Heaven

by Rebecca Julia Lauren

  Chapter 23

  Cora

  “Miss Heaven, there’s an officer here to see you.”

  I looked at Ellie, but she seemed as surprised by my visitor as I was. Well, it wasn’t like I didn’t have the time. Sitting around the hospital room waiting for the doctor to sign my release papers was all that was on the agenda for the morning.

  Sipping the coffee Ellie had brought me, I shrugged. “Send him in.”

  A moment later a woman in slacks and a crisp dress shirt walked in carrying a leather notepad holder. Her long hair was pulled back, and she wore dark-rimmed glasses. She didn’t smile when she introduced herself. “I’m Alex McKinley. It’s nice to finally meet you Miss Heaven. I wish that it was under different circumstances.”

  Something about her seemed familiar, but I couldn’t figure out what it was. I didn’t understand what she meant, and she didn’t seem very forthcoming. “You can call me Cora. So what brings you here?”

  She seemed to take a moment to process this, but then she finally smiled. “Oh. I’m sorry. I’m a counselor with the special victims unit. I was hoping to speak with you about what happened last night.”

  “The police are making hospital calls?” Ellie asked, reading my mind. “Cora isn’t in any trouble, is she?”

  “No, of course not. I’m actually not here on official business. It’s more social. I was at the bar last night when you and your boyfriend had the fight, and I felt like we should talk.”

  I resisted the urge to grimace. My cheek was the color of a plum and swollen, I didn’t sleep at all last night, and I needed to get out of this place and talk to Jase. The last thing I felt like doing was talking to this woman, but it seemed important to her so I tried to smile. “Sure. Have a seat.”

  She glanced nervously at Ellie, but I was not asking my friend to leave.

  “Ellie is like family,” I added. “She and I have been friends since we were eight. You can talk in front of her.”

  Alex McKinley didn’t seem too pleased with this, but she sat down. “Okay. How are you feeling?”

  I smiled, thinking I probably looked pretty scary. “Like shit.”

  This snapped her surprised gaze to mine. “Oh, well, I’m very sorry for your pain.”

  She seemed upset and so sincere that I almost felt sorry for her. “It’s not that bad, really.” I turned to Ellie. “Do I look that bad?”

  Ellie’s small smile and the look in her eyes said it all. “Remember that time in sixth grade when we tried to do our own makeup?”

  “That bad?”

  Ellie laughed. “Maybe not quiet that bad.”

  “Now you’re lying to me.” I shook my head, looking back at Alex McKinley, who seemed to be watching Ellie and I with interest.

  “I think you’re very pretty,” she said earnestly, as if trying to cheer me up.

  My gaze flicked to Alex McKinley. “Thank you.”

  Alex glanced away, looking as if she might cry. What the hell was her deal? She was clearly uncomfortable, and her unease was catching.

  “There are a lot of great support groups and trained counselors that could help, if you would like to speak with them. I have their numbers.”

  I nodded, processing this information. “Alex,” I began, then glanced up at her. “I hope it’s okay if I call you that.”

  “It is,” she replied quickly.

  “I appreciate your concern, but I’m not in an abusive relationship.”

  The pity in her eyes was disconcerting. “I know that you love your boyfriend, and it’s a natural instinct for some women to want to protect their abuser, but you don’t have to live like this. There are people that can help you.”

  She sounded like an infomercial. The words were right, but she said them without a trace of emotion. The woman really needed to work on her bedside manner, but she’d wasted enough time on me. “Carter isn’t my boyfriend, and he didn’t mean to hit me.”

  Alex nodded. “Of course he didn’t. I was talking about the other man. The one you were arguing with.”

  “Jase isn’t my boyfriend either.” I laughed at the absurdity of the situation, which probably solidified my image as a crazy person to Alex.

  “You’re worth so much more. You don’t have to let anyone hurt you—“

  “Jase Ford would never hurt me. Ever.” My voice was strong with conviction.

  Alex watched me sympathetically, as if she knew I was lying.

  “Sure, he may have broken my heart but that’s different.”

