by Rae, Alicia
Copyright © 2013 by Alicia Rae
All rights reserved.
Cover Designer: Sarah Hansen, Okay Creations
Editor and Interior Designer: Jovana Shirley, Unforeseen Editing
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Visit my website at www.aliciaraeauthor.com
To my loving sister, Kelsey. Thank you for showing me how much I truly missed reading. It opened the door to my love for writing. I love you, and I’m so proud of the woman you have become. ♥
Prologue
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Readers
Acknowledgments
Courage had the power to make or break someone.
If you had too much, you could dive into a bottomless rut and be swallowed whole. Too little wouldn’t be enough, and you would fail to thrive to your fullest potential.
Balance and determination were key.
Having faith in yourself was the remaining ingredient. It would come from deep within your heart, and when given the chance, it would truly shine, making the possibilities of your dreams endless—as long as fear didn’t get in the way.
I had many mixed feelings coursing through me as we pulled up the long curve of Kyle’s driveway after many hours of traveling from Florida to California. I smiled as his beautifully designed house came into full view. From now on, this was my home.
I wanted Lake Tahoe to be a fresh start, a new beginning. I would always love my first home in Colorado where I had lived with my parents and sister, but it was time to move on to a new chapter in my life.
I promised myself I would put the past behind me, including the recent attack with A.J. that had happened only a couple of short weeks ago. Following that incident, I shared heartfelt good-byes with my Aunt Lucie, Uncle Dan, and cousins.
Meg, A.J.’s sister, had even stopped over at my home in Colorado the morning before we left, saying how sorry she was for not telling me about her suspicions of A.J. It was the only time in my life I could remember being slightly uncomfortable in her presence. I didn’t hold her at fault though because she couldn’t have known her brother would plan such a devastating plot against me.
Meg had informed me that A.J. was seeking counseling in a mental health treatment center in Evergreen, Colorado, and he was doing well. I still had many mixed emotions, and just hearing his name would make me uneasy, but I did understand grief and how it might have driven him to make bad decisions.
From somewhere deep within our hearts and consciences, Kyle and I had decided not to press charges against A.J. After explaining my reasoning to Kyle, he’d stood beside me and agreed to let A.J. seek the help he needed. I’d chosen to believe in the power of forgiveness, and I’d prayed my decision would do him good and allow him to move forward with his life.
Meg had expressed that she was deeply concerned about how her parents, Ted and Jane, were coping with their son’s irrational behavior. I was saddened that they hadn’t come by to say good-bye to me before I left Colorado. However, Meg had said that they were tied up with the restaurant, and they sent their deepest apologies.
Meg and I had parted on friendly terms, wishing each other the best, with intentions to visit one another someday in the future. A part of me really hoped to see her again while the other part was not sure if that awkward tension would ever fade. I truly wanted to believe our friendship could overcome what had happened.
As the garage door to Kyle’s home opened, I snuck a nervous glance at him. A part of me felt the happiness I could see reflected in his eyes while the other half of me was consumed with worry. Moving in together was such a huge step, one that I hoped I was ready for.
Kyle reached for my hand and squeezed while smiling at me with reassurance. “We’re finally here,” he said quietly.
I let out a deep breath. “Yep,” I answered in a soft tone.
After parking inside, we both stepped out of the car. I opened the backseat door and reached for my large pink-and-black bag filled with enough clothes for the first few nights in case it took a while to unpack. Kyle opened the other door and grabbed two small bags before we made our way to the garage door leading into the house.
Within inches of the door, Kyle stopped and spun around to face me, his eyes staring into the depths of mine. He dropped the luggage in his grasp, the thump echoing off the walls of the garage, and his hand lifted to caress my cheek.
He smiled affectionately at me. “Ready?”
I nodded shyly. “Ready,” I answered.
He cupped my chin and bent down to place a gentle kiss on my lips before pulling back to look at my eyes. “Welcome home, beautiful.”
“Thank you,” I said before closing the distance between us for another kiss.
Kyle wrapped his arms around my waist and hauled my body against his. I locked my hands around his nape and kissed him with such fervor. His mouth was warm and sweet, and his kiss instantly settled the nerves in the pit of my stomach.
Kyle lifted me, and I squealed in surprise. I enclosed my legs around his hips as he turned to open the door with me in his arms.
Laughing, I tightened my grip to hold on to him. “What are you doing?” I screeched.
The door swung wide open as he turned his gaze back on me. “Carrying you over the threshold,” he answered, releasing a carefree boyish grin.
With a smile, I rolled my eyes at him. “That’s for the honeymoon.”
Kyle shook his head in disagreement. “Nope, I refuse to believe that. It’s for moving in together, too.” He winked and took the first step inside the house.
“If you say so.”
