Heaven With You

by Rebecca Julia Lauren

  “He’s not mine.”

  “Not yet. Now that ya’ll are no longer continuing with the crazy-assed matchmaking scheme you two can focus on each other.”

  “I’m pretty sure he knows I want him, Cora,” I replied, thinking about that incredible kiss.

  “Don’t be so sure. Men need things spelled out for them. You might think they know something because it’s clear as glass to you, but sure enough, without the help of a woman, a man will screw things up.”

  “You talkin’ about any particular man, darlin’ or is that a general assignation of the character of men?”

  Jase Ford’s smoky gaze slid slowly over Cora and even I could feel the heat. He propped his arm casually on the table, a devilish smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

  “Hey, Isabelle.”

  “Jase.”

  Cora brow’s lifted and she glanced around Jase. “Where’s your women harem-boy?”

  I let out a sound that was part laugh, part cough.

  Jase stared at Cora as if he was trying to decide if he wanted to kiss her or shake her. Maybe both. “What did you just call me?”

  “Harem.” Cora paused. “Boy.” She smiled cheekily. “It fits. You’re always with a gang of women.”

  “Jealous Cora?”

  “Hell no, harem-boy.”

  “I’d comment on that but I’m too much of a gentleman to resort to name-calling.”

  “I think I’ll go to the bar,” I said quickly, excusing myself.

  “Isabelle,” Cora protested, glancing around worriedly. I knew she was thinking of Scott.

  “I’ll be back soon,” I reassured her. “Nothing will happen to me in this crowd. You two play nice.”

  Jase’s gaze narrowed in concern. I walked off before either of them could stop me. Weaving through the crush of people, I wondered what Cora thought could possibly happen to me with all these people around.

  As if fate was determined to answer my unspoken question, someone grabbed my arm and I flinched.

  “Miss me Isabelle?” whispered a terrifyingly familiar voice against my ear. Pulling toward the door, I dug my boots into the floor but he was too strong. Shoving me outside, he turned on me.

  I was only slightly comforted by the people around us.

  His oily smile made my skin crawl. “Why have you been ignoring me Isabelle?”

  “We’re broken up Scott.”

  “At least you remember my name. I think your forgetfulness has something to do with your new boyfriend. How is Captain McAllister?”

  Something about the way he said Hunter’s name seemed ominous. “What do you want?”

  “I want to talk to you.” His voice had softened. “I’m sorry about Deana. If you’d have taken my calls, I’d have apologized before now.”

  He seemed sincere. Relaxing a little, I nodded accepting his apology but I didn’t want him to get the wrong idea. “Thank you for that. Still, it’s best that we’re broken up.”

  The sudden pain that crossed his features surprised me. “I love you Isabelle.” Stepping closer, he grabbed my arms and leaned forward. “I want to marry you.”

  It wasn’t the first time he’d told me he loved me but never before had he mentioned marriage. Six months ago, I might have been overjoyed to hear Scott say that to me, but now I felt nothing.

  I wasn’t even upset that he’d cheated on me. Seeing him with Deana had made me realize all of the things that were wrong with our relationship. Scott was jealous, controlling and manipulative. I dressed the way he liked, ate the foods he loved and pretended to enjoy the places he took me. Looking back, I was as much to blame for our messed up relationship as he was because I allowed him to treat me the way he did and I never complained.

  “Didn’t you hear what I said?” he demanded, gripping my arms too tightly. “That’s what you always wanted, for me to marry you.”

  “No.”

  “No?” His expression was incredulous, but it quickly morphed into outrage. “Do you realize how many women would kill for a proposal from me? What makes you think that you’re so special?” he snarled.

  I didn’t give him a reply and he didn’t expect one.

  Several people had turned to look at us, and Scott lowered his voice, his breath sickeningly hot against my ear. “You’re fucking hot, but you don’t know shit about pleasing a man. Eventually, he’ll tire of you just like I did.”

  “Thanks for the warning,” I replied cheekily, and saw his eyes flash with fire.

  “You’ve already been replaced bitch, but you and I are not done until I say we’re done.”

  “Let go of me.”

