The Interview: New York & Los Angeles Part 2

by Sandi Lynn

  “How did you know I went to Thailand?”

  “George figured that’s where you went since you told him you needed to disconnect and get better.”

  “I knew he would. That’s why I told him that. It was more amazing this time than the last time I was there. I actually could feel my mind and body reconnecting with each other. It was almost as if I could feel my brain healing.”

  We walked up the stairs and into the bedroom, where we sat down on the bed together.

  “I realized a lot of things. I’m so sorry, Wyatt.”

  “You don’t need to apologize.” He placed his finger under my chin. “I owe you an apology. I didn’t really take the time to think about how you felt after having the surgery. I wanted to be your hero.”

  “You are my hero. You always have been, and you always will be. You were right about my insecurities. I had so many since I was diagnosed and after the surgery. If I had told you about them, you would have just told me that I was perfect and to stop being silly. But I had to feel it. And after you walked out that night, I knew I couldn’t go on like that. I know deep in my heart and soul that you would never cheat on me. I know how much you love me. I always have. And I’m so sorry that I hurt you.”

  “Come here.” He pulled me into him. “I love you so much, Laurel, and the days we spent apart pretty much killed me. I was going to come to Thailand to find you, but George told me that you’d be back when you were ready and to give you the time you needed. To be honest, I didn’t think you’d be back already.”

  “Ten days was long enough. I went there to do what I had to, and it was time to come home to you. I just prayed that you would forgive me.”

  “How could I not forgive you? You’re my world and my life. I could never live without you by my side.”

  Coco Chanel jumped on the bed and right into Wyatt’s lap.

  “I hope you were good to her while I was gone.” I smirked.

  “I was lonely here without you and she kept me company. I guess you can say we bonded.” He smiled. “But she did miss you. Just like I did.”

  “I missed you too. I love you. Now, would you like to tell me about that horse you bought me.” I grinned.

  “We’ll discuss that later.”

  His lips brushed against mine and our kiss turned passionate. We made love the rest of the night and I’d never felt better.

  ****

  “You know, Laurel, I didn’t like hearing you flew all the way to Thailand,” Jamieson spoke as I facetimed him. “You told me that you were coming out here to Los Angeles. That’s why I said it was okay to fly. There’s a big difference between here and Thailand.”

  “I know, Dr. Finn.” I smirked. “But it was a chance I had to take. My short-term memory problems are pretty much gone, and my brain fog has lifted. I can think clearly now. I was thinking that you should open up some type of meditation wing at the hospital for your brain surgery patients.”

  “Not sure how that would work out with the board, but maybe that’s something you should think about doing. Open up a center in New York. Teach. Become a speaker for those who are going through it.”

  “Not a bad idea.” I grinned.

  “What’s not a bad idea?” Wyatt asked as he walked into the kitchen. “Hi, Jamieson.” He waved.

  “Hey, Wyatt. I was just telling Laurel that maybe she should look into opening up a meditation center for brain surgery patients or even for those that are dealing with the tumors. She could teach them her meditation techniques and maybe start a support group for people.”

  “That’s a good idea.”

  “Hey, I have to run. I just got a page. I’m needed down in the ER.”

  I ended the call and looked at Wyatt.

  “You really think that’s a good idea?”

  “Of course I do, and I think you’d be really good at it. We can talk more about it later when we get home from the fundraiser. Care to join me for a quick shower?” He smirked.

  “Definitely.” I grinned as he took my hand and led me upstairs.

  Chapter Forty-Three

  Five Months Later

  Laurel

  “It is a perfect day for a wedding.” My mother beamed with excitement. “My sweet girl, you look beautiful.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  “Are you nervous?” Bella asked as she adjusted my veil.

  “Not at all. This is nothing compared to what I’ve been through.” I smiled.

  My dad and I rode to Cherry Hill in a white horse and carriage that was decorated with white satin bows. I could see Wyatt’s smile as he stood under the floral archway. We climbed out and stood at the top of the white runner, waiting for the music to begin.

  “This is it, sweetheart. Are you ready?” my dad asked.

  “I’ve been ready for this for a long time. Do you think we can run down the aisle?” I smirked.

  “We could, but people might think we’re a little weird.” He laughed.

  The music began to play, and my father gripped me tight as he walked me to Wyatt. We reached the archway, and I could see Wyatt’s eyes swell up.

  “Who gives this woman to this man to be married?” the minister asked.

  “Actually.” I placed my hand in Wyatt’s. “I give myself to marry this incredible man.”

  “Oh. Okay then.” The minister smiled.

  That was enough to make Wyatt chuckle and clear up the tears in his eyes.

  “You look so stunning,” he whispered to me.

  “So do you. I can’t wait until tonight,” I mouthed.

  The minister spoke a few words and then Wyatt and I said our handwritten vows to each other. I swore I wasn’t going to cry, but I did, and I was going to kill him if my mascara was running down my face.

  “Wyatt, do you take Laurel to be your lawfully wedded wife. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”

  “I do.” He smiled as he placed the ring on my finger.

  “And do you, Laurel, take Wyatt to be your lawfully wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?”

