The XOXO New Adult Collection: 16 Full Length New Adult Stories

by Brina Courtney

  Cade,

  I hope you’re doing well. Your last letter was wonderful, thank you so much. I’m going to answer your questions first. Yes, Hamlet is fine. He’s been having playdates with Ally and the two of them are adorable. The plans for the firm are coming along nicely. The office I’ve chosen won’t be ready for another month and a half, so I’m working on getting everything in order. Zander, I’ll tell you about him in a minute, is anxious to start working for me. He’s even been talking to people and getting us clients! My mom and I went furniture shopping yesterday and I found the most amazing cherry oak desk. I put a down payment on it. It was gorgeous, Cade. My office is going to be so amazing! I can’t wait until you can see it. I can’t wait until I can go there every day and do what I’ve always wanted to.

  The lawsuit is at a standstill. J & B Law Firm is refusing to acknowledge the paperwork I sent to them. They don’t realize Zander will testify for me if it comes to that. I pray it doesn’t, though. I am in the process of finding past female workers to see if similar things were said to them.

  Zander was the receptionist at the firm. He’s working on becoming a paralegal so he can do that while he works through law school. He’s also Mr. Phillips’ great-nephew. I didn’t know that until he quit right in front of me. He’s a good worker and I think it will be great opening an office with someone I know there to support me.

  Now, I want to know about you. Cason calls every time he visits with your messages. I love that, by the way. It’s not the same as talking to you, but his voice is similar, so it’s easy to close my eyes and let my mind believe you’re speaking to me. I can’t believe your dad had them take away phone privileges. If I had enough money saved, I would take over the payments just so he wouldn’t have that sort of control. It’s not like you’re in prison. I really don’t understand him, Cade. I hope you’ll explain more about that relationship sometime.

  I found an old picture of us from the dance. Do you remember that night? I wanted you to go so badly, but I convinced myself you wouldn’t. My heart stopped when you spoke up behind me. Anyway, the picture was in an old box under my bed. Unfortunately, it has a few rips on the edges. Luckily, I have the negative for it. Can’t believe we didn’t have digital cameras then.

  I’m going to tell you something no one else knows. I’ve had nightmares about Josie’s death for years. Every night. I think a lot of it was because people led me to believe you were driving that night...once I learned the truth, the nightmares have become less frequent. I’ve also started back with my therapist. I want to work on myself. I need to move past my sister’s death, even though it hurts. It’s time to live for both of us.

  I must stop the letter here. Daphne keeps calling wanting to help decorate my office. I don’t have the heart to tell her I don’t want everything to be pink and black, so I’m not sure how I’m going to get out of this one. She’s wonderful, though. I can’t wait until you two can get to know each other better. My two favorite people. Hammy says hello...err, meow, I mean.

  I miss you more than I ever imagined, Cade. I think of you every day. I pray you get better, stay strong, and become the man you want to be...the man I know you already are. I can’t wait for us to be together, and see just how spectacular we can be as a team. Until next time...

  Xoxo

  Francesca

  The smile I held was a mile wide. She made me happy. Nothing in the letter was overly fantastic, but all of it was amazingly wonderful. Knowing she was doing what she’d always dreamed of, and finally being able to deal with her sister’s death warmed my heart. I longed to hear her voice, but it wouldn’t be much longer. As frustrating as it was to only write to her, it held a romantic quality about it that was undeniable. Rummaging around my room, I found my pad of paper and pen, sitting to start my letter back to her.

  Chapter Thirty-One-Francesca

  The end of the first month of Cade’s rehab was fast approaching. Zander, my dad, and I were working tirelessly to get everything in order for “Francesca Taymon, Attorney at Law Office” to open. The sign was being made, the office was being renovated, and I couldn’t stop myself from ordering furniture. Everything was so pretty and enticing. I just couldn’t contain my excitement.

