by Amy Briggs
Those eyes of his, I just lost myself in his beautiful green eyes again. I could see a tinge of hazel in them as I inspected his features while he was talking. “Brian, I’m going to be okay,” I breathed out. I remembered everything he said to me in the front yard now, and I was afraid he had said it in fear, not really meaning it. He told the nurse he loved me too.
“Brian?” He looked back up at me.
“Yes, baby?”
“Did you mean all those things you said today?” I had to ask. It was just us now.
“What things, baby?” He smiled.
“You know, that uh…” He was going to make me say it? Come on!
“Come on and say it, baby. That I love you?” Now he was grinning and he moved himself to be seated on the edge of the bed next to me.
“Uh, yeah. That. Did you mean all of that? I mean I’m going to be okay now, so I mean if…” he cut me off.
“Josephine Meadows, I am truly, madly, deeply in love with you. It just took me longer than it should have to figure it out. I'm going to spend the rest of my life proving to you how much you mean to me. You’re my heart, my mo chroi, and I can’t live without my heart.”
Swoon! He gave me that toothpaste commercial smile I can’t resist, and leaned down to kiss me. That fire, that magnetic pull, it was there and it was intensified by a million. He softly opened my mouth with his tongue, sweeping it across my lips, sending shivers through my spine and waking up my sex. The way this man makes me feel is incredible. He growled a little bit and pulled away, making me pout.
“Come back here,” I whispered with my new raspy voice, then started coughing.
“As much as I would like to take you right here in this hospital bed, the doctor said he was going to release you soon, so let’s get you dressed, and get the fuck out of here. I want to get you home where I can take care of you better,” he took my hand and started to pull me up.
“Kiss me again, and I’ll get up,” I was going to negotiate more kissing at all times.
He laughed and accommodated my request, taking my swollen face gently with both hands and pressing his lips gently to mine. “Oh, Jo, the things you do to me, even here.” He pulled away and adjusted himself in his uniform. He was so fucking sexy. He had soot on his face from the fire, his hair was a mess, and he was beautiful.
He helped me get up, and just as I was finished getting dressed, the nurse came in with my discharge papers. “Now you know all the things the doc wants you to do, right? Few days taking it easy, not a lot of talking until your throat feels better,” then Brian started laughing.
“Not talking? That’s a good one,” he laughed at me and I flashed him a look. When the nurse wasn’t looking at me I flipped him the bird, and he winked at me in return.
“Thank you, ma’am. I will do my best,” I whispered to her.
“Good girl. Now let this handsome man take good care of you,” she patted me on the back and sent us on our way.
We walked out to Brian’s truck, it was his regular truck, not his Chief’s truck, which I thought was curious. He opened the passenger side door for me and helped me get in, noticing my confusion. “I asked Matt to bring my truck. I’m taking a few days off, so I didn’t want the Chief’s truck.” He explained as he closed the door and walked around to his side, getting in.
“Are you going somewhere?” I asked. He never takes time off really.
“You’re still not getting it yet, are you, baby?” He put one hand on the steering wheel, the other up on the back of my seat, staring at me, clearly awaiting a response.
“Uhh, no, I guess not?” I said.
“Jo, you’re going to stay with me. Your house was on fire today and you were almost killed. We have catching up to do after the last few days. I’m staying with you and I’m going to take care of you. I've mentioned that I love you, and I intend to spend some time proving that to you,” he awaited my response.
I felt my mouth curl up into a smile, he loves me. I think he actually meant it. “I’m going to take your smile as understanding, because you’re not supposed to be talking anyway,” he let out a little chuckle and started up the truck to take us home. My heart was full. I hadn’t replied yet, I didn’t get a chance, but I wanted to tell him how much I love him so badly.
The hospital was about ten minutes away at a normal speed which we were doing. We had to drive by my house on the way to his house, and when I saw the scene, I pressed my hand against the glass of the window in shock.
Brian reached over and took my other hand in his, weaving his fingers through mine. “Baby, it’s not as bad as it looks. The guys got the fire out really quickly. You can’t stay there for awhile, but the damage was only to the front room and the kitchen. The bedrooms are totally fine, just smoky, and that can be fixed. Matt already called the company that takes care of all of that, and they’re coming over today to board up the windows and clean some of the damage up.”
I looked up at him, tears in my eyes, “It’s my home,” I whispered.
“Baby, it’s just a little damage, and we’re gonna get it fixed up good as new. It’s going to be okay,” he brought my hand up to his lips, kissing it softly. “You’re going to stay with me for now and then tomorrow if you’re feeling better, we’ll go get some of your things and look around okay?”
All I could do was nod. I was in shock. I was so tired, so sore, and I couldn’t believe my house was on fire today. Brian was taking me to his home, to stay with him. He loved me. I couldn’t find the words. For the first time in my entire life, I was speechless.
She looked so tired, and her sweet, beautiful face was swollen and bruised. It pained me so much to see what he did to her. When she saw her house, she became almost silent, and my heart ached for her even more. I should have taken a different route home, I wasn’t thinking. I could really be stupid sometimes.
