Vengeance (Oak Grove Suspense Book 1)

by Reese A. Stephens

  “I don’t think that’s the problem. I think it’s more my fault. I don’t know if I’ve told you this, but when I first started talking to your mom again, I was angry. I threatened to take you from her. It was stupid. I would’ve never gone through with it, but it was out there and even though I took it back, it still bothers her. It bothers me. I’d never do something that cruel. I think her fear is you’ll want to live there instead of here.”

  “No way. I’d never do that to her. She needs me here.” I smile at my son’s protectiveness. He looks thoughtful for a while, then says, “After you two get married, will we live here or there?”

  I choke on my sweet tea. “Dyl, uh, your mom and I aren’t even officially dating. I don’t think marriage will come anytime soon, if at all. It’s not something we’ve even thought about.”

  “Why not? I mean, you guys love each other. You were together as kids, I’m proof. Does it bother you she was married before?”

  I shake my head. Sometimes kids, even fifteen year olds, have a totally skewed view of the world. Not that they are always wrong. They just see the world from a completely different view. At times, that’s refreshing.

  “I love your mom. I’ve had other relationships, but no one like her. I’d marry her today if she’d let me. It doesn't matter to me that she was married. It was fake anyway.”

  “Todd is an idiot,” Dylan grumbles. I nod, agreeing.

  We sit in silence for about ten minutes, watching the game. I can see a lot of areas my guys need to work on. Two more weeks isn’t a long time to get them conditioned, but we’ll do the best we can.

  “Hello?” Shayla calls as she enters the house. I turn to see her wearing a pair of blue scrubs and a white doctor’s coat.

  “Hello, Dr. Thorn,” I say as I stand to greet her. I hug and kiss her forehead. “Rough day?”

  She shakes her head. “Not rough, just strange. I’m going to grab a quick shower before we head to Maw’s.” Leaning over the backside of the couch, she gives Dylan a kiss on the head, then darts down the hall to her bedroom.

  ~*~

  I lean back in my chair and groan. “I forgot what a good cook you are, Gale.” I pat my belly as I smile at Shayla.

  “Thank you, Ryan. Did you save room for dessert? I made pie.”

  “Apple?” Dylan beams at his grandmother.

  She chuckles. “Of course.”

  I sit up, looking as eager as my son. “Oh, boy,” Shayla laughs. “I see where he gets his obsession for sweets.”

  “Heck yeah. Apple pie is my favorite,” I say, rubbing my hands together greedily.

  We eat, mostly in silence, once the pie is set in front of us, but as we finish up Shayla says, “Mama, do you remember that guy I went on a date with in college, Trevor Daniels? He was really intense and had us married off after the first date?”

  Gale nods. “Yes, I seem to remember you saying something about him. What brought that up?”

  “Well, he’s been on vacation, so I just saw him today. A nurse told me he’s worked there less than a year. All the nurses swoon over him and talk about how handsome and sweet he is, but I can’t shake this weird feeling I get around him.”

  “Does he make you uncomfortable?” I ask her.

  “No, not uncomfortable really … I did catch him staring at me, but I think he was trying to remember who I was. When I introduced myself, he seemed to remember. I guess we’ll see how it goes.”

  “Let me know if he gives you any trouble. I’ll come in there with guns blazing.” I wink, making her giggle. Which is what I want, but I’ll murder the guy in his sleep if he messes with my Shay.

  “I’m sure it’ll be fine. I think my uncomfortableness was just a remnant of before. He seems different now.”

  “I hope so. I want you safe, always,” I tell her, squeezing her hand, and bringing it to my lips for a kiss.

  After we say our goodbyes to the Thorns, the three of us head back across the yard to my house. Dylan, who seems to be a little pumped up, is doing backflips as his mom and I walk hand in hand. I snort.

  “I wish I still had that energy.”

  “Seriously! He wore me out when he was younger. He’s always had tons of energy,” Shayla says with a laugh.

  “I’m pretty sure I was like that. Must be a boy thing.”

