by JL Davis
Brooke stands and walks me to the door. Just before she opens it, she tugs at my shirt, pulling me in for a kiss. “Not much longer and we’ll be free,” she whispers against my lips. “I love you.”
“I love you.” I kiss her once more, briefly, just before she opens the door.
“Dream of me,” she mouths and blows me a kiss before she closes her door.
As I walk in, everything is as usual until my eyes land on someone new. Griggs. Why the hell is my parole officer here during my anger management session? This is a bit much if you ask me.
I walk over to the refreshments table, pour myself a cup of coffee, and scan the room for a very uncomfortable chair to place my ass in for the next hour and a half.
“Ferguson. Good to see you here with us tonight,” he says as if I’m not here for every session. I’ve never seen him in a session.
I turn toward him. “Sir, I’ve never missed a session,” I say, sure of myself because I haven’t.
He stands tall to prove he’s larger than me, almost as if he’s provoking me and that won’t work on me. “I’m the guest speaker is all, Ferguson.” He grins, proud of himself that he’s gotten a rise out of me, but he still looks like a douche.
I study him a moment, count to five, and consider my response. I can see that he likes pissing people off, which defeats the purpose of why he’s even here tonight. “I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.” I nod and walk over to my seat.
Griggs may soon be my new parole officer, but he will not treat me with disrespect because he thinks he’s bigger and better than me. If he were, he wouldn’t be here with the rest of us this evening. No one is perfect.
I knew everything was too good to be true. Walking into my office and finding everything scattered throughout the room was not how I wanted to spend my final days here. It concerns me that someone’s been in my office searching through my things. I’m not sure what they were looking for, or why, but I will find out one way or another. There are cameras covering the entire building.
If they go back too far on the footage, though, they will see Cole dropping me off at my car last weekend. That would raise some questions; questions that I don’t have any answers for. I’d better start thinking of some, just in case.
I’m so ready to be over the worry with hiding our relationship, not that I’ll be parading it because I won’t. My father’s surely not going to be happy when he finds out who has my heart, but with Cole’s progress I won’t know until I finally tell him. I haven’t decided when that will be just yet. Baby steps. I can’t overwhelm either of my parents when they’re both trying so hard.
It’s been almost a week now and we’re no closer to figuring out who broke into my office and what they recovered, if anything at all. I’ve gotten my office back to normal and have each parolee ready for the new parole officer, Griggs. I still haven’t met or spoken to him, which is odd considering he’s already meeting with the parolees that are technically still mine for a few more days.
Despite the break-in at work and the ghostly Griggs, I’m on track with my online classes and start very soon. Mya has been, well Mya. She’s sad to see me leave, but so happy I’m finally following my heart. She’s given me a hard time this week and I’ve tried to look past it because I know it’s only out of love. If she didn’t give me hell, I’d be worried.
Mya even had a going away party for me yesterday during lunch with our coworkers. She got streamers, balloons, and a cake that said ‘Bye, Bitch’. Leave it to Mya to be the sweet, yet inappropriate coworker. I was surprised and grateful that everyone did it for me. They wished me luck and gave me a very expensive bon voyage bottle of champagne, that I will so be drinking tonight.
I haven’t had a chance to see Cole since he unexpectedly stopped by my office the other day when I was swamped with everything going on. I felt bad that I didn’t have more time to spend with him, but my office was literally upside down and in shambles.
We have a meeting this afternoon and I’m eager to see him and fill him in on everything I didn’t get a chance to before. I hope we can make plans for this weekend since we missed last weekend together. With me being so busy, I worked Saturday and Sunday without pay to get everything back in order for my departure next week.
I have some making up to do for lost time with him. I’m sure he’s not too happy with me, but we’re so close now, if he can hold on just a little bit longer. He seemed to be very understanding the last time I saw him, but that’s been a few days ago now and I’m hoping he will be as understanding as he was then, because I need him.