  Today was a rare free day. I was taking advantage, doing as much of nothing as possible. I lay on the couch, snuggling with Hammy while listening to Lady Antebellum’s newest CD on repeat. The songs, the words, spoke to me in ways most couldn’t. My fingers dug deep in Hammy’s fur, petting and massaging him until his purr drowned out the lyrics. Between the vibrations of his body on my chest and the rhythm of his sounds, I drifted off into a much needed nap.

  The doorbell woke me from my dreams. I dragged myself up, shuffling my feet to the door while smoothing my hair down. Shocked doesn’t begin to describe the way I felt when I opened the door to see a man standing there with a dozen, maybe more, of multi colored roses.

  “Francesca Taymon?” his deep voice asked from behind the arrangement.

  “Yes,” I said, the smile expanding on my face.

  “Delivery.” He peeked around the side of them, placing the vase securely in my hands before turning and leaving.

  I swung my hip, hitting the door hard enough for it to close. I walked gingerly, not wanting to harm the beauties I held, and sat them on the table right inside the living room. I pulled the envelope from the holder, making note of how heavy and large it was. I opened it frantically, hoping my thoughts were right in thinking these were somehow from Cade.

  “Francesca—I hope you enjoy and these brighten your day like you brighten mine. I had Cason attach the letter. Love, Cade”

  My heart did a squeal and my voice followed. Jumping up and down, I tried to contain myself from being happy, but there was no point. Cade Kelling sent me flowers and signed it with love. I grasped the letter in my hands, bounding over to the couch to get comfy to read it.

  My lovely Francesca,

  I hope you are doing well. The flowers reminded me of you, so I sent Cason to order them for you. I really hope you look at them every day and know that I’m thinking of you. I try not to dwell on how much I messed up with you in the past. I regret it, but I can’t go through life with regrets, so my therapist and I are working on it. Rehab is a hard process. I didn’t know it was this involved. I didn’t expect to learn so much about myself. I still have issues with how to deal with not drinking, but I’m doing better. Each day, every minute gets a little better.

  Reid is supportive, but so annoying. He never isn’t happy. It’s kind of weird. It’s nice because he has been there, he knows what I’m feeling. A lot of the counselors have, but he’s just kind of stuck to me. I don’t think I’m ever getting rid of him, Francesca. I’m honestly a little scared he’ll move in with me when this is over.

  Of course I remember the dance. I wasn’t planning on going, but I overheard someone talking to you about it and you confirmed you were going. I knew I had to. Being around you kept me sane, grounded, during those years. If only I’d realized I was in love with you then things may have been different. And yes, Francesca Taymon, I am in love with you. I have been since you denied the cracker I offered.

  How is Hammy? I bet him and Ally are cute. He’s a sweet cat. He got his bowl off, right? I forgot to ask. I’ve never been responsible enough to own a pet, but I want to. I may get a fish or something when I get home. I can’t do too much to damage a fish, can I?

  I wish you could come see me. I know you are going to rock at this lawyer stuff. I’m happy for you, excited really. I wish I could see the office. Can you take pictures of it? Maybe you shouldn’t buy furniture. You want to have room for everything you need, but if you keep buying it...you know? Why do women buy stuff so much?

  You know I’m just teasing you.

  I’m happy you’re working on moving past Josie’s death. I didn’t know her that well, but she reminded me of you. She was happy and brightened a room. If there’s anything I can do to help, I will. I’m her
e for you, Francesca. Always.

  How is the lawsuit going? I can’t believe that place. Cason said my dad refuses to hire them for anything now. My dad is coming around...he hasn’t visited, but he’s sent messages through Mom and Cason. He seems to be trying. So, I have to try, too. We’ve never really got along. I don’t know why. Mom has always been the parent I go to for everything. I hope to make a better relationship with him.

  I have to get ready for our circle meeting. I’ll anxiously await your next letter. Enjoy the flowers and I hope all your business stuff goes well. Until next time, I’ll be thinking of you, dreaming of you, and wanting you. And remember, I’ll always do anything for you, Francesca.

  Love,

  Cade

  My smile could probably blind someone had they walked in my house in the moments after reading Cade’s letter. My heart was full, my house smelled fresh, and I was just happy.

