“Mom, I’m not being flippant. I promise, I am taking this seriously. I have weighed the consequences and I am okay with staying…”
Suddenly she stands, yelling, “Even if it means losing your life?!” Her emotions explode to the surface and she begins wiping her tears. Richard goes to her side to comfort her.
“I don’t mean to scare you, sweetheart. That is the last thing I want to do. But the fact is that this sick Carter person has already harmed you, TWICE. For all of Richard and Cole’s best efforts, for all of their money and power and security friends, they haven’t been able to keep you safe! Maybe you need to hear this, to take this situation seriously. I am worried, Mia. Do you understand? I am worried for your safety until Carter is behind bars once and for all.”
Although I feel for her, I have to make her understand my point of view. I walk over, take her hands, and hug her. When I pull back I look her directly in the eyes, bracing myself for what I am about to say.
“I already died, Mom. You can’t understand, but trust me, I’ve been dying over and over to avoid living with the fear of Carter. I only started living a little more when I found Cole again and started to remember. I can’t go back to distance from my life and being kept in the dark. I cannot. A real death would be more peaceful than the limbo I have been stuck in for the past year plus. I will not return to that fearful state. I will not allow Carter to ruin my life. I need to own my choices and I need you to support that.”
“If she can’t, I will,” Alex says, standing up to hug me. “Me too, baby,” Cole says second, rubbing my back. My mother nods yes and kisses my hands. I can see she is exhausted but somewhat relieved.
“Okay, now that that’s done with, I have an idea. Just hear me out on this. I think I should be bait for Carter. If he is really watching, I say we set a trap and catch him for good this time!”
I am almost drowned by the sea of ”No’s”. Cole is especially against the idea with my mother coming in a close second. Alex, however, is on my side. We sit and debate for hours, never agreeing. Richard gives information to the police and mom handles ordering take out. We finally decide to call in the team, to gauge their stance on using me as bait. I believe wholeheartedly that I will be freaked out by this moment forever. The consensus is that we work with the police and use a “Mia stand-in.” I just want to see Carter’s damn face when they grab him. I want him to know that I got him, that he is losing his freedom because of me. I want to take something from him, this time.
Cole rubs my shoulders, leaning over to kiss the side of my head. “A penny for your thoughts…”
“I dunno… I just feel like it’s all too easy. I mean, how has he remained hidden all this time? Everyone has been looking for him.” It’s bizarre to me that he has been able to allude the police, our security, everyone. He was never the sharpest tool in the shed. From what I was told, his crime against me was opportunistic. He didn’t plan to attack me last year, he simply jumped on the chance when it presented itself, without much if any planning. I mean the idiot jumped me in the hotel where our families knew we were, even invited me upstairs with him in front of others. Now, however, he is the great Houdini. It isn’t right.
“You can’t overthink crazy people, but I know what you mean. I spoke to Foster about that exact feeling.”
”Oh? And what does Foster think about the situation?”
“He thinks that there may be someone helping Carter.”
“An accomplice?”
“Exactly, and until we know more, I would really like for you to play nice and hang in the house. I heard what you said and I am not asking for even a week. Just a few days, Mia. Foster says he is onto something and confident that he can get to Carter soon.”
“Okay.”
“Okay? That feels too easy.”
“You requested, you didn’t demand, and you respected the importance of what I said. I can compromise.”
“What are you two conspiring about over there? Dinner is here, come to the dining room.”
We all file into the dining room and Cole excuses himself to take a call. I see him speaking to Foster and don’t like the way he looks. His eyes are cold and his body is rigid. I make a mental note to ask him, later.
Dinner is surreal. We are in the middle of this crazy situation, but I am reveling everyone sitting at my table, eating and laughing like a real family. Every person here has had an immense impact on me. It feels like I have lived lifetimes with each of these people.
