“Yes?” Irene and I both asked at once. Giggling, I kept my eyes shut as I let myself relax.
“Um … the misses of the house, Mrs. Stowe. That’s the Mrs. Stowe I was talking to.”
Opening my one eye, I peeked at Irene. Poor Louise, it was clear she was not properly trained but her heart was in the right place. Irene and Chester loved her so.
Danny’s mother chuckled and asked, “Yes, Louise, what is it?”
“A letter arrived for you today from Mr. Stowe’s uncle in London.”
I sat up quickly. “A letter? From London?” My heart began to race. Looking at Irene, I smiled. “Danny! We’ve finally received word from Danny!”
Irene smiled in return and wiped a tear from her face. “Finally is indeed right.”
Turning to Chester, I couldn’t help but notice the smile he wore. It did not appear to be true in nature. His eyes did not speak of happiness, but of concern.
Pushing it from my mind, I willed the carriage to bring me home faster.
Danny. My Danny.
LETTING OUT A contented sigh, I traced an invisible pattern on Gael’s chest as I spoke, “I love their story.”
“I love our story.” Gael wrapped his arms tighter around me to emphasize his words.
“Me too.”
The heat kicked on the radiator. There was something about the sound of it that had me craving hot chocolate. I’d have to get a cup tomorrow from somewhere.
I felt Gael’s fingers trail down my spine. “Tomorrow, I need to go to the restaurant. Then, I thought we could have a date in my kitchen.”
Giving him a loving kiss on the chest, I teased. “Oh no, you may break up with me when you truly see my skills in the kitchen.”
“I’ve ridded your freezer of Lean Cuisine meals. I have no doubt that we’ll survive this challenge.”
Gael shifted my body on top of his. Underneath me, his length hardened. I tried to push down against him, but Gael held me with my hips as a playful grin appeared on his face.
Playfully, I nipped his lip. “If you need anything microwaved for five to seven minutes, I’ll be the perfect kitchen assistant.”
Flipping me on my back, my legs wrapped around Gael’s waist, trying to bring him further in to me. The mattress formed around my body as Gael held me in place. “I need you to repeat after me, Ashlin.”
“What?” To get him inside me at this moment, I’d practically say anything.
Slowly, he circled his hips, teasing my inner core that longed to feel his dick within me.
“I, Ashlin, will trust my boyfriend, the master chef, in all things.”
Chortling, I repeated after Gael and was rewarded with him going slightly deeper. I wanted more of him. I craved the feeling of completeness.
A triumphant look was on Gael’s face as perspiration broke out across his skin as he held back. Not able to get enough of him, I raked my hands down his back which got a moan in response.
“Do you want it deeper, sweetheart?”
Groaning, I said with frustration lacing my voice, “You know I do. What else do I have to say?”
“I, Ashlin, will swear off all microwave meals.”
He was being impossible. “Gael! You’re not playing fair!”
Withdrawing, I tried to hold him within me with my feet. He was too strong. Not wanting him to leave me, I frantically spoke, “Fine! Fine! I, Ashlin, will swear off all microwave meals if you or your restaurant is accessible. This is a compromise.”
Pausing his withdrawal, he looked down at me, both of our chests heaving. Ramming into me hard and deep, I got my answer that he accepted my compromise. There was no stopping us as we devoured each other, the sensations intense. My hips met him thrust for thrust and I couldn’t stop calling out as Gael twisted his hips above me. This was raw as we both looked into each other’s eyes. Our heavy breathing filled the air as we moved, building our release.
Gael’s mouth came down to my neck and sucked on it gently as I arched into him. Not able to keep my eyes open as the sensation overtook my body, a million bright lights danced behind my eyelids. Warmth spread within me.
Stilling, Gael didn’t say anything, which was unusual. I opened my eyes. He looked horrified. “Shit, Ashlin! Shit! Shit! Shit!”
Pulling out, he sat back on his knees and scrubbed a hand down his face.
“What’s wrong, Gael? I thought that was amazing? Did I do something wrong?” Concern engulfed me and I tried to cover myself with the bedspread.
