Redemption Series Boxed Set, Books 1-4

by Sandi Lynn

  Chapter 30

  Carter

  She was leaving in the morning and I wasn’t happy about it. Knowing what I knew about a piece of her past made me feel an overwhelming sadness for her. There was nothing I could do about it now. I had pushed her away and to the point where she couldn’t even finish the trip with me. I didn’t blame her one bit, though. I wouldn’t want to be around someone like me either. I intentionally did everything I could to make her see that I wasn’t who she thought I was. That the man I once was, was gone. I’d let her sleep for tonight, but come morning, I’d ask her one more time to stay and come with me to Seattle. I wasn’t looking forward to that drive at all, especially alone.

  The next morning, I awoke around seven a.m., quickly took a shower, and went to see if she was up. When I walked into the kitchen area, I saw a white piece of paper sitting on the counter. Picking it up, I held it in my hand and read it.

  Carter,

  I managed to get on a flight that leaves at eight a.m., so when you read this, I’ll already be gone. Please drive safe to Seattle and have a safe flight to Hawaii. You can do this alone. Just remember that this is what Nora wanted and you’re doing it for her. Take the time alone and reflect on all the memories that you and Nora made. Remember, memories are a treasure and they were made with love. Embrace them.

  Zoey

  I took in a deep breath and set the letter down. She was gone already and there wasn’t a goddamn thing I could do about it. Anger rose inside me and I needed to get out of here. Grabbing my bags, I checked out of the hotel and told the valet to bring my car around.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Grayson,” the valet gentleman spoke. “There seems to be a problem with your vehicle.”

  “What kind of problem?”

  “It won’t start.”

  “You’re kidding me.” I sighed.

  “I wish I was. We’re going to try to jumpstart it.”

  “Fine. Can you please hurry? I have to get on the road.”

  While I stood there waiting, I pulled my phone from my pocket and debated whether or not to text Zoey. What would I say to her? I’m sorry? She didn’t believe that anymore.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Grayson?”

  “Did you get it started?” I asked as I put my phone back in my pocket.

  “Unfortunately, we didn’t. It won’t start. You’re going to need to call a tow truck.”

  “Listen, I need to start heading to Seattle. I don’t have time for this shit.”

  “Is there anything we can do for you?”

  “Get me another car!”

  “The nearest rental car place is about an hour from here. I can have someone drive you there, but I would call first to make sure they have a vehicle to rent.”

  “I’ll do that, thank you.”

  I huffed and pulled my phone from my pocket. Looking up the nearest rental car place, I dialed their number only to find out they didn’t have one car available for rent.

  “How the hell can a rental car company not have a rental car?” I asked in irritation.

  “I’m sorry, sir, but this is one of our busiest times of the year. We will have one available in a couple of days if you would like to be put on our list.”

  “I don’t have a couple of days!” I shouted. “Just forget it.”

  I placed my hand on my head and paced around the lobby of the hotel. Now what the fuck was I going to do? I looked up at the ceiling and spoke, “Sorry, Nora. I have no choice.”

  I called the airport and was able to get on a flight to Seattle that departed at four forty-five p.m. I did check with the airline I was flying with to make sure there wouldn’t be a problem traveling with Nora’s ashes. The only requirement they had was that the ashes had to be checked in a luggage bag. So, I headed to the hotel gift shop to see if I could find a box that would fit the ashes and my suitcase since the urn was way too big. After finding the perfect box that had little pink-colored roses on it, I transferred her ashes from the urn and tucked it safely into my suitcase. While I waited for the car service to pick me up, I placed a call to the rental car company and had them send a tow truck to the hotel for the SUV.

  After I arrived at the airport and checked in, I decided to grab something to eat since I was going to be stuck here for another four hours, and I was starving. The only thing that sounded good was Panera, since it was only one of three food places in the area that seemed normal. When I walked inside, I scanned the small space to see if there were any tables available. “What the hell?” I spoke to myself.

  “Zoey?” I walked over to where she sat.

