by Sandi Lynn
“That looks great.”
“Thank you. Wait until you taste it.” I winked.
I stared at her blue eyes as I took a sip of my wine. I was feeling overwhelmed by her; a feeling I hadn’t had in a very long time. Actually, I wasn’t really sure I’d ever felt like that. She took a bite of the shrimp and smiled.
“Wow, Collin. This is amazing!”
“Thank you,” I said as I nodded my head.
I got up from my seat and walked into the house to get the rest of our dinner. I was nervous that she wasn’t going to like it and then think I was a total idiot. Maybe I should’ve just taken her out to dinner.
Chapter 12
“I’ll say it again. Wow! This food is amazing. You have to be a chef. You’re a chef, right?”
I chuckled. “No, I’m not a chef, but I do like to cook.”
“A man after my own heart.” She smiled as she put her hand over her heart.
I held up my glass and motioned for Amelia to do the same. “Thank you, Amelia, for being so kind to me last night, and also, please accept my apology for running you over with my cart today.”
She laughed as we brought our glasses together. “Thank you for this wonderful dinner and I accept your apology for tripping me and running into me.”
I winked at her and we continued to eat our dinner. There was an aura about her that made me happy when I was with her. After we finished with our meal, we both went into the kitchen and made brownie sundaes. I was startled when I heard the front door open. I looked up and gasped when I saw my mom and dad walking into the kitchen.
“Oh, excuse us, son. We didn’t know you were having company tonight.” My dad smiled.
“Mom, Dad, what are you doing here? I thought you were in Chicago?” I asked through gritted teeth.
“We decided to go next weekend instead,” my mom said. “Hello, I’m Ellery Black, Collin’s mom.” She smiled as she held out her hand to Amelia.
“Hi, I’m Amelia.” She smiled back as she shook my mom’s hand.
“I’m Connor, Collin’s dad.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Black.”
“Son, I’m sorry if we interrupted something,” he said.
“You couldn’t have called first,” I said.
“To be honest, we thought you’d be out for the night. You actually surprised us.”
I turned to Amelia. “I’m sorry. I had no idea that they’d be coming here.”
“It’s perfectly fine. I would give anything to have my parents walk in right now.”
I picked up on a sadness in her voice when she said that. I didn’t want to ask her any questions about it since my parents were here and she’d probably tell me that it was none of my business.
“Let’s grab a blanket and have our sundaes down on the beach,” I said.
“Okay.” Amelia smiled.
“Collin, we’re really sorry. We can leave. Right, Connor?” my mom said.
“Don’t worry about it, Mom. We’re going down to the beach.”
My dad handed me the blanket, and Amelia and I grabbed our sundaes and took them down to the beach. As I spread the blanket on the sand, she handed me my sundae and we sat down, facing the ocean. The water was calm and the light breeze was soothing.
“You never told me your last name,” I said as I looked over and gave Amelia a small smile.
“Well, I was going to until I heard your last name. You’re going to laugh at me.”
“Why? Is it Black?” I asked jokingly.
She set down her sundae and stuck out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Collin Black. I’m Amelia Jean Gray.”
I tilted my head and smiled as I shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, Miss Gray.”
I shook my head as we both laughed. “I told you that you were going to laugh.”
“Okay, now that I got your last name, tell me something else about you.”
“There’s nothing else to tell. My name is Amelia, and I think that’s all you need to know. When people start telling things about each other, a bond forms, and that’s something I’m not interested in.”
“So you’re not even interested in being friends?” I asked.
“Friends? I don’t have any friends. I gave up on any friendships I had a long time ago.”
Something was going on with this girl. She was broken and she had the same sadness about her that I once had, or maybe still had.
“You just did it,” I said.
“Did what?” she asked as she looked at me.
“Told me something about yourself and didn’t realize it.”
“Well, then, maybe I need to stop talking.”
“That’s fine. You can do whatever you want, but I’m going to tell you about me.”
She let out a light laugh and gave me a strange look. “And what makes you think that I want to know anything about you?”
“It doesn’t matter if you do or don’t. I’m going to tell you anyway.” I smiled. “I live in New York City and I work for my dad at Black Enterprises. He’s grooming me to take over his company when he retires. I have a sister whom I adore and she’s going to have a baby; a boy, in fact. I graduated from Columbia with a degree in business and I have a lot of friends. Friends who I count on for support when things aren’t going right in my life. I party too much; something that I’m changing, and at those parties, I tend to drink too much. But you already knew that when you tripped over me last night.” I smiled.
“Why are you telling me all this? And for the record, you tripped me.”
“No. You should’ve been paying attention to where you were walking.”
“I was looking up at the stars because I love them and they soothe me. You shouldn’t have drank so much that you passed out on the beach.”
