FOREVER SERIES: COMPLETE BOX SET

by Lynn, Sandi

  “That’s what she said, Dad.”

  “Do you want tell us how the two of you met and when?” My mom smiled.

  And there it was. I knew it wouldn’t take long. “Do you really want to know the truth, Mom?”

  “Of course I want the truth, Collin.”

  “You’re not going to like it.”

  “Spill it. Now!” she said.

  “Fine, but you can’t get mad at me,” I said as I raised my hands.

  “Aiden and I went to a new club last night, I drank too much, passed out on the beach and Amelia found me and brought me in the house and up to bed. Okay, she didn’t find me, she tripped over me and then today at the grocery store, I hit her, by accident, with my cart. So I invited her to dinner as a thank you and an apology.”

  My mom looked at my dad and smiled. “I already love her.”

  “There’s something about that story that sounds familiar.” My dad smiled.

  “Do you like her?” my mom asked.

  “I think she’s a nice girl. She isn’t interested in relationships or friendships.”

  “Hmm. Sounds familiar,” my dad said as he raised his brow at my mom.

  She smiled at him and that was enough for him to lean over and kiss her. A kiss that turned into a make out session.

  “I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning,” I said as I rolled my eyes and went up to my room.

  The next morning, I was up bright and early. I didn’t get much sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about Amelia all night. Damn it. What the hell is going on? I walked downstairs and saw my dad sitting outside on the patio drinking coffee.

  “Morning, Dad. You’re up early.”

  “Good morning, son. I’m always up early. Your mom is still sleeping. I think I wore her out last night.” He smiled.

  “Dad, seriously. I really think you say this stuff on purpose,” I said as I sat down.

  He chuckled before taking a sip of his coffee. “You really like Amelia, don’t you?”

  “I don’t really know her.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I could tell the moment we walked in last night you were different, and then when you came back from the beach, you seemed really happy. I haven’t seen that look from you in a very long time.”

  I stared straight ahead as I contemplated whether or not to tell him how I was feeling.

  “There’s something about her, Dad. Something that affects me in a really good way.”

  He looked over at me and smiled. “I know that feeling. You do whatever it takes to get her if you really like her. If you need my help, just ask.”

  “Thanks, Dad. But I don’t think stalking her will accomplish much.” I smiled.

  “Hey, it worked for me.” He winked.

  I got up from the chair and put my hand on his shoulder. “I have to go and grab breakfast and coffee for her. I’ll talk to you later.”

  “Have fun, son.”

  Chapter 13

  I drove up the driveway and threw the Range Rover in park. I grabbed the large brown bag and the two coffees I bought at the café about a mile away. Before I even made it to the porch, Amelia opened the door. God, she looked amazing and my heart started to beat a little faster.

  “You’re on time.” She smiled.

  “I’m always on time.” I smiled back as I handed her the brown bag.

  When I walked into her house, I was shocked by all the boxes that sat around; sealed and marked. There was no furniture downstairs except for the kitchen table.

  “Sorry, it’s like an obstacle course in here. Don’t mind the mess.”

  “Nah, it’s okay.”

  I wanted to ask her what was going on, but I was afraid she’d tell me off. I set our coffees down on the table while she opened the bag. She looked at me and smiled.

  “You got a lot of stuff in this bag.”

  “You failed to mention what kind of breakfast foods you liked so I had to guess. I wanted to make sure there was a variety. There has to be something in there you’ll eat.”

  She took out the bagels and the muffins first. Then she pulled out the Styrofoam containers that had the Quiche slices in them.

  “I like everything in here. You did good, Black.” She opened a drawer and pulled out paper plates and plastic silverware. “I only have paper and plastic. I hope that’s okay.”

  “It’s fine. So, I take it you’re moving,” I said.

  “I can’t imagine what gave you that idea.” She smirked.

  Oh man, she was getting me hard and this needed to stop. “You said last night that you would give anything to have your parents walk in. Are your parents no longer around?”