When we pulled in front of my house, her Jeep was in my driveway where I asked Matt to put it, so I parked on the street. She looked over and smiled knowingly at me, she knows my don’t park in my driveway rule. Good, we got a smile out of her. I needed to shower, she needed to shower, and she needed to get some rest. The guys were probably going to stop by in a couple hours for their dinner break, and to visit with her, so I wanted to get her comfortable as soon as possible.
I parked out front and got out, while she waited patiently in the passenger seat for me to come around and help her out. God, that made me so happy. I helped her hop out, and grabbed the ring box from my glove box, shoving it in my pocket. I put my arm around her as we walked up to the front door. Just inside the door was a duffle bag with a couple things that I asked Matt to grab at her house. Some clean clothes mostly, so she had something to change into. I would never ask anyone but Matt to do something as intimate as that for my girl and I would have preferred to do it myself, but I just couldn’t leave her side.
She followed me to the kitchen silently and looked around. We were both filthy, we needed to get cleaned up. “Baby, can I get you something to drink?” I asked her and opened the fridge to get myself a beer.
She mouthed the word water and smiled, then mouthing the words thank you silently as she took the bottle from me. I pulled her into me, and she melted against my chest as we stood there taking in what had happened. She held onto me, resting her head on my chest for a few minutes and then finally she sighed a big, relaxing sigh, as if she’d been holding her breath for awhile.
“Let’s go take a shower and get cleaned up, then you can rest okay?” I said still holding her and kissing the top of her head. She silently nodded her agreement. She seemed downright exhausted at this point, and I couldn’t say I blamed her. The adrenaline was wearing off both of us. I scooped her up in my arms and carried her to my bedroom, not forgetting the pink duffle bag of her stuff. She rested her head on my shoulder while I carried her. God, I love this woman.
I set her down in my bedroom near the bathroom door. “Go on in and get started, baby, I’ll meet you in there.
”
She reached up, grabbing my face gently with both of her little hands, pulling my face to hers. “Thank you,” she whispered, and planted a beautiful soft kiss on my lips before turning around to go into the bathroom. She had yet to tell me she loved me back, but I knew she needed me as much as I needed her.
Frozen for a moment, speechless from her sweet gesture, I was awakened from my daze when I heard her turn the water on. I grabbed her duffle and rifled through it to see what Matt grabbed for her to wear, I wanted to set it out for her. I found two pairs of leggings, a pair of jeans, three tank tops, and basically all of her lingerie. What a dickhead. I appreciate it, but what a prick. He was a funny guy going through her intimates drawer. Ah, whatever, he’s my brother, fuck it. I laid out some leggings and a tank top for her, and a sexy as fuck pair of teal panties, and a matching bra.
I grabbed the ring out of my pocket, and opened the box, looking at the ring. I pulled it out of the box and put it on my pinky finger, it only went on about halfway, but that’s fine, it won’t be on long. I stripped off my filthy clothes and made my way into the bathroom to get in the shower with my woman.
I stepped into the shower to see her examining her bruises. Fuck, she had bruises all over her body. My rage took over, and I pulled her to me under the steaming water. “Baby, you’re safe here with me, okay?” She looked like she had been crying. “Are you okay, Jo? Say something. I need to know you’re alright,” I pleaded.
She looked up at me, her gray eyes penetrating me. “I always loved you. I’ve loved you my whole life, Brian,” she whispered, both of her hands resting on my chest.
She does things to me, things that make my heart soar, and my dick hard, all at the same time. Those words melted my heart, and I pulled her in tight, letting the hot water run over both of us and kissed her gently. After a few minutes, I grabbed the soap and started to wash her, and then myself. She stood perfectly still, letting me take care of both of us. When I was almost done, I took her right hand and looked in her eyes.
I took the ring off my pinky, and placed it on her right ring finger, with the crown and heart facing inward, a symbol that your heart belongs to someone. “Jo, my heart belongs to you. I’m sorry it took me so long to figure it out, but I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you the rare and beautiful gift that you are to me.” She looked down at the ring, and then looked up at me smiling. “My mom gave me that ring, it was given to her by your dad,” I waited for her reply. That might have been awkward to say right then, but maybe she’d understand the symbolism to me.
She looked at it again, then looking up to meet my eyes, she smiled a huge beautiful smile. “I love you, Cavanaugh,” she said.
I met her grin with my own. “You’re mine, Meadows. Forever.”
The End
My tribe is amazing, and I would never have considered writing a book without their support. Since it’s my debut novel, I’ve got a handful of folks that deserve some public recognition.
First and foremost, even though I know he won’t read this dirty little book, I have to thank my brother Jesse Briggs. Without his unconditional support of me pursuing my dreams, I’d still be wandering around looking for my passion. Thank you for always saying, “If you look at the worst possible outcome, its usually not that bad. Just do it.” You’re my guru man, thank you, I love you.
Carina Adams, who made this whole thing real by offering me the opportunity to do my first signing, setting the schedule for reality. Your book Forever Red, was my first romance read, and we became friends the moment we met. If you hadn’t given me this gift I may still be mulling over the idea of finishing this book at all.
