Accidental Love

by Ford, Mia

“That’s a good thing,” he quipped as I forced a smile. “She’s coming in today to meet with Tanya. Since she can start Monday, I offered for Amy to start right away. We could use the help.”

  “Good idea.” I imagined the two women that I slept with in the same room comparing stories for a moment and pinched the bridge of my nose tightly. “I don’t think she’ll require a great deal of training with her experience.”

  “Hopefully not, no.” Rick said cheerfully as I nodded. “I am going to work on the Smith project this morning. Are you on the Grafton one?”

  “That and the Bromley one.” I replied as he let out a low whistle. “I’ll be hiding out in here. Call me if you need anything.” Rick assured me that he would and continued to his own office as I blinked at my computer screen. I needed to get into this.

  I worked straight through until lunch, ordering in some Thai so I could eat in my office. I listened to the rest of the podcast as I ate, looking over the city that I loved so much. I had a thought and turned back to the computer, pulling up a site with a smile. There were a few beach houses that were expensive, but I was saving money and so was Celia. I knew that she would use the inheritance if a good reason came up and a beach house might be it. It’s what she wanted the most and had for a while.

  “Hi, Remy.” A female voice said from my door and I froze, knowing that it wasn’t Heather. I glanced up to see Amy, dressed in a clingy burgundy number with her hair down. I looked away, not needing to remember anything more about her.

  “Amy. I gather you met with Tanya?” I asked as I noted that she smiled.

  “I did. I didn’t realize that you dated so much here, Remy. I guess I was lucky to have you the time that I did.” I clenched my fist behind the monitor at her words, pissed that the women were gossiping about that when they were supposed to be handling work business.

  “I wouldn’t call it dating.” Amy knew little about Jessie other than the fact that he died. I never shared the pain and confusion I went through with her. “I am with someone now, Amy. I’m in a relationship.” I stared at her as she arched a perfect brow at me in surprise. “I think you understand that I can be faithful and this one means everything to me.”

  I watched as she paled, glancing at the floor. “I do. I’m happy for you, Remington.” Her voice was faint, and I nodded. “I guess I’ll see you on Monday.”

  “Yes, you will.” She gave me a haunted smile and turned to leave, making me feel like my words hadn’t sunk in completely. Amy was aggressive when she wanted something as it had been her that made the first move at a college party. She was seductive and damn near scheming about it when she wanted to be. I had little doubt that she and Ian were both responsible for what happened between them since he worked the same way with women.

  He was dead. I mulled that over again and shook my head. I drew up Google to read about the crime and it was just as Amy told me it had been. Wrong place, wrong time. I finished lunch, tossing away the trash and getting back to my project. I planned to leave by six tonight and be home early to spend time with Celia.

  Rick stepped into my office just after four and I looked up at him. “Would you be willing to work this weekend? I got hung up on some calls and fell behind on my job. I’m coming in.”

  “I have plans but I could try to work from home. I don’t know if I’ll have enough time.” I replied as he ran a hand through his hair. “Take the day and come back Monday ready to work. We’re here enough.”

  “I need to have this ready by Monday evening. They asked for it early.” He groaned as I shook my head.

  “Never tell them you’ll do that. We’re slammed here,” I reminded him as he nodded.

  “I can’t wait to have help. Next week.” He told me with a small smile. “Have a great weekend.”

  “You too.” I told him as he moved to his own office. I stared at my computer screen for several moments, knowing that I was beyond working. I’d put in enough hours this week and closed it down. I didn’t have the tight deadlines that Rick did. I grabbed my things and told Heather to have a great weekend as I headed out the door. She smiled at me and I chuckled as I walked to my car, looking forward to being home.

  I got home to find Dad pacing the kitchen and looked curiously at him. “What are you doing here?”

  “Your mom and Celia were rear-ended today coming back from the mall. The car is totaled and they’re okay, but both hurting. The driver ran a red light and crashed right into them!” His voice was filled with anger and I gaped at him.

