by Jill Sanders
She chuckled. “I’d forgotten you love to read.”
“The rooms will need to be decorated for a variety of ages ranging from infant to teen,” he added.
She hadn’t meant for her words to sneak out, but since they had, she moved off down the hallway and stepped through a set of double doors.
“Each child will have a security bracelet that will allow them into the private areas,” he said.
She turned and frowned at him. “Like a tracking device?”
“No,” he balked slightly. “God, no. Like key cards.”
She shook her head. “Preteens and teens won’t see it as such. They’ll think they’re being monitored.”
He smiled. “I’d thought of that. They also are tied to meals, social events, and a reward program for attending classes and helping out with the younger children.” He smiled. “On the main floor there is a store area where we’ll sell snacks, books, and other small incentives that can be utilized as rewards.”
“You’ve thought of everything.” She looked into the first smaller space that would become some little girl’s new home. A home without parents, without brothers and sisters. Her heart broke a little at that thought. Then she remembered that Simon had been raised like that. She glanced over at him and watched him closely. “You’ve been thinking about this for a while.”
“All my life.” He leaned up against the doorframe as she walked around the empty space.
She turned towards the large windows and glanced out at the beautiful snow-covered Rockies beyond. “A home with a view,” she murmured, remembering something he’d told her when they’d first become friends and when she’d first found out that he didn’t have a family of his own.
“What do you mean your folks won’t be here for parent-teacher night?” she’d asked him.
They were standing in the hallway, looking up at the wall filled with drawings done by their class.
“I mean, I don’t have folks,” he said with a shrug. “I’m an orphan.”
She’d felt her thirteen-year-old heart break for the dark-haired boy that she’d secretly had a crush on for the past year. They’d grown into friends, and yet she felt her heart palpitate each time he stood close to her. Each time he looked at her with those big blue eyes that were always filled with sadness.
“Where do you live then? If you don’t have a home,” she’d asked.
“I have a home. It’s just… more like a hotel without a view.” He’d shrugged and turned his eyes away from hers.
“I think it’s amazing that you want to give children something you never had.” She turned away from the window now to run her eyes over him. He’d silently moved behind her and stood just a few feet away from her.
“I had a family,” he said in a low voice as his eyes locked with hers. “You were all the family I needed, and I squandered that when I left.” His hand moved up to her arm, holding her in place.
She felt her heart kick in her chest and instantly felt her body melt at the memories of his hands on her. What he used to do to make her feel wonderful. How he would make her body respond to his.
For a brief moment, she allowed herself to lean into him as memories raced through her mind.
Her body responded to his touch, and she willed it to not respond. To not remember how wonderful it felt being touched by him, being this close to him.
“Simon,” she warned and tensed at the memory of how painful it had been when he’d left without a word.
“I know I owe you more than just an explanation, and I doubt I could ever make it up to you after how much I must have hurt you.” He reached up and ran his fingertips over her cheeks. She hadn’t realized she was crying. She hated that little weakness and closed her eyes on the pain.
“Please, don’t,” she begged. All these years, all the pain. It had filled her, consumed her for years. She’d believed she’d dealt with the hurt years ago, but seeing him again, being this close to him, had it all surfacing.
“I just want a chance to make it up to you. To prove to you that I will never disappear on you again. I’m here. Right here.” He cupped her face and lowered his face until his lips brushed against hers.
The light touch of his lips on hers reminded her of the first time he’d kissed her on her fifteenth birthday.
“I’ll walk with you.” Simon had rushed to her side after she’d spent the evening at the football game in hopes that she’d get ten minutes alone with him. Instead, she’d spent the evening in the stands listening to Robin Carter brag about sleeping with Rodney Harrison the weekend before while Simon played ball on the field.
Just outside of the stands, he reached over and took her hand in his. He was still wearing his uniform and cleats, and they clicked on the pavement as they walked towards the parking lot where she knew Logan waited for her. Most likely her brother would be late picking her up.
“Where’s your brother?” Simon asked when they reached the dark parking lot.
“He’s probably late. He’s always late.” She shrugged and tried to act normal. But the fact was, she was so nervous, and her voice wavered.
“Good.” Simon moved closer to her and reached up to run his hand slowly down her cheek. “I’ve wanted to kiss you.” His eyes moved down to her lips as he stepped closer to her.
She rushed to run her tongue over her lips to wet them. Wanting to hold onto every memory of her first kiss, she kept her eyes open as he moved closer to her. When their lips finally touched, she felt her entire body melt against his. Her hands ran over his football pads under his uniform, wishing she could feel him instead of the hardness of the protective gear.
Suddenly, she realized she was currently running her hands over his shoulders, reaching under his jacket to explore those new muscles she’d seen earlier. Simon took the kiss deeper while he allowed her to run her hands over him.
When a loud bang sounded from somewhere down the hallway, she came to her senses and jerked away from him. She covered her mouth with her hand quickly as she shook her head.