  “Carter! What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be on the road to Seattle,” she spoke in shock.

  “And you are supposed to be back in Connecticut already.”

  “My flight keeps getting pushed back because of mechanical issues with the plane.”

  “Well, the SUV wouldn’t start, and when I called the rental car company to rent another vehicle, they didn’t have any.”

  “What?” She laughed. “How is that possible?”

  “Apparently, it’s their busiest time of the year. So I had no choice but to catch a flight to Seattle. It doesn’t leave until four forty-five.”

  “You’re stuck here for another four hours?”

  “Apparently, I am. How long are you going to be here?”

  “I have no clue. Last time I checked, the lady was rude and told me that they’ll keep the passengers updated as they get information.”

  “Would you mind if I sat with you? There doesn’t appear to be any open tables.”

  “Not at all. Did you order your food yet?” she asked.

  “No. I’m going to do that now. Can I get you anything?”

  “Thanks, but I’m good.” She smiled.

  I gave her a smile back and went up to the counter to order some food. I couldn’t believe she was still here, but I was happy to see her.

  Chapter 31

  Zoey

  I looked around the area I was sitting in for a sign. Any sign that someone was here watching us. My plane with the mechanical problems and delayed flight status, and Carter’s SUV not starting and no rental cars available were more than a coincidence. It was nice to see a familiar face here, even if it was his. He seemed a little bit different today and I couldn’t put my finger on why.

  “I still can’t believe I ran into you here,” he spoke as he took the seat across from me.

  “I believe it.” I smiled.

  He gave me an odd look, smiled back, and began eating his sandwich.

  “I apologized to Nora in case you’re wondering. I told her I didn’t have a choice but to fly to Seattle,” he spoke.

  “Oh, I’m sure she doesn’t mind.”

  “I was a little shocked when I got your letter this morning. I didn’t think you’d get such an early flight.”

  “It was the only one available. I was lucky because there were only two seats left.”

  “Maybe not so lucky since you’re still here.” He smirked.

  “It’s been quite a day so far.”

  Suddenly, a woman’s voice came on the overhead speaker.

  “Attention, passengers. Flight 445 to Connecticut has been cancelled. We will have a flight going out tomorrow morning at seven a.m. Please see the attendant at the desk for further instructions and hotel accommodations.”

  I sat there as I pursed my lips and slowly nodded my head. Was I surprised? Absolutely not.

  “Was that your flight they just cancelled?” Carter asked.

  “Yep. It sure was.”

  “Well, I guess you’ll just have to fly to Seattle with me.” He smirked.

  “I don’t know, Carter. We just can’t seem—”

  “It’ll be different this time, Zoey. I promise. I really do need you with me for this and I’m really sorry for everything. When you’re ready to talk about it, I’d like to get to know you better, and whatever it is you tell me, I’m ready to hear it.”

  I sat across from
him and stared into his eyes, which were a little brighter, and the sincerity in his voice led me to believe he was telling the truth.

  “Okay. I’ll fly to Seattle with you.” I smiled.

  “Really? Then we better go get you a ticket. If there aren’t any seats available, then we’ll find another flight for us.”

  “Trust me, Carter. There will be a seat available.”

  He cocked his head and he pursed his lips.

  “You seem confident about that.”

  “I am.”

  He finished eating his sandwich and we both headed to the ticket counter.

  “How may I help you?” The young blonde asked.

  “I was supposed to be on the flight to Connecticut that was cancelled. Could you tell me if there are any seats available for the four forty-five flight to Seattle?”

  “Let me check for you.” She began typing away at her keyboard. “We have one seat available and it’s in first class.” She smiled.

  “She’ll take it,” Carter spoke. “And I’ll pay the difference.”

  “You’re all set. Have a safe trip.”

  She handed me my ticket and I looked at it.

  “What seat are you in?” Carter asked.

  “3C”

  “I’m in 3A, so we’ll be across from each other.” He smiled.

  “Of course we will be.” I grinned. “What did you do about Nora’s ashes?”

