Undeniably His

by Amanda Chayse

  “He became very isolated. He was not involved very much with his company after she died. He took some time to travel on his own.”

  “It’s terrible what the company tried to do to him during that painful time,” I sob.

  “He visited us when he got back from Europe, and mentioned that his company had really changed from the top down. Management came in that was very self-interested. They really lost touch with his original vision. They didn’t need him anymore,” she scoffs.

  “I don’t know why Kalin hired me,” I blurt out.

  “Kalin sees something in you, Annabelle, or he wouldn’t be giving you this much of his time and trust. He may see things in you that you don’t see in yourself yet.” Her gaze is soft and warm.

  “I just want to be able to tell him I’m sorry for not trusting him. I’ll do whatever he wants now.” Tears burn and pool in my eyes.

  Peter scrambles into the room and asks us if the doctor has given them any news. “Not yet, dear,” Lauren mutters.

  He paces toward the receptionist again and asks for an update. Lauren stands up and moves her hand over his back, then slips her hand in his. Peter turns to embrace her, and my heart sinks.

  I close my eyes to think of something better, and I see Kalin smiling and holding me close to him on the beach, his wonderful smile lighting up every part of me. His hair is ruffled and wavy, and his shirt is pressed into the hard muscles of his chest from the wind. He reaches out to me, calling me to trust him, the man who lost everything, asking me to trust love. I reach for his hand and he pulls me into him. His eyes are warm and alive with desire, and his mouth comes down on mine in a hungry kiss. My heart pounds against his in a storm of passion. The jarring sounds of a collision and breaking glass startle me back to reality.

  My heart pounds in my throat, and my body is cold. I had fallen asleep for a few minutes on the couch, mentally spent, awoken by the nightmare clashing with my dreams, and threatening to take them all.

  Peter is holding Lauren, and agony deepens the lines on their faces. I fold my arms around my chest to fight the cold sweeping over my body. Several hours have passed since Dr. Brandt informed us he needed to perform emergency surgery to repair Kalin’s heart and lungs. I try to keep the nightmares from rushing through my head, and ask Lauren and Peter if they need anything. They take me in their embrace. “This is all we can do now,” Peter mumbles.

  Fifty minutes later, the nurse returns with Dr. Brandt and gathers everyone around. Dr. Brandt presses his fingertips together and explains the surgery to us. “We were able to make in incision in the heart to repair the damaged ventricle.”

  We stare at him with hope mixed with uncertainty. “We repaired the laceration with a surgical incision and stitches,” he explains. “His heart is functioning normally, and he is being mechanically ventilated with the aid of a chest tube until his lung heals. That can last anywhere from three to five weeks. With proper care, rest and healing, there’s no reason why he can’t walk out of here as good as new.”

  Relief sweeps over us like a gust of wind, and Peter pulls Lauren close to his chest, letting out a huge breath of relief. Lauren pulls me in to them, and Peter embraces both of us. Tears of joy spill from my fatigued eyes, and Lauren wipes her eyes and smiles. Peter closes his eyes and breathes in deeply, and the tightness on his face melts away under the warm glow of solace. “Thank God,” he mutters.

  “When can we see him?” Lauren asks.

  “He needs to rest for the next twelve hours. You should be able to see him later this evening.”

  I close my eyes and quietly exhale.

  I take the opportunity to head to Kalin’s place and shower, eat, and change. I dial Lia’s number and update her on the traumatic events.

  “Oh, my God, Belle. Are you okay?”

  “Yes. I got off real lucky. The damage was done on the driver’s side, and Kalin had to have surgery to repair his lung and heart. I was so scared, Lia. But he made it! He is going to be okay.”

  “That is so wonderful. God, Belle. You must have been so scared.”

  “It’s okay. I’m okay now.”

  “Do you think it was intentional? It sounds like they’re the same lowlifes that came here.”

  “I know. We just can’t prove it. I have no idea who was driving that truck. I didn’t get a license number or much of anything.”

  Lia audibly sighs on the other end of the phone.

  “What?” I ask.

