On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7)

by Heather D'Agostino

  I’d sent Jenni a text earlier in the day letting her know that I’d pick her up at her apartment tonight. As much as I liked meeting her at work, the fear of running into Dean or even Gage worried me. I couldn’t blow my cover, not after working this hard, and being this close to getting these fuckers.

  When I pulled up to her building, the sun was just starting to set. The sky was a brilliant orange and purple color. I parked on the cub, and jogged over to the door. I pressed her buzzer and soon the door clicked, letting me in. I rushed up the stairs like a nervous teen, taking them two at time until I found myself standing outside her door.

  As I lifted my hand to knock, the door opened. Jenni was standing there grinning at me. “How did you?” I wrinkled my forehead in confusion.

  “I watched through the peephole.” She giggled. “Come on in.” She stepped back and motioned me inside. This was the first time I’d ever been invited in here. I felt like an intruder of some sort.

  Jenni scurried down the hall and I stood there like an idiot, staring. The living room was decorated in a mix of Jenni and Mason. There were car magazines on the coffee table, and scented candles placed on several tables and ledges. A few pictures were scattered, but the place was very tidy. “Ready?” Jenni bounced back into the room, this time carrying a purse.

  “I am if you are.” I smiled as I really looked at her. She had changed from this morning. She was wearing a white sundress that billowed out around her legs. The thin straps looked as if they could barely hold it up. The flip flops she was had on clicked as they smacked the bottom of her feet. The biggest thing that I noticed was the absence of the leather cuffs. Her wrists were exposed, and she didn’t seem bothered by it. In all honesty, her scars were so light that you couldn’t see them unless you really looked. She knew they were there, but for someone who didn’t they’d be unnoticeable.

  “Let’s get out of here then.” I held out my hand for her, and she took it, letting me lead her down to my car.

  ooooooooo

  “Where are we going?” She bounced in her seat as I maneuvered us through the busy streets of Chicago.

  “You’ll see.” I glanced at her, but refused to tell her.

  “That’s not fair.” She pouted.

  “I think it’s totally fair. It’ll be worth it. Promise.” I turned the radio up to fill the silence in the car as we got closer to our destination. When I couldn’t hide it anymore, I parked. “We’re here.” I climbed out, and jogged around to help her out.

  “I love Navy Pier.” She grinned up at me.

  “Me too.” I began to lead her over the restaurant I’d chosen for us. They had some of the best seafood in Chicago, and we could eat outdoors. The sun was now a small sliver over the water, and I was hoping to watch it disappear completely with Jenni.

  ooooooooo

  “This was such a good idea.” She leaned into my side as she plucked a piece of cotton candy I’d bought her off of the stick. We were walking around the pier checking out the vendors who’d set up carts. A live band was playing on the stage area near the carousel, and people were bustling about.

  “Let’s go in here a minute.” I turned us toward the indoor shops. “You like popcorn?” I grinned as I stopped us in front of Garett’s Popcorn Shoppe.

  “Sure.” She shrugged. “I guess.”

  “Wait until you try this.” I winked as I turned to the girl behind the counter and ordered a small mixed bucket. Jenni watched, slightly skeptical as I paid and took the bag from the girl. “Let’s go out here and sit.”

  I led us back outside and searched for a bench to sit on. Once I found one, I sat and offered Jenni the bag. “You gotta take some of both kinds in the same bite.” She curled her lip. “Just trust me.”

  I watched as she popped two pieces in her mouth. “Mmmm.” She sighed as she slowly chewed.

  “Good?” I laughed as her head nodded rapidly.

  “Very good. You can’t have this back.” She grinned as she moved the bag out of my reach. “I’ll trade you.” She handed me the remnants of her cotton candy.

  “You can keep both.” I chuckled.