A knock at my door sends my heart into a flutter and I bite back a smile with excitement knowing Cole’s on the other side.
“Come in,” I say, as I walk toward the door to meet him. I need those extra few seconds with him.
He flashes his beautiful smile as he closes the door behind him. “Hi.” He wraps me in his arms. “I’ve missed you so much.” He releases me, his hands now on either side of my face, and kisses me. His tongue thrusts against mine urgently, making up for lost time just as I’d hoped he would.
Cole breaks away panting, his forehead against mine. “I have to stop now or I won’t be able to.” He shakes his head. “How are things going?”
I sit down at my desk, not thinking about where we currently are. I can get so caught up in the moment with him. It’s almost scary. “The case is still ongoing. No leads yet that I’m aware of. I honestly have no idea what the person could have wanted. I haven’t noticed a single thing missing.”
“How was dinner with your parents?” He grimaces, bracing himself for what’s to come.
“You’ll be as shocked as I was. They were fine with it, mostly. Something’s happened between them. I’m not sure what, but the outcome has made them better people. It went well.” I smile.
“I’m guessing you didn’t tell them about me then?” he asks, disappointment lacing his tone.
“I haven’t. One thing at a time, Cole. I didn’t want to overwhelm them with so much in one night.” I wish I could take that back. It didn’t come out right. My face crinkles. “I didn’t mean that the way it came out.”
“It’s okay. You didn’t want them to know you’re in love with a felon. It’s okay, I get it. Are you sure you’re not ashamed of me?” He doesn’t look at me when he asks.
“Don’t be ridiculous, Cole. I love you and I’m not ashamed of you in the slightest. I will tell them and then I want you to join me for family dinner so they can fall in love with you just as I have,” I say, and reach across my desk for his hand that’s currently fidgeting with my paper clips.
“You want me to meet your parents?” he asks, surprised.
“Of course, I do, Cole.” I stand and walk over to him. Squatting down, I look him in the eyes. “I am so proud of you, Cole. You’ve worked so hard to get where you are. I spoke with Mr. Conrad to check in the other day and he said you’d received another promotion.” I shake my head with amazement. I can feel tears forming in my eyes. I want him to feel about himself the way I do.
Cole looks at me, considering what I’ve just said. “You’re right, and I’d love to meet your family,” he says hesitantly. “I hope they’ll love me.” He smiles, and it’s that smile that makes me want to drop to my knees in front of him. If I could, I would.
“You’ll win them over, I’m sure of it.” I kiss him and walk back to my desk. “I will let them know that I will have a plus-one joining me this week for dinner.” I grin.
“I’ll be sure my calendar is freed up.” He winks, revealing that cute dimple just below his eye. It melts my heart.
“So, what else is new? Have you heard anything else from your new PO?”
“No. Why? Should I have?” he asks, scooting to the edge of his seat nervously. I hate that feeling for him, fear of messing up again. It’s hard on those who truly want a better life.
“No. No. Nothing like that.” I quickly try to reassure him. “I haven’t spoken with him o
ver the phone and he hasn’t stopped by my office yet. I find that odd is all, a bit unprofessional, really.” I shrug.
“I wish you had more info, because in a way I think he may be a problem for me. I don’t get a good feel from him.” He frowns.
“I looked him up and couldn’t find anything other than he graduated here in criminal justice, among other things. Nothing concrete. Not even a photo.” I arch brow.
“He was the guest speaker at my session last week. He talked about his anger issues, about the people he loved and hurt badly, both emotionally and physically at times. He went to jail for assault many times, but has turned his life around in hopes to get the people that meant the most to him back.” Cole shrugs. “He seemed sincere, but he just rubs me the wrong way. When he looks at me, it’s as if he’s sizing me up one way or another and I don’t like it.” He grimaces.
