I drank and drank the wine while sitting on my couch until the room went black.
The next morning, I was so disorientated I had no idea where I was for a few seconds. Then everything came rushing back.
Fuck.
Joshua was here in my driveway last night.
I ran to the bathroom and threw up everything from last night.
My head was throbbing as I rested it against the cool bathroom floor. I should’ve never drank that much but I was trying to dull the pain. Remembering everything from my past was awful. Seeing Joshua was awful. I needed my girls.
I pulled myself up from the floor and staggered back to the kitchen. I downed two ibuprofen, put on some coffee, and called Liz.
“Hey sugar, what’s going on?” Liz answered on the first ring. “I was going to call you to see how your visit went yesterday.”
“Hold on, I need to get Chloe on the phone too.” I sounded awful.
Liz knew it right away. “Jeez, Bells, you sound awful. Are you sick?”
“No I am hungover as hell and had the worst night.” Finally Chloe answered. “Hey what’s up Bells?”
“Hi Lovie.” I answered. “Liz is on the line too. I wanted to talk to both of you.”
Chloe knew something was wrong, I could tell from her voice. I heard her gasp. “Are you okay Bella? You sound horrible.”
“I know, I know I sound horrible. I had a good time with my parents; I even escaped seeing any Bennett at the liquor store Hailey runs. Well until last night at least.” I heard both of them breathe in, waiting to hear what I was going to say.
“Joshua was in my driveway when I got home.” I said.
Liz was the first to scream. “What? Joshua Bennett? The Joshua Bennett?”
“Yes.” I whispered.
“Are you okay, Bells? Do you need us to come over? I can bring some coffee and muffins.”
“Yes, that would so wonderful.”
“Okay be right over. Liz, I’ll grab you on the way.”
The call ended and I waited by the window for my girls to arrive. I didn’t know what to do with all of the thoughts swarming through my head.
About twenty minutes later, Chloe and Liz came over, armed with coffee and muffins.
“Okay spill it girl. This is insane and my head is spinning. Whoever would've have thought that Joshua Bennett would have shown up here? How did he even know you lived here?” Liz said.
“Apparently when I went into the liquor store, Hailey saw me somehow, though I never saw her. She told Joshua I had been in town and this is where it gets crazy.” I paused, taking a deep breath. “He figured I was in town to visit my parents because there is nothing else I would be there for, which is true, so he staked out at my parents’ house while I was visiting, and then when I left, he followed me home. He was able to cut me off to get ahead of me, ending up in my driveway before me.”
Liz and Chloe just stared at me with their eyes wide. Their mouths hung open a bit.
“Stop catching flies you two and say something to me.” I said.
Chloe shook her head and spoke first. “So what did you say to him?”
I gave them the play by play up until I woke up this morning. I told them what the note said and both were in shock. “Wow,” Liz exclaimed. “I can’t believe this. What does he think he can just follow you here and say sorry and everything will go back to what it was? What nerve.”
I nodded in agreement. “I know, I don’t know who the fuck he thinks he is. He hurt me so bad. So unbelievably bad. My world shattered when I saw Emily having sex with him. That whore.” Tears began streaming down my face as I remembered the scene once again. I have replayed that scene in my head so many times and I always ended up in tears.
Chloe rubbed my back as Liz stroked my hand. “It’s okay, Bells. It’s the past. Just keep mourning and eventually the wound will heal.” Chloe smiled at me and continued. “And ignore him, resist him. He’s only trying to make himself feel better by saying sorry. I wouldn’t trust the whole madly in love with you thing.”
I nodded as I listened to what she said. Underneath it all, the fire we had stirred and flickered a bit. I can’t believe it is still there after everything, after all of these years. But it still is there. I feel he was, or is, my soulmate. But I don’t see myself ever moving on from what happened.
Could I?
Chapter 5
Days passed since Joshua had showed up in my driveway. And every day, flowers or chocolates, or some type of romantic gift showed up at my doorstep. I refused them all, sending them away.