“No, I… no.” She felt tears sting her eyes. Her throat burned and her heart ached as she turned away from him. “I’ve seen enough,” she said, rushing towards the doorway.
“Laura.” Simon grabbed her arm and stopped her from leaving. “I’m sorry. Please, don’t go. Let me finish showing you around.”
She almost jerked her arm free but stopped herself. This was her job. She wanted this. Wanted to do this for him and the children.
Instead of answering, she nodded in agreement. He dropped his hand and stepped back to motion for her to go on.
“For what it’s worth,” he said as she passed him, “I really am sorry.”
Chapter 6
Over the next few days, Simon kept things professional between them. Still, he caught himself sneaking glances at Laura whenever she wasn’t looking or when his mind wandered to daydreaming of kissing her again.
During the long days, she would work on her computer quietly, planning out each room in the facility meticulously, down to the colors of the walls, curtains on the windows, and rugs on the floors. She would make phone calls to furniture suppliers and ask him questions as they arose. He had peeked at a few of her proposed color schemes and was more than impressed.
He had believed that she would start with the girls’ wing, but she’d started on the boys’ rooms, beginning with the younger kids’ rooms then moving up to the teenagers’ rooms.
Anyone under the age of four would be together in a large nursery, which she was working on at the moment.
“When I’m done with these basic color schemes, I have a few furniture warehouses we’ll need to go check out. I’ve called a couple of them to have them keep me posted about what they have in stock for beds, bed frames, and nightstands.” She glanced over her shoulder at him.
“Impressive.” He nodded to the screen. “It’s like you’re making my visions come to life.”
She chuckled. “It’s not hard, just figuring out
what’s in stock and if it meets your budget.”
“Yes, but the colors. They’re bright and cheerful yet warm and friendly.” He tilted his head. “I would have never thought to put teal in the nursery.”
“Most facilities like this end up dull and depressing like hospitals.” She glanced back at the screen. “This is a home. A place they should feel happy, comfortable in. Bright colors will stimulate imagination and good emotions. When we look for furniture for the family visiting rooms, I’m thinking of the same colors. Maybe add a touch of coral or…” She tilted her head. “Sunshine yellow.”
He touched her shoulder lightly as the memory of his own dull childhood surfaced.
How many nights had he spent in the grey-walled room that he’d been assigned to? Sure, he’d filled the walls with posters or some of his drawings, but the entire home where he’d lived from age thirteen to eighteen had been dull and depressing. It was one of the reasons he’d spent so much time with Laura and her family.
He remembered the family home that their mother had made for them. How cheerful it had been, how warm he’d felt there. It was one of the best places in his memories.
How many times had he wished he could be part of her family? How many nights had he lain awake wishing to run away and sneak into her bedroom and just… be happy?
His eyes ran over the top of her head and still felt that urge. Whether she knew it or not, she was his family. Even when he’d been on the run, she’d been part of him. Always.
“I thought we’d take a break during lunch and swing by my friend’s furniture store. Tom owns Albert’s. He’s married to Amber, Aiden’s sister.”
“The movie star?” Simon asked. “I’d heard Aiden talk about them. They’re expecting their first child next spring,” he answered.
“They are?” Laura turned and looked up at him with surprise.
He smiled. “Oops, I guess it’s a secret for now.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m just out of the loop. I haven’t talked to Amber in…” She sighed. “I’m a bad friend,” she admitted with a shake of her head.
“Your brother tells me you’ve been busy here.”
“Yeah, but…” She pulled out her phone and shot off a text to Amber. “There, now I have to send one to Ashley.” She glanced up at him with a smile. “Her younger sister.”
He thought about all the friends he’d been out of touch with for years. How he had practically fallen off the face of the earth five years ago and now that he was back, he still hadn’t contacted anyone, except her. He swallowed the knot in his throat and sat on the edge of her desk.
“It’s important to you,” he started.
“Hm?” She glanced up after reading a few replies from the sisters.
“Staying in touch with the ones you care about.”
“Of course, it is.” Something crossed her eyes and he could tell she was remembering how he’d left her for all those years.
“I guess someone like me… How I was raised, it’s different. I learned early on to never really rely on anyone else.” He shifted, feeling slightly uncomfortable about opening up to her like this. Sure, in the past they had talked about his life, but he’d always kept his feelings locked up. He’d believed he had to, to protect himself. Not against her, but against everyone else.
Now, he couldn’t imagine what he would do if a couple of his well-kept secrets got out.
“Why do you think that?” She turned fully towards him. “You had us. We were your family. The same one you turned your back on five years ago.” She narrowed her eyes. “Do you know my brother spent almost a full year looking for you? Not to mention my mother.” She gasped slightly. “I haven’t called her yet to tell her you’re back.” She groaned and picked up her phone.