  “Thanks.” Her grin spread even wider, making her look like a little kid who’d just gotten away with something she shouldn’t have. “The cotton candy is really good though. You should try it.” She moved closer, pressing our hips together on the bench, and peered up at me as if she was begging me to kiss her.

  ooooooooo

  Jenni

  I don’t know what I was doing, but he looked so good tonight. When Evan came to pick me up, and I saw how hot he looked, I almost swallowed my tongue. It didn’t help that he smelled good too. The entire night I’ve been trying to work things out in my head that would let me relax and enjoy him. A kiss couldn’t be too bad, right? I’ve been so worried about leading him on or making him think that I want more, that I’ve been driving myself crazy.

  “Jenni.” His voice sounded strangled, and he cleared his throat. I blinked as I stared at his lips. “You keep looking at me like that, and I’m not going to be able to just sit here much longer.”

  “Looking how?” I swallowed as I licked the pink sugar off my lips. My heart was racing, and I think I may have been holding my breath. I honestly don’t know. I do know that Evan was getting closer and closer, and I was just about ready to close the remaining distance between us.

  “You can always tell me no. You know that, right?” He leaned in, causing his breath to feather across my face. “I’ll listen to you every time. Tell me no if that’s what you want, but you look like you want to tell me yes.”

  I swallowed. “I do. I want to tell you yes.”

  Evan’s hands came up to cup my cheeks, framing my face in his palms. He tilted it as he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. They were soft but insistent, giving me just the right amount of pressure. I gasped as he held us there, slipping his tongue past my lips and tangling it with mine. It was the first kiss I’d had since Nate, only it was so much better. I thought Nate was a good kisser all those years ago, but he doesn’t hold a candle to Evan.

  When the kiss ended, Evan rested his forehead against mine. His eyes were closed as he slowed his breathing. “You are amazing, Jenni,” he whispered.

  “So are you.” I giggled. “That was…” I stumbled for words.

  “Yeah.” Evan chuckled. “We better get home. I don’t need your brother coming after me.” He pulled back and stood up, offering me his hand. We walked back to his car in silence, just enjoying the summer night and each other’s company. It was the perfect end to the perfect date. I knew then that I’d found someone special. Evan was healing the brokenness inside me. He was teaching me to fly again.

  Chapter 19

  Jenni

  It was finally the weekend, and for once I had plans. Evan was coming over tonight to watch a movie and bring pizza. It was a giant step for us. I’d never let anyone come over, especially a guy. When Evan picked me up the other night, it was the first time I’d ever let him get that close to the apartment.

  I’ve been cleaning all morning. The place didn’t really need it, but that’s what I do when I’m nervous, I clean. “You wanna do my laundry while you’re at it?” Mason stopped in the doorway to the bathroom and propped himself on the jamb.

  I glared at him over my shoulder. “I’m not your maid.” I dipped the rag I had back in the bucket of soapy water as I wiped over the front of the cabinets again.

  “I think you got it clean enough to eat in here, Jen.” Mason chuckled as he motioned around the room.

  “Well, it needs to be clean. Evan will come in here tonight, and I need it to be perfect.” I sighed as let the rag drop and eased back to sit on the floor. I’d been in here for the last hour on my hands and knees, scrubbing everything I could reach.

  “Relax.” Mason stepped forward, and when I glared at his shoes on my newly scrubbed tile, he stepped back with his hands up in surrender.

  “I’m just,” I growled as I pounded my
fist on my thigh.

  “I know.” His voice softened. “Do you want me to stay home today? I could call in. I’m sure Sam would understand.”

  “No.” I sighed. “I’m a big girl. I need to do this.” I think I was trying to convince myself more than him.

  “Ok. Well, you know where to find me if you need me.” He backed up and glanced at his phone, I’m guessing to check the time. “I’m closing tonight, so I’ll be late, but I will be home later. Dani has to get up early tomorrow, so I’ve been given strict orders to stay at my own place tonight.”

  “Seriously. I’ll be fine. I just need to get out of my own head. Evan and I will probably call it a night early. We’re just watching movies.” I turned to go back to my scrubbing.