On a Friday a few weeks later, a number I didn’t recognize called my phone. I let it go to voicemail, thinking it was someone probably wanting to sell me something for my business.
They left a voicemail which I promptly listened to.
I dropped my phone...
It was the Harbor Town hospital. Joshua had been in a bad car accident. He was in a coma. They didn’t know if he was going to wake up or not. His parents were out of the country along with his siblings. No other family was around. I was on his list to call.
I ran from the room and drove as fast as I could to the hospital.
When I got there, I was directed up to ICU. I didn’t tell anyone I was going, afraid of them saying I was making a mistake. I probably was but it would feel wrong not to go. He was in a coma for God sakes, someone needed to come.
The nurse told me a drunk driver had hit him head on the highway, going about 70mph. He had a lot of broken bones, some bruising, and some internal bleeding. They put him in a coma so they could stop the internal bleeding and just in case he needed emergency surgery. They planned to wake him tomorrow afternoon as long as everything went smoothly. So far he had improved, the bleeding had been controlled, and his vitals had been getting stronger.
“What he really needs right now, sugar, is someone to hold his hand and talk to him. Some comfort and support. It goes a long way when someone is fighting to recover.” The nurse said to me as she squeezed my hand and left me alone with him.
He looked so small and sad in the hospital bed, tubes everywhere, and bruises all over him. It was the worst I have ever seen him. He was usually so strong and sure of himself so to see him this way was quite disconcerting.
I reached for his hand and squeezed it. I stroked it and told him what’s been going on in my life since I left Harbor Town.
Next thing I knew, a nurse was shaking me awake. “Hunnie, you fell asleep a while ago. I didn’t want to wake up but visiting hours are over now. You are welcome to come back in the morning.”
I nodded and headed down to the cafeteria. I called both Liz and Chloe and filled them in on what happened. They both agreed I did the right thing. I felt drained and exhausted. I tried to eat some soup but I couldn’t. I threw it in the trash and left, looking for a hotel to crash for the night.
The next morning, I rushed to the hospital, hoping for some news. When I got up to ICU, the nurse from yesterday told me he had moved to floor five after he had woken up this morning. He was doing better than they had expected.
I followed her directions to the floor he was on and took a deep breath when I got to the room. I leaned my head against the wall trying to decide what I would say. I am just here for support because no one else was around? I still love you too? I hate you and just want to cut all ties? I didn’t know anymore, I felt so lost and confused.
I opened the door and there he was, eyes glued to the TV though I doubted he was paying attention. He looked over when I entered and his mouth dropped open slightly.
“Bells? What are you doing here?” He asked me, as his eyes lit up.
“Well the hospital called me and told me what happened and that you had no family in town right now so I came to see how you were.” I shrugged, not being able to look into his eyes. I knew if I looked into his eyes, or even near his face, I would be doomed. I could feel that electricity pulsing through us, pulsing through the entire room. After all this time, it w
as still there, hot and strong. I tried to ignore it, thinking of what he had done.
He smiled. “Thank you. I really appreciate it. I don’t even remember what happened except for what the doctors and nurses tell me. They said I should be thankful I am alive.”
I nodded. “Yes, that is what they told me also.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say. I was at a loss for words.
He ran his fingers through his hair. His arm tattoo peaked out of his hospital gown. He was still so damn sexy, I could feel my knees start to shake. “Listen Isabella, we have a lot to talk about. I have a lot I want to tell you, explain to you.” He stared into my eyes with an intense hunger, and I could feel desire pooling into my belly. Flashbacks of our sex sped through my head at warp speed and I am almost jumped into his arms. “I…I am so sorry for the way things played out, the way they ended. But I think if you just give me one chance to explain, just one chance, maybe I can fix some things.”
I felt butterflies swarming through my stomach, making me want to throw up my free breakfast from the hotel. “I don’t know Josh; I don’t think it would be a good idea.” I told him. “I just can’t go through that type of pain again.”