“Touché, Amelia. Touché.” I smiled.
She looked away, but with a smile. I was responsible for her smile and I felt good about that. I bumped my shoulder against hers and she bumped me back. “Fine, Mr. Black. Come to my house tomorrow morning at nine o’clock and bring me coffee and breakfast. We can sit and talk some more. I’m leaving the day after tomorrow,” she said as she got up and began walking towards her house.
“Where are you leaving to?” I yelled.
“Home,” she yelled back.
“And where’s home?”
“New York.”
I watched her walk up the beach. I didn’t want her to leave, but I’d have to settle for seeing her tomorrow morning. I got up, picked up the blanket and the sundae cups, and headed back up to the house. Now I’d have to explain to my parents who she was and how I met her. If I lied about it, they’ll eventually find out, so I better just tell them the truth.
****
“Back already?” my dad asked as I walked in the kitchen.
“Yeah, Amelia had to get home.”
“Does she live around here?” my mom asked.
“Down the street. Corner house.”
“Hmm. Nobody’s been living in that house for the last two years. The people who owned it bought it, moved some stuff in, and then they hadn’t been back. Are you sure that’s where she lives?”
“That’s what she said, Dad.”
“Do you want to tell us how the two of you met and when?” My mom smiled.
And there it was. I knew it wouldn’t take long. “Do you really want to know the truth, Mom?”
“Of course I want the truth, Collin.”
“You’re not going to like it.”
“Spill it. Now!” she said.
“Fine, but you can’t get mad at me,” I said as I raised my hands. “Aiden and I went to a new club last night. I drank too much, passed out on the beach, and Amelia found me and brought me in the house and up to bed. Okay, she didn’t find me; she tripped over me and then, today, at the grocery store, I hit her, by accident, with my cart. So I invited her to dinner as a thank you and an apology.”
My mom looked at my dad and smiled. “I already love her.”
“There’s something about that story that sounds familiar.” My dad smiled.
“Do you like her?” my mom asked.
“I think she’s a nice girl. She isn’t interested in relationships or friendships.”
“Hmm, sounds familiar,” my dad said as he raised his eyebrow at my mom.
She smiled at him and that was enough for him to lean over and kiss her. A kiss that turned into a make-out session.
“I’m going to bed. I’ll see you in the morning,” I said as I rolled my eyes and went up to my room.
The next morning, I was up bright and early. I didn’t get much sleep because I couldn’t stop thinking about Amelia all night. Damn it. What the hell is going on? I walked downstairs and saw my dad sitting outside on the patio, drinking coffee.
“Morning, Dad. You’re up early.”
“Good morning, son. I’m always up early. Your mom is still sleeping. I think I wore her out last night.” He smiled.
“Dad, seriously. I really think you say this stuff on purpose,” I said as I sat down.
He chuckled before taking a sip of his coffee. “You really like Amelia, don’t you?”
“I don’t really know her.”
“It doesn’t matter. I could tell the moment we walked in last night that you were different, and then when you came back from the beach, you seemed really happy. I haven’t seen that look from you in a very long time.”
I stared straight ahead as I contemplated whether or not to tell him how I was feeling. “There’s something about her, Dad. Something that affects me in a really good way.”
He looked over at me and smiled. “I know that feeling. You do whatever it takes to get her if you really like her. If you need my help, just ask.”
“Thanks, Dad. But I don’t think stalking her will accomplish much.” I smiled.
“Hey, it worked for me.” He winked.
I got up from the chair and put my hand on his shoulder. “I have to go and grab breakfast and coffee for her. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Have fun, son.”
Chapter 13
I drove up the driveway and threw the Range Rover in park. I grabbed the large brown bag and the two coffees I bought at the café about a mile away. Before I even made it to the porch, Amelia opened the door. God, she looked amazing and my heart started to beat a little faster.
“You’re on time.” She smiled.
“I’m always on time.” I smiled back as I handed her the brown bag.
When I walked into her house, I was shocked by all the boxes that sat around; sealed and marked. There was no furniture downstairs except for the kitchen table.
“Sorry, it’s like an obstacle course in here. Don’t mind the mess.”
“Nah, it’s okay.”
I wanted to ask her what was going on, but I was afraid she’d tell me off. I set our coffees down on the table and sat in the chair while she opened the bag. She looked at me and smiled.
“You got a lot of stuff in this bag.”
“You failed to mention what kind of breakfast foods you liked, so I had to guess. I wanted to make sure there was a variety. There has to be something in there that you’ll eat.”
She took out the bagels and the muffins first. Then she pulled out the Styrofoam containers that had the quiche slices in them.
“I like everything in here. You did good, Black.” She opened a drawer and pulled out paper plates and plastic silverware. “I only have paper and plastic. I hope that’s okay.”