  “Ok. Sure.” Mason waved me off as he turned to leave. “Need anything, call me!” he shouted one last time before I heard the door click shut and the lock slip into place.

  ooooooooo

  The afternoon went much like the morning with me bleaching every surface that I could. I sniffed my hands as I sat on my bed staring at my closet. I’d taken a shower and was trying to get ready before Evan came over. I smelled like bleach even though I’d rubbed my favorite Bath and Body Works lotion all over myself. I’ve been addicted to the Love and Sunshine scent for months now.

  The fact that we were staying in made this so much harder. Should I pull on something like yoga pants and tee, or did I need to look nice? What was Evan going to wear? I grabbed my phone and fired off a quick text.

  Jenni: Clothes?

  It took a minute, but the “read” message flashed and then the three dots appeared.

  Evan: Are totally optional to me

  I couldn’t help but laugh. Of course, he’d go there, but what did I expect? I mean in all the time we’ve been talking, he’s gotten one kiss from me. I’m sure he’s trying to move things along.

  Jenni: Haha What are you wearing?

  It took a minute, but a selfie revealing only his chest appeared. He had on an Iron Man tee that pulled tight, revealing his muscular chest. The bottom of the tat on his arm was peeking out of the sleeve.

  Evan: Your turn

  Jenni: Not quite. I just got out of the shower. Nice shirt.

  I waited for a few minutes thinking he’d fire something right back, but he didn’t.

  When one minute turned into five, I pushed myself off the bed and shuffled over to the closet. Yoga pants and tee were it. I wanted to be comfortable, and I think Evan would be happy with anything I chose. I quickly slipped into my comfy attire, ran a brush though my hair, and pulled it up in a messy knot on top of my head. Just as I checked my phone again, there was a knock at the door. I furrowed my brow. Evan had not rung the buzzer, so who could it be? You had to have a code to get in the main part of the building.

  I slipped my phone into the waistband of my pants as I made my way down the hall. When I reached the door, the knock sounded again only this time it was accompanied by a voice. “You can’t tell a guy you just got out of the shower and not expect him to race over here. Let me in.” Evan laughed.

  I yanked open the door, causing a breeze. “How did you get up here?”

  “I have a way of talking people into things.” He grinned. My face fell as Nate’s image appeared in my head. He used to tell me the same things. “Relax, Jen. I held the door for your neighbor. He was trying to get his dog out, and the damn thing was fighting him.”

  “Sorry,” I muttered as I stepped back and let him in. “I’m a mess. Ignore me.”

  Evan set the pizza box on the counter behind me and then turned to face me. He placed both of his hands on my shoulders and held me in place. “You’re not a mess. I know that douche bag messed up your head, but I’m not him. I’m not trying to hurt you, and I’m definitely not trying to pretend I’m someone I’m not.” His eyes glanced away before he met my stare again. “K?”

  “Ok.” I nodded. “I’m starving. Can we eat?” I grinned as I sniffed the air. I loved pizza. It’s one of my favorite foods. Mason and I used to eat it at least once a week when we first got this place.

  “I’m game. Where are the plates?” He stepped around me, and went into the kitchen.

  ooooooooo

  “What movie did you pick?” I set my empty plate on the coffee table in front of us. I’d had four pieces, and was stuffed.

  “You promise not to make fun of me?” Evan grabbed the DVD box and held it to his chest so I couldn’t see what it was.

  “Are we about to watch some sci-fi or “dumb humor” guy comedy?” I narrowed my eyes.

  “Nope.” He leaned back to get out of my reach but I leaned forward, hoping I could snag the box out of his death grip.

  “What is it then?” I rolled my eyes.

  “It’s a romance.” He said the words slowly. I think he was gauging my reaction.

  “Ok.” I nodded. “And?”

  “And I think I should have brought something else. You’re gonna give me hell over this.” He blew out a breath, and slowly handed over the DVD box.

  “Oh!” I bounced in my seat. “I haven’t seen this one.” I loved Nicolas Sparks’ movies, but Mason didn’t. I usually didn’t get to pick what we watched.