  “Are they here?” I asked as he nodded wearily.

  “Both on heavy pain killers and sleeping. I think they’ll be out for a while.” He told me as I wondered why nobody called me. “It just happened at two and things were crazy. Mom didn’t want to bother you at work for something so minor.”

  “An accident isn’t minor.” I growled as he looked at me. “I’m going to check on them.” I headed upstairs, peering in on Mom sleeping for a moment before rushing to my room. Celia was under the covers and sleeping and I walked in to look closely at her. Her face was bruised on the right side and I knew how much her neck must hurt. I stroked her hair gently and leaned down to kiss her.

  I knew that we weren’t going anywhere this weekend. I knew that she might be resting in bed all weekend, but I forced myself to be happy that she was okay. This could have been so much worse. We could easily replace a car but not them.

  Brin called later to ask if she should come home. Dad left her a message, but she was working and didn’t get it until her set was over. She was panicked and worried and I assured her that they were resting and fine. She could stay in the city and we’d keep her posted.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Celia

  My neck was throbbing when I blinked in the dark room, wondering where I was. I looked around, realizing that I could hardly move, and I moaned softly as I dropped my head back to the pillows. I tried to think back and remember what happened when I heard a door. Someone approached me, and I felt lips on my hair as I opened my eyes again. “Celia?” Remy asked, and I tried to see through blurry eyes. “You’re awake.”

  “What happened?” I asked in a hoarse whisper as he gazed down at me.

  “There was an accident. Someone rear-ended Mom Friday but you’re both okay.” He told me in a soothing voice as I pressed a hand to my head.

  “I remember now. We were going towards the freeway to go home.” I breathed in slowly. “Are there pain pills?”

  “Good ones. You’ve been out all night. Want another one?” Remy asked as I tried to think.

  “I think I’m hungry. Should I eat when I take them?” I murmured as he kissed my hair again.

  “Are you able to get to the couch with help? Mom’s watching TV on the couch.”

  “I can try.” I let him help me, groaning at the aching muscles all through my body. He got me down the hall and the stairs, setting me on the couch before he went to make me some toast and get some coffee. Melinda was sitting against the cushions and smiled gently at me.

  “How are you feeling?” She asked as I gazed at her.

  “Sore. You?” I asked as she winced.

  “Badly. That car was going so fast. I’m sorry,” she apologized as I dropped back further.

  “It wasn’t your fault,” I assured her as our men walked into the living room together. Remy had my toast, and he set it on the table with a cup of coffee. He helped me with the cup and I took a grateful sip of the coffee. Once I had some toast, he gave me two pills, and I swallowed them before resting again. Mom and I slept the afternoon away, laughing when they ordered pizza for dinner.

  We both managed to eat, and Remy and Thomas fussed over us through the meal. Thomas told me that he’d been in contact with the insurance company and it would be the other driver’s fault. That left us some options once we felt better and knew more. Melinda wasn’t the type to sue. She allowed people to make mistakes and would forgive this, but I watched as Remy’s jaw set stubbornly.


  “I think something should happen to them. You had an Escalade, and it’s totaled.” Remy told her as she closed her eyes wearily.

  “Yes, but it protected us, and we’ll be able to get something else. Think if we were in one of those ridiculous smart cars people drive now.” She chided him as I watched him narrow his eyes.

  “Leave it to you to create a worse situation.” Remy grumbled as she laughed slowly.

  “They’ll be dealing with plenty already.” Melinda assured him as he placed a hand on my thigh.

  “They need to learn how to drive.” Thomas told us as I smiled weakly. They were just alike in their protective and sometimes caveman ways.

  “You are both ridiculous,” Melinda murmured sleepily as I felt my own eyes drooping. “We love you anyway.”