“Even though I won’t work here any longer, I will still have connections. If he’s not legit in any way I’ll have him removed. Don’t worry, okay?” I say positively. “Now let’s get you down the hall before you’re late. I’ll call you with a time for dinner, okay?”
Cole stands and then nods. “I’m looking forward to it. Maybe we can take a detour on the way home?” he asks, with a hopeful glint in his eyes, and tugs at my suit jacket, pulling me against him. He lifts my chin and our lips mold together. We both sigh in unison. “I love you,” he says against my lips before he covers my lips with his again.
I pull away and look up into his brown sugar eyes. “I love you. Dream of me,” I whisper and nip his bottom lip.
I walk him to the door and just before he opens it, I pull him in for a quick, punishing kiss. A grin spreads across his face at my boldness. He winks and closes the door behind him.
I walk back to my desk and sit down, a bit light headed. He literally takes my breath away. I can’t wait to bring him to dinner and show him off. He’s not only strong, he’s also sweet, smart, and inspires me every day to be a better person. He’s encouraged me to follow my heart to find my happiness. I love him. I love Cole Ferguson with all my heart.
I felt so much better after my meeting with Brooke the other night. I had been overthinking, torturing myself with what if’s, and causing myself to think the worst about myself and us. I don’t know why I keep doing that to myself. I make things harder when there’s no good reason to.
I’m happy that Brooke wants to bring me along to introduce me to her family for dinner this week, but if I’m being honest, it terrifies me. I love Brooke and I don’t want her father making problems for us when we’re both so happy. I’ll be safe this time because he will not have seen my record yet and I’m grateful for that. By the time we meet again, Brooke will no longer be my parole officer and our story can truly begin. I’ll be sweating it until it’s finally over.
Tonight is a big deal because I’m graduating anger management. I receive a certificate and we’ll have cake afterwards. I’d never gotten awards while in school. I tried, but I couldn’t ever get my head into it enough to want to do my best. I didn’t have anyone on my team, someone rooting me on. If I had, I might have done better. I could have been someone someday. I still can be; will be. It’s just taking a bit longer because I now finally care. I have a promising future and I have someone by my side, mostly.
Mya informed me that Brooke will be here to celebrate with us. I’ll be happy to see Brooke even if it is only as my parole officer. It will be hard not touching her, not kissing her, and I can’t wait for this to be over.
I’m nervous about the speech that I have to give in order to complete the program. I’d spent the last couple nights working on it. It’s short and to the point. They didn’t specify how long it needed to be and I’m thankful. I just hope it will be enough.
I only stuttered through a few words, but I could feel the heat on my face with everyone staring at me. The room was sweltering and my throat felt small. I could feel a tickle at the back of my throat as I choked through the end of my speech.
I tried not to stare at her. I tried to keep my eyes roaming around the room as I spoke, but they always led back to her. Brooke brings a sense of calmness over me. I may not have followed through at all if she weren’t here to support me.
My peers clapped for me and congratulated me after I stepped down from the podium. Brooke walks up to me in full parole officer mode.
“Great job, Ferguson.” She gives me a small smile.
“Thank you, ma’am.” I smile and recognize the glimmer of hunger in her eyes.
“May I have a word?” She motions to the hallway. I nod and follow behind her. “Dinner tomorrow at seven o’clock. Here’s the address.” She passes a piece of paper into my hand. “You did a great job. I’m so proud of you,” she whispers.
“Did you like it when I called you ma’am?” I raise a brow curiously.
Brooke glances down the hall at the sound of footsteps coming and quickly turns back to me. “We’ll continue this conversation tomorrow.” She gives me a half smile. “I love you. Dream of me.”
“I love you,” I whisper and she walks away from me yet again, another tiny piece of my heart going with her. I want nothing more than to be able to spend time with her every single day. We’re so close. Nothing can stop us now.
Usually when I’m looking forward to something after work, the day drags by. Now that I’m not behind a desk in the office my day is going pretty quick, even quicker than when I was working in the warehouse on the belt. My day has been very productive.
