Embracing Series Box Set #1-6

by Delisa Lynn

  I’ve never been the relationship type of gal and I actually like it that way. There have only been two men that I’ve ever loved. One died nine years ago and the other man, Evan, informed me he is now engaged to someone else. Evan and I had been seeing each other on and off for the last five or six years. I could trust him, and he was very honest with me and always made it clear that he just wanted a friendship with me. I was completely fine with that because he was good in bed, that’s for sure.

  Once I realized I’d developed stronger feelings for him, it was too late. He was with someone else. Of course she hurt him, just like the others did, and he ran back to my bed. I guess, this time, the shit is for real, so that’s why I’m here. Summer, sand, sun, water, and drinks should get me out of this Evan funk.

  Abby and I are driving to Holden Beach. It’s somewhere in the Carolinas. This is one road trip I’m not looking forward to. Don’t get me wrong, I love my little sister, but she is meeting her fiancé there and our parents, aunt, and uncle will be joining us a few days later.

  I packed everything I think I’ll need. I left my neighbor, Georgie, a key so she can feed my cat. I trust her. She’s a sweet older lady. I actually call her the dog lady. She has more dogs than an animal shelter. She offered to keep my cat, Softie, at her place, but I think he’ll be more comfortable in his own home. His name is Softie because he is so damn soft. I swear he looks and feels like a cotton ball.

  After leaving everything out for Georgie, I hear my doorbell. I know exactly who it is. I look out the peephole and see my beautiful, evil sister standing there. She is so damn giddy. I open the door and she practically Muppet flails me. She rushes into my arms and wraps her tiny arms around me. She’s at least two-inches shorter than me.

  “Jesus, lady. Calm down, we’ll be spending an entire week together.” I pull out of her embrace. I try not to be an affectionate person.

  “I missed you so damn much. Are you ready? Aww, look at this cat. He’s bigger than my dog. Why is he so fat?” she asks as she picks him up.

  “Hey, don’t call my cat fat. You just have a small dog. What is it, a Chihuahua?” I laugh. I actually think it’s a Pomeranian or something.

  “No, I have a twenty-pound Toy Poodle.” She laughs.

  “Well, Softie is just big boned. He’s only twenty pounds too. He likes his tuna fish, okay.” I kiss my fat cat.

  ***

  Here we go with the damn boyfriend questions. My little sister thinks she’s a love doctor, although she is actually a podiatrist. We’ve been on the road for about an hour and the questions keep rolling out of her pretty little mouth. I should just tell her I have someone so she’ll leave me alone.

  “Just tell me you’ll meet him. He’s a hunk, and he owns half of Holden Beach. He’s one of the largest realtors in North Carolina,” she says as she pushes her sunglasses on top of her head. “Alyssa, you need a good man. I know you are tired of taking care of that yourself,” she says as she looks in the direction of my crotch.

  “Seriously, you’re going to throw that in there? How do you know that I don’t already have someone taking care of that for me?” I roll my eyes at her and look out the window.

  “You can pretend all you want, lady, but I can tell you haven’t had those pipes blown out in a while. There’s probably two inches of dust in them.” She snorts.

  “Hahaha! You’re so lucky you’re my little sister and I have to spend the next ten hours in this car with you or else I would kick your ass.”

  Hell, she’s right, but I would never tell her that. I would love to be held and kissed by a nice, strong man. Umm, wake up, Alyssa. Yeah, that’s not happening. They only want one thing from me. Apparently, that’s all I’m good for.

  “Trust me, you’ll like Heath. I’ve met him several times. He reminds me of someone…I just can’t figure out who. He’ll actually be at the beach house when we arrive. He has the keys.”

  “So, after this long ass trip, I get to meet Mr. Hunk looking like shit?”

  “Well, we can always stop somewhere and make ourselves look presentable, love.”

  “When is your man joining us?” I’m not a fan of my sister’s fiancé. Brett is his name and he thinks that they broke the mold when his snooty ass was conceived.