  We napped through the evening and I came to when I heard a familiar voice. Brin was there with her boyfriend Ryan and kissed us both softly. I opened my eyes to look at her and she was crying. “I’m so glad this wasn’t worse. I couldn’t go on without you two.” Ryan wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close as she wiped at her eyes.

  “We’re going to be fine, Brin. We just need to heal.” Melinda assured her as she smiled softly. The couple sat down beside me and asked what happened, making me cringe as Melinda described it. I didn’t remember the details, but they weren’t good, and I squeezed Remy’s hand as I closed my eyes. I swore I heard him curse a few times but remained quiet as everyone around us talked loudly.

  Brin and Ryan ended up staying the night to help in the morning and Remy helped me to our bed. He lay beside me, stroking my skin softly as I relaxed against the pillows. I felt the medicine kicking in but wanted to stay awake and feel his touch. I felt so scared for a minute and wasn’t sure why. “I love you. Don’t leave me,” I told him as I felt lips against my shoulder.

  “I’m not going anywhere.” He assured me as I smiled and gave in to the exhaustion.

  The following day, Brin helped me with letting my clients know what happened. I was going to get back to work when I could, and she told them we’d keep them posted. I turned in what I had done, and we watched a movie on the couch with Melinda as the guys went to get groceries they could fix. Brin told them she was already going to be there to help around her work hours, staying as long as needed.

  I thought about Mom in the quiet moments. I knew that even with her distance, she’d be here helping. She loved me as much as she could once her heart was broken by my father’s death. I think that Melinda was sent to me all those years ago to step in when needed and Brin was meant to be my sister I never had. Remy was my brother for years but now he was so much more. I was completely in love with him.

  Mom and Dad would both love the idea of us together. Dad thought he was a great kid and Mom saw through his wild side later, knowing there was a softer side beyond it.

  Clients sent good wishes to me as I relaxed through Sunday. I knew that Remy would probably go into the office Monday and that reminded me that his ex would probably be working with him. I’d discussed it with Melinda, shocking her with the story. She didn’t know why he came back, focused on the joy of it. She assured me that I was it for Remy and that she’d never seen him so happy. He had a forgiving side to him that would want her to do well in life, no matter the circumstances.

  I wasn’t sure what he was going to tell his mom or when. I just had to get it all out and did over a quiet lunch. She was a wonderful listener and proved that again that day. She knew that we were in love and nothing could break it. I loved her optimism, particularly after this accident.

  Monday came, and we were well enough to take care of ourselves for the day. There was food ready to eat in the fridge and several delivery services if we wanted something else. Thomas was willing to call in a personal chef is need be. These people were going to spoil me.

  Melinda told me in the middle of the week that Remy did talk to her. She played like she knew nothing and listened to his side. He was worried about me if Amy worked there, not wanting anything past a coworker relationship with her. He loved me and only wanted me, something he’d told me a lot lately. I knew it to be true, but I also knew that she was likely there with him. The idea that his mom knew nothing about her made me feel better.

  By Friday, we were feeling a lot better. I was able to do short walks on the beach on my own and longer ones with help. I thought I could start writing the following week part time as well. Remy took us to lunch at our favorite little bistro and Thomas spoke about replacing the car. Melinda wouldn’t be happy trapped in the house for too long. They discussed models and looked at their tablet at home and she decided that she liked the new Range Rover SUV. It offered the room she needed to load things up and transport family around. Thomas agreed immediately, asking Remy if he’d help and drive something home.

  I watched this silently, knowing that I could buy any car I wanted. I still had my old red one that Mom gave me when she got a van and moved to Oregon. It reminded me of being a kid and I loved it, wondering what I’d do when I needed to replace it. Melinda loved her Escalade, but she was happy about something new. She even decided on the burgundy color to brighten things up a bit.

  It was Sunday evening in bed that we were alone. The car was in the driveway and Melinda and I were both healing well. She’d be ready to drive soon, and I knew we’d be leaving the house. Remy propped himself up on pillows beside me and watched TV as I glanced over. “How’s work?”