  “He’s never been violent with you before?” she persisted.

  Jeez, what was it with this woman. I glanced over at Ellie, but she seemed as confused as I was by Alex McKinley. I hated the pity in her eyes, and I couldn’t resist the urge to see her eyes widen in shock.

  I saw from the warning look on Ellie’s face that she knew I was about to push Miss McKinley’s buttons. Ignoring Ellie, I turned to Alex McKinley and tried to keep my expression serious. “Other than the spankings he likes to give me, Jase has never hit me.”

  Alex looked horrified. Ellie’s coughing fit was a poor attempt to hide her laughter. I wanted to laugh, and it took every ounce of willpower I possessed to keep the stoic expression on my face.

  Withdrawing several cards from her leather holder, she placed them on my bedside tray and her eyes locked with mine. “Please. If you ever need help, call one of the numbers.” And then she got up quickly and fled the room.

  That was weird. I looked at Ellie. “What was that all about?”

  Ellie looked baffled. “I have no idea.”

  “She seemed kind of strange, don’t you think?”

  “Definitely, but you didn’t help Jase any when you mentioned him spanking you. Alex McKinley thinks you’re being abused.”

  “I don’t know why I wanted to ruffle her.” I smiled. “She just seemed too serious.”

  Ellie sipped her coffee. “She does work with special victims. That’s serious.”

  Guilt filled inside of me like water in a swimming pool. Well, hell. “I know, Ellie. It’s great that she’s helping people, but I was uncomfortable that she thought I was being abused and in denial.”

  “It’s okay, Cora. Look, about what happened with Jase last night, it may have been partly my fault.”

  I’m sure the confused look on my face said it all.

  “I encouraged him to talk to you. It was a mistake, but I still think you and Jase belong together. He screwed up, but he knows it and he loves you.”

  My heart ached at her words, and I desperately wanted to believe them but I was afraid. “That’s what he said last night. I didn’t believe him.”

  Ellie put her hand on mine. “Make him work for it. You don’t have to take him back right away, but if you love him then give him a chance to prove he’s trustworthy. I know that he will.”

  I would give anything for what she said to be true. “Is he okay? He didn’t go to jail, did he?” I felt sick at the thought of Jase confined in a small, dark cell.

  “Reed took him home last night. Jase is fine.” She was watching me intently. “What’s going on with you and Carter?”

  “I like him, but he wants more than I can give right now. I told him last night we shouldn’t see each other anymore.” I felt terrible thinking I might have led Carter on.

  “Men and women can’t be just friends. Look at what’s happened with Aaron, Carter, and Jase.” My heart swelled just thinking Jase’s name.

  “It’s not your fault that men fall hopelessly in love with you. You’re a warm, beautiful, desirable woman. Don’t feel bad about Carter. He’s known about Jase from the beginning.”

  I nodded and tried to smile, but it probably looked really bad. “What do I do Ellie?”

  It was several moments before she answered. “Follow your heart, Cora.”

  Jase

  I wasn’t a romantic guy.

  I couldn’t sing or play any instruments, and I sucked at writing poems. I happen to know the last bec
ause I tried to write one for Cori, but it was terrible and I ended up throwing it away.

  Flowers were overdone, and I’d already done that. I could buy her a diamond ring and get down on one knee, but I knew that Cori couldn’t be bought. Whatever I did for her would have to be something amazing, and I was at a loss for what that would be.

  Racking my brain for the most important task of my life, I thought of anything and everything, but nothing felt right. If I failed, I’d lose her forever and that wasn’t something I could do. Somehow I had to find a way to convince Cori that I loved her.

  Thinking about her with that other guy killed me. She was so sweet, passionate and responsive, and the idea of another man touching her, making love to her, made me crazy. I loved her. If I were lucky enough to win her back, it wouldn’t matter to me what she’d done with the other guy, because I’d still be madly in love with her. Nothing would ever change that. It was my own fault that it took me so long to figure it out.