  “What gives you the right to ask that? I barely know you and you have no right!” she snapped.

  I put my hand up. “Whoa, Amelia. I’m sorry. You told me to come over and we could sit and talk. Listen, you obviously changed your mind, so I’m just going to go, and you can go about your business. I’m sorry that I was just trying to get to know you a little better,” I said as I got up from my chair and walked to the front door.

  “Wait. Collin, I’m sorry. You don’t understand. Please stay,” she said as she walked up behind me.

  I took in a deep breath. There was a desperation in her voice when she asked me to stay. I turned around and looked into her sad blue eyes. I desperately wanted to grab her and hold her tight.

  “Ugh,” she said as she clasped her head. “My parents owned this house. They were killed two years ago in a boating accident.”

  “Amelia,” I whispered as I walked closer to her.

  She put her hands up and stopped me. “Don’t. I don’t want your pity,” she said as she walked back to the table and sat down.

  “I’m really sorry. I had no idea. I’m sorry,” I said as I shook my head.

  “Sit down and finish your coffee and breakfast. I’m sorry for being so rude. I don’t like to talk about it, and I’ve closed myself off since the accident. I gave up my friends and I pretty much stay secluded in my apartment, except when I go to classes.”

  I sat back down and grabbed a bagel. “Classes?”

  “I attend NYU and I live in an apartment on campus. I’m going into my last year and it’s been really hard for me to focus.”

  My phone buzzed in my pocket. “Excuse me,” I said as I pulled it out and saw a text message from Julia.

  “Why didn’t you tell me about this lovely girl you met?”

  “I haven’t had a chance yet. We just met. Let me guess, Dad told you.”

  “Yes and he said you seemed to really like her. I’m so happy for you.”

  “Don’t get too excited yet. I’ll talk to you later. I’m with her now.”

  “Oh, sorry. I can’t wait to hear all about her. Love you.”

  “Love you too, sis.”

  “Sorry, that was my sister, Julia.”

  “No, it’s okay. Never apologize for taking a moment to talk with your family.”

  As I took a bite of the bagel that I was holding in my hand, I contemplated what to say to her next. “Listen, Amelia, I’m going to be totally honest with you. I don’t know what to say because I don’t want to upset you.”

  She looked at me and gently put her hand on my arm. “I’m sorry that I make you feel that way.”

  Her touch sent chills throughout my body. It was the way her soft fingers touched my skin. I found myself staring at her lips, and I pictured myself kissing her and I wondered what it would be like. The one rule I always followed was the no kissing rule. The women I slept with, never touched my lips. To me, kissing was special and passionate, and it wasn’t to be shared with just anyone. I’ve watched my mom and dad kiss a million times growing up and it was always full of passion. It symbolized their love for one another. Hailey was the only girl I’d ever kissed, and even when we broke up, these lips hadn’t touched another woman’s. But as I sat here and stared at Amelia, I felt this overwhelming urge to want to kiss her. I wanted to feel how soft her lips f
elt against mine.

  “Are you okay?” she asked.

  I snapped out of my daydream and smiled. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

  “You were just staring at me. Why?”

  Shit. She noticed and I had to come up with something fast. “I’m just trying to figure you out.”

  “Maybe I don’t want to be figured out.”

  “I think you do,” I said.

  “You’re very forward, Mr. Black.”

  “And you’re very closed off, Miss Grey.”

  “I have to be.”

  “Why?”

  “I gave up on life after the accident. Everyone and everything that I ever loved was taken from me. Not only my parents, but my sister and my boyfriend.”

  I looked down because I didn’t want her to see the hurt that I felt for her in my eyes.

  “What’s the point of moving on when you’re alone and you have nobody to share anything with? Like I said, I gave up all my friends. Or should I say, they gave up on me. They could only take so much of my constant crying and refusal to leave my apartment before they left me. I don’t blame them though, I’m not a good person to be around.”