  “You know they’re probably not done. They want you to back off of this and stay out of their way. Belle, you’re going to have to face this or get out of their way.”

  I inhale a deep breath and close my eyes. I knew my feelings for Kalin were like nothing I had ever felt before, but I could not admit it to myself or to him. I was safer in my small world, and my quiet existence didn’t ruffle any feathers. But now there is nothing they could take from me that would hurt as badly as almost losing him. I am not going to let fear stand in the way of our lives anymore. I am going to face the fire and make sure they don’t get a goddamn thing.

  “Lia, I was scared before. Everything was new to me. The feelings I had for Kalin, the insane amount of money he was throwing at me, and all the complications that came with it. And then what happened to you… I just wanted our lives back. I didn’t want any of this and I didn’t ask for it. But when I saw what they were really capable of, and how they could go after someone like Kalin to hurt him or worse, for money, I just lost it. I can’t run from them, Lia. They’re cowards. And they don’t deserve a penny.”

  “That’s my girl. Fuck them.” Lia sniffs.

  “Fuck them.” Lia and I laugh, and a sudden lightness releases the tension in my body. It’s the best I’ve felt for what seems like an eternity.

  “Lia, they could come after any one of us.” My tone turns somber. “We can’t give in to them. No matter what happens, I’m determined that they don’t get a damn thing. Kalin was right. He was right all along.”

  “I’m not giving in either, Belle. Don’t worry about me. Do what you have to do.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” she insists.

  “You know I love you.”

  “Oh, don’t get all mushy on me, Belle. You’re my best friend, and I have your back, girl.”

  “I know. That’s why I love you.”

  “I love you too, babygirl. And I am not just saying that because you’re worth five gazillion dollars. I’m so happy you’re okay.”

  “Thanks.”

  “Hey.”

  “What?” I ask.

  “Maybe this is what it took. Maybe this is what it took for you to see what really matters most.”

  “Maybe.” I press my lips together at the thought.

  “Now do what you need to do. Don’t be afraid of them, Belle.”

  “I won’t. Thanks Lia.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  I take a deep breath and glance around Kalin’s place. My eyes drift to the large back window toward the beach where we made love just yesterday. About twelve hours ago my biggest worry was what we were having for dinner, and whether or not I could admit my feelings for him. If I thought my life was getting complicated then, just wait. I shake my head at the thought, but I also know deep down that some things worth having can test us to the limit. Now it will be up to me to respond. Like my girl said, ‘fuck them.’ They crossed the line with Lia, and I knew it. Now, with Kalin, my heart has completely turned. I am committed. Something in me has snapped, and there is no going back.

  I lie down on the sofa, resting my wrist on my forehead as I think about the past twenty-four hours. Suddenly, I see a vehicle twisted against a tree, and Kalin’s bloodied, crumpled body, hanging upside down from his seat belt. I am startled back awake, and my heart is pounding in my chest. My mouth is dry and my body is shaking. I close my eyes and take a breath to calm the tension in my nerves weighing my body down. Pressing off the sofa, I amble to the kitchen to get a drink of water. The
cold, refreshing water quenches my parched throat. Shaking the disturbing images from my mind, I replace the nightmares with the heartening reality that Kalin is going to be okay. After a few panic attacks from the traumatic flashbacks, I savor the thought of his updated condition, and the tightness in my muscles begins to melt way. I fall back into a deep, peaceful sleep. I am exhausted both mentally and physically.

  After about five hours, I wake up and take a warm, soothing shower. It feels like layers of toxic waste from trauma, shock, and stress are sloughing off my skin. I dry my rejuvenated body off, press into a new pair of jeans and an ocean-blue cotton tee, and grab a bite to eat.

  I feel like a new person, and excitement bubbles through me as I think about seeing Kalin for the first time since the accident. I take the remote key to Kalin’s Audi S8 hanging on a hook in the garage, purr up the engine, and zoom off to the hospital.

  Kalin’s area is still closed off to visitors. The nurse informs me that he is still recovering from the surgery and will be another hour or so.