  The doorbell rang. My heart started to pound as I got up off the couch and made my way to the door. After last night I didn’t really think it was Cori, but I hoped that it was. It had taken all of my willpower to stay away from the hospital, but I refused to add to her pain. Cori didn’t want to see me, and I respected that. I just prayed that would change.

  Pulling open the door, I saw a young woman with a serious expression on her face. I waited for the sales pitch, but she remained strangely silent.

  “Can I help you?”

  Her gaze narrowed, and she looked at me in a way no woman had ever looked at me before. I got the distinct feeling she didn’t like me. “Are you Jason Ford?”

  “I am.”

  She glanced around, as if checking to see if we were alone and then she looked at me nervously. “I have some things I need to say to you, but it’s only fair to warn you that I’m armed.”

  My eyes widened at that bit of knowledge. “You planning to shoot me?” I was only half-joking.

  “Will I have a reason to shoot you, Mr. Ford?” Her tone was stern, and I was sure she was serious as a heart attack.

  Well, hell. “Call me Jase. I’m gonna take a wild guess here, but I don’t think you’re here to sell me something.”

  She lifted her chin. “I’m here to warn you to leave Cora Heaven alone.”

  I snapped to attention at the mention of Cori’s name. Whoever the hell she was, this young woman just got a little more interesting. “Well, Miss—“

  “McKinley,” she reluctantly supplied.

  “Miss McKinley, I can’t leave her alone. I’m in love with her, and I plan on doing my best to convince her to marry me. Not that I think this is any of your business.”

  “Cora is my business, and from what I saw last night you’re the last thing she needs. You’re an overbearing, abusive, drunk and you made her cry.”

  Her words were like sharp knives to my heart, and they gave me pause. “Cori was crying?”

  Miss McKinley’s eyes flashed with anger. “Why are you calling her Cori?”

  “I’ve always called her that. Who are you anyway?” I snapped.

  “I told you I’m Alex McKinley, and I’m not afraid of you.” She swallowed hard, standing her ground. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that you don’t hurt Cora again.”

  Despite her words, she was scared to death of me and I was disturbed by this. I didn’t know who she was, but she thought she was protecting Cori so my feelings for her softened. “Listen, sweetheart, I’d never hurt Cori or you.” I kept my voice gentle and took a step back, giving her space.

  “She said that you—“ She stopped, looking pained. “You hit her.”

  “Cori said I hit her?”

  Miss McKinley must have heard the shock in my voice, because she frowned. “Yes, she did.”

  “I don’t believe that.”

  Her face turned a deep shade of red. “She said you spanked her.”

  I could tell how difficult it was for her to say that, probably almost as hard as it was for me to hear. Now I wasn’t just shocked but also confused as hell. “Cori told you that?”

  “I don’t know what kind of sick, sadistic issues you have but you need to get some help.” She began fiddling with her leather pad and withdrew several business cards. “Any of these trained professionals can help you, but you have to make the call.”

  I was so fucking stunned, I took the cards. “I think you’ve misunderstood some things.” Now, I just needed to figure out how in the holy hell to explain them to her.

  “You didn’t hurt her?” she shot at me.

  “Of course not.”

  She didn’t believe me. “There is never a reason to hit a woman or anyone. Like I said, you need help.”

  “I’d never hurt a woman, and I didn’t hurt Cori. I’m in love with her.”

  She jabbed her finger into my chest. “Just make sure it doesn’t happen again. If it does, I’ll kill you.” With that parting shot, she turned around and stormed off.

  I think she was serious. “Who are you?” I called.

  I didn’t think she’d answer, but she stopped suddenly, turned and looked me straight in the eye. “Alex McKinley Heaven. I’m Cora’s sister.”

  Cora

  I had Ellie drop me off at Jase’s house.

  “His trucks not here.” Ellie looked uncertain. “Why don’t I take you home and you can call him later.”

  “I’m good. I have a key. I’ll wait for him.” I looked over at her. “Do I really look like shit?”

  She shook her head. “No. I would say that Jase won’t care how you look, but I don’t think that’s true. He’ll care and he’s going to want to hurt someone when he sees your face. Jase has always been protective of you.”