Janelle Picard, who reminded me that this book has actually been in progress for 20 years, the length of our friendship. I often reminisce of our days at the Jersey diners, writing, talking, and growing up together. Thank you for telling me to go write, not to go right to another bar for more drinks after brunch. We’ve been friends for so long, you’re my family, and I love you. Jaisha Burr, thank you for always somehow knowing what my word count meant and encouraging my happy hour writing habits. The bars of Orlando surely want to thank you as well for my patronage. I love you, your family, and the craft beer tastings at TJ’s. Donna Caruso, we were destined to be friends, and I’m so grateful for your friendship, and the ability to curse freely with you. Karen Bryda, you’re the Meredith Gray to my Christina Yang, and I love our Skype sessions and ridiculous text chats. I’m so lucky we became close before I moved 1000 miles away. My NJ street team, Hillary Perryman, Stephanie Snock and Abbey Flick; drinks on me next time you’re in FL. Thank you for your support through the last several years and thank God for FaceTime and autocorrect.
Aaron Heller, thank you for keeping my scene descriptions honest, and for allowing me to use your network for this book. You encouraged me to become a firefighter from the very beginning, and even with the pushback from some, it was one of the greatest personal achievements of my life. I’m grateful for your support and your tutelage during my firefighting days as well as now. Gene Pullen, Walt Lewis, Dave Hernandez all deserve thanks for their assistance in securing photos, equipment, and other fun stuff for me to help promote this book. I was recently reminded that once a firefighter, always a firefighter, and for that I thank all of my brothers and sisters. Delran Fire Department, Delran Emergency Squad, New Egypt Fire Company, New Egypt Rescue Squad, thank you for the privilege of serving with you and creating the inspiration for my stories.
The newest additions of my family, my writing family, deserves special thanks as well. Kristina Rienzi, thank you for your friendship, and thank you for taking me to a book signing with you. You stirred up my passions and you’re an inspiration to me. To the authors that inspired and encouraged me to go from reader to author, MJ Fields, Stevie J. Cole, Carina Adams, Leddy Harper and LB Dunbar; thank you for welcoming me into the writing world with you, and for inspiring me with your smoking hot stories.
Judi Perkins, you’re my yoda. I’m your kid now, and you’re stuck with me, and I’m the luckiest chick around for it. Thank you for the beautiful cover, and for your no nonsense guidance on how to get this book done. Your introductions to my book family have been invaluable. And thank you for my new sisters, Sasha Brummer & Jess Epps; it’s as if we’ve known each other forever.
My beta readers Kelly Williams (who gives fabulous story feedback and brainstorms with me), Mary Baird (who gave me my first author takeover on her blog and has encouraged me without ever meeting me), Chantal Zodarecky (the gif queen who loves my characters), Steph Gostin (we need some champs girl), and Martin Murphy (thank you for adding testosterone to the mix), your feedback was helpful and hilarious. Tiffany Holcomb, thank you for agreeing to being my PA and for sending me the most hilarious “you should be writing” memes. A special thanks to Jillian Crouson-Toth (who shares a brain with me and is truly my spirit animal), you got to know me and my characters and have shown me such love and support from the day we met online, I don’t know what I’d do without you, and you’re my friend for life. I’d be drowning without all of you! I’d also like to give a shout out to the bloggers I’ve met and been supported by; you make the romance world go round, and I’ve become an addict thanks to your reviews, shares and comments. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
LJ & CB Creative Images and Services (Cassia Brightmore & Lance Jones), thank you for handling basically everything. I ask a million questions a day, and Cassia is always sweet to me even though I’m annoying as hell and a total control freak.
Thank you to my TR family from all over the world. Seth Miller, Laz Jefferson, Matt Salandra and so many more, your support and encouragement to take massive action and to go for it in every way means more than I could ever express. Hoʻoponopono. I love you, thank you.
Lastly, and most importantly, thank you to my readers. I started as a reader, and your support, shares, love and kindness makes all of this worthwhile. I look forward to creating more book boyfriends fo
r all of us!
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
FULLY INVOLVED by AMY BRIGGS
Copyright © 2016 Amy Briggs
All Rights Reserved
No part of this book may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical without the expressed permission of the author.
This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Cover Design copyright © 2016 Concierge Literary Promotions
Cover Photo copyright © 2016 David Hernandez
Editing by
Julia Goda
Diamond in the Rough Editing
For all those who protect and serve
Everyone really needed a celebration or some kind of get together after everything that’s happened in the last few months. After all the drama of my friend Jo’s attempted murderer’s arraignment and her house almost being burned to the ground, we were all ready to unwind and let loose. I was exhausted from all the fire calls last night, and while I’m normally not a party pooper, I had to force myself to go out, but not before taking a quick nap. I was definitely sound asleep and dreaming of a beautiful blonde when I heard Jax yelling for me.
“Yo, dickhead, are you coming with me or driving yourself?” My roommate, Jax, whom I also work with, awakened me. I was living in his house, renting from him. When he got home from his tours in the Marines, he bought a sweet house, perfect for entertaining. To offset costs for him and to avoid apartment living for me, I jumped at the chance to move in as his roommate. It was the best of both worlds. We had people over pretty often, and there was more than enough space for the two of us.