  Cade’s Second Month of Rehab

  Chapter Thirty-Two-Cade

  The days were becoming easier, the cravings not so intense. Reid was quickly becoming my best friend, my confidante. The more I learned about him, the more I compared it to me and discovered new things. The facility was nothing short of amazing. All the nurses, counselors, coordinators, and even janitors were friendly and helpful. I was getting closer to some of the other patients, going to them when I wanted a drink or couldn’t get it out of my head. Francesca’s letters still kept me going. I came to expect them at the end of each week, and reread them until I worried the paper would tear.

  I lay back on the bed, waiting for the morning group meeting, when the letter came. Two pieces of paper fell out, one a letter, and one looked like a poem. I smoothed the paper, reading the poem first.

  Sizzling lips scorch my skin

  Rough hands pull me close

  Hearts beating fast

  Breaths becoming ragged

  Eager bodies with trembling limbs

  Melding together, again and again

  Grazing teeth against luscious lips

  Nails sinking deep in shoulders

  Gasping in sync

  A trail of fire left in your descent

  Eager bodies with trembling limbs

  Melding together, again and again

  Her words hit my heart, speeding up my rhythm. They jumped off the paper, playing out our night of lovemaking in my brain. My insides tightened, my temperature rose at the thoughts of her body next to mine. Shaking my head, I held the other paper in front of me, desperately trying to steady it and make my mind concentrate on her words.

  Cade,

  I hope you are doing well and getting more in control. I wish I could talk to you. I keep having dreams of you, and these words in the poem were on my mind one morning, so I wrote them down. I know it sounds corny, but I had to let it out. You consume my mind, Cade. I don’t know why, I don’t know how to stop it, but it’s happening. I think of you more than I’d like to. And I just confessed it all. I understand if you don’t send any letters back after this, I sound like a crazy person.

  The office is almost finished! The landlord said I can be in and open for business on October fifth. So as soon as the renovations and everything are over, I have to get the move on getting everything set up. Zander finally told me to stop buying stuff and had me put his name on the accounts so he could cancel my obsessive ordering. It’s bad, Cade. I have a problem. It’s just so exciting to be able to create this space that’s mine and people will come here for help, from me, and I want it to look amazing and feel homey. It’s a lot of pressure now that I think about it.

  The lawsuit is officially going to court next month. They aren’t cooperating. It is what it is. It’s going to be a really big pain, but I can’t back down now.

  The last of my flowers died today. So I took the petals and put them in a jar. They smell amazing, and remind me of you. I have them on my bedside table. The vase is going to be the home for some fake flowers soon. I don’t want to get rid of any of it. You have no idea how much it meant to me that you went to that trouble, the effort you put into it, just because you knew I would smile. Thank you again.

  Hammy is getting fat. He eats too much, then pukes it up. It’s a very bad habit. I don’t know how to make him stop! I guess I need to put my cat on a diet. I’ve considered getting another cat so he can play with someone. I’m not around enough for him to chase my shoe strings.

  I hope the visit went well with your dad. I hope he showed up, actually. I know you were worried, but I think it went great. I haven’t heard from Cason lately, but I know he’s been busy with work. Reid called me the other day though. That guy is hilarious, Cade! I still don’t know exactly why he called, but I assumed it was because he wanted me to know you were thinking about me. He talks in circles sometimes. I don’t think you’ll be getting rid of him either.

  I must go now. There are lots of things to do and never enough time. I wish the best for your recovery. I can’t wait until I can see you again. If our reunion meeting is anything like my dreams have been, we are in for a fun night ;) I’m sending pictures of the office. I finally got in to take some! The landlord can be a pain at times. Of course, these photos are the before. I’ll send after’s later.

  Good luck, Cade. I’m thinking of you and wishing I was with you, always.

  Love,

  Francesca

  My heart fluttered more, knowing I was stuck in her mind as well. My thoughts never wandered far from her, to the point of obsession at times. Not the bad obsession, but the consuming, loving kind. sl placed the letter back in the envelope, sliding it into the top drawer of my dresser. I would write her back after the morning meetings. I practically danced out of my room, the joy that only Francesca could bring radiating off of me.