Stopping my reach for the comforter, Gael spoke, “Oh, Ashlin, you did nothing wrong. I forgot to wear a condom. Shit! I can’t believe I forgot. I’m so sorry.”
We hadn’t used a condom. That explained the intensity. Harris had insisted we always use a condom to ensure an accident didn’t happen. His mother always thought I would try to get pregnant on purpose. I shook the thoughts of the past from my head. None of that mattered anymore, even though it played a large part in my insecurities.
I focused back on the now. Not wearing a condom brought us to a new level quicker than I anticipated. Focus on the facts, Ashlin. Don’t get emotional. This is okay.
“I’m on the pill.” There was an edge to my voice. Part of me wanted to revel in the moment, but the rational side of me knew I was putting my heart in a very dangerous place that would cause irreparable damage if something happened. I hadn’t prepared myself for this step and it threw me.
Lying beside me, Gael put his hands around my face. “Ashlin, I took away your choice in this decision. I’m sorry.”
In my mind, I thought there would be more discussion about this step in our relationship and be given the choice.
At a loss for words, I traced a pattern on his chest while I thought. Keeping it factual, I continued. “I’m clean. I’ve never been with a man without a condom.”
He sighed. “There’s only one time, several years ago, that a condom busted on me. Other than that, I’ve always used one.”
Intent on continuing to draw the pattern on Gael’s chest, I chanced a glance up. He looked at me with concern etched on his feature. “Is everything okay, sweetheart? You’re not talking about how you feel.”
I nodded. “Yeah, I’m tired. It’s been a long day.” That was the truth considering all I had endured with Harris’ shenanigans.
“Okay, let’s get some sleep.”
Turning off the bed lamp, Gael put his arms around me and brought me to him.
In the dark, I could feel the vibrations in his chest as he spoke, “That was the best feeling in the world, Ashlin. But, I’ll wear a condom until you don’t want to use one anymore. There’s no pressure. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”
Again, I nodded. My throat was too thick with emotion and I’m not sure I could speak without my voice cracking. Having Gael in me, with no barriers, had been one of the best feelings I had known. The feeling was far above anything I had experienced with the few lovers I had in the past.
That’s how everything was with Gael. More. So much more. We were getting more serious by the second—faster than I thought could happen to anyone. And the intense connection Gael and I had scared me for the first time since we had gotten together.
“Hey, Dad. I planned on heading over there in an hour or two. You did? Yeah, I think that’s a good idea. I’ll head that way now. See you there.”
Gael gave me a quick kiss as we lay together, naked and entwined. I was half-awake when Gael’s cell phone rang. Being in his embrace through the night had helped abate the fear that had crept in to my mind.
Groggily, I asked. “What time is it?”
“Shh … it’s just after five. I’m meeting my dad at the restaurant. He wants to show me something. I’ll text you later on. I’m going to hop in the shower. Go back to bed, sweetheart.”
My eyes were already beginning to drift close as my mind allowed sleep to claim me. “Mmmkay.”
On the brink of sleep, the bed jostled and I remained quiet, not wanting to fully wake up s
ince Gael was leaving. Gael’s fingertips grazed my shoulder and I kept my breathing steady and relished his touch. Lips kissed mine gentle and featherlike.
“I’ve fallen for you. You’re going to be my forever, Ashlin.”
Forcing my breathing to continue, I laid there motionless when what I really wanted was to screw my eyes shut. All the thoughts I had from last night came rushing back like a wave crashing against the shore. The mattress moved again, then the door opened and closed.
Thoughts and images were whirling in my head like a tornado and my breathing sped up. Did he love me? The probable declaration of love had me wanting to jump in jubilation and cry at the same time. Honestly, I was fucked up in the head over everything that had happened with Harris.
I thought it was maybe the unknown that had me still holding back—not able to give over to the irrational feelings love caused. Harris wasn’t one to throw in the towel after a couple of failed attempts. I suspected he was already lining up his next stunt. What would I have to endure next? And how much could Gael really handle for a girl he just met? The reality of these questions had me wanting to slow things down.