  “I think so. That’s what people always told me. He always got into trouble in elementary school. I had him tested for everything you can imagine. Technically, he’s ADHD, but that’s so over diagnosed. He’s just an active kid. I’ve never treated him for it, he does well in school and now he’s rarely what I’d call hyper. This,” she points at our flailing son, “is sugar. He rarely has refined sugar, so when he does, he’s off the wall for a while.”

  I laugh loudly. “That’s the real reason you’re a health nut.”

  She chuckles. “Busted.”

  “I’m getting my stuff,” Dylan calls as he runs into his and Shayla’s home. Shay and I stay out on the porch.

  I smile as I look up at her. She’s standing on the first step, making her almost my height. “We used to stand just like this when we were kids; you were always trying to be taller.”

  “Nah, I was just thinking about what it would be like to kiss you.”

  I grin. “Were you? Well, I can show you if you’d like.” She shrugs nonchalantly. “If you’re not interested, I’ll just go home.” I turn to leave, but she grabs me and presses her lips to mine. We’ve not kissed often enough for me, but times like this make it worth the wait.

  “Gag! You guys should seriously consider getting a room.” Dylan pauses. “Nope, on second thought, a room would be worse. You should just stop kissing in front of me.”

  I grab him and pull him into a headlock, giving him a nuggie. He tries to get out of my grip, but fails miserably. I let him up and he shoves me, laughing.

  “One day, probably soon, you’ll have a girl and you’ll want to kiss her. It won’t be so gross then.”

  “Yeah, I’m a teenager. That’s what we do. You guys are old.”

  “Old! I’ll show you old.” Shayla yells, chasing after him.

  He takes off, laughing. I follow, trying to block him in. He’s laughing and dodging us, even throwing his bag at us at one point. Finally, Shayla catches a hold of his shirt and it’s over. We’re all in a pile on the ground, laughing hysterically. I grab my phone and take our first family selfie. This right here is the best feeling in the world. I’d do anything for these two people, even give up my life for them.

  Chapter Six

  Shayla

  Yawning and stretching, I make my way into my kitchen. Last night was the first night Dylan stayed with his dad. I wasn’t worried about his safety, but I have to admit I am little worried about him wanting to stay permanently with Ryan. I know Ryan wouldn’t do that to me, but it’s always a fear I’ve had as Dylan grew up. Plus, Ryan had said as much when he was angry with me. I stop short at the kitchen door and laugh.

  “I thought the whole point of you guys staying over there was to make for an easier morning?”

  Ryan shrugs. “What can I say, we missed you.”

  He gives me a wink, then waves his fingers at me to hold his hand. I do and he pulls me onto his lap. It’s pushing the boundaries I’ve set, but I can’t seem to find it in me to care. The man has my heart.

  “Missed me, huh? I think you’re just too lazy to make your own breakfast.” I kiss his cheek, then stand to search out our meal. I keep it simple and have them eating within ten minutes.

  “What’re your plans for today?” Ryan asks, as he finishes off the last bit of his sausage.

  “Just work. I have a couple of surgeries scheduled. Hopefully, I won’t have to stay over, but it’s a big possibility. My last surgery is at three-thirty.”

  “I don’t think I’ll make it to dinner tonight anyway, my schedule is packed. After practice I have to go to neighboring areas about these break-ins,” Ryan explains.

  “Any leads?” I ask.r />
  He shakes his head. “No. I think it’s a couple of punks trying to see what they can get away with, but they’re being smart. I haven’t found any fingerprints or identifying evidence.”

  I squeeze his hand. “You’ll find them. What about you, Dylan?”

  “After football, Pop is picking me up. He said we’d get lunch, then he’d drop me off at Grandma Penny’s to spend the night,” Dylan answers.

  “Oh, that’s right. I forgot that was this weekend. You’ll have a great time. I always loved going to Aunt Penny’s as a kid.”

  Dylan snorts. “Yeah, because your boyfriend lived there.”

  I chuckle. “No, smarty-pants. We’ve known each other our whole lives, our parents were best friends.”

  “I know, I’m just picking on you. I need to grab something out of my room before we leave.” Dylan darts up the stairs, leaving Ryan and I alone.

  “Morning kiss?” he asks. I give him a raised eyebrow. He never behaves. He holds his hands up in surrender. “I’ll be good. I’ll keep my hands on the table if you’d prefer.”

