Coming to a stop beside the free weights, I glance down at my legs. I flex my fingers and lay the palm of my hand on my thighs. I swallow hard when I register the touch on my left one. I can feel something on the right but not as strongly.
“Violet needs to get ahold of your doctor. They’ll probably want you in for more tests.”
I nod then snap my gaze to Mitch. “I don’t want to get her hopes up.”
“If you think she only wants you if you walk again, then you don’t have eyes in that thick head of yours.”
Slowly, I add, “I know. She made me promise to believe her, and to not hide the fact that I’m getting some sensation back.”
He nods. “At the end of the day, Violet is your physical therapist. She’s the one I have to defer to when I notice a difference in you. I kept quiet before because you asked me to, but I can’t with what just happened in there. You were in serious pain. You and Violet need to have a chat with your doctor and discuss your options moving forward.”
Groaning, I drop my head and sigh. “Well, I did tell her I wouldn’t hide anything again.”
“Forget about the hot babe for now.”
I scowl as he grins.
“Weights,” he comments, his eyes shifting toward the doors.
My eyes follow and my fists clench together when Deacon spots us and struts over. If anything, I want to be able to stand so I can smash my fist into his smug face. He knows that I want to as well. I think my anger toward the asshole frightens Violet. His eyes follow her while his face fills with anger whenever he sees us around town. The way his eyes undress her, embarrassing her, kills me. The fact is we can’t do a damn thing about him because he really hasn’t done anything wrong, in the laws eyes.
“And where is the lovely Violet today? She decided to leave your miserable ass to fend for yourself?” he sneers.
“It’s none of your damn business where my girlfriend is,” I snap and gloat when he blinks in surprise.
“Deacon,” Mitch says, “Your friend is waiting, and we’ve got work to do.” He refers to me.
“It won’t last,” he hisses. “Not when I can offer her so much more than you.”
Fucking bastard!
That comment hits me like no other words can.
“Blake has one thing no other man has, Violet’s heart. I think that trumps everything,” Mitch shouts. “Either work over there or leave the gym, Deacon. I’m not putting up with any more of your shit in my place.”
No more words are exchanged, but over and over in my head is the fact that Mitch said I have Violet’s heart. Is that true? I grunt as he loads the weights, but I know he’s spoken the truth, because she has mine.
14
Violet
Why have I stayed away for a week? The sports company wanted me to show them what I could do, but the whole time I kept wondering why was I here? I know I’m not going to take the job if it’s offered because everything I want is back in Great Falls. I’m not willing to risk my new relationship with Blake for a job that would take me across the country from him.
Blake is one stubborn man and now that I know how easy it is for me to arouse him, there is no way I’m going to lose what we have.
We’ve talked on the phone every day, and last night had been difficult. I was missing him more than I’d thought I would. Blake hadn’t been able to hide his enthusiasm for me coming home to him. I have the feeling that the moment we’re alone I’m going to be naked. He has made one request, and it is that I’m wearing a dress. Apparently, I look fresh and innocent when I’m in one of my sundresses and my cowgirl boots. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to tease the beast.
Right now, the woolgathering I’ve been doing clears and the man I’m supposed to be impressing in Boston is standing before me. He grins, and unbuttoning his jacket, he takes the seat beside me. Richmond Lovatt owns a large sports rehabilitation clinic thirty minutes outside of Boston. It’s up the coast toward Portland and Cape Elizabeth. The area is beautiful, and I’ve imagined Blake and myself here. If only the family was here then maybe he’d be willing to move, because the clinic might even benefit him.
“What’s going to be keeping you in Great Falls?” Richmond asks, a soft grin on his handsome face. The man is in his fifties, a former NFL player who ended up leaving because of an injury that wouldn’t clear up. He’s become the man to go to for rehabilitation.
I hadn’t mentioned anything to Blake about the job, because I think he would have worried I wouldn’t be back. It really upsets me that he think’s he has nothing to offer me. Eventually he’ll either gain the ability to walk, or he’ll accept that he’s in a wheelchair and then the real healing can begin. I’m going to be the one who is always there by his side. I want him to know how much I love him by showing him. I honestly don’t care whether or not he walks again. I love him.
“My boyfriend lives in Great Falls,” I offer. “The only family he has left is his sister, who lives there with her husband and their new daughter. Blake is in a wheelchair after an accident that left him paralyzed.” I sigh. “This job is too good to be true and I think I would have a lot to offer, but I can’t and won’t leave Blake … I’m sorry.”
He nods. “You’re talking about Blake Kelly?”
“How?” I stutter confused at his knowledge.
“I follow sports. It’s no secret that I used to play for the NFL, I’m also a huge fan of the NHL. He was going places before he’d walked in front of that car.”
I wince at the reminder.
“Why don’t you go back home and discuss the job offer with Blake? Hopefully all the answers you need are inside here.” He takes an envelope from his briefcase and leaves it on the coffee table in front of us. “I learnt a long time ago when I first met my wife, that it’s best to discuss options than choosing what you think is best.” He smiles.
“I think we’d work well together and I want you as part of my team. Think about it.” Rich quickly disappears, and I’m left staring into space.