He stopped her by placing a hand over hers. “No,” he said. Gina Miller was a young, recently divorced mother back when he’d first stepped foot in her home. Over the years, the woman had grown into the only mother figure he’d ever known. She’d helped him rent his first tux for prom and had gotten him through the SATs and his college applications, and he’d abandoned her just like he’d left everyone else who had mattered to him. She’d deserved better. All the Millers had. “Let me. I should be the one to tell Gina that I’m back.”
Laura nodded slowly. “Suit yourself.” She chuckled. “You think I reacted badly…” She shook her head and turned back around.
He felt his stomach roll. “Can I have her number?”
Laura burst into laughter. “Oh no, you don’t want to do this over the phone.”
“I don’t?”
She shook her head. “No. I’ll see if she can meet me for lunch. Someplace quiet.” She typed on her phone. “There, we’re meeting at Tabletop Café. I’ve asked her to get the back booth.” She smiled up at him, and he felt his heart skip a beat at her beauty.
“Think she’ll forgive me?” he asked, feeling a little more relaxed.
“Depends. You should definingly stop off and get a bundle of pink roses to smooth things out.”
Flowers. Why the hell hadn’t he thought to get Laura any? He should be crawling back to her doing everything he could to win her back.
“I’ll…” He glanced towards the door.
“Go, I’ll meet you there in... half an hour,” she added after checking her watch.
He grabbed his jacket but instead of heading out to his car, he went upstairs to find Logan.
He knocked briefly on his office door, then opened it and asked, “What’s your sister’s favorite…” He stopped when he spotted Amy and Logan in a heated embrace. “Sorry.” He moved to close the door on the couple.
“It’s okay, I was just… leaving,” Amy said with a smile. “I’m going to be late for my meeting.” She turned to Logan. “And I’ll tell your uncle it’s all your fault.”
Logan laughed. “He’d believe you too.” He kissed her again quickly.
As Amy passed him, she narrowed her eyes slightly. “What is Laura’s favorite what?”
“Hmm? Oh. Um, flower?” he asked.
Amy smiled. “Daisies.” She chuckled. “Yellow ones if you can find them. Good luck.”
“Thanks,” Simon called after her.
“Guess I won that bet.” Logan leaned on the edge of the desk with a smirk.
“Bet?”
“Sure. We all had a pool going on how long it would take you to pull out all the stops. Flowers…” He held up his hand and started ticking off items on his fingers. “Wine, dinner, jewelry, marriage.”
Simon thought about his serious lack of planning and promised himself that he would come up with a complete plan to win Laura back later that evening. Right after he found the nearest florist.
“There’s a florist on Main Street, where the old bakery used to be,” Logan said, as if he could read Simon’s mind.
“Thanks.” He turned to go and glanced down at his watch. Twenty-five minutes to go.
When he stepped into the café, he realized he’d never felt more nervous than he did at that moment. Not even when he’d waited in the conference room for Laura to arrive.
Maybe it was because he knew that if Gina didn’t accept him back, Laura would never let him back in completely either. Whatever the reason, he knew this was the biggest chance he had at winning Laura back.
Seeing Laura wave to him from the booth, he shifted the two bundles of flowers and made his way towards the women.
When Gina spotted him, her eyes, which matched Laura’s perfectly, went wide. Even though Laura’s mother was easily twenty-some years older than him, she was still as beautiful as he remembered her.
He had always wondered why their mother had never remarried. Even now, he could see that her ring finger sat bare.
“Simon?” Gina’s eyes teared up immediately.
“I…” He swallowed the lump in his throat. Shit. He’d been so occupied with getting the right flowers that he hadn’t planned on what to say to her.
The woman s
urprised him by jumping out of the booth and wrapping her arms around him, smashing the flowers between their bodies.
“My boy,” Gina cried as she held onto him. “You’re home.”
He closed his eyes and, for the first time since returning to Colorado, he really felt like he was home.
Chapter 7
Over the past four days, Laura had tried to keep her anger and pain to herself. But sitting in the booth at one of her favorite cafés, watching her mother hold onto Simon and cry, all the emotions she’d been hiding since his return came to a head. Well, she hadn’t been hiding the anger. That one she’d gladly shown him several times already.
Wiping her eyes quickly before either Simon or her mother could see her tears, she shifted over in the booth so Simon could sit beside her.
“You knew he was back?” Her mother turned to her as she sat back down and wiped her eyes dry.
“I did. Logan knew before me.” She had no qualms about throwing her brother under the bus.
“When did you return to Colorado? Where have you been?” her mother asked Simon.
Before answering, Simon handed a bundle of flowers to each of them. Laura smiled down at the smashed daisies and buried her face in them. Smelling spring, she sighed as Simon gave his drink order to the waitress.
“For a while, I was overseas,” he answered when they were alone again.
Laura glanced at him a little surprised at this news. From what she’d gotten out of him, she’d believed he’d only been in Chicago.
One great thing about her mother was she had a knack for getting answers, especially out of Simon. The man opened up more to her mother than he had in the past four days sitting in a room with her.