  “He isn’t able to get out of work for a few days. He will only be there for the weekend, which is completely fine. I thought that would give us some time to hang out and shop.” She winks.

  “That works for me. I don’t think I can handle being around him for a complete week,” I say.

  “He isn’t that bad. Why don’t you give him a chance? You know he adores me. I know sometimes he comes off a little bit of a jerk, but he is a great guy,” she says, defending him. Of course.

  “Keep telling yourself that, sister. You know I love you regardless. Can we stop and grab a snack? I’m gonna need some chocolate if I have to keep listening to you talk about how amazing douchebag and the rich guy is.”

  “That was wrong, Alyssa. Seriously, be nice for a change. Trust me, when you meet this guy, you’ll change your mind about everything. Please trust me on this. I know Evan burned you, babe, but my God, move the hell on.”

  “I was out of line. I’ll only apologize if I can listen to Maroon 5 and have chocolate.” I bat my eyelashes in her direction.

  “Oh, I can listen to Adam any day.” She smirks. Then she pushes a button on the stereo and the lyrics of “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5 blares through the speakers.

  ***

  We’ve been driving for about six hours now. I dozed off a few times. Abby doesn’t seem to mind. She’s used to staying awake long hours. I’ve heard her talking to Brett a few times. I don’t know what it is about that man, but I can’t stand him. I think he uses my sister for one reason. He seems to think that her money is his money.

  In high school, I thought I found the love of my life, but his death ruined me. Seth was an amazing guy. My life truly hasn’t been the same since then, so, when hooking up with other men, I made sure to keep my feelings out of it. Well, until I let Evan Martin in.

  Letting him in was never my plan. Hell, the first night I met him, I went down on him at the bar. I was drunk off my ass, in my defense. I knew he was a good guy. I saw him several times at the café I worked at.

  After sleeping with him twice, I was hooked, and his country charm and fine ass body had me wanting more and more of him. Knowing he didn’t want more broke me. I ended up sleeping with all of his friends and making sure that, even though he had a girlfriend, I was a part of his life. Seeing him with those other girls made me want to stab their eyes out with a rusty spork.

  “Hey, you asleep over there?”

  “Nope. Just daydreaming. You know I miss Seth. I know I haven’t talked about him in years. Hell, it’s been almost eight years.” A tear slips down my cheek.

  “I know. You loved him more than anything. You want to talk about him?”

  “God, did I love him. I thought he was my life. It broke me when I lost him. I went to college and just did whatever and whoever helped me. Did I get over him? No. But it helped me.” I sigh and change the topic, “Now is it time to stop for more chocolate and caffeine? I hope there is a Starbucks around here. I’m in need of a mocha frappe.”

  “Yes, we need more gas anyway. I also received a text from Heath. He wants to meet us for dinner and then he’ll show us to the house.”

  “I need to clean up before we see him. Could you imagine his face if he sees me like this? A successful New York attorney in yoga pants and her hair balled up on top of her head.” I laugh because I know I look like hell.

  “You look fine. I think he will like you regardless of what you have on or how your hair is fixed. We will stop and doll ourselves up in the gas station bathroom. Sound good?”

  “I guess you aren’t a bad sister after all.” I smile.

  ***

  After raiding the gas station for candy and caffeine, we get some clothes from the car and retur
n inside to change. I decide to wear a pair of cutoff shorts with a tank top. I pull my hair down, fluff up my curls, and throw on a little makeup. I think I look better than how I looked an hour ago. Let’s hope that the hunk my sister keeps raving about thinks I look okay. Knowing my luck, he is going to be hideous. Probably a fucking Brett clone. Yeah, that’s all I need in my life.

  “Does this look okay?” I ask.

  “You look fab, doll,” she says, kissing my cheek.

  “I didn’t want to over or under do it.” I laugh.

  “Yes, he’s going to be drooling over you.”

  “We will see about that,” I say as I smack her ass. “Let’s get out of here.”

  “Let’s roll. Did you get me chocolate?” she asks as we walk past the candy isle.

  “I got enough candy to last us a week.” I giggle.