  “I had to buy a box at the gift shop in the hotel and transfer the ashes. The airline said it would be fine as long as I kept them in my checked luggage.”

  “Good. I’m glad they didn’t give you any trouble.”

  “Would you like to go grab a coffee and sit somewhere until we have to be at our gate?” he asked.

  “Sure. Coffee sounds really good right now.”

  We walked around until we found a Starbucks, ordered our coffees, and then took a seat at a small round table for two right outside the café.

  “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you end up with John and Scott?”

  “Scott was the fireman who found me in the plane and he rode with me in the ambulance to the hospital. John was the attending ER doctor who treated me when I was brought in. The press surrounded the hospital for days. John had a good friend who was pretty high up at Child Protective Services and he let him and Scott take me home with them to hide me until it blew over.”

  “Didn’t you have any other family that could care for you?”

  “My mom’s parents died about a year before I was born and the only living relative my dad had was his father, who was a major alcoholic.”

  “You were only five. How did you know all that?”

  “My mom told me about her parents and John and Scott told me about my grandfather. They had hired a private investigator because they wanted to adopt me. Because of John’s friend and the pull he had, I officially became Zoey Benson two months after the crash.”

  “What I don’t understand, Zoey, is why the story about being left on the church steps?”

  I sipped my coffee before answering his question.

  “Do you realize what would happen if anyone found out that I was the child who survived that plane crash? About a month after it happened and things were starting to calm down with the press, John and Scott bought a house in Connecticut and we moved there. Even though it wasn’t official yet, they introduced me to everyone as their daughter. It was there that we started a new life as a family.”

  “I suppose you’re right. If anyone had caught wind that you were the child who survived, they would have called the press and they would have been all over you. You would never have been able to live a normal life.”

  I laughed. “My life is far from normal.”

  “I kind of get that impression. Like I said earlier, when you’re ready to talk about it, I’m ready to listen.”

  I smiled as Carter looked at his watch.

  “We need to get to our gate.”

  As soon as they called first class to start boarding, Carter handed his ticket to the attendant and I followed behind. Just before we boarded, I looked over to the right and saw Nora and Angelique standing there watching as we boarded the plane together. I gave them a small smile.

  “Who are you smiling at?” Carter asked as he looked over at me.

  “No one. I’m just happy to finally get out of this damn airport.”

  “You and me both.”

  Carter took my carry-on and put it in the overhead compartment for me before sitting in his seat.

  “Are the two of you together?” the older woman next to him asked.

  “Umm. Yes. We are,” Carter replied.

  “Well, then, she can have my seat.” She smiled as she got up.

  “Thank you. But this seat is fine,” I spoke.

  “No. No. I don’t mind at all.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Positive, honey. A window seat is a window seat, right?”

  “Right. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. A lovely couple as yourselves should be sitting next to one another.”

  I took the seat next to Carter and buckled my seat belt.

  “That was very nice of her to switch seats with you,” he spoke. “Our bad day is looking brighter.”

  “It is. Isn’t it?” I yawned.

  “Why don’t you take a little nap? Feel free to lay your head on my shoulder,” he spoke as he grabbed the small red pillow and rested it on his shoulder.

  “Thanks.” I smiled. “Maybe I will.”

  I laid my head down on the pillow that rested on his shoulder. He was starting to change, and so far, I was liking what I saw.

  Chapter 32

  Carter

  I glanced over at her as she slept on my shoulder. I was growing attached to her and I didn’t even fully realize it until I woke up this morning and she was gone. I felt alone, more alone than I already was. I hadn’t had feelings like this since Angelique and it scared the hell out of me. I wanted to keep everything buried down in the depths of my soul, but Zoey wouldn’t let me and maybe it was time I started to let her inside my world.

  We landed in Seattle and we took a cab to the Four Seasons Hotel, where I already had booked us two bay suites with an adjoining door.

  “I’m starving. How about dinner and a little exploring of Seattle?” I asked.

  “I like that idea. Just give me a second to change.”

  We headed down to the Goldfinch Tavern, where there was about an hour wait.