  “It’s a little better having help. I’ve been able to be here with you,” he offered as I nodded.

  “How’s Amy?” I got right to the point, and he turned to look at me.

  “She knows about you and that I’m happy. As a colleague, she’s working out well, but that’s all there is to it. I am keeping projects separate as planned when I got the job.” He leaned in to kiss me and my body ached for him. Remy had been so gentle with me since the accident. I wanted to ask if she’d tried to make it any more with him, but the kiss deepened as I moaned. My mind went blank, and I pressed closer to him as much as possible. I wanted this even if we had to be cautious since I missed him so much. I didn’t like gentle Remy.

  We made love slowly once he made sure I was comfortable, giving me what I’d been missing for too long. I moaned as my body gripped him, selfish just like my heart. He panted my name as he held back his release if possible, finally shooting as deep into me as his cock would go. I cried out as I felt him, gripping his shoulders tight. “I want to make this count one day. I want a baby with you, Celia.” My heart thumped in my throat as I gazed at him with tears in my eyes.

  “You do?”

  “Not now. I want to tie up a few loose ends first but the idea of seeing you pregnant by me and being a mother to our child is something I want. I love you.” Remy kissed me, and I slid one arm around his neck to pull him closer.

  “I’ve dreamed of that, Rem,” I assured him as he stared into my face.

  “Someday, baby.” He whispered before kissing me softly.

  He went back to work and life seemed to ease into normalcy again. I wrote a bit, spent a lot of time with Melinda in the new car, and tried to go out with Remy as much as possible. Once we were better, Brin made the move official and emptied what she needed from her room. I cried a little because we’d been living together for a long time now and she was my sister. On the other side, I adored Ryan and knew that he’d treat her like a princess. She promised to still come for dinner on the weekends and visit all the time as she hugged us before lugging her last box to Ryan’s car.

  Remy pulled me against him as I watched them drive away, kissing my hair. “That’s going to be us someday, Celia.” I knew he was right, but I just wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tightly, needing his warmth.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Remy

  I was relieved when Mom and Celia started to feel better. Mom was ready to drive again and as much as I wanted to wrap her in bubble wrap and keep them both home that wasn’t going to
happen. Mom had a lot going on and spent a lot of time with Celia right now. It was good for them, but I had to push away the panic that filled me when I thought too much about the accident.

  I calmed down at work. I was on edge as they were recovering though Rick was the only one that knew what happened. I wasn’t ready to let Amy into my life and concerns yet or possibly ever. She was doing good work and willing to put in the extra time when I needed to be home. That was all I needed from her.

  When I was there and more myself, I got back to projects that I’d been too distracted to work on. I did communicate with her and Rick on a regular basis as I had with the guy before her. I always kept it civil and professional with her but noticed that she seemed to have a closer relationship with Rick. I worried since he’d recently split up with a girlfriend, but he was a big boy. He could make his own decisions.

  I heard her laughing in his office sometimes when the doors were opened. I saw Amy going to lunch with some girls, hoping to hell that she kept our past private. I’d said as much to her during her first week, but I was a bit tense and it came out worse than planned. I just settled into a life working hard in my office like I’d planned and let the rest happen. I wasn’t warm at work and normally not rude when I wasn’t stressed. I just wasn’t there to make friends, not after the debacle in Seattle.

  She looked stressed when we started and seemed to calm down as the weeks passed. I didn’t see much of her but when I did, she seemed to want my approval for her work. She wanted to make everything up to me, but I was glad things went down the way they did. I was with Celia now and living where I was meant to be. She did me a favor when she fucked me over.

  I was finishing a particularly demanding project one day and ready to break for lunch. I noticed someone in my doorway and looked up to see Amy. She was wearing one of her pencil skirts and a blouse and her hair was in curls around her shoulders. I liked it that way before, so I knew it was intentional. “What can I do for you?” I asked as she walked in, swaying her hips.