I look at Mom and Richard, thinking back to when they first met. I was so happy she finally found someone who valued her. I look at Alex laughing with Chris and think back to all the slumber parties and rooftop camp outs we had when we were young, talking about what our lives would be like when we grew up. As my eyes work their way around the table and finally settle on Cole, I feel my heart swell. I love this man. He has altered everything and I will be forever grateful. I close my eyes to lock in this moment, and that’s when I see it… the moment we met.
“Sorry, excuse me,” I said as I bumped into his rock-hard body. We were at the music venue, the same club Alex took me to the ‘first’ time I went home with Cole.
“Not a problem, the pleasure is all mine.” He settled his hands on my waist to steady me. I remember being half annoyed at how familiar the gesture was for a stranger, but the minute he touched me I got all tingly, and wondered if he could see my goosebumps. Then he stared at me, that piercing, penetrating gaze that is now familiar but still makes me shiver to this day. Back then it was even more unsettling. “Jesus, you’re intense. I feel like you want to eat me alive.”
“Sounds like a plan.” His smile could melt ice, but this is moving way too fast.
“Seriously, buddy? That’s your best line?”
He let out a thunderous laugh and held onto my waist far longer than he needed to. “I get the feeling you are a zero bullshit kind of girl.”
Between the look in his eyes, the smirk on his face, and his fingers like hot pokers on my sides, I thought I might explode or start taking off my clothes. “You wouldn’t be wrong,” I said, stepping back to release his hands from my waist.
“So, you come here often?” Even with the lamest pickup line, I had to give it to him, he had my attention.
“Never, you?”
“Never. My friends dragged me here to see this stupid band. I hate punk music, but my pals are more interested in the girls than the tunes.”
“You aren’t interested in the girls?”
“I wasn’t until now… I haven’t been able to take my eyes off of you since you came in. I was just waiting for you to be alone…” He waggles his sexy eyebrows and I find myself wondering when eyebrows became sexy. This guy had a handsome face, killer body, steamy voice, and eyes that made me feel naked in full clothing. I was already on the way to obsessed.
“I mean, you’re gorgeous and I needed to work up enough courage.”
“Now I know you are full of shit. With a face like that, you are not familiar with rejection!”
“Great! Then you agree we should go home together.” He took my hand and started leading me to the door. I felt so at ease with him. I laughed and called out to Alex as we walked past her, saying I would call her the next day. She just made kissy lips at me. She went to that club all the time and knew plenty of people there, including the bouncer she had her eye on.
On that first ‘date’, Cole took me to a late night coffee and dessert bar. We closed it down, talking and laughing. We spent that night together, and the next day and the next. When I finally got back home, my room was full of roses, and the next two months were filled with late calls, texts, and sexy office visits. He asked me to marry him while we lay in bed watching the sunrise, and he put the ring on top of a cupcake he handed me as a decadent surprise in bed. Our wedding was on the beach, with my family and closest friends. His parents died years before, and we honored their memory by playing bits of their wedding video on a screen by our beachside reception
. Finally, I remember being at the gala with Cole, celebrating and drinking champagne. I remember it was a wonderful evening until I walked into the elevator, and his eyes were the last thing I saw as the doors closed.
Everything I feel for Cole comes back to me in a flash flood of memories. It is so powerful that I reach under the table to grab his hand. I need him to anchor me, because that’s what he does.
Cole turns his head while laughing at something Alex just said and whispers to me, “I love you, baby. You okay? Tired? I’ll kick everyone out.” I open my eyes and his face is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I remember Alex telling me I was spectacularly happy before the incident and subsequent memory loss. She said that when I remembered it would be worth the wait. She couldn’t have said truer words!
My eyes start to glisten and I lean in to kiss his lips. As I pull away, I look into Cole’s eyes and say, “I can’t believe you married a one night stand.” His eyes show the click of understanding immediately. He gasps and leans back in his chair, staring at me. I see his eyes falter and know he feels as emotional about this as I do. He puts both hands on my cheeks and kisses my whole face. I start to laugh, drawing attention from the others.
“Settle down, lovebirds,” Richards calls out and my mother swats at his leg.