  “Abso-fucking-lutely I do!” I grinned with excitement as I placed the ring on his finger. “You are never to take that off. Got it?” I raised my brow and our attending guests started to laugh.

  “Got it.” He winked.

  “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your beautiful bride, Wyatt.”

  Wyatt grabbed my waist and dipped me before smashing his mouth into mine.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Coleman!”

  Everyone stood up and clapped as Wyatt and I walked down the aisle and climbed into the horse and carriage. After riding around for a while and taking an obscene amount of pictures, we arrived at the reception, where our guests were waiting for us.

  “You look amazing, Laurel. Congratulations to you both.” Jamieson smiled as he kissed my cheek and shook Wyatt’s hand.

  “Thank you, Jamieson. It means the world to us that you could make it.”

  “There was no way I was missing this.”

  Craig and Maddy walked over and I took Avery from her arms.

  “I can’t believe how big she’s getting. She needs to stop growing so fast.”

  “Tell me about it.” Craig smiled as he kissed my cheek. “Look at us now. Who would have thought that the day you came into my restaurant, our lives would turn out like this?”

  “Pretty crazy, right?” I handed Avery to him.

  “Come here,” Eric spoke as he pulled me into a tight embrace. “Congrats, kid. I’m so proud of you.”

  “Thank you, Eric.”

  “You know I love you, right?”

  “Of course, and I love you too,” I spoke as we hugged one more time.

  Wyatt and I walked around and chatted with our guests. We ate the finest food and danced the night away. It was an incredible w
edding and celebration, and I couldn’t thank Hannah enough for putting it all together. Business for her increased significantly since I wrote the article about her. She was already booking clients a year in advance. The best part was that Rori LeMay’s name was no longer being tossed around amongst the upper class of New York City. Hannah’s was, and I couldn’t be happier.

  “You ready to get the hell out of here and go start our honeymoon?” Wyatt asked as he wrapped his arms around my waist.

  “I’ve been ready all day.”

  Wyatt and I spent two weeks in Cabo and then another week in Thailand, where I took him on a tour of the monastery I stayed at and introduced him to all my monk friends. Thailand was a total surprise by him. I had no clue that he had planned that after Cabo until we got on the private jet he rented for us.

  ****

  Wyatt

  A year later

  Laurel decided to go with the idea of opening up a meditation center for brain surgical patients and for those who were diagnosed with brain tumors. She worked hard and I couldn’t be more proud of her. She did it all herself. The only thing I had a hand in was buying the building for her. She held support groups and spoke at events about her experience. She loved what she did and eventually quit working for the magazine. Eric was heartbroken, but he understood and occasionally went to the center and helped out. When Jamieson was in town, he’d take a night and guest speak at the center with Laurel. I still thanked God every day for him.

  We flew out to California to attend a birthday party that Craig gave Maddy. Laurel and I were standing on the beach talking to another couple, when I felt a tug on my shorts. When I looked down, a little girl was staring up at me with big blue eyes.

  “Hello there.” I smiled as I knelt down in front of her.

  “Hi.” She smiled back.

  “Can I help you with something?”

  “Can you fill my bucket with water? I’m not allowed to go near the ocean by myself.”

  She held up her bucket and I looked up at Laurel, who was smiling at us.

  “Of course. Come on. Let’s go get you some water.”

  I grabbed hold of her little hand and we walked down to the ocean. I filled her bucket and helped her carry it to the spot where she was building a sand castle.

  “Thank you, mister.”

  “You’re welcome. Have fun.”

  I looked over and saw Laurel sitting in a chair in the sand, so I walked over and sat next to her.

  “That was nice of you,” she spoke.

  “She’s a cute kid.”

  I looked around and stared at all the children playing in the sand. Some were with friends and some were with their parents.

  “You want one of those?” I glanced over at Laurel.

  “What? A kid?”

  “Yeah.”

  “I don’t know. Being pregnant, I’d get fat.”

  “True,” I spoke. “But you’d still be sexy, and it could be kind of fun.” I smirked.

  “Kids are a lot work, and they’re messy.”

  “True. Plus, our whole lives would change. It wouldn’t be just us anymore.”

  “No, it wouldn’t.” She slowly shook her head. “Do we need or want that kind of change?”

  “I don’t think we do,” I spoke. “Forget I mentioned it.”

  “It was a nice thought, though,” she spoke as she stared at me.

  “Thanks. I was just throwing it out there.”

  “I mean, if you really want a kid,” she said, “I’d be game.”

  “Nah. It’s fine.”

  “You sure about that?” The grin on her face grew wide.

  “Laurel Coleman, are you trying to tell me something?”

  “Abso-fucking-lutely, I am. I’m pregnant. I took the test this morning because I suspected I was. I was going to wait until tonight when we were alone to tell you.”

  My heart started to race at the news. I held her hand, helped her from her seat, and hugged her tight, swinging her around in excitement.

  “You have no idea how happy I am,” I spoke as I kissed her lips.

  “Are you sure?” She smiled.

  “Abso-fucking-lutely. We’re having a baby!” I shouted.