  I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed to touch her, and I needed to comfort her. I reached across the table and grabbed her hand. Her eyes widened as she looked at me, but she didn’t pull back.

  “You are a good person and I won’t sit here and let you wallow in self-pity. Come on, I’m taking you somewhere.”

  “Collin, no.”

  “Yes, Amelia,” I said as I pulled her from the table. “You said you’re leaving tomorrow. We have all day today and you’re going to have fun with me whether you like it or not.”

  “No I’m not. You’re being bossy and I don’t like it!”

  “Yes you are, and you’re being stubborn, and I don’t like it!” I replied.

  She stood there for a moment and stared at me. “I have too much to do,” she said in a low voice.

  “I promise to help you with everything once we get back.” I smiled.

  “Fine. Let me go get my purse and then we can leave.”

  “Hey, Amelia. You might want to change into more casual clothes. A dress isn’t appropriate for what I’m planning.”

  “Oh, okay. I’ll be right back.”

  As she was upstairs changing, I looked around the first floor. It seemed that she had everything packed and ready to go. I walked over to a desk that sat in the corner of the living room. It was an antique and my mom would love it. I picked up a picture of her and a guy. I assumed it was her boyfriend. They looked really happy; like Hailey and I once did. Such a tragedy and such loss for someone so young. I had a feeling that she would tell me more in time. I set the picture down and walked back to the foyer.

  “I’m ready.” She smiled.

  “You look great.”

  “Thank you,” she shyly said.

  Chapter 14

  I drove us to Deep Hollow Ranch to go horseback riding. My mom and dad took me and Julia there when we were kids. I hadn’t been here in a few years because Hailey didn’t like horseback riding. I wanted to share this with Amelia, and I’d hoped she would enjoy it.

  “A ranch?” she asked as we pulled up the dirt road.

  “I hope you like horses.”

  “I love horses, but I’ve never been on one.”

  I glanced over at her. “You’ve never been horseback riding?”

  “No. I spent my life in and on the water.”

  “Well, today’s your lucky day because you’re going horseback riding.”

  “Can I ask you one favor?” she asked.

  “Sure. What is it?”

  “Would it be okay if I rode with you instead of my own horse? I’m a little nervous.”

  “Of course. I was going to suggest that.”

  She smiled as she opened the door and climbed out. I watched her as she took in a deep breath of fresh air. I looked straight ahead as Murray was walking towards us.

  “Well, well, well. Collin Black. I haven’t seen you in years, buddy,” he said as we lightly hugged.

  “Murray. Good to see you, friend. This is Amelia.” I smiled.

  “Nice to meet you, Amelia,” he said.

  “You riding the horses today?”

  “We sure are. But only one horse. Amelia’s never been horseback riding so she’s going to ride with me first.”

  “Follow me to the stable. I’ll set you up with Majestic. She’ll be perfect for you.”

  We followed him to the stable and he took Majestic from her stall. Murray saddled her up and I climbed on first. Amelia looked a little nervous as she stared at the horse.

  “Come here, sweetheart,” Murray said. “Make friends with her first if it’ll make you feel better. Talk to her and pet her. You’ll feel more comfortable.”

  Amelia walked to the front of Majestic and started petting her. She ran her hand down her mane and said hi to her. I looked down at her and smiled as she looked up at me.

  “Are you ready?” I asked.

  “Yeah. I think so.”

  She put her foot in the stirrup as I helped her on the horse. She sat behind me and I told her to hold on. The minute she wrapped her arms around me, a feeling overtook me that I’d never felt before. I couldn’t describe it.

  We rode along the shoreline of the white sanded beach. It was breathtaking and I missed this. I was happy to be able to share this with Amelia.

  “Collin, this is beautiful,” Amelia said.

  “Isn’t it? I’ve really missed this.”

  “Why did you stop coming here?” she asked.

  “My ex-girlfriend hated horseback riding and she would never come.”

  “She really missed out.”