He reached his hand out to me and I took a step closer. “Please Bells, please.” He begged. “Just hear me out one time. One time, that’s all I ask.”
He leaned up a bit further, the pain registering on his face as he grabbed my hand in his. He lifted it up to his mouth and kissed it, and I jumped back. “Josh,” I whispered. “I just don’t know. I don’t trust myself around you. I need time to think.”
He nodded. “Okay that’s fine, think. But please really consider it.” He wrote down his phone number with a pen and paper that was on the side table and handed it to me.
“Well I am glad you are doing better, but I must be heading back now. I have to make sure everything is okay with my business.”
“I hope to talk to you again, Isabella. And thank you again for coming out, I really appreciate it.” He smiled warmly at me and I walked out before I let go in front of him.
I ran to the bathroom, locked the door, and leaned against the door, sobs escaping my throat. Why? Why me?
A few days later and I took Joshua up on the offer. I wanted to hear what he had to say. I highly doubted it would change my mind but I needed to know. He met me at a coffee shop near my house and after getting some coffee, we sat in a corner booth. He still looked roughed up since the accident but definitely better than when he was in the hospital.
“Well what do you want to say to me Josh? What could you possibly have to say to me that would justify you sleeping with my best friend?” I glared at him. I didn’t mean to be angry but it just bubbled to the surface.
He sighed, his eyes filling with sadness. “Emily’s father competes with my father down at the country club. They compete with golf and tennis matches. Well, my father, being the shithead he was, had an affair with one of the female employee’s at the club. Emily’s father found out about it. He promised to keep it a secret as long as my dad let him win more. This went on for a year or so. Emily always had a crush on me. I am not sure if she ever told you.” He paused, looking at me. I shook my head. I never knew that. She never told me and she hid it well.
He continued. “Well she did. Her father told her about my father’s affair. She hung it above my head, blackmailing me with it. She told me if I refused to have sex with her, she would tell my mother. I didn’t know what else to do. My dad tried to pay her off but she wouldn’t have it. I told her no so many times, that I loved you, but she wouldn’t let up. She showed up at the house that day, with evidence- pictures of my father with the other woman, and threatened if I didn’t have sex with her right then, she was going to print those pictures and distribute them everywhere. I had no idea what to do. I knew that it would tear apart my family and devastate my mother. I sat her in the living room and called my dad and he asked me if I could just get it over with. So I did.” He hung his head in his hands. He spoke again without lifting his head.
“I am so sorry Bella. I didn’t know what else to do.” He looked up. His eyes were glistening. He reached over and grasped my hand with both of his. “That was the only time. That one time no matter what she or others might have said. And there were never any others. Sometimes I talked to other girls at parties but I never did anything sexual with anyone but you. And I know I became distant when you went away to college but I didn’t know how to deal with how strongly I was missing you. It was intense, our love was intense, and I got scared. So I pulled away. I was so young to be feeling so strongly but I did and I didn’t know what to do. I was such a fool. Since then there has never been anyone that made me feel like you make me feel. Yes, I have enjoyed many women. I’m sure you heard I turned into a bit of a playboy. But it was all just a distraction to avoid thinking about you. You are my other half, my soulmate, my love. I would never do anything to hurt you again. I am a much more mature and a much more powerful man than the boy I was back then. I want to make it up to you, to show you the love I have for you. Please, Bells.”
I sat there listening to everything Joshua said and I had no idea what to do, what to say, or what to feel. I was in complete shock. I whispered, “Emily…she really did all of that?”
He nodded, looking me straight in the eyes. “She did. She was an evil girl. She put on a good front though; I can understand how you were under her spell. But underneath it all, she was the devil.”
I shook my head. I looked down at the table, trying to breathe slowly, in and out. His confession just rocked my world on its axis. I suddenly stood up. I had to get out of there.
Josh looked up at me. “Bells, where are you going?”
“I just have to go Josh. Thank you, thank you for explaining everything but I need space. I need to process everything.”
“Okay, I understand. But please, Bells, I am telling the truth. My father said he would tell you. He knows how much I love you.”