  “You owe me Isabelle. If you’re wanting to break up, I’ll expect payment in full on that nice car you’re driving.”

  A sliver of unease slipped through me. “What are you talking about? I’ve already paid you for that.”

  “Not nearly enough,” he shot back, his lecherous gaze creeping down my body in a way that made my skin crawl. “If you’re short on cash, I’d be happy to work out an arrangement with you that would satisfy us both.”

  Unlike the time I mistakenly believed Hunter had wanted a similar payment, I was disgusted. “I’m afraid there’s no way that would satisfy me,” I answered calmly, watching the fury transform his features.

  I took a step back.

  Scott followed, his body crowding mine. He smiled, a cold look in his eyes. Leaning forward, he whispered, “Maybe you’d be a better lay now that you’ve been with McAllister. I’m curious as to what he’s taught you.”

  I stepped to the side, but he blocked me. Remembering what my brother had taught me about defending myself, I jerked me knee up. Scott groaned. I ran.

  I’d made it just inside the door when he caught up with me and yanked my arm hard and twisted it behind my back. “Bitch! I’m going to have to teach you your place.”

  He tightened his grip on my arm until I thought it would snap. Tears stung the backs of my eyes. What happened next would stick in my mind for a long time.

  “Let go of her creep!” Cora cried.

  The next instant she reached for a pitcher of beer off a table and dumped the whole thing on top of Scott’s head. At first he seemed stunned, then heat crept up his neck, turning his face red with fury. He lunged for Cora, but Jase stepped in front of her protectively.

  “Need a napkin, buddy?” Jase asked with grin.

  Scott shoved Jase, but Jase didn’t budge. He did laugh which only seemed to make Scott angrier. Without another word, he stormed off.

  “Have a nice day!” Cora called to him.

  Jase’s smile vanished. “Next time let me handle it. If that guy had touched you, I’d have gone to jail for kicking his ass.”

  Cora shook her head. “I didn’t think. He was hurting Isabelle and—“

  Jase’s gaze flew to mine. “He was hurting you?”

  “No,” I assured him quickly, knowing my brother’s best friend would get himself into trouble defending me. “We, uh, actually just settled some things between us. I doubt he’ll be bothering me again.”

  “Let me know if he does,” Jase said, glancing in the direction Scott had gone.

  “It’s fine. Let’s go have some fun,” I told them trying to lighten the mood. But for the rest of the night I kept looking over my shoulder, unable to shake the eerie feeling that Scott wasn’t going to leave me alone.

  Chapter Ten

  On the day that Reed was having his last surgery to remove the IIizarov device from his leg, my alarm clock went off at four o’clock in the morning, I drug myself out of bed and stumbled to the kitchen to overdose on strong coffee before I showered and dressed.

  I drove to Reed’s house, trying not to think about my baby brother having surgery and praying that all of the things that could go wrong would go right instead. After all of the surgeries on his leg over the last few months, you’d think I’d gotten used to the drill, but I hadn’t.

  Turning onto his street, my gaze landed on Ellie�
�s car in Reed’s driveway. My stomach slid to my toes. At first I thought something was wrong since Ellie was his nurse, but in the back of my mind I knew that Amber’s suspicions hadn’t been totally crazy after all.

  I knocked on Reed’s door, but no one answered. Using the key I had, I let myself in and flipped on lights as I walked through the silent house and headed for Reed’s bedroom. That’s where I found them. They were curled together in bed, clearly naked, beneath the covers with Ellie’s back nestled against my brother and his arm draped over her middle.

  My keys dropped to the floor and hit the hardwood floor with a loud clatter that echoed in the silent room. I stepped back in shock. Ellie stirred, opened her eyes and stared at me.

  “Morning, Isabelle.”

  I turned at the sound of my brother’s calm voice and saw that, he too, was awake.

  “Can you give us a moment? We’ll be right out.”

  Turning, I hurried out of the room. Guilt washed over me because I hadn’t taken Amber seriously lately because I thought she was obsessing when all the time my best friend was stealing her boyfriend. My emotions were as scrambled as eggs. Was it possible that I’d misunderstood what I’d seen back there in my brother’s bedroom?