  Jamieson Finn (Redemption Series, Book Three)

  Chapter One

  Jamieson

  I sat at the bar with a scotch in my hand and thought about the flight back to Los Angeles tomorrow morning. I had a million and one things to do when I got back, including a craniotomy on a sixteen-year-old girl with a Glioblastoma. The bar was pretty crowded for a Wednesday night. On one side of me sat a man who just had a fight with his wife. Unfortunately, I had to hear all about it. On the other side of me sat a woman who was just fired from her job. I had to hear all about that too since she was so inebriated. I tried to tune both people out by listening to the soft and subtle blues music that played throughout the place.

  “Can I get one more?” I asked the bartender as I held my glass up.

  One more drink and then I’d head to my hotel, get some much needed sleep, and fly home in the morning. Finally, the man sitting next to me got up and left, and the woman on the other side of me laid her head down on the bar and pretty much passed out. I sighed as I got up from the bar stool, helped her up, and put her into a cab. When I walked back in, I noticed a woman with long blonde hair sitting in my seat.

  “Excuse me. I was sitting here,” I spoke.

  “Oh. I’m sorry. I saw you leaving with that woman,” she spoke as her baby blue eyes stared into mine.

  “I was just helping her into a cab. She had one too many.”

  The blonde went to get up and I stopped her.

  “It’s fine. I’ll just sit here,” I spoke as I took the stool next to her.

  “So, you didn’t know that woman?” she asked.

  “No.” I reached over and grabbed my scotch.

  “That was very saintly of you to help her.” She grinned.

  “Trust me, I’m far from being a saint.” I threw back my drink. “What are you drinking?”

  “Gin and tonic,” she spoke.

  “May I buy you another one?”

  “Sure.” She smiled. “If you’re buying me a drink, I should introduce myself. “I’m Grace.” She held out her slender hand.

  “Nice to meet you, Grace. I’m Jamieson.” I lightly shook her hand. “Bartender, another gin and tonic for Grace here.”

  “Coming right up.”

  “I’m curious as to why a beautiful woman like you is sitting in a bar all by herself.” I smirked.

  “It’s my last hoorah. Tomorrow, I’m starting a new life.”

  “New life? Interesting. What’s wrong with your old life?”

  “A lot.” She picked up her drink and took a sip. “How about you? Why is a handsome man like you sitting in a bar all alone?”

  “This is my last night in New York. I’m here on business.”

  She was beautiful, and my cock was starting to rise to the occasion. I’d had a bit of a dry spell lately and hadn’t had sex in about six weeks. Six weeks too long as far as I was concerned.

  “If you’ll excuse me. I need to use the ladies’ room. Will you save my seat?” she asked.

  “Of course.”

  I watched her walk across the bar and over to the hallway, where the restrooms were located. Short black dress, black heels, hourglass figure, and long, lean legs. My imagination ran wild with images of what was underneath that sexy dress. With any luck, I’d find out soon enough. A few moments later, she returned and took her seat next to me with a smile.

  “Thanks for saving my seat.”

  “I told you I would. You’re much better company than the last two people that were here.” I smirked.

  “Thank you.” She held up her glass to me. “Here’s to your last night in New York.”

  “And here’s to the last night of your old life.” I tipped my glass to hers.

  I studied her. Her look, her body movement, and I hesitated for
a moment.

  “Want to get out of here?” I asked.

  “And go where?” The corners of her mouth curved upwards.

  “My hotel is right around the corner.”

  “Are you married?” she asked.

  “No.”

  “Do you have a girlfriend?”

  “Nope.” I shook my head.

  “Then sure. Lead the way.”

  I threw some cash on the bar and we headed to my hotel.

  ****

  Grace

  Why the hell not? He was incredibly sexy with his short brown hair, strong masculine jawline that sported the sexiest five o’clock shadow, and eyes that were gray with a hint of blue swirled within. Not to mention his six-foot-three muscular body. This was my last night in New York before I ventured off tomorrow to a new city and leave my old life behind. Might as well have one last New York fling.

  We walked around the block to the Mandarin Hotel.

  “Impressive,” I spoke as we walked through the lobby to the elevators.

  “Wait until you see the room.” He winked.

  The moment the elevator doors shut, Jamieson placed his hand on my cheek and brought his lips to mine.

  “I’ve been wanting to do that for a while,” he spoke.

  “I’ve been waiting for you to.” I grinned.

  The elevator stopped on the thirty-eighth floor. We stepped out into the opulent hallway, where Jamieson held my hand and led me to his suite.

  “What exactly do you do for a living?” I smirked as we entered the room.

  “Does it matter? It’s not like we’ll ever see each other again after tonight. I’m flying home, you’re starting a new life, so let’s just leave it at that,” he spoke as he placed his hands on each side of my face.

  “Fine with me.”

  Our lips collided, and our tongues met for the first time. I was overly turned on by this man and my already soaked panties proved it. He reached around and unzipped my dress, letting it fall to the ground, exposing my bare breasts. My nipples hardened at his stare as his fingers lightly brushed against them. His hand wrapped around my back and held me in place while his other hand dipped down the front of my panties, navigating its way to my wet and sensitive area.