I chuckled as he carried me through the mudroom and all the way into the living room. Walking over to the couch, he sat down with me still in his arms. I bent my legs and tucked them on either side of his thighs, sitting astride his lap.
“So, should we start unpacking first? Or wait until after dinner?” he asked. His hands began making short strokes up and down my lower back.
My eyes widened in surprise. “The movers brought the boxes already?”
“Yes, they were supposed to arrive early this morning, and they should be stacked in the office. Diane let them in before we arrived.”
“Diane?” I quickly racked my brain, trying to remember who she was.
“My housekeeper.”
“Oh, okay,” I replied, rising to my feet. “How about we unload a few boxes and order in pizza?”
“That sounds like a good plan.” Kyle rose, standing next to me. He gestured toward the general direction of the office. “Why don’t you get started while I order the food?”
“Okay.” I smiled.
He leaned forward and kissed my forehead before stepping to the side to make his phone call. Remembering where his office was, I made my way to the edge of the door frame and came to a dead stop.
Holy boxes.
Whoever says moving is easy is flat-out lying.
With a few hesitant strides forward, I stood in the center of Kyle’s office, completely surrounded by labeled brown boxes. They were all marked in my handwriting—bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, and living room.
Wow.
The sad part was I didn’t have the slightest clue where to start. I secretly wished I could click my heels like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, and everything would magically find its home, meshing with Kyle’s.
It seemed like I was missing some secret dating code. Do I just take all my items and blend them with his? Or wait for him to help me decide what goes where?
I felt as if I was invading a man cave even though his house was anything but. Instead, his home was warm and cozy with the perfect homey feeling.
I heard Kyle’s footsteps behind me a moment before he wrapped his arms around my waist, tugging me flush against his chest.
“You look lost, beautiful,” he said sincerely. He placed a gentle kiss on my cheek.
“I am,” I answered unsurely. “There are just so many boxes,” I said in awe.
Changing locations was so overwhelming. When I had moved to Florida, I’d left Colorado with only a few bags of clothes and personal belongings that fit into my car. The rest I’d acquired while living in Sanibel Island. For being there for only three years, I felt like quite the pack rat.
His tender smile brushed along the bare skin of my cheek. “You shouldn’t feel lost, Lily. You belong here with me.” He lifted his gaze, taking in the room full of boxes. “Wow…that is a shitload of boxes for one person though,” he teased impishly.
I turned in his arms and loosely hung my hands around his neck. I loved the way he felt in my arms. I would never tire of his touch. He was my home, no matter where we were.
“That totally isn’t helping.” I laughed. “I’m not even sure where to begin.”
“Just kidding.” He chuckled, only to stop suddenly. His face paled slightly.
“Careful!” I chided. My eyebrows drew in.
I almost completely forgot about his fractured rib from falling at my home in Colorado. He rarely showed any discomfort from it, but it must still be tender. The ER doctor had told him to be careful for several weeks.
“You’re not supposed to be laughing or taking deep breaths…or carrying me!” Leave it to a man not to follow doctor’s orders.
His right eyebrow rose. “Says the girl who laughed first.” He smirked. “And it didn’t hurt to carry you. I’m not an invalid.”
“Sorry,” I said, slapping my hand over my mouth while trying to be serious.
It was hard, considering the grin plastered on his face. Per doctor’s orders, there was to be no playful laughing for a few weeks, but we’d never be able to comply with that.
“No more laughing,” I added, shaking my head, as I used the firmest tone I could muster up.
“That’s impossible with you. Besides, my ribs have been feeling much better the last few days. It hardly ever bothers me anymore unless I take a deep breath,” he retorted.
He leaned forward and kissed me once and then twice. His lips were so soft and fit mine perfectly. My grin broke free by the third kiss.
Kyle pulled back. “Alright, time to work.”
In this very moment, I wanted to giggle out of pure bliss that was also mirrored in his eyes, but I resisted.
Damn, this is going to be really hard. Thank goodness he is healing quickly.
He switched his attention back to the boxes. “Let’s pick one and keep going until they are all gone.” He glanced back at me with a sexy full-blown grin as he paused. “I vote for the one labeled bedroom first.” His mood was infectious.
I playfully rolled my eyes at him. “Of course you’d say that.”
Kyle’s smile was contagious, too. His eyes glowed with utter happiness. He leaned forward and kissed me quickly, making a popping noise with his lips. “That’s why you love me,” he replied. He rotated me to face the boxes. Enclosing his hand over mine, he pulled me in the direction of the mountain of boxes. “Come on, beautiful. The sooner we get rid of these boxes, the sooner I get to see all your stuff mixed with mine.”