Watching my relationship deteriorate with Harris, who I thought I loved at the time, had been hard. But now, knowing that my feelings for Gael were stronger, had me seeing how wrecked I would be if I lost him in this savage game Harris played. Since I had been wrong about my feelings of love before, I was also afraid to prematurely admit something. What if what I had with Gael wasn’t love and something stronger existed?
Stop it, Ashlin. Stop it. You’re trying to make up excuses to push him away.
Fully alert, I headed to the kitchen to get some coffee. If I stayed in bed, I’d end up tossing and turning and freaking myself out more. I needed a distraction. Having left my cell phone on the kitchen counter, I saw my screen light up with a reminder that there were missed calls and texts.
Checking it, I had twenty missed calls from Amelia and a few texts.
Amelia: Are you okay?
Amelia: I’m worried.
Amelia: If I don’t hear from you by noon, I’m coming to Savannah.
In all the chaos, I forgot to talk to Amelia about the article Harris had published. Of course, she’d be worried. I dialed her number feeling guilty for not touching base with her yesterday.
Her voice came over the line after the first ring. “Ashlin, you better have a good reason why you haven’t called me. I’ve been worried sick.”
Feeling bad for my lack of forethought, I responded, “I’m so sorry. Harris had the magazine delivered to Gael’s parents’ home while I was there. Who knows if he knew I was there or not when it was done. Then, I’m pretty sure Harris had all of Gael’s food vendors cut off. We got that news shortly after the magazines were delivered. We had to rush to the restaurant where Gael spent most of the evening getting that cleaned up. I stayed for moral support and tried to do what I could to help. After that, we came home and crashed.”
Purposefully, I’d left out the condom incident. I wasn’t ready to admit how serious this had become to Amelia and that I tried to distance myself. I wanted to make up my own mind about what to do. Amelia was a strong believer in love at first sight and fate.
“That mother-fuckin’ asshole! Have you talked to him?” Amelia spit out her words as she spoke.
I sighed. “No, Gael thought it might feed Harris’ battle to hear me talking to him and I agreed. It’d probably cause him to do something more frequently if it resulted in a phone call from me. Which, in return, would be played who knows how in the public eye if my phone records were released. Gael was there for me, I was there for him. And Gael’s parents were understanding.”
“Hell, Ashlin. Harris is crazy. After all those years as friends, I never thought he was a manipulative son of a bitch without a heart. I have a good mind to pay him a visit.” Amelia was on a roll as I heard her slamming cupboards, probably getting her morning caffeine fix before she showered. Caffeine was the last thing she needed with how worked up she was.
Knowing she would go through on her threat, I responded, “Thanks for the offer, but I’ll figure out a way to get Harris off my back.”
A timer beeping sounded on the other end of the phone. It was probably her coffee machine saying it was ready. Amelia gave a disgusted noise on the other end. “I can’t stand him. I’m sorry you have to deal with all this, Ashlin. Thank goodness you’ve got Gael. I can’t wait to come down to Savannah to meet this dreamy hunk.”
I chuckled. “You can come anytime you want. I’d like for you to meet Gael.”
Maybe having Amelia here would help center me. After all, in the past month I had lost my aunt, uprooted my life, dumped my long-term ass of a boyfriend, and found an amazing guy. I had been busy to say the least.
“Girl, you’re on. I’ve got to go get in the shower for work, but I’m glad you’re okay. I’m here if you need anything, okay?” Coffee brewed on the other end.
I hit the button on my own machine, waiting for the smell of roasted beans to fill the air. “Okay, I promise. Thanks for being such a good friend, Amelia.”
“Right back to you, sweetie. Coffee’s ready. Gotta run. Talk to you later.”
“See ya.”
Hanging up the phone, I massaged my temples as I relived yesterday’s events and hoped today would be better. I was going to try and put all this mess behind me for now and not let it affect what I had with Gael. When I did that, the condom incident seemed smaller than I had made it out to be.
