Saved by Love (Bachelor Billionaire Kids #1)

by Sharon Cummin

  She stared up at the ceiling in her bedroom and thought about what he was doing and the things he'd said. They'd talked about Jack at the station. What had they said? What did they remember about her brother? They hadn't judged Gavin. What did that mean? Who was judging him? He said he felt like he fit in there. Gracie couldn't stop his words from playing over and over in her head. Where had he gone when he left her apartment? Had he gone home or someplace else? Where was home? She knew she was going to find that out. He knew where she lived, it was only fair.

  Gracie finally drifted off to sleep, but it didn't last long. The second she heard a motorcycle in the parking lot, she quickly looked out her window. Why she thought it was him, she didn't know. Did she want it to be him? No way! He was already a big enough pain in her ass.

  Gavin wasn't kidding when he said he wasn't going to stop checking up on her at the bar. He showed up every night for two weeks. She was tired of having to walk to her car each morning, even if it was less than a mile. Honestly, she began looking forward to seeing him. She wasn't even sure it was the drinking she was going for anymore. Each time he walked in, she felt a little lighter inside. The only thing that bothered her was the flirting the woman behind the bar was doing. Not once had he entertained it though. He'd just get Gracie and leave the bar.

  Each night when he'd drop her off, they'd talk a little longer than the last. He was even going into her apartment at times. The other nights, they just talked outside. He'd been at the station almost every day for at least a little bit. The guys sounded awesome. He was still working for his dad but was getting ready to start his classes and seemed to actually be excited about it. His mom knew. It sounded like she was really upset. Gracie had missed the last dinner, and she hadn't been to the office, so she wasn't totally sure what was going on. She did know that her parents knew, and they were happy for him. Gracie could see changes in him, he seemed less tense as the days went by.

  She stood outside, looking around the darkness, and couldn't stop thinking about Jack. It was Thursday night, and she wasn't feeling any better about so many things. Gavin stood in front of her, still on his bike.

  “He'd be proud of you,” she said. “I'm still not sure you should be risking your life though.”

  “It's what he would be doing,” he said. “It's what I want to do.”

  Gracie turned around and started for her door.

  “Gracie,” she heard from behind her.

  His voice sounded different, almost emotional. She stopped and turned around.

  “I'm sorry I didn't answer you when I was in the hospital,” he said.

  She couldn't believe what she was hearing and had no idea how to respond. Don't read too much into it, she thought to herself.

  “It doesn't matter,” she lied.

  “It does,” he answered softly. “There was so much going on in my head. I knew you hated me. I'd let you all down. I didn't bring him home safe. I didn't know how to face anyone, myself included. I still haven't figured things out, but I'm working on it. I'm going to make him proud, you'll see. You were right, I didn't want to work with my dad. I know you blame me, Gracie. It's my fault that he's gone. It should have been me, not him.”

  Gavin started to move his bike back.

  “Don't say that, Gavin. I wanted to talk to you,” she said. “I needed to know that you were okay. You were all I thought about. I was so damn worried.”

  “The last thing you needed was me being around,” he said, as he moved his bike even more. “You deserved so much better than a guy like me.”

  “Gavin,” she said, as she stepped forward toward him.

  He started his bike and took off before she reached him. She watched as he rode off down the road.

  What did he mean she deserved better than a guy like him, she wondered? He was the one she needed. How could he have thought that? Did he still think it? At least he was beginning to figure things out. She wasn't any better off than she was that night those men showed up at her parents' door. Gavin was definitely ahead of her there.

  She turned and walked into her apartment, looking forward to seeing him the next day at the office. There was a lunch meeting, and she was delivering food. Then she'd see him again at the bar. If she didn't piss him off, maybe he'd come inside and stay for a bit. That was her goal anyway. She just had to keep her mouth shut long enough for that to happen.

  Chapter 36

  Gavin

  Gavin rode around for a bit before going back through the parking lot to his place. He couldn't stop thinking about her and Jack and everything else. He knew he was doing what he should be and was looking forward to what was to come. His mom was so upset and crying when he told her. His dad was still pissed. He wasn't sure how Gracie really felt. There were times she didn't seem happy and others where he thought she might actually be proud. Jack's parents were thrilled. They were the only ones beside the guys at the station that were totally on board with his decision. He knew he was making the right choice. He just wasn't sure the rest of them would ever agree or understand.

  All he could think about, as he tried to sleep, was Gracie. When he said he was sorry, she said she'd been worried about him. When he said she blamed him, she didn't respond. Then he told her the truth, she'd deserved better. The look on her face was etched in his mind. She looked like she was going to burst into tears. He knew he was right. Surely she did too. Why couldn't he get over his feelings for her?

  When he closed his eyes, he saw them kissing. It was one damn kiss. They'd only kissed one other time. He cursed himself when he closed his eyes again and she was still there. The last time he looked at the clock before drifting off, it was four o'clock.

  The second he heard the beeping of the clock, he hurried to shut it off. It was the first night he'd actually slept, but his body felt more tired than ever. He'd been dreaming about her and couldn't help but want to fall right back into that dream. There was no fighting and no blaming. It had been just the two of them. His lips were on hers and her hands were in his hair. He closed his eyes, but he couldn't get it back. Gavin finally opened his eyes again and looked at the clock. He was supposed to be at work in fifteen minutes. There was no way. He picked up his phone and sent his dad a message.