  “So, I did good?” Evan looked surprised as I popped The Best of Me out of its box and slipped it in the DVD player. As the opening music and the menu popped up on the screen, I turned off the lights and settled in beside him. “This is perfect. Promise,” I whispered as Evan carefully slipped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me tighter into his side.

  ooooooooo

  “That was so good.” I sniffed as I wiped at my eyes.

  “Yeah, it was.” Evan’s voice sounded a little strained. I glanced over to see the remnants of a tear on his cheek. He’d wiped it away, but the wet trail was still visible in the glow of the TV screen.

  “Are you crying?” I turned toward him.

  “No.” He cleared his throat as he wiped at his face again. “I think it’s the lighting in here.”

  I scooted closer and wrapped my arms around him while laying my head on his shoulder. “It’s ok to show your feelings, Evan,” I whispered.

  “I’ve never hidden them from you,” he murmured as one hand lifted to rub the back of mine where it was clasped around him.

  “Where did you come from?” I murmured. “You’re not like the other guys I know.”

  “Maybe I just know when I have a good thing.” I lifted my cheek from his shoulder just as he tipped his chin. Our eyes connected, and I could see he meant what he said. “I know I’ve got something special here, Jenni. I know that you and me,” he shifted, causing me to loosen my grip. He wagged a finger between us, “we’re special. This is special.”

  My eyes darted around his face, watching him watch me. I bit my lip before releasing it to run my tongue across it. My heart started racing, and every nerve ending became super sensitive. Every cell that was touching Evan, knew it.

  “I’m gonna kiss you now.” He winked as his head tilted to the side, and he connected our mouths. It was a slow, sensual kiss. Where the one at the pier was tentative, this one was not. He wasn’t holding back in case I reacted badly this time. I sighed as his hand went from cupping my cheek to sliding down my shoulder to my side. When he tugged as my waist, I slid closer, and let him pull me across his lap. Our lips never parted as his hands lightly explored me. I shivered under his touch. This was still new to me. Nate was the only experience I’d had, and I was still a kid then.

  “Stop thinking so much. I’m not going further than you allow tonight,” Evan whispered between kisses. His tongue dove back in, massaging mine and my back arched into him. It felt so good being like this and I wanted more. Evan made me feel alive, more alive than I’d been in years.

  As his hands traveled back up my sides, I grabbed his shirt and tugged him toward me. “What are you doing?” He panted against my cheek.

  “Getting more comfortable.” I started to lie back on the couch. I pulled
Evan with me and he propped himself up on a knee and one arm. We were lying like two teenagers making out on the sofa, but it still felt new to me. I never had this, and the fact that he was giving it to me made me want that much more.

  “Is this ok?” He rested his forehead against mine.

  “Yeah. I’m ok.” I nodded as I lifted my chin to kiss him again. He sank into the kiss and one hand began a slow accent up my torso, stopping at my breast. His fingers flexed with restraint. He wanted to touch me so bad, and I’d made him afraid to try.

  I reached up and guided his hand where he was trying to go. “It’s ok. I trust you.” I swallowed against my own nervousness. We stayed there on the couch for at least a half hour just kissing and touching. Neither of us had lost any clothes and I didn’t know if I was happy or upset about that. I’d thought that with Evan coming over tonight that he would want to sleep with me. I guess I never really explained that to him.

  “Are you ok?” I panted when he broke one of the kisses. I could feel his erection pulsing against my leg through his shorts.

  “I’m fine.” He gritted his teeth and then blew out a deep breath.

  “Do you want to move this somewhere else? My brother is going to be home from work soon.” I began to play with the hairs at his nape.

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.” He started to pull away. “I don’t want to rush you into something you’re not ready for, Jenni.”

  I could see the struggle in his eyes. He wanted to move forward so badly, but he was putting me first, something no guy, other than Mason, has ever done.

  “You’re not.” I pressed a kiss to his cheek before pushing against his chest to get him to move. I slowly stood and held out my hand to him. “I promise, you’re not.”

  Evan’s head slowly bobbed as he stood, laced his fingers with mine, and let me lead him down the hallway. I was ready to fly and I was going to test out my wings tonight.