  I smile. “You don’t have to be extreme. I like it when you touch me, that’s the problem.” He pulls me to him so I’m standing between his legs.

  “It wouldn’t be a problem if you’d just let go and follow your heart.”

  He kisses my shirt covered stomach. Even though it’s on the silk of my night gown, it still sends chills down my spine. I run my fingers through his hair. As if it will lessen the blow I’m giving him.

  “I want to follow my heart, but I have to be smart and protect my son … my heart.”

  He sighs, pulling me down to his lap. “I love you, Shay. I will wait for you. I don’t know what I can do differently to prove to you that I’m not going anywhere. I’ve wasted enough time without you.”

  “You have me.”

  He kisses me long and slow. It’s wonderful, but I want more. I move to sit astride him. We both groan as he pulls me closer to him. His hand moves to the back of my head and the other tightens around my waist as he deepens the kiss. I can barely breathe when we finally pull apart.

  “Don’t hurt me,” I whisper, giving in to the need I have to be his.

  “Never,” he whispers back before pressing his lips to mine again. Of course our moment of bliss is completely destroyed by our always poorly timed son.

  “Ugh. I need brain bleach! Not only do I have to see the two of you kiss, but you’re in his lap. You’re a mom!” Dylan says in disgust, but I see the smile he’s hiding. He’s absolutely thrilled we’re trying to work on our relationship. He’d have us married today if he could.

  I smooth my hair back, trying to hide my embarrassment. He’s never seen me like this, not that we were doing anything major. I just can’t even remember doing anything in front of him other than a quick peck on the lips with Todd. I feel like the teenage girl I was. The girl who wasn’t able to control herself with Ryan.

  “Sorry. You guys have a good day. I love you.” I kiss Dylan’s cheek and hightail it to my room.

  “I’m just kidding, Mom,” I hear Dylan call as I shut my bedroom door.

  I lean my head against it, trying to control my emotions. I shouldn’t be embarrassed, but I so am. We were pretty intense into that kiss and there may have been a small amount of grinding. I groan and bang my head on the door again. I blow out an exasperated breath and turn to gather my clothes for the day. I’m about to enter the bathroom when there’s a light knock on my bedroom door. I pull it open to see Ryan.

  “Hey, we’re heading out. I wanted to be sure you were okay. Dylan feels bad for embarrassing you.”

  “I’m fine. I just get so carried away with you.”

  He gives me a cocky smirk. “That’s a bad thing?” He pulls me into his arms and kisses my neck.

  My breathing picks up. This man totally wrecks my brain. “No … no, it’s not bad. Unless our son is in the room.”

  “He’s fifteen, he knows about the birds and bees.” He goes in to kiss me again, but I shove him away, laughing.

  “Yes, I know. I had the sex talk with our son, but he doesn’t need to see it in action. I don’t mind the kissing, as long as we keep it PG.”

  He pouts. “Fun ruiner.”

  I turn to head back to my bathroom, giggling at this silly man. “I’m sure you’ll still find your fun. You do like to push the rules.” I squeal as he runs up behind me and lifts me up by the waist, tickling me.

  “Rules are meant to be broken, sweetheart. Haven’t you heard that?”

  Out of breath, I pant, “Yes, but you’re a parent now.”

  “Right, I make the rules,” he argues. I roll my eyes.

  “I need to shower. Go take our son to practice.” I shove him playfully towards the door. He can’t wipe the smug smile off his face.

  “I love you, baby. Have a good day at work. Call me if you need me. Especially if that Trevor guy bothers you.” Ryan kisses me quickly.

  “I’ll be fine. Don’t worry. Have fun torturing the children with exercise.”

  I always feel bad not returning his love. It’s not that I don’t. I do love him. I’ve always loved him, but the fear of being hurt by him again is too strong. By the time I’m out of the shower and dressed, the guys are gone. Dylan, my sweet, sweet boy, left me an apology note. I hate that he feels guilty. I grab my phone and shoot him a quick text to let him know I’m okay and I love him.