  Chapter Thirty-Three-Francesca

  Suing someone wasn’t easy...especially if that someone was your previous employer. Mr. Phillips and Mr. Lemming glared at me every time I walked in the courtroom, walked out of the courtroom, or breathed, really. Keeping my anger in check was difficult. All I wanted to do was rip their heads off or something equally intense, but I stayed cool and collected. Losing my temper wouldn’t be good for the case. I had a friend of mine, Dane Welling, helping represent me. It was never a good idea to represent yourself, no matter what the circumstances were.

  The weeks were long, the weekends short. I ached for Cade’s next letter each Monday. I wondered if his hair had grown longer and had that shaggy curl at the ends. If his eyes were bright and lively again, or if he still hurt and it reflected in his gaze. I annoyed Reid often now, texting him messages for Cade while he was visiting. His dad had been coming around, but he still refused to let them put a phone in his room or allow him access. I still don’t know how that was legit, but it sucked nonetheless. I drove home Cade Style, pushing the gas harder than ever before. I knew it would be waiting in the mailbox, calling me to open and read it. I just had to get there. The house was in sight and I couldn’t contain my excitement. Gripping the wheel tightly, my knuckles were as white as my pale skin, I screeched the car to a halt and pulled the box open. The junk mail littered my dash and floorboard as I searched for the treasure, my heart speeding up uncontrollably when I saw my name in his scratchy writing.

  I ripped it open, surprised to see he sent two sheets this time. My cheeks flooded with embarrassment as I realized he’d written a poem back.

  Heart beating quickly

  Stomach feeling sickly

  I can’t write

  This is an awful sight

  I miss you like crazy

  Do you mind if I call you baby?

  My body shook with laughter, and my stomach hurt from doing it for so long. Closing my eyes, I imagined him standing in front of me, his eyes wide and pitiful, his lips pouty, and his hair in all directions while he recited this poem. It was too much for me to think of, so I folded the paper, tucking it in my purse, and opened the letter.

  Darling Francesca,

  I hope you liked th
e poem. I obviously have no talent in the writing department. I think I slept through those classes, or maybe I was skipping school those days...all of them. I loved the one you sent me. I have it in my wallet and read it every day. You put so much emotion and heart into those words, I could feel it. How do you do that? Everything you do is amazing and wonderful, did you know that?

  Rehab is well. I still can’t believe I can say that without embarrassment now. I don’t have to call anyone with intense cravings any more, I’m using the tools they taught me and dealing with it myself. The doctors think I may be able to become an outpatient sooner than most. I hope they’re right, because I want to see you. And I really want a large pizza from Manny’s.

  The before pictures are awesome! I’m so excited you’ll have this huge place all to yourself. People will be coming to you for help, Francesca. That’s got to be amazing for you. Zander sounds like a riot. I can’t wait to meet him and talk cars. Your girlfriends all sound fun too. I saw them all that night you met Mr. Baby Batter, right? They seem like an eclectic group of ladies.

  Have you started on the home renovations yet? How is the lawsuit going? I wish I could be there to support you during the trial. This lawyer you have helping, Dane, seems like a hard ass. Phillips and Lemming aren’t going to know what hit them when you’re finished, Francesca. I’m really glad you found those other women that had the same thing happen. Not that it’s good it’s happened before, but it his good for your case. You know what I mean. Have I mentioned you’re pretty?

  I’m getting bored in here. I can only watch so much TV and talk in so many group sessions. I’ve made some friends, and I think they’ll extend to outside of these walls. Working through a similar issue with people that fully understand your emotions, wants, needs is incredible. We’re creating bonds.

  I’m so proud that you were able to go to Josie’s crash site. I really wish I could have been the one to talk you, but Daphne is a great friend for doing it. I know it was hard on you. It’s hard on me thinking of you being there, but I hope it helped. She truly is proud of you and watching over you, Francesca. You make your sister proud.