Kyle stopped in front of a box labeled bedroom. He lifted it and strode toward his room. I opened my mouth to halt him since the doctor had said no lifting, but then I quickly closed it. If Kyle had not hesitated when picking me up, he definitely would not be deterred by a ten-pound package. Shaking my head at his overbearing ways, I grabbed the next one with the same label and headed after him.
Kyle set the brown box on the edge of his bed, and then he broke the taped lid open with his hands. From the corner of my eye, I saw him hold up a racy pair of black lace panties with the matching bra. Shaking his head from side to side, he let out a sexy low whistle. I couldn’t help but grin at his luck. That particular box was filled to the top with my panties, bras, and silk pajamas.
“And I already thought it was my lucky day.” Kyle beamed, tilting his head at me. “But it just got even better.”
I walked over to him and seized my lingerie from his grasp. “Give me those,” I snorted.
Kyle’s grin broadened. I spun around in the direction of my new wooden dresser to put the undergarments away, and my steps slowed as I realized my clothing would stay in this dresser indefinitely. Nerves suddenly appeared with each footstep. Although I had used the dresser once before during my mini getaway with Kyle, this time felt different because this trip wasn’t a visit. It was permanent.
Stopping inches from the dresser, I gradually opened the top drawer, absorbing every detail in the deep cherry wood, while thinking about the short time during which I had met Kyle, fallen head over heels, and now moved thousands of miles to be with him.
Is love always so powerful like this?
Writing about love was sure different than experiencing it. Love was life-altering and consuming.
How would it feel to have my heart broken by love? I knew what it felt like to be shattered by loss, but somehow, I feared the loss of love would be the final piece to destroying my heart completely beyond repair. I prayed my faith was strong enough to give me the courage to push forward at my chance at love and true happiness.
I felt Kyle’s presence right before he touched me. Our connection was so intense that I could always sense when he was near.
“I can see those thoughts running a mile a minute through your mind, Lily,” he said, his voice low and sincere. He placed one hand on the side of my hip.
“Being here feels so right when you touch me,” I admitted as much to myself as to him. “But when there’s distance between us, the rational part of my brain says this is all too fast.” I shook my head. “Love is supposed to take more time.”
His grip tightened slightly on my waist as he easily rotated me to face him. “There’s never going to be any distance between you and me, Lily,” he said with a confident, strong voice. “So, don’t try to put any between us. You can always talk to me.” The side of his mouth quirked up in the most adorable way. “And you need to ignore that rational part of your mind thinking about all these time concepts—except to be thankful that we have so many years to look forward to.” He tugged me closer while searching the depths of my eyes. “I’ve already told you that my heart doesn’t need a damn calendar to tell me how long I’ve known you, and I’ll just have to convince you of that.”
The man could sure give a speech when he wanted.
Having no words, only feelings, I kissed him. His lips were warm and familiar and oh-so soothing. It was all I needed to be reminded of why I was here with him right now instead of sealing my heart closed while alone in Florida.
We parted, and I lifted my eyes to meet his.
“I’m convinced,” I admit
ted quietly, feeling embarrassed for allowing my reservations to creep up on me. I shut them tightly back into their little box.
A slow, loving smile spread from the corners of his mouth. “Good. Now, let’s tackle these boxes.”
Kyle and I went back to unpacking, side by side, until we eliminated a small portion of the boxes. It was sweet to watch Kyle make room for my belongings.
Opening the last bedroom box, I reached inside to grab my gray crochet blanket that I had brought with me from Colorado. I rubbed my hands over the material to feel the woven pattern. I let happy memories fill my thoughts, like of my sister and I fighting over it while my mother acted as mediator.
I walked over to Kyle’s bed—now, our bed—and draped it over the edge. I wanted to use this blanket in my home to remember my family.
Kyle came to my side and placed his hand on my shoulder. “You picked a perfect spot for it.”
I turned to face him, smiling affectionately. “I think so, too.”
He lifted his hand to run his thumb along my jaw. He bent forward and kissed my lips softly before leaning back. “Ready for a break? Our pizza should be here any minute.”
“Yes, I’m hungry.”
The doorbell rang, and we both laughed.
“Perfect timing.” He winked before turning to make his way to the front door. “Why don’t you get us some plates while I get the food?”
“Sounds good,” I said as I headed toward the kitchen.
In the kitchen, I was surprised at how much I remembered. I quickly grabbed plates, forks, and napkins, and then I strolled over to the table. Making a second trip, I brought over two glasses of milk as Kyle set the large pizza box down in the center.
After placing two slices each on our plates, we took our seats next to each other and began eating.
“So, when do you plan to return to work?” I questioned before taking a bite of my cheesy pizza.
“My sister, Abbey, says she has everything under control, but I told her I’d stop in by the end of the week after I complete some paperwork.”
“Do you have a lot to catch up on?”