“I remember! I remember everything…” I turn to all the shocked faces, everybody looking to one another, not knowing how to react.
“Oh my God! That’s amazing, Mia!” Alex claps her hands, letting out a squeal.
“Everything?” my mother asks, making eye contact with me. She looks worried.
“All the good things,” I say, smiling at her, knowing what she is asking.
“Get the Champs Parker! This is cause for celebration!” Alex say throwing her arms up. I smile and put my hands on my head, shaking it from side to side. I feel in disbelief and can’t decide whether to laugh or cry. I go with laughter.
“I couldn’t agree more!” Cole says, kissing my cheek once more and walking to the kitchen wine fridge. “Whoop! Whoop!”
Everybody starts chattering and we all go to sit in the living room as my mother comes back with glasses, Cole in tow, to pour the champagne. Everyone is asking question after question and the excitement is contagious. Alex clues in Chris, who is being a terrific sport as someone lost in translation. He even gives me a high five, to join in the celebration.
The best part about knowing our history is that I can truly, fully settle into my life with Cole, every doubt erased in that moment of memory return. I am exactly who he fell in love with and he is still himself. We are destined, meant for each other, soul mates. All the crazy stuff people say when they are in love is true for us. We all sip champagne as they answer and confirm every question of my memory. It’s only when I yawn for the hundredth time that Cole stands and announces that we both need to go to bed. It takes me another half hour to hug and say goodbye to everyone, but when they all leave and we are alone, Cole literally sweeps me off my feet and carries me to our bed. He sets me down and starts to undress me, starting with my shirt, pulling it over my head and running his fingertips across my breasts.
The mood is intense, the room lit only by the moon. Neither of us speak, and I can hear my own breath quicken. Cole peels my bra straps down one at a time, kissing my collar bone and up my neck to my chin. I close my eyes and appreciate the warmth of his mouth, feeling my nipples harden and give in to my pleasure. While he kisses my neck he runs his fingertips down my waist to my jeans, running his finger just inside my waistband, just enough to make me rock my body toward his hand, wishing he was lower. Cole lowers his mouth to the top of my breast, pulling the lace fabric of my bra down to expose the hard nipple. Sucking it into his mouth, rolling his tongue over and nipping with his teeth, he moves his hand and expertly unbuttons my jeans. He pulls away and lowers himself as he removes my jeans, taking my panties one leg at a time. I’m standing almost nude, with the exception of my bra as he stands admiring my body. I feel exquisite in his vision, sexy and confident, and completely his.
I sit down on the bed and push back toward the headboard as Cole crawls over me. He is going to make love to me tonight. I know, because I’ve seen that look before. He kisses me deeply as he pushes his hard cock inside me, our bodies beginning to rock against each other, wanting more of each other. It’s the most intimate and vulnerable experience, taking someone inside you. I want him deeper, harder, I can’t get enough. I push against him, grinding harder, desperate for the friction between his body and my clit. Suddenly he pushes up as if reading my mind, rubbing the lowest part of his abs on my swollen nub, pulling at my waist to close the connection. His hands are on my waist, creating hot spots on my skin, like when we met. I arch my back, groaning from the ecstasy, hearing Cole’s breath in my ear as he sucks the lobe. He picks up the pace, pushing harder and harder into me while I push back into him. I can feel the build; I need more, want more. I wrap my legs tight around his waist, trying to pull him closer to me…
“I can’t hold on, come with me, Mia…” As I hear his words I feel myself spiral into the sweet orgasm, screaming his name as I claw my nails into his back. Coles grinds out his release, growling my name into my ear. My body pulsates around his cock, milking it and marking my claim on him. We lay there, still, breathing heavily until we fall asleep.
I wake up stretching my heavy limbs, only to find an empty bed. I wrap myself in the sheet and pad out to the living room, hoping to find Cole. What I find is Foster and his team. I’m sure my cheeks are an excellent indication of my embarrassment.