  Gavin: I'm not feeling good. I'm not coming in today.

  Dad: We have a lunch meeting, Gavin. I wanted you here. Are you sure?

  Gavin: I am. I'm not taking over the company. I don't see why I need to be there.

  Dad: You need to be making money while you go to school. You still need to work. Starting Monday, I expect you to be here every day. No more taking time off. Is everything okay?

  Gavin: Everything is perfect.

  Gavin threw his phone down and closed his eyes, but sleep never came. He got up and took off for the gym. After working out until he could barely stand, he cleaned up and headed to the station. He knew his parents didn't understand. Even Gracie didn't get it. Being at the station helped him a lot.

  He was sitting around with the guys when the door behind him opened.

  “Didn't you say you called in today?” One of the guys whispered.

  “Yeah,” he answered.

  “Lisa and your mom just walked in.”

  “My mom,” he said. “Shit! Does she come here with Lisa a lot?”

  “Never,” the guy answered.

  “Gavin,” he heard his mom and could tell she was right behind him.

  He made it to his feet quickly and turned around.

  “What are you doing here?” he asked.

  “Lisa suggested I come with her,” his mom answered. “She thought it would help me feel a little better about your decision. Your dad said you called in sick.”

  “Shit!”

  “Gavin,” she snapped.

  His hands moved through his hair. The next thing he knew, Lisa had burst into laughter.

  “What's so funny?” he asked.

  “You totally just got busted. I haven't seen something like that in years,”
she said.

  “Really?” Gavin's mom said. “You wouldn't be laughing if your kid was lying to you.”

  “Can we go outside?” he asked his mom, as he nudged her back toward the door. On the way out, he leaned toward Lisa. “That did not help.”

  She smiled at him, and he couldn't help but smile back.

  “Listen,” he said, just as they walked out. “I'm sorry. I woke up and felt horrible. That was when I sent dad the message. I started feeling a little better, so I came here on the way back from the gym. I don't like sitting behind a desk all day. I don't like the pressure dad puts on me. I know I need a job while I'm going to school. Starting Monday, I'll be there every day. I can't explain it, but being here is good for me. Just give me today. Can you do that?”

  “Yes,” she said as she shook her head. “You've never liked coding. I get it.”

  “Julie loves it,” Gavin said. “He's making a huge mistake with her. Why has it always been about me? He needs to give her that shot. She'd make him so damn proud.”

  “I know it,” she said. “He doesn't want his little girl to have to take on something so big. What happens when she wants a husband and kids. He doesn't want his grandchildren having to fight for her attention. You're his boy. If you do it and have a family, your wife will be there.”

  “He's making a huge mistake,” Gavin said. “He's going to lose her to Uncle Ethan or someone else.”

  “It's been a bit rough between her and your dad. She didn't come home this summer, and that really upset him. He was looking forward to her being right there working with him too. I'm not sure what's going to happen. I knew Jessie wanted to stay at school, but Julie took me by surprise. Now you're wanting to leave. He thought you two would be spending more time together.”

  “We can spend time together,” Gavin said. “I just don't want to do it there.”

  “You'll be there Monday?” she asked.

  “I will,” he answered.

  “This is it,” she said. “Don't pull that crap again.”

  “I won't,” he said. “Come back in and meet a few of the guys. You already know some of them from before, but the new guys are great too.”

  His mom and Lisa stayed for less than an hour. The guys got a call, and that was when Gavin decided to go too. He stopped at the store on his way home to get something for Gracie. Then he made a stop for beer. It had been a while since he sat and relaxed at home.

  Instead of staying home, he took off on his bike. Then he rode out to a spot in the woods and sat by the water. He thought about his mom and dad, Lisa and Josh, Jack, the station, his job, and Gracie. There were so many things going on in his mind. When he got back, he grabbed a beer from the fridge and turned on the television. He didn't run to the gym, the tattoo shop, or the fire station when his mind got going. Before he knew it, he'd had more than a few beers. When he went back to the fridge, they were gone. Gavin turned off the television and went to his room. He pulled his t-shirt off. Then he slipped off his jeans and pulled on some sweats. He flopped down onto his bed, hoping to turn his mind off for just a couple of hours.

  Gavin was happy. Gracie was there, only she wasn't challenging him. She was there because she wanted to be. His mouth had just covered hers when there was a banging sound, but she didn't seem to hear it. She was kissing him back. Her hands were around his neck. Her fingers were moving through his hair. There was the banging again. Gavin wrapped his arms around her back and pulled her closer.

  “Gavin,” he heard her yell.

  It didn't make sense. Her mouth was being taken by his. He pulled her bottom lip with his teeth and opened her mouth. His tongue dove in. Hers met his. There was so much passion. He could feel it through his whole body. That damn banging again.

  “Gavin,” she yelled again. “Are you in there?”

  He pulled back from their kiss, but his body didn't want to. Gavin slowly opened his eyes. It was dark. She was gone. Then he heard banging.