He’s offered me the job.
I want it, but I also want Blake.
I get a message telling me that my ride to the airport is here. In a daze I quickly grab my jacket, purse and the handle on my case, and dash outside.
Throughout the flight I read the job offer and there isn’t anything I would change about it, but the location. I don’t know how I’ll be able to talk to Blake about it when I know his heart is in Great Falls with Felicity and her new family. How can I compete with that? I don’t think I can.
When I was in the Richmond Rehabilitation Centre, I really could see myself still working there in twenty-thirty years’ time. That’s the kind of impression it had made on me.
For the first time in my entire life, I have someone else to consider when I make a big decision. I’m just not sure I’m ready for it to change my life in the way that I think it will. I don’t think Blake will move with me. Not now he has a niece to dote on.
Except the one part of the contract that really sticks out, which I’ve highlighted with a pink post-it, is the part about immediate family having free use of the Centre and staff. Would this apply to Blake if he came along? Maybe this could be the selling point for him.
Chewing my lip, pondering my options, I head toward baggage claim, and smile when I spot the newly pregnant Emelia moving toward me with her husband, Dante, trying to slow her down. He succeeds, an arm going around his wife’s middle to anchor her to him.
I grin as I dash to meet them. “I wasn’t expecting you both, but it’s nice to see you.”
“Diego was going to come, but then Rae got sick. So we left Emma with Mom and here we are,” Emelia grins. “Blake has been beside himself waiting for you to get back.”
“He’d said that he was going to be here,” I say with a bit of disappointment. “He’s okay, right?”
“He’s just fine.” Dante shakes his head. “Emelia persuaded him to spruce up while we came to get you … well she didn’t really give him much of
a choice.”
“Oh! He’s a man. He needed some guidance,” Emelia defends herself chirpily.
Dante laughs at his wife as he quickly grabs the case I point out from the turntable.
“How are you doing? Any sickness?” I ask, Emelia while she watches her husband stretch for my case.
I grin and watch her blush as she spots my gaze. “What can I say? My husband is a sexy man … no sickness, and I’m really hoping it stays that way.” She offers her husband a beautiful smile. “Dante looks after me regardless, either way I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
Climbing into the back of Dante’s car, I fidget with the hem of my dress excited to finally be going home to Blake, but nervous to talk to him about the job offer.
15
Blake
The minute she walks in wearing a sexy dress and her cowgirl boots, I want her in my arms. One look at her beautiful face tells me all I need to know. “They offered you the job?”
She gives a tiny gasp of surprise and gently nods. “I haven’t said yes.”
“You haven’t said no either.” I dip my chin to my chest.
She swallows and after a slight hesitation she sits across my lap, her arms wrapping tightly around my shoulders while she buries her face into my neck. I can’t resist, I hold her tight against me.
“You’re right. I haven’t said anything,” she mumbles. “We need to think about the job offer before I tell them anything.”
My heart thuds heavily and I pull back so that I can see her face. “You want to discuss it?”
She frowns. “Of course I do.” Shoving out of my arms and from my lap she paces in front of me, anger in every step. “I applied for the job because at the time I’d needed to get away from you.” She points with her finger before continuing to pace and slam around the house.
I follow her through to the kitchen where her rant continues.
“You didn’t want me. You told me to date someone else.” She turns, her eyes flashing fire. “Have you got any idea how much that hurt me?” She stomps her sexy riled body toward me and I pray like hell she’s too wound up to notice the erection tenting my shorts. “You hurt me more than anyone ever has before.”
She clears her throat and rapidly blinks back tears, making me feel like an asshole.
“Now we’re sharing the same damn bed,” she continues, “and you’re surprised that I want to discuss the job offer with you before I accept or decline!” She hisses. “Well, fuck you, Blake Kelly!” She turns on her heels and heads toward her bedroom.
I blink a few times and wonder how the hell one small comment from me had started such a damn whirlwind of an augment. This is one of those times when I hate being confined to this chair. I want to dash after her and wrap her in my arms while I tell her what an asshole I am.
Except, I’m slow in the chair, but I make it to her bedroom and notice all the clothes covering her bed just as she tugs a large suitcase form the closet.
“Hell no!” I shout, startling her.
With determination, I quickly get from my chair to her bed and the moment she’s in reach, I grab her wrist and tug her to the bed. I roll and lift myself over her body, only using my weight when she tries to move.
My arms wrap around her body, anchoring her to me while I nuzzle into her neck. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I don’t want you to leave me, and because you were gone for longer than originally planned, I was panicking.” I nip at her earlobe. “I’m so sorry … please don’t leave me.”
She relents when I feel her fingers sliding through my hair, and they trail down to my jaw. She cups my cheeks over the rough beard and brings my face closer to hers. “I don’t,” she searches my gaze intently, “want to go anywhere unless you are with me.”
I drop my forehead against her brow. “Thank fuck for that.”
Her sexy legs lock around my ass. “Can we have make up sex now?” She flirts. “I can feel that you’re ready for me.”