  I wrap my arms around my little sister and hug her. I’m glad she got me out of New York. I think she’s right. This is exactly what I need.

  “Thanks, babe,” I say, squeezing her.

  “No thanks needed. I knew you would be happy once we got away from your place.”

  “Yeah, I’m not going to say you’re right, so just take my thanks.” I laugh as I slide in the passenger seat of her fancy car. “I can’t believe you have this car. It costs as much as my condo,” I say, turning the radio on.

  “Stop it. I work hard for what I have. I deserve it.” She smiles.

  “Yes, doc.” I laugh

  Chapter Eight

  Alyssa

  As we pull into the parking lot of The Dockside Grill, I see a tall, tan, and muscular guy walking toward our car. Once his face comes into view, I feel like I’ve seen a ghost. That’s why he looked familiar to Abby. He’s Aaron Mason.

  “Abby, did you know that Brett’s friend is Seth’s twin, Aaron?” I whisper.

  “What? No, I didn’t know Seth had a twin. This is Heath, Brett’s friend. He’s always lived here in the Carolinas. Seth lived in Rhode Island, then Georgia.”

  “Heath Aaron lived with their father in South Carolina. They’re fraternal twins, but I would know those eyes anywhere. Oh my god, Aaron must have been his middle name. That was Seth’s middle name too. I can’t fucking believe this,” I say as the tears stream down my cheeks.

  Abby gets out of the car and talks to Heath. He runs his hands through his hair. He stares at the car and, by the time he gets to my door, I’m a blubbering mess. He opens the door and reaches for my hand, pulling me out of the car. My body is mere inches from his.

  “H-hi. Ni-nice to see you again, Aaron. Or is it Heath? I’m sorry, the tears, they won’t stop coming. I had no clue I would ever see you. I mean, in person, since the funeral,” I say as I cry into his chest.

  “It’s okay, Lys. I had no clue when they said Alyssa that it was you. Goddamn, I never imagined in a million years that I would see you either. It’s been close to nine years,” he says as he pushes my hair back behind my ear. “Let’s grab dinner, if that’s okay with you. Oh, and it’s Heath. Aaron is my middle name. That’s what my mom calls me.”

  “Ye-yes, that’s fine. I’m so sorry about all these tears.” I try wiping my face. I think I just made it ten times worse. It isn’t until we walk in the restaurant that I notice he’s holding my hand. Abby tries to give me a comforting smile.

  “So, you’re an attorney now? That’s what Seth always wanted to be.”

  “Yes. I attended New York University and decided I wanted to stay in that area. I am a partner in a firm in the city. What exactly is it that you do here? I know Abby’s told me you own half of Holden Beach.”

  “That’s great. I’m glad to see you made a good life for yourself. I actually am a realtor. I bought almost all the houses in Holden and rent them out or fix them and sell them for more.”

  “That’s fabulous. I’ll be honest. My sister dragged me here. How do you know her and Brett?”

  “I’ve known Brett almost all my life. I’ve always lived in this area with my father. He and my mother divorced when Seth and I were ten, and my dad and I just stayed here.”

  “What happened to Josie? I liked her,” I say with a smile. Then I see his smile fade completely.

  “She died too.”

  “I-I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “It’s okay. Now would be the time I can tell you that things get better because I, too, know what it’s like to lose someone,” he says.

  “Yes, you’re right.” I think back to that day he told me things would get easier and I shut him down. Damn, I’m a bitch.

  The waitress comes by to take our order. I’m still in shock and not really sure what I should order. I suggest the two of them order first and then, before I knew it, Heath is ordering for me. He orders me the shrimp scampi with a side salad. He didn’t even ask if I liked shrimp.

  “I’m sorry, babe. Is that okay? I guess I should’ve asked first.”

  “Its fine, I was actually going to order that.”

  My eyes dart to his mouth. I watch as a half grin spreads across his mouth.

  I take a sip of my iced tea. Damn, I could use a drink right about now. I look into his eyes. He reminds me of Seth, from his smile to his dimples. This man is beautiful, absolutely beautiful. Looking at him makes me think of the last time I saw Seth alive. The memories come flooding back. My eyes fill with more tears, tears I’ve held back over the years.