  “Are you sure about the wait?” I asked the hostess as I slipped her a fifty-dollar bill.

  “Umm. Let me double check for you, sir.”

  A moment later she returned, grabbed two menus, and asked us to follow her.

  “Really, Carter?”

  “What? I’m starving and I wasn’t about to wait another hour.”

  “We could have gone somewhere else.”

  “Have you ever been to Seattle?” I asked.

  “No.”

  “Well, let’s just say there’s long waits all over the city. I’m sure that girl could use fifty bucks.” I smirked.

  We finished dinner and headed out into the busy and crowded streets of Seattle.

  “Take my hand,” I spoke as I held it out to her. “As you can see, it’s crowded and we’re going to have to weave our way through the crowds of people.”

  She placed her hand in mine and our fingers interlaced. A feeling triggered through my body and the softness of her hand felt good. I took her to Pike Place Market first. She loved it just like I knew she would.

  “Oh my gosh, look at these beautiful flowers!” she exclaimed.

  “You like flowers?” I asked.

  “Of course. Who doesn’t? And I just don’t like them, I love them. Don’t you?” She cocked her head.

  “Yeah. Flowers are nice, I guess.”

  She traced her finger along the delicate petals of a bunch of pink roses that were sitting in a large bucket.

  “You
guess?” She laughed. “Flowers are a symbol of many things. Because of their beauty and delicate nature, they instantly make people happy. They are treasures and symbols of the memories they represent. Each flower has its own meaning, and what most people don’t understand is when they’re giving flowers to someone, it’s important to know the meaning and symbolism behind each flower. For example, red roses mean love, but this purple rose over here,” she pointed, “symbolizes a highly spiritual love such as soul mates. So the purple overrules the red in love.”

  “I didn’t know that,” I spoke.

  “Most people don’t. It’s like when people leave the favorite flowers of their loved ones on their graves. It’s done as an expression. A way of saying ‘I know you’re not here anymore, but I still love you.’ Make sense?”

  “I guess. Can we talk about something else?”

  “Yeah. Of course.”

  We walked around, did some window shopping, and headed back to the hotel. It was already ten thirty and we were both exhausted. When we got back to our rooms, Zoey went in hers and I went in mine. I changed into a pair of sweatpants, took a seat on the edge of the bed, and cupped my face in my hands, thinking about how I wanted her to stay in my bed tonight. Suddenly, there was a knock on the adjoining door. Getting up, I opened it.

  “Hey,” I spoke.

  “Do you by any chance have any bottled water in your mini fridge? Mine is only stocked with alcohol.”

  “Let’s go take a look.”

  Walking over to the mini fridge, I opened it and took out a bottle of water.

  “Thank you,” she softly spoke.

  “You’re welcome.”

  I stared into her beautiful eyes and brought my hand up to her cheek.

  “Thank you for agreeing to come with me. I know things between us haven’t been good.”

  “I really didn’t have a choice.” She smiled.

  I didn’t know what she meant by that and I didn’t want to because all I wanted to do was kiss her sweet lips. I leaned forward and softly brushed my mouth against hers. She reciprocated, and it was then I knew she didn’t want me to stop. I deepened our kiss as her lips parted and my tongue met hers. My hands roamed up and down her beautiful body as my cock became rock hard. I grasped the bottom of her shirt, broke our kiss, and lifted it over her head while our eyes locked on each other’s. Reaching behind her, I unclasped her bra with ease and tossed it on the floor. My hands instantly gravitated to her perfect breasts, cupping them and taking her hardened nipples between my fingers. My tongue caressed her collarbone, over each breast and across her torso as I got down on my knees. Unbuttoning her jeans, I slid them and her panties off her hips and down to her ankles where she stepped out of them. My mouth lightly pressed against her lips and my tongue circled her clit. Her fingers tangled through my hair while she let out satisfying groans. I brought my hand up to her opening and slid my finger inside her, feeling the wetness that emerged. She gasped and her legs tightened as she came.