Groaning, I tease, “But are you ready for me?” I quickly find my way into the scrap of material she calls panties and finger her. My cock jerks at the feel of her arousal on my fingers. I lift my hand to my mouth and lick my fingers clean while I watch her watching me. “You are so fucking sexy. I’m constantly horny.”
She moans and rubs her wet little pussy against my hard-on while my hands are trying to be everywhere at the same time. I settle for between her legs and tear her panties away from pure heaven.
“Fuck!” I growl through gritted teeth when her small hands shove my shorts down, her fingernails scraping over my ass. “I need you on top.”
I roll, taking her with me. “One day I’m going to fuck you so hard you won’t be able to walk for a week.”
Her dress flies across the room followed by her bra. Her tits swing free and the sight goes straight to my dick as the tip drips with precum. Straddling my thighs, Violet chuckles and pokes her tongue out between her lips as she slowly dips her head.
“Oh fuck!” I pant. “When your tongue touches me I’m going to come.”
Her hand wraps around the root, holding me up for the first swipe of her tongue. “Control yourself.” She giggles.
“I don’t have any control with you,” I admit, I’m a quivering mess beneath her.
Her eyes lock with mine, hers filled with heat and need. She slowly drags her nipples across my chest as she moves closer. The moment she’s in reach, I wrap my hand in her dark hair and pull her lips to mine.
Her mouth is warm and returns the heavy kiss. Our tongues twist and slide while our teeth clash together, the need between us is explosive. Then my whole body spasms, as she quickly takes me inside of her body. No slight glide, a full drop onto my dick. My hands grip her hips as she rises above me.
Her hands lift her hair on to the top of her head while she grinds rhythmically on top of me. “Pure fucking heaven,” I whisper.
“I’m showing you what you’re going to miss if you ever presume anything again.” Her hips thrust forward and my hands tremble on her ass. I grab a cheek in each hand, moving her.
“I’ll promise you anything if you just keep moving.”
She chuckles, her fingers reaching and pinching my nipples. My eyes stay fixated on her chest with her tits being pushed together with her arms. “You have fucking amazing boobs.” I reach out with a hand and massage the plump flesh, and when I brush against her nipple I feel her pussy clench around my dick.
Growling, I arch throwing my head back having no hope of holding off my release as I feel the buildup in my balls. The way she makes love to me, the way her hands touch me and draw goose bumps over my flesh, is completely turning me on. The minute the thought that I love this woman with everything in me flitters through my head, I grunt and hiss, pouring into her.
Violet goes wild above me as I pull her into my arms. Her pussy convulses and tightens with her own release, milking my cock. The little noises she makes in my ear as pleasure washes over her drives me nuts. Even now that the intensity of my release has dwindled, I can still feel small tugs on my cock. She drives me so fucking crazy.
“Blake,” she moans. “I feel you getting bigger again. Shouldn’t you have shrunk?”
“I’m constantly hard with just the thought of you, so imagine what condition I’m in when I can see you. Touch you. Taste you.” I pinch her ass before rubbing the sting away.
“I want to see.” Her eyes flutter as she slides off of me. I have to clench my teeth together, and then when her eyes land on that part of my anatomy, I have to snap my eyes shut.
My dick jerks hard the minute she rubs a fingertip over my balls and then up the length of me. “I think I’m obsessed with your penis.”
“What’s wrong with saying, cock.”
“I prefer penis.” She grins. “I mean that is what it is right? A long thick penis, which feels so damn good inside of me.”
I hiss. “I’m happy to please.”
With a dirty laugh, she moves to lie on her side, but in my arms. I
can’t let her go as I clamp her to the side of me. “I’m sorry I assumed, Violet.” I gently brush a strand of silken hair back from her beautiful face, tucking it behind her ear. “The truth is, I’m scared that you’re going to think they’re more wonderful than what you’ll ever get here with me.”
“Blake,” she whispers softly. “Before, I would have left because it hurt too much to stay here.” She sighs. “The job offer is amazing, and I could actually see myself still working there in twenty years … but, I couldn’t see that without you being with me.”
I frown. “What are you saying?”
“I know this between us has only just gotten intimate, but I can’t take this job in Boston unless you come with me.” She clears her throat as tears appear on her lashes. “You mean more to me than the job, I’m asking if you’d consider coming with me.”
I cup the back of her head and bring her face to my neck while my mind goes off in different directions. Can I really go with her? Leave my sister and new niece? And what about my own recovery?
As though reading my mind, Violet says, “You’d get to use the state of the art facility because you’d be classed as my family. They have so much to offer injured athletes, and not just that. They also have a side that deals with general rehabilitation, not just from sport. It really is amazing.”
Listening to my girl talk while I caress the hair down her back, I realize she really wants this job, but won’t take it unless I agree. With everything going on in my life right now, and the thought of being able to walk again at the front of it, I’m not sure what the hell I want to do. Or rather what I need to do, because I sure as hell want to be wherever Violet is.
“You’ve gone quiet.” She lifts her head, searching my gaze. “You’re not interested?”
“I’m interested because I can hear how much you want this job.” I smile softly and press a quick kiss to her lips. “Let’s get dressed and talk about the pros and cons okay?”
Love in Surrender Page 6