  “I’m going to miss you so much. Promise me you’ll be back next weekend. I can’t wait until I graduate and can see you every day.”

  “I’ll be back. I love you so much, Alyssa. Promise me you will still have fun, although I’m there and you are here. Enjoy your senior year. Then we will be inseparable once summer begins.”

  “I will. I wish I could have graduated early. I hate that you are so far away.”

  “I know, sweetheart. Soon we will be together forever. Got that? Forever, Alyssa.”

  “I love you, Seth. Call me as soon as you get to your dorm.”

  “I love you, and I will. Take care of yourself.”

  I start shaking at the thought that I’ll never hear his voice again. I excuse myself from the table. I walk into the bathroom and look at myself in the mirror. I have huge mascara marks all over my face. My eyes are swollen and my nose is red. Fuck, why the hell did he have to be Heath Mason? Out of all the men in the world, I would run into my dead boyfriend’s twin brother, who, in fact, is finer than any of the other men I’ve dated.

  I splash cold water on my face and wipe away the makeup marks. I wash my hands and exit the ladies room. When I return to the table, I notice Heath isn’t at the table, but over at the bar.

  “Alyssa, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know, I swear,” Abby says with tears in her eyes. “Now I know why he looked familiar. I don’t remember much of Seth. I was a lot younger. Damn it, sis, I’m so sorry.”

  “I know. Is it odd that I feel comfortable with him? It’s like I’ve known him for years. He isn’t like Seth, though,” I say, squeezing her hand.

  “Not odd at all. Here he comes. We will talk more about it later.”

  “Hey, baby. I thought you could use a drink. I got you an apple martini. Is that okay?”

  “That’s perfect, Heath. Thank you.” I take my drink and drink it in one gulp. “Um, can I have another one?” I ask, looking like a child who just ate an entire Hershey bar. The smile that appears on his face makes my panties wet. Whoa, what the hell? I’m getting aroused by his smile?

  “Would you like something stronger?” He smirks.

  “Yes, that would be great. Maybe a Long Island Iced Tea?” I say as I squeeze my legs together.

  “You got it, baby.”

  I give him a little smile. He keeps calling me baby. I have to admit, I love it, but it’s kind of creepy. My sister gives me a sympathetic look. I dig into my shrimp scampi and patiently wait for my hard drink.

  Speaking of hard, I can see how hard his abs are through his tight shirt. He has on a pair of khaki carg
o shorts and a pale pink Henley. He must work out several times a day. There is no way he would have a body like that without hitting the gym at least two times a day.

  Chapter Nine

  Heath

  Seeing who Alyssa actually is breaks my fucking heart. I was looking forward to meeting her, but when I saw she was Seth’s Alyssa, I wanted to puke. My twin brother, Seth, was in an accident our freshman year in college. He was hit, head-on, by a semi and the semi driver died instantly. Seth suffered less than a week. Then my parents decided to pull the plug. Well, my mother decided for all of us.

  We’d just turned nineteen, and I’d just started at the University of North Carolina. He and I were always close, but he lived with my mother in Rhode Island and I lived with my father here in the Carolinas.

  When Brett and Abby suggested that I meet Alyssa, it never dawned on me it would be her. Seeing her today brought back all the memories from one of the worst days of my life. The day we buried Seth, the look in her eyes crushed me. I wanted to take all of her pain away. I know how much they loved each other. She was as distraught as I was at the funeral. Her father had to pick her up and carry her away from the casket. After the funeral, I came back home with my father and never once thought about her again, until today.

  “Ladies, what do you say we head on over to the property? I know y’all are tired and want to get settled in,” I say as I motion the waitress over so I can pay the bill.

  “That sounds great. I’m ready to relax,” Alyssa says, rubbing her eyes.

  “Okay. If you want to follow me, it’s only about ten minutes from here. Did you need anything from the store? There’s a Piggly Wiggly just up the road a little ways.”