On my way home, I stopped by a new florist that’s recently opened up to pick up flowers for Brooke and her mother, Clara. From the stories Brooke has told me, I’m a little worried she will judge me, and I don’t want Brooke to be put through that. Anything will help.
Luckily, I don’t have to go home to change. I chose my black polo button up with my favorite dark washed jeans. Brooke loves it when I wear black. I know at the very least she will approve and she’s the only person I really care about pleasing.
As I approach the huge white house, I want to continue around the circle drive and get the hell out of here. The prominent columns out front stand tall, and along the front of the house are beautiful bushes full of flowers with a massive set of stone steps leading up to the front door, which I’m sure a giant could clear with no problem.
There’s another vehicle parked out front; a mean Charger, and it surely isn’t Brooke’s. I’m not sure if it could belong to one of her parents or not, but that would be kind of funny. The insurance would be dirt cheap for them. I decide to sit in my old truck and wait for her to get here. There’s no way I’m going inside without her. That would be asinine.
I sit only a few more minutes before Brooke arrives. She’s not late. I wanted to get here early to try and make a good first impression, but she sort of ruined that plan.
She gets out a bit distraught. “I’m sorry I’m late. They made a break in the case regarding my office break-in and I am terrified with what they found.” She grabs her sweater from the seat and drapes it around her shoulders.
I arch a brow for two reasons. “First, I thought you were going to be the real you with your parents. The sweater’s a bit much don’t you think? Overkill.” I stare at her waiting for her to reconsider.
“You’re right,” she huffs and tosses it back in her car.
“Second, what did they find out?” I ask, as we walk toward the house. I swear it gets bigger the closer we get.
“My ex that I’ve mentioned once or twice, who was abusive, a partial print was lifted from a file on my desk. Your file in fact. I’m not sure what to make of all this. The last I heard, he was being released from a lengthy jail sentence. I had finally had enough with the last beating and pressed charges against him.” She trails off, her eyes catching the Charger as well, before she knocks on the door.
A man answers the door with a smile and his eyes light up as they land on Brooke, his daughter, obviously. “Hello, sweetheart.” He then gla
nces in my direction. “Hi, I’m Mr. Hartford. You can call me Jeffery.” He glances at my forearm as we shake hands. “Did that hurt much?”
“It wasn’t too bad, sir. I’m Cole Ferguson. It’s nice to finally meet you.” I nod.
He furrows his brow, confused. “How long have you been seeing each other, Brooke? I’m curious to why I haven’t heard of Cole before.” He gives her a stern look before he shows us inside.
“I’ve been busy, Daddy.” She waves him off.
“Your mother isn’t quite herself today. I had considered rescheduling dinner, but she’d had the chef create this spectacular feast for this evening in honor of your special guest. We’ve also had an unexpected guest who I thought would be gone before you arrived, but please don’t get upset. I will get rid of him. Okay?” he asks, concerned.
Once inside, I have to lift my jaw off the floor. With the outside being so over the top, I shouldn’t be surprised at the inside being something right out of a magazine.
“Would you like a beer, son?” he asks. “I’m going to get one for myself.”
“That would be great. Thanks, sir.” I grin and follow Brooke down the long hallway that leads into the dining room where her mother is sitting. I can see where Brooke gets her dark brown hair and olive complexion. Her mother is still a beautiful woman and she’s very sophisticated. You can tell by looking at her. There’s another man at the table, his back to us, and sitting across from Clara. I can’t see his face yet.
“Brooke.” Clara says and then smiles oddly. “Look who stopped by to say hello.” She motions toward the man.
He stands and turns toward Brooke. He looks her body over as if she were a piece of meat. I’m confused and pissed off by the way he’s looking at my girlfriend. I look at Brooke for answers and she’s as white as a ghost. I reach for her waist to steady her as she takes a step back quickly.