  I dial Lauren’s number and give her an update. They made plans to stay at a nearby hotel at the last minute. I insist they stay at the house where Kalin and I are staying, and provide her the access code that Kalin changes periodically.

  “Thank you, Annabelle. We barely unpacked. It should be no problem. Have you seen the paper this morning?”

  “No. Is the accident in the news?”

  “Yes. It’s outrageous. They said he was driving recklessly. The good news is that we have Kalin back. The bad news is that Kalin is kind of a celebrity, and apparently a target now.”

  “What?” I crinkle my brow. That can’t be right. “I’ll see you later.”

  “Okay, dear.”

  I head to the hospital lobby and grab the Southampton Gazette.

  My heart sinks as I read the headlines. “Kalin Davis, CEO of TRAVIS Advertising, in Serious Condition after Losing Control of Vehicle. Reckless Driving Suspected in Crash.”

  I dial Officer Collins’s number to get to the bottom of this.

  “Officer Collins speaking.”

  “Officer Collins, this is Annabelle Ried. Have you seen the headlines this morning regarding the accident?”

  “No, Miss Ried. We try not to pay too much attention to them.”

  “It makes Kalin look negligent and criminal. Drinking suspected in crash? Loses control of vehicle?”

  “Miss Ried, the paper prints stories that will sell. They don’t generally print to inform, in case you haven’t noticed.”

  “But this is libel. This is bullshit.”

  “Miss Ried, he had no significant traces of alcohol in his bloodstream. We already tested his blood at the hospital. Mouthwash would register higher. As far as reckless driving, we quite frankly don’t know exactly what happened yet.”

  “But I told you what happened.”

  “We are still investigating, but it does appear that a large truck struck the vehicle.”

  “Can the paper do this?”

  “Unfortunately, yes. If the paper is threatened with a lawsuit, they can print a retraction buried in the back of the paper somewhere to satisfy a legal claim. It’s just how they work. They like to go after celebrities because they are generally easier targets and they sell papers. This is the Hamptons. It’s like shooting fish in a barrel for them. I would not worry about it, Miss Ried. We’re gathering the evidence.”

  “So they just pretty much fabricate a story because it sells more?”

  “Rather frequently, yes. Facts and fiction often blur together into a story.”

  I sigh. “Have you received any information on the driver?”

  “No, we haven’t. We’re still investigating, but with no witnesses and no license number, this will be a tough nut to crack.”

  “Officer Collins, this was attempted murder. I would hope that your department can actually bring someone in over this.”

  “Yes, Miss Ried. I understand your frustration. But we only have so much to work with.”

  “This is about arresting the person responsible for trying to kill us,” I huff.

  “We are doing our best, Miss Ried.”

  I shake my head in disgust and click the phone off. “Un-freaking-believable,” I mutter. I toss the phone into my handbag. My irritation subsides as I think about seeing Kalin. My heart is racing with excitement and happiness. I know he’s going to be okay now, and I feel like I am soaring.

  Lauren and Peter meet me at the hospital after unpacking at the Southampton home.

  Dr. Brandt meets with us in the waiting area. “He is recovering without any complications, which is very good news considering the high risks of the procedure. He’s waiting to see you.” He leads us into Kalin’s room, and we follow him into the hall. My palms are sweating as we enter the room.

  Kalin’s eyes are partially open. A tube inserted into his left side runs from under the large bandage to a collection system with three chambers measuring fluids and pressure diagnostics. Kalin gives me a weak smile under his oxygen mask, and moves his hand toward me. I take his hand and he squeezes it.

  Dr. Brandt picks up his chart and elaborates on Kalin’s treatment and condition. “The chest tube is removing any excess fluid so the damaged lung can properly expand and heal. He suffered no infections or clotting, which is extremely good news. We just need to monitor him for the next several weeks as he heals, but his vital signs are good and his prognosis is excellent. He will be good as new, with the exception of a new scar under his arm.” He gives us an encouraging smile.

  I hold Kalin’s hand and he smiles up at me. “Sorry for the crash landing. Are you okay?” he says in a barely audible voice.