  “If you don't answer this door right now, I'm calling your mom. You're freaking me out.”

  Gavin shook his head before looking around his room.

  “Fuck,” he whispered. “I should've known it wasn't real.”

  He stood up from his bed and walked out into his living room. When he had the door opened just a crack, Gracie pushed it open hard and stormed right by him. Once she reached the other side of the room, she turned around. Their eyes connected, and he could have sworn he saw a look of worry on her face. She looked almost panicked.

  “How did I not know you lived this close, Gavin?” she asked.

  His hand went up to rub his forehead.

  “Maybe because I never told you,” he said.

  “Why not?” she asked. “When you leave my place after dropping me off, you don't go this way.”

  “I knew you'd be pissed if you knew,” he said.

  “You're right,” she snapped. “Did you know I lived there when you moved in?”

  “Yes,” he said in an irritated tone, as he ran his fingers through his hair. “Why are you here, Gracie? I'm sure anything nasty you have to say can wait until tomorrow. Is it because of where I live? Did one of our parents mention it? Is that what has your panties twisted? I really don't feel like hearing anything shitty right now.”

  “You didn't show up,” she whispered.

  Gavin saw a tear escape the corner of her eye. He watched it as it traveled down her cheek.

  “What?” he asked.

  “You didn't show up at the bar,” she said, as she looked away from him and around the room at all of the beer bottles. “You gave up on me.”

  “Isn't that what you've wanted this whole time?” he asked.

  Gavin planned on showing up at the bar. He'd just been so stressed through the day. He hadn't planned on drinking an entire case of beer. When he went to bed, going to the bar wasn't even in his thoughts. That was just one more point proving that she deserved better than him.

  “No,” she said. “You were the only one that even bothered with me, even if it was only to drag me home. I'm sorry. I was just worried about you.”

  Her eyes were looking into his. He felt the tug on his heart and wanted to pull her closer and take her pain, but he couldn't. He knew it wasn't the same for her.

  “Don't be,” he said. “I'm fine.”

  “You look fine,” she said sarcastically.

  “I will be in the morning,” he said. “I'll put that smile on my face just like I do every day. You know what I'm talking about. You do the same thing.”

  “I don't know you're talking about,” she said defensively.

  “Sure you don't,” he said.

  She needed to look away. He could feel her struggling to keep it together. Her eyes moved from his and traveled down his body. When he heard her gasp and saw her hands move to cover her mouth, it hit him. He knew what she was seeing. Gavin had totally forgotten that he didn't have a t-shirt on. He moved to quickly walk by her, but she reached out and caught his arm.

  “Don't,” she said.

  Her finger was over one of his scars, and he got that weird tingly feeling that made him pull back. That was a feeling he hoped would go away over time. He wasn't sure what to do. Gavin always wore a shirt. He didn't need anyone feeling sorry for him, especially not her or either of their families. It was the second time she'd caught him off guard without a shirt on.

  “I want to see them,” she said.

  “What?” he asked.

  “Your tattoos,” she said.

  He wasn't even thinking about the tattoos. It had been the scars he'd been thinking about.

  “Shit!” he blurted out.

  His parents didn't even know he had them. That was exactly why he wanted his own place. He could be him, and nobody was around. It was the real him. If she wanted to see them, what did it matter. She was in his apartment. If he gave in, she'd go home and leave him alone. Slowly, he turned to face her.

  “That's his helmet,” she whispered. “I can't beli
eve you have his fire helmet there. It's perfect.”

  Her fingers moved softly across the other side of his chest and Gavin felt a jolt of electricity travel through his body.

  “These are his tags,” she whispered. “They have his name on them.”

  Gavin stood silent and frozen as her fingers moved over his skin.

  “You're covering your scars with memories,” she said, as she looked up his body and into his eyes.

  She was standing so damn close, but Gavin couldn't make himself move away. He knew she'd leave soon, but he wasn't sure he wanted her to. She was the only one who got him at all.

  It felt like an hour had gone by, but it was only seconds. He felt like she could see right through him. It was too much. Just as Gavin moved to back away, her arms wrapped around his neck. Then her fingers moved through his hair. When she pulled him forward and stepped up on her toes, he felt like his chest was going to explode. Her lips covered his. He could feel her tear touch his cheek. Gavin was lost. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer. When his teeth caught her lip, just like in his dream, she opened to him, and it was her tongue that darted out to find his. She pushed his body back until he was standing against a wall. The feeling of her hands in his hair shot tiny sparks through him. He was done. When she jumped up, he caught her without a second thought. Her legs wrapped around his waist and held him tight. Gavin turned them so it was her back against the wall. The weight of his body held her there.

  Gracie pulled away to catch her breath, but Gavin didn't give her a second to think about what was happening. His mouth moved to her ear. Her head went back against the wall, as his lips traveled down her neck. When she moaned his name, his cock was instantly rock hard. Hearing his name leave her lips was hotter than he'd imagined it would be. He knew he wanted to hear it a hundred more times before the night was over. She dropped her feet to the ground, but he wasn't letting her go. His body pushed against hers. He needed to touch her as much as she needed him to.