  The smile never left my face as the light wind swept across us as we rode down the beach. I took it slow and easy with Majestic because I didn’t want to frighten Amelia. After about an hour, I thought Amelia would like to take over.

  “How about we switch spots and you take over?” I said as I stopped the horse.

  “Really?” she asked with excitement.

  I got off the horse and told Amelia to scoot up. She had a smile on her face that I’d never forget. Her blue eyes were full of light and happiness. It was the first time that I saw her like this. I climbed back on behind her and told her to grab ahold of the reigns. I told her what to do and then I placed my hands on her hips. She looked back at me and smiled as Majestic started walking.

  “Oh my gosh.” She laughed. “This is amazing. I love horseback riding. Thank you, Collin. Thank you for this.”

  “I’m happy you’re enjoying it, and you’re welcome.”

  We rode for about an hour and then I grabbed the reigns and I told her to hold on.

  “Let’s go, Majestic!” I yelled.

  The horse began to gallop, and I yelled woohoo. Amelia held onto my arms tightly.

  “Are you okay?” I asked.

  “I’m great. This is great.” She smiled as she turned her head and looked at me.

  We rode back to the ranch. As I climbed off, I grabbed Amelia’s hand and helped her down.

  “Well, what did you think?” Murray asked as he walked up to us.

  “I loved it!” Amelia replied.

  “Good. That’s what I like to hear.”

  I shook Murray’s hand and he told me not to be a stranger. He also told me to send my mom and dad over to the ranch for a visit. We walked back to the car and the clouds started to roll in.

  “It looks like it’s going to rain,” I said. “Let’s get to the restaurant before it starts.”

  “Restaurant?” she said.

  “Don’t tell me you’re not hungry.”

  “Actually I am.” She smiled.

  “Good. Me too. I’m taking you to my favorite place.”

  We were seated at a quiet little corner table at Nick and Toni’s. As Amelia looked over the menu, she asked me what was good.

  “They have the best chicken here with the b
est roasted garlic potatoes I’d ever eaten.”

  She laughed. “I love chicken, so I think that’s what I’ll have.”

  The waitress brought us each a glass of wine and took our order. I looked at Amelia as I held my glass up to her.

  “Here’s to an amazing and fun day.”

  “Amazing is right.” She smiled as she brought her glass up to mine.

  “Can I have your phone number?” I blurted out.

  She looked at me while she bit down on her bottom lip. “Are you going to call me sometime?”

  “I was planning on it, but only if you want me to.”

  She didn’t say anything for a moment as she stared at me from across the table. “Yeah, I would like you to.”

  Hearing her say that made me the happiest person in the world. I took out my phone and programmed her number as she rattled it off to me. I pushed dial and her phone rang. She pulled it from her small purse and looked at me with a smile.

  “Hello,” she answered.

  “Hi. Now you have my number in case you ever want to call me.”

  “Thank you,” she whispered.

  Our food was brought to the table and we both hung up our phones. Amelia enjoyed the chicken and the White Chocolate Panna Cotta I ordered us for dessert. We finished, and the minute we stepped outside, it started to pour. We ran to the car and I stood there, feeling my pockets for my keys. They weren’t in there.

  “Collin, we’re getting soaked.” She laughed.

  “I left my keys on the table.”

  I ran around to the other side of the Range Rover, grabbed her hand and told her to stand under the overhang while I ran inside. The hostess was kind enough to have my keys waiting for me the second I walked in. I walked back out and smiled at Amelia as I took her hand.

  “Are you ready to try this again?”

  “I sure am.”

  We ran to the Range Rover and the rain was coming down harder than before. I quickly opened the door for her, and she climbed in. I got in on my side, shut the door and we both started laughing at each other. We were soaked. My hair was dripping, and my jeans were sticking to me. I didn’t have a towel in the car, but I grabbed a sweatshirt from the back seat and handed it to her.

  “Here, dry yourself with this.”