  “Yes. Just a bruise on my face and arm.” I shrug.

  “You’re still beautiful.”

  Peter and Lauren smile at each other. They approach the bed and Peter brushes Kalin’s legs. “Hey, champ. Still conquering the world and pissing people off in high places, I see.”

  “Hey, Dad. Thanks for coming,” he mutters.

  “We flew here on your private jet. Let’s hope next time it’s a vacation to the Bahamas.”

  “It will be. I promise,” Kalin says with a weak smile.

  “We just want you to get better, son. Do you really think trying to save the company is worth it? I mean, this obviously wasn’t an accident.”

  “I don’t have much to lose, but everything to gain.” He smiles at me and squeezes my hand.

  “Nothing to lose? That’s a laugh.” Peter glances at Lauren and back to Kalin. “We just want you to be safe, son. You about gave us a heart attack.”

  “I’m sorry, Dad. Did they find the driver?”

  “No. They have an attempted murder in Southampton and they’re running around like they don’t know what’s going on,” Peter grumbles.

  Lauren sighs. “It’s not fair. Those guys should be in jail already.”

  “Five long weeks.” Kalin smiles up at me. “What in the world am I going to do here for five weeks?”

  “Heal, that’s what.” My eyes sweep over his face and back to the warmth of his eyes. “Oh, and I’m going to be here every day. Bringing you lunch—healthy, organic food. No hospital food.” I crinkle my noise at him. “Can he eat a regular diet, doctor?”

  “Yes. In fact, he needs lots of protein to heal. Lean meats, chicken, fish. And of course fruits and vegetables.”

  “Thank God. From the looks of all these tubes, I thought I was going to have to eat through a straw,” Kalin sniffs.

  “Not at all.” Dr. Brandt scans Kalin’s chart. “In fact, within four to six weeks you should be back to normal. If you exercised quite a bit, which I am assuming you did from your excellent physical condition, you will be able to continue exercising as you normally would. Just ease into it slowly. But you should be able to do everything you did before. Your vitals are strong. You’ll be as good as new. No marathons just yet, though.”

  Kalin glances at me and I blush.

  �
�Sweetheart, some people from your office want to see you,” Lauren says.

  “Please, no board members,” Kalin huffs.

  “No board members.” She smiles in agreement. “These are people who actually like you.”

  We all laugh, which soothes the tension from the grave reality that Kalin has some very real enemies hell bent on getting him out of the way.

  “Kalin, you have some real pieces of work on that board now. We all know what’s going on. What are you going to do? We can’t depend on the police to arrest anyone before they try something else,” Peter grumbles.

  With a slight turn of his head, Kalin’s eyes meet mine. “I just want to rest and recover. I don’t want to think about these degenerates right now.” I press my hand to his and smile.

  “You better think about them, son. They’re sure as shit thinking about you,” Peter snarls.

  “I know, Dad.”

  “I’m sorry, son. I’m just worried about you.”

  “It matters very little to them who happens to be in their way to maintain the life they have come to enjoy. In this case it happens to be me.” A weak smile passes over his mouth. “Don’t worry. I have my own plan. But I have to recover first.”

  “We love you, Kalin. We just want the best for you.” Lauren presses her hand over his on the other side of the bed.

  “I know, Mom. I love you too.” A soft smile lines Kalin’s lips. “My two favorite ladies in the world are right here. What more could I want?”

  Peter smiles, his eyes still glowing with gratitude.

  Satisfaction wells up inside of me and spreads tingles over my body, giving me goose bumps. I gaze down and back up at him, clasping his forearm. “Get some rest,” I whisper.

  We let Kalin rest for the rest of the day before letting in more visitors.

  The next day, Kalin is able to breathe with a lightweight tube in his nose instead of the oxygen mask. Madison Jacobs, one of the marketing VP’s, comes into the room with flowers, balloons, treats, and a full-wattage smile. Kalin shakes his head and returns her smile.

  “Madison, can we afford to not have you in front of clients?” He grins.

  “I’m making an exception today.” Madison patters toward the bed and gives Kalin a hug. “How are you feeling?”