“I am. I want to help. I want to be a part of it but I don’t want to be in the way.” His smile is beautiful and his sparkling blue eyes light up. “I want to clean the alley. I think that will keep me away from the workers and make me feel like I’m contributing in some small way.”

“That’s a great idea! I can help.”

I reach my hand out of the bubbled water and place it on his face, his eyes closing with my touch. “No, thank you. This is something I want to do alone, but I love you for wanting to.” His eyes slowly open and he nods in my hand.

Later that night I lie in bed awaiting what tomorrow will bring. Knox said I could clean the alley and would be out of the traffic of the crews. I’m prepared for a ton of memories to overtake me as I clean, but it’s something I feel very strong about. My eyes grow heavy, and I let darkness take me.

“I don’t know why we can’t date. People do it from a distance all the time. I think you’re as stubborn as my mom, Stormy.” Bo stands with his arms crossed, his build is so much stronger now since the last time I’d seen him.

“I just don’t think it would work, Bo. And I’m stubborn? Psh! You’re just like your mom. Now, hand me that pan over there and let’s finish this pie.” He smirks as he walks over to the counter and brings the pan to me, setting it on the table. He’s such a stubborn ass, thinking we can date when he leaves for college and with the bad choices I’ve made in my life there is no way I want him anywhere near that. I place the apple and cinnamon mixture into the pie crust I had lined in the pan and smooth it around until it’s perfect.