I nodded and before I could burst into tears, I turned and left.
Chapter 6
When I got home, I felt numb. Could I believe him? Could I believe Emily would do that? Chloe and Liz told me to believe him but I needed some proof. I need to know for sure. And the only way to find out for sure?..
Call Emily myself.
I was able to track her down through a couple of friends from high school. I called her and she answered on the fifth ring, causing me to grow more nervous. “Hello?”
“Hi,” I said. “Emily?”
“Who is this?” She asked.
“It’s Isabella. From high school.” I spoke softly and then waited. There was a long pause, the awkwardness increasing.
“Oh. Wow. I don’t even know what to say.” she said.
“How about doing some explaining? Because I saw Josh today, you know Joshua Bennett? And he told me a lot of things.”
“Oh did he now?” She sighed. “Okay, Bella. I’m sorry. I just liked Josh so much; I thought I was in love with him. And I was so jealous of you. You were gorgeous and exciting and people loved you. You had a sexy body full of curves and I was a curveless stick. But yes, what Josh said is true. I blackmailed him because he refused every other way. He loved you, actually he still does.”
I couldn’t believe this. Josh was telling the truth. “How do you know he still loves me?”
“I talk to his sister, Hailey, every once in a while. We had a good friendship at one time. But Bella, please go be happy with Josh. I am sorry I was a crazy jealous bitch.”
“Thank you, Emily. That’s all I needed to know. Take care.“
“You too, Bells.” She whispered and I swear I heard her voice catch.
I called Joshua and asked him to come over later. I had been thinking all day and I had decided what I wanted to do.
He knocked on the door around 7pm, his arms full of wine, crackers, bread, cheese, and juicy grapes. I opened the door and smiled as his face lit up. He was truly gorgeous. All the ol
d feelings came rushing back, rooting me to the spot.
“Are you going to let me in, Bells? My arms are starting to shake.” He laughed and I stepped back.
“Sorry.” I shook my head. “Thanks for bringing the wine and food. It looks delicious.”
I was so hungry, I hadn’t eaten much today. My stomach had been in knots.
“Let’s go sit in the living room; I set the table up already.”
He followed me into the living room and we sat on the couch. He spread out the cheese, crackers, bread, and grapes. Everything had been cut already. I poured the wine and we both sat back. I could feel his gaze penetrating me.
I turned to look at him and all I could think about was how bad I wanted him. I knew how good our sex was and I wanted him bad. All the feelings were stirring inside me.
I still loved him. After all this time. I never had stopped.
He leaned down close to my face. I forgot how handsome he was. I breathed in his smell, a scent I missed and craved for. He whispered in my ear, “You are one fine, fine woman. And I have never stopped loving you.”
That was it, that was all it took and my lips found his. I had so much to tell him, so much to talk about, so much to define but it could wait, it could all wait.
Our kiss was passionate, years of love and frustration pent up and coming out with a force neither of us could control. Our tongues found each other and swirled together, exploring as if we had never tasted each other before. I pulled back, gasping for air, my body on fire. Every inch of me wanted every inch of him.
I pushed him back against the couch and straddled him. “Oh Josh. I have missed you so much.” I leaned in and kissed him as his hands began exploring. He ran up and down my back, my sides, and finally cupping my ass. I moaned against his mouth, his hands felt so good.
“I missed you too, Bells. Don’t ever leave me again. I won’t be able to survive it.” He deepened the kiss even further and he began unbuttoning my blouse. I could feel his erection beneath his pants, rubbing my pussy. I rubbed myself against his erection and he moaned in response. He slid my blouse off and his hands moved down to my legs and up my long skirt. He kept running them up and down my legs, getting slightly higher each time. I couldn’t stop kissing his glorious mouth and I began rubbing even harder against him, feeling an orgasm build already.
ROMANCE: Paranormal Romance: The Valley (Book One) (Fun, Sexy, Mature Young Adult Vampire Shape Shifter Romance) Page 41