Opening up my phone, I smiled again at Gael’s text.
Gael: I miss you. If you’re available, I’d love to see you for lunch at the restaurant. I made Fraisiers.
Those deserts were delicious. France had been worth the trip for that one little pastry. When Gael had texted, I’d been only a couple of blocks away. Spending the time thinking, I felt clearer headed. This part of town was my favorite with the cobblestone streets. Restaurants and food vendors were everywhere and the delicious smells of food had my mouth watering. People milled about as if time stood still, taking away the stress from everyday life. Standing outside of Gael’s Place and looking in, I spotted Gael at a table talking to patrons. He exuded an ease about him as he smiled and ran his hands through his hair. His long sleeve button up shirt was rolled up to his elbows.
The words he had spoken echoed in my head for the millionth time.
I’ve fallen for you. You’re going to be my forever.
It was like having fire and ice in my veins at the same time with the warring thoughts, which turned to guilt with how wonderful Gael had been. So much for the time I had spent dealing with everything. Seeing Gael brought it all to the surface. I needed to get my shit straight before I messed up what could be the best thing in my life.
“I’ve heard the clam chowder is pretty good here.”
I froze as I heard the words from the man I now loathed. Harris.
Turning his way, Harris was dressed casually, which was odd since he always wore suits now. His posture was laid back and easy as he ran his hand through his coal-black hair. I didn’t bother with the niceties. “You’re a complete asshole pulling what you did yesterday. How could you, Harris? How could you tell them about my past? My father? Really? Those were things I trusted you with. Things I told you in confidence. You’ve obliterated any and all trust I ever had in you. Then, you try to ruin Gael’s restaurant by shutting off his vendors. Stop this, Harris. Stop it all. We broke up. You’re acting like you’ve been wronged in this. I did nothing wrong.”
For a mere moment, I thought I saw Harris flinch at my words. His blue eyes had sparked with a piece of humanity. A few people had slowed their walk during my semi-loud rant. “Were you seeing Gael before we broke up?”
I gasped at his insinuation. “I am NOT a cheater! I would never hurt someone like that. I broke up with you because I didn’t love you anymore, Harris. I had been trying to save something that was over. You want your skyscraper view as you conquer the
world. I don’t. You want someone you can control. I don’t want to be controlled. We want different things, Harris. Please let it be.”
As if I was getting through to him, Harris gazed at me thoughtfully. “Do you love this guy you’re with?”
Turning back to the window, I watched Gael. As if he could sense me, Gael turned my way and he gave me a loving look. Then, he spotted Harris and moved this way with a look of sternness.
Not wanting a scene, I tried to reason with Harris to diffuse the situation. “Harris, please leave. Please. I want this game you’re playing to stop. I’m tired of it. This isn’t going to push me away from Gael and back to you. You’re pushing us closer together. Everything you did yesterday brought us closer.”
A hand came around my waist and I leaned into the familiar touch. It was too late, the situation was about to blow up as I felt everyone stiffen. Harris eyed the gesture and narrowed his eyes. Whatever softness he had exhibited was gone. Gael kissed me on the cheek. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
Trying to appear completely normal, I responded, “Yes, I was about to come in for lunch. Are you ready?”
Hopefully, Gael would escort me in and we would be done with this encounter. Harris’ stance became more rigid and Gael brought me closer to him. I felt protected and safe in Gael’s embrace, but feared what Harris would do.
All of Gael remained relaxed except for his arm that was wrapped around me. “Harris Huntington, right? I’m Gael Stowe. What brings you to Savannah? I thought your empire was in New York City.”
There was an underlying warning in Gael’s tone.
Assessing, Harris looked at Gael and glanced my way. “I have an asset I’m here to acquire.”
Indignation rose through me. “I’m not an asset, Harris. Did you not hear anything I said? You’re proving my point with that statement alone.”
“I heard the things you didn’t say. Ashlin—”
What hadn’t I said? I told him how I felt. These were the games I hated. When he thought there was an underlying meaning to something.
Predestined Hearts Page 19