  I smiled and leaned over to hug her. “Thanks for being honest.”

  “Call me if you need anything.”

  It felt a little strange letting myself into Jase’s house, considering what had happened between us lately, but I didn’t think he’d mind and I needed to see him. Just being inside his place made me feel closer to him. As usual his house was clean, and it even smelled like him. I frowned. Actually, it smelled sort of like perfume.

  Walking around, I wondered if it was my imagination or fear that was conjuring up that sweet scent. Glancing down the hall, I saw the door to the guest bathroom open. Did he have company?

  I walked in, flipped on the light and felt my stomach sink to my toes. Lacy black underwear was draped over the glass shower door. Even though we weren’t technically together, I felt betrayed that he was sleeping with another woman. It wasn’t like I expected him to remain celibate these last few weeks. I hated thinking about it, but deep in my heart I knew that Jase had been with other women. He was too sexual to go without it for long.

  Was she staying with him? Oh, God. I had to get out of here now. Hurrying toward the door, I grabbed my purse off the table in the entry and ran out the door. Unfortunately, my escape was foiled when I barreled straight into a solid wall of muscle. Strong arms folded around me, and I was pressed close to his chest.

  “Cori.”

  My heart lurched.

  “Hi, Jase. You’re probably wondering what I’m doing here,” I said against his chest. I loved how he smelled, like soap and man.

  “Please don’t go,” he whispered against my ear, his hand gently brushing my hair.

  I’d missed him these last few weeks, more than I’d thought was possible. Although why it surprised me I wasn’t sure. Jase and I had gotten in the habit of spending almost every evening together even before we agreed to sleep together. It was only natural that I’d miss someone that had been such a big part of my life.

  The desire to stay against the hard, protective shield of his body was tempting, but I lifted my chin and looked at him. I heard his sharp indrawn breath and the flash of pain in his eyes before I felt his hand lift to my uninjured cheek in the gentlest touch.

  “Jesus. How bad does it hurt?”

  “It
doesn’t. Not much, anyway.”

  I could not have been more stunned when I saw the unshed tears in his eyes. “I’m sorry. I’ll never be able to make this up to you.”

  “You didn’t hit me Jase.”

  “It was still my fault.”

  I shook my head, remembering the other woman. “It doesn’t matter,” I said, somehow finding the will to push away.

  He let go immediately, but I caught the agony in his eyes.

  “I stayed awake all night trying to think of how to fix what I broke. We were perfect together, and I ruined it because I was afraid of how much I love you.”

  The profound beauty of his words spoke to my heart, but I wasn’t going to let them sway me. “Did you ask your friend what she thought you could do to get me back?”

  Jase looked confused by my comment. “What friend?”

  “Your roommate, Jase. I’m assuming she’s living with you.” I heard the iciness in my tone and knew he heard it as well.

  He appeared puzzled. “Yeah, how did you know about that?”

  I couldn’t believe he would even ask. Disgusted and hurt, I hurried toward the door. He followed, careful not to touch me.

  “Talk to me, Cori. Don’t run away now. Please.” His voice was desperate.

  “All of this time I thought I was joking about your damned harem, but it’s true. You have the audacity to talk about getting me back with your—“ I didn’t know what to call her. “whore.” I winced at the word.

  He froze.

  I ran.

  Jase moved in front of me, his eyes locked on mine. “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Cori. Make me understand.”

  “The woman you’re sleeping with Jase!” I was shouting at him and I didn’t try to lower my voice as I kept going. “The one you talked about me with last night, and whose underwear is hanging in your bathroom. If you’re thinking that I’d share you with her, you’ve lost your mind. That’s never going to happen.”

  He closed his eyes, and his shoulders dropped. When his gaze pinned mine, I thought I saw a smile in his eyes. “That’s Lucy.”

  I blinked.

  “She’s staying with me. Lucy was here when I got home last night, and she’s the one I talked about you with. It’s her underwear in the guest bathroom.”