  I made a beeline for the kitchen and poured myself a cup of coffee I didn’t need because I already had a major coffee buzz. Fortunately, I didn’t have long to wait before Ellie and Reed joined me. My brother looked completely at ease, as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred, but I noticed that Ellie’s expression was etched with unease.

  “What’s going on here?” I demanded.

  “I think that’s obvious. You want some coffee?” Reed asked, picking up the carafe.

  “No. I don’t want any damned coffee.” My eyes darted from Reed to Ellie. “Did you sleep together?”

  “Ellie and I are seeing each other. We wanted to tell you, but you were upset that Amber and I weren’t getting back together so we decided to give you some time.”

  “Isabelle, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you or Amber.”

  My heart twisted because I could tell that she was genuinely upset, and I reached out to comfort her, but stopped. I needed answers. “How long has this been going on?”

  “It was two years ago but—“

  “Two years! That night you drove Reed home from the cemetery?” This was even worse than I’d imagined. How could they have kept this from me for so long?

  “I never meant to upset you.”

  “You never meant to upset me?” I shot at her. “Because you’ve been lying to me for the last two years, Ellie. Does Cora know?”

  “Yes.”

  I covered my face with my hands feeling hurt, betrayed and foolish for not realizing something that apparently everyone knew about but me.

  “Isabelle,” Reed said gently, putting his arm around me. “This is my fault, not Ellie’s.” I brushed off his arm, not wanting to hear him protect her. We haven’t been hiding this from you for the last two years. I took advantage of her two years ago. It wasn’t until she came to see me last month that we got together.”

  “He didn’t take advantage of me,” Ellie said quickly.

  “So before last month you and Reed hadn’t spoken before last month?”

  “No, not in person. We sent a few emails.”

  “Unbelievable.” I knew I was being a bitch, but I was hurt and not thinking clearly. “Is this because Davis is marrying Brooke? What, is Reed your rebound guy?”

  Ellie looked as if I’d slapped her. “No! It’s not like that at all. Reed is everything to me.”

  Later, I knew I’d feel terrible but I could not get past the betrayal churning inside of me. “I don’t know if I’ll ever believe anything you say again, Ellie.”

  “That’s enough, Isabelle,” Reed said sharply. “I know you’re angry and hurt, but don’t take it out on Ellie. She doesn’t deserve it.”

  “She’s why you aren’t with Amber.” My eyes fastened on my brother. “Her family took us in and treated us like their own. After all they’ve done for us, doesn’t that mean anything to you?”

  “Of course it does, but being grateful doesn’t mean I have to sleep their daughter,” he replied evenly.

  “Fine. We don’t have time for this anyway. You have to be at the hospital in half an hour. Do you still need a ride or are you going with her?”

  Ellie winced. “Isabelle, I am so sorry,” she pleaded.

  I felt tears sting the backs of my eyes, but I wasn’t ready to deal with this. “I guess you don’t need a ride after all,” I said to Reed.

  Reed sighed, clearly upset, and I felt like the worst human being in the world for doing this to him. “Look, I’m sorry. I love you, Reed. I’ll be at the hospital when you wake up.”

  I turned and fled but not before I heard him say, “I love you too, Isabelle.”

  The rest of the day was a blur. Amber met me at the hospital and we waited together while Reed had his surgery. Ellie was there too, but we didn’t talk. If Amber sensed anything was wrong she didn’t let on.

  As soon as I knew that Reed was going to be okay, I went to see him and then I left the hospital. It was one of the worst days of my life. When Amber asked if I wanted to get a drink, I quickly agreed and we went to Shooters, where I attempted to drown my bad day in a pitcher of beer.

  Even though I drank, I rarely ever got drunk. Growing up with an alcoholic dad and witnessing firsthand what could happen if you lost control, I’d never wanted that to happen to me. Tonight I wasn’t thinking. I was only feeling and what I felt was pain, deep and raw.

  Listening to Amber talk about Reed was killing me. I was torn between wanting to confess that Reed was sleeping with Ellie and remaining loyal to Ellie, who, despite everything, I loved like a sister. Already, I regretted what I’d said to her this morning, and I wished that I could rewind the day and start again. I was such a hypocrite to get mad at Ellie for keeping things from me when I’d kept my feelings for her dad a secret since I’d found out that she was Hunter McAllister’s daughter.