  ~*~

  I’ve been at the hospital for a couple of weeks now and I like it. It’s much smaller than my previous hospital, which is a good thing. I feel like I can spend more time with my patients and, with the exception of emergencies, it’s not nearly as hectic as the other hospitals where I’ve worked.

  “Morning, Dr. Thorn,” a deep voice says.

  I don’t know what it is about this man, but he makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention. Don’t get me wrong, he’s handsome, even more so than he was when we were in college. His dark brown hair is short, smoothed in a look of years gone by, but it suits him. His eyes are a deep interesting shade of brown. He’s fit and he’s … well, he’s just pretty. But he absolutely and totally creeps me out! I fix my scowl to a friendly smile and turn to face Dr. Trevor Daniels.

  “Good morning, Dr. Daniels. How are you today?” I ask, not that I really care, but I do try to be friendly.

  I pull the keys to my office out of my purse and begin to open the door, but fumble and drop them. Before I have the chance to grab them, a large hand swoops them up. His fingers graze the inside of my wrist in an almost sensual way. I pull back immediately as a shiver courses through my body.

  I’m almost positive he takes my reaction the wrong way, because he leans in a little too close as he says, “Careful now” and opens the door for me. “See you soon, Shayla.” He winks at me.

  I grimace as I shut the door, not saying anything else to the man. Was he flirting?

  I soon forget about Dr. Creepy and go about my day. It’s actually a busy one, full of surgeries and a few patients later in my day. I’m checking up on my last patient of the day, when my cell rings. I notice it’s my son, so I excuse myself from the room to take his call.

  “Hello?”

  “Mom, Maw and Pop’s house was broken into,” Dylan says in a rush.

  “What?” I ask, not really comprehending what he’s said.

  “Let me have the phone.” I hear muffled sounds then Ryan comes on. “Hey, Shay. Can you get off work early?”

  “What’s going on, Ryan? Are my parents okay?” I ask, starting to really worry. Trevor, aka Dr. Creepy, walks up as I’m speaking and just stands there watching me.

  “They’re fine. But we’re going to need you to come over. The thieves broke into your old room. Gale and Tom aren’t sure what was taken. It’s a mess in there though.”

  “My old room? Why would anyone want something from there?”

  “I don’t know. Can you come?” Ryan asks.

  I nod. “Yes, yes, of co
urse. I’ll be there soon.” I hang up and turn to Trevor. This is probably a horrible idea, but I ask anyway. “Hey, would you mind taking over my patient? He’s the last one on my shift. My parents house was broken into and the police need me to come over there.” I look at him pleadingly.

  He nods, giving me a warm smile. This one is far less creepy than before. “I’d be happy to help you. I’ll take care of him, don’t worry. I hope everything is okay.”

  “Thank you! He just needs his incision checked; I’ve already done everything else. Thank you again, this is very nice of you. I’ll return the favor one day,” I say and instantly regret it as his warm normal looking smile turns into a sinister creepy one that almost makes his brown eyes look black.

  He gives my upper arm a squeeze then trails his hand down to mine, taking the file. He winks. “I know you will.”

  I don’t have time to process Trevor’s possible meaning to his almost menacing sounding words. I push it to the back of my mind as I hurry down the hall, away from him and to my office. I quickly gather my things and head out of the hospital. I see Ryan pull up to the entrance as I’m darting through the front doors.

  “What’re you doing here?” I ask.

  “I was worried you’d be too upset to drive. Hop in.” I nod, and do as he says, because he’s right.

  “What happened? They’re okay?” I ask after we’re settled in the car.

  My heart is pounding way too quickly. The very thought of something happening to them is sickening. I try to take several deep, calming breaths, but the panic is still rising. Ryan grabs my hand and brings it to his lips, pressing it with a soft kiss.

  “Sweetheart, look at me.” I do and he says, “Your parents are fine. They weren’t home.”

  I nod and take a few more deep breaths, wiping a few stray tears from my eyes. “Nothing can happen to them. I can’t lose more parents. I know one day it’ll happen, but …” I trail off not knowing what else to say.

  “I know. I understand. Losing Hannah and James was hard on you. I was there, but, baby, you haven’t lost Gale and Tom. I swear to you, they are fine. They weren’t home,” he says again.