“I’m sorry, Mia, you missed Cole by a few minutes. He stepped out to the office, said for you to call him when you wake up.” I’m mortified and Foster is looking everywhere but at me.
“Gotcha, yep, no worries.” I run, so fast, back to my room. I call Cole only to go to voicemail, so I decide to take a shower and get myself dressed. When I walk out of my closet, I hear my phone ringing so I dart over, throwing myself to the other side of the bed to grab it off the night stand.
“Hello?” Silence. “Hello, Cole?” I pull the phone from my face to look at the number, but I don’t recognize it. The other night, after my recollection, I programmed Cole’s number to read “hubby”.
I quickly and quietly run back out of the bedroom toward Foster, holding up my fingers to my mouth, to silence everyone. “Hello, can you hear me? I think we have a bad connection.”
He laughs… and I almost vomit. I would recognize that voice anywhere. “Carter? Is that you?”
Foster takes my phone and puts it on speaker. He is hooking up some device to it. He motions for me to keep talking.
“Carter, why are you doing this? Why are you trying to hurt me?”
“See you soon, Amelia…” and he hangs up.
Foster grabs my phone as it falls out of my hand. I wrap my arms around myself. “We got him!” I hear one of the team say. “Let’s go, we need to grab him quick, before the police get to him.”
Why before the police?
Foster yells out, “Mark, wait five minutes, then call it in. Mia, stay in the house with the team. You are safe here. We’ve already reached Cole. He’s on his way back.”
Everything is happening fast. People are moving around me in a blur. I can’t process anything except Carter’s voice voice, that sick, twisted, evil voice.
Foster grabs my shoulders and squares me to him. “Mia, it ends today. We will handle him. You have my word.” He leaves with some of the others as I stand motionless, watching the elevator doors close. I can’t move until Cole comes back. I need him here.
I hear the ding and focus my eyes to see Cole rushing toward me, and that’s when I pass out.
I wake to Cole putting a cold cloth on my forehead. “Hey, there she is.”
“Hi, is it over?”
“Baby, it’s only been thirty seconds since you fainted. But I’m right here, and I promise, nothing and no one will get to you. Can I get you something?”
“Honestly? I realize it’s early morning, but I could use a drink.”
“You and me both. Sit up and I will get us something.”
“Hey, did you call Richard or my mom?”
“Didn’t have to. Richard’s people are already queued in. Foster called me while you were on the phone with Carter, and then we reached out to Richard’s team.”
“Can you tell me why Foster and Richard’s goons are trying to get to Carter before the police do? Does this have anything to do with your conversation with Foster last night?”
“Yes.” He comes back into the room and hands me a tumbler with amber liquid. “Now, before you ask any more questions, let me say that I will not allow you to become an accomplice to a crime.”
My heart stops. I stand, spilling liquor from my glass. “You damn fool! What have you done, Cole?”
His jaw tenses and I can tell he is annoyed with my outburst.
“Fool? You’re right, I am a fool, a fool in love. This guy has already hurt you twice, Mia. I cannot allow it to happen again. Ever.”
“Cole, I can’t lose you. Please don’t be stupid. I’m afraid.”
“I will never leave you, Mia. Please trust me.”
I open my mouth to answer, and Cole’s cell goes off.
I watch him put it to his ear and don’t need to hear what Foster is saying, because I can tell by the look on Cole’s face.
One week later
I am looking in the mirror at a person I do not recognize, maybe because Alex has put way too much eye make-up on me.
“I look like a raccoon, Alex!”
“No, you don’t! You look like you are wearing a smoky eye and it’s gorgeous, if I do say so myself.”
“Alright, but when people think I am a hooker tonight, I will kill you.”
“Calm down, everyone will know that you are Cole’s hooker, so no worries.”
I laugh because tonight my mother is throwing a huge party downtown, for Cole and I to announce our marriage and to celebrate my progression. Talk about timing.
Come Back to Me_A Romantic Suspense Thriller Page 13