  Amber threw her slender arm around me. “You okay Isabelle?” she slurred.

  “Awesome. I just need another drink.” That was the last thing I needed, but Amber grinned.

  “Right! We both need another drink!” Her arm swung out and knocked over the empty pitcher.

  I tried to catch it but it fell to the floor. Bending to retrieve it, I felt a wave of nausea swim in my stomach and I fought it back. Okay, so I needed to sober up. I’d driven and Amber was depending on me to get home. If I had to, I’d call someone.

  “Baby, don’t you worry about that. I got it,” came a smooth voice behind me. A thickly muscled arm reached around me and picked up the beer pitcher.

  Feeling the male body behind me, I tensed and tried to focus so that everything would stop spinning. Straightening, I turned and my gaze smacked into a hulking guy that looked as if he lived in the gym. My eyes crawled up all those bulging muscles and met his dark eyes.

  “I’m Mike. What’s your name baby?”

  Looking past Mike, I saw Amber giving me two eager thumbs up. I reached out to grasp the table so that I wouldn’t sway. “Isabelle,” I told him and nodded toward the pitcher. “Thanks.”

  “Well, well, Isabelle.”

  For some reason his unintentional rhyme made me laugh. Misinterpreting my humor for interest he stepped closer, and I got a strong whiff of his cologne. “You want to dance Isabelle?”

  “She’d love to dance!” Amber answered for me.

  I turned around and shot her a silencing look, but it was too late. Mike and his too-big muscles were already taking my hand and leading me out on the dance floor. Dammit.

  He took me into his arms and I felt as if I was suffocating against his hot, smelly muscles.

  “I’ve seen you here before Isabelle, but some guy had already claimed you for the evening.”

  Something about the way he said that made me feel sleazy. I didn’t know what to sa
y so I just pasted on a smile and prayed for the song to end.

  “Are you taken for the night?”

  “Actually, yes. I am.” I tried to look disappointed. “Thanks for the dance, though.”

  “Now, you’re not getting away from me that easy,” he said, pulling me closer. “I haven’t seen you with any other man tonight.”

  He’d been watching me. That made me uneasy. I frowned, trying to come up with something believable. “I’m sorry, Mike. I have a boyfriend.” I glanced back at our table where Amber was talking to a guy. “He’s meeting me here.”

  Something flashed in his eyes. “You wouldn’t lie to me, would you Isabelle?”

  “Of course not,” I lied quickly, slipping out of his embrace and walking off the dance floor.

  Mike did not take a hint. He followed me. Sheesh. I turned, hating to be blunt but apparently I was going to have to spell it out for him. “I’m not interested, okay.”

  The expression on Mike’s face might have been comical, if I’d been sober enough to enjoy it. Clearly, he was not used to women telling him no. He frowned, causing a deep crease between his thick brows, as he seemed to mull over what I’d said.

  “I don’t get it.”

  Oh, no. He was slow. I immediately felt bad for him. “You seem like a real nice guy Mike. If I didn’t have a boyfriend, I’d love to hang out with you.” I flashed him an apologetic smile.

  I stepped away, but his arm snaked out and caught mine. Leaning down, he said, “I don’t believe you have a boyfriend, Isabelle. Come on, give me a chance.”

  “Look, he’s going to be here any minute.” I glanced around nervously. “He’s insanely jealous. The last guy he caught me talking with ended up in the ER. You really should let me go.”

  Mike gripped me tighter. “You don’t have a boyfriend,” he snarled.

  “She has me,” came a deep, familiar voice that kicked up my pulse. “I’d appreciate it if you’d take your hands off my wife,” Hunter replied easily. “Now.” There was no mistaking the command in his voice.

  Poor Mike looked shocked and he let go of me, as he sized up Hunter. Worriedly, I compared the two men. Hunter was slightly taller, infinitely sexier and far more appealing than Mike’s beefcake physique, but if Mike wanted to fight… I sent up a prayer that I hadn’t gotten Hunter into more than he could handle.