“It’s fine. So, I take it you’re moving,” I said.
“I can’t imagine what gave you that idea.” She winked.
Oh man, she was getting me hard and this needed to stop. “You said last night that you would give anything to have your parents walk in. Are your parents no longer around?”
“What gives you the right to ask that? I barely know you and you have no right!” she snapped.
I put my hand up. “Whoa, Amelia. I’m sorry. You told me to come over and we could sit and talk. Listen, you obviously changed your mind, so I’m just going to go and you can go about your business. I’m sorry that I was just trying to get to know you a little better,” I said as I got up from my chair and walked to the front door.
“Wait. Collin, I’m sorry. You don’t understand. Please stay,” she said as she walked up behind me.
I took in a deep breath. There was a desperation in her voice when she asked me to stay. I turned around and looked into her sad blue eyes. I desperately wanted to grab her and hold her tight.
“Ugh,” she said as she clasped her head. “My parents owned this house. They were killed two years ago in a boating accident.”
“Amelia,” I whispered as I walked closer to her.
She put her hands up and stopped me. “Don’t. I don’t want your pity,” she said as she walked back to the table and sat down.
“I’m really sorry. I had no idea. I’m sorry,” I said as I shook my head.
“Sit down and finish your coffee and breakfast. I’m sorry for being so rude. I don’t like to talk about it and I’ve closed myself off since the accident. I gave up my friends and I pretty much stay secluded in my apartment, except when I go to classes.”
I sat back down and grabbed a bagel. “Classes?”
“I attend NYU and I live in an apartment on campus. I’m going into my last year and it’s been really hard for me to focus.”
My phone buzzed in my pocket. “Excuse me,” I said as I pulled it out and saw a text message from Julia.
“Why didn’t you tell me about this lovely girl you met?”
“I haven’t had a chance yet. We just met. Let me guess, Dad told you.”
“Yes, and he said you seemed to really like her. I’m so happy for you.”
“Don’t get too excited yet. I’ll talk to you later. I’m with her now.”
“Oh, sorry. I can’t wait to hear all about her. Love you.”
“Love you too, sis.”
“Sorry, that was my sister, Julia.”
“No, it’s okay. Never apologize for taking a moment to talk with your family.”
As I took a bite of the bagel that I was holding in my hand, I contemplated what to say to her next. “Listen, Amelia, I’m going to be totally honest with you. I don’t know what to say because I don’t want to upset you.”
She looked at me and gently put her hand on my arm. “I’m sorry that I make you feel that way.”
Her touch sent chills throughout my body. It was the way her soft fingers touched my skin. I found myself staring at her lips. I pictured myself kissing her and I wondered what it would be like. The one rule I always followed was the no kissing rule. The women I slept with never touched my lips. To me, kissing was special and passionate and it wasn’t to be shared with just anyone. I’d watched my mom and dad kiss a million times growing up and it was always full of passion. It symbolized their love for one another. Hailey was the only girl I’d ever kissed, and ever since we broke up, my lips hadn’t touched another woman’s. But as I sat there and stared at Amelia, I felt this overwhelming urge to kiss her. I wanted to feel how soft her lips felt against mine.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
I snapped out of my daydream and smiled. “Yeah, I’m fine.”
“You were just staring at me. Why?”
Shit. She noticed and I had to come up with something fast. “I’m just trying to figure you out.”
“Maybe I don’t want to be figured out.”
“I think you do,” I said.
“You’re very forward, Mr. Black.”
“And you’re very closed off, Miss Gray.”
“I have to be.”
“Why?”
“I gave up on life after the accident. Everyone and everything that I ever loved was taken from me. Not only my parents, but my sister and my boyfriend.”
I looked down because I didn’t want her to see the hurt that I felt for her in my eyes.
“What’s the poi
nt of moving on when you’re alone and you have nobody to share anything with? Like I said, I gave up all my friends. Or should I say, they gave up on me. They could only take so much of my constant crying and refusal to leave my apartment before they left me. I don’t blame them, though. I’m not a good person to be around.”
I couldn’t stand it anymore. I needed to touch her, and I needed to comfort her. I reached across the table and grabbed her hand. Her eyes widened as she looked at me, but she didn’t pull back.
“You are a good person, and I won’t sit here and let you wallow in self-pity. Come on, I’m taking you somewhere.”
“Collin, no.”
“Yes, Amelia,” I said as I pulled her from the table. “You said you’re leaving tomorrow. We have all day today and you’re going to have fun with me, whether you like it or not.”
“No, I’m not. You’re being bossy and I don’t like it!”
“Yes, you are, and you’re being stubborn and I don’t like it!” I replied.
She stood there for a moment and stared at me. “I have too much to do,” she said in a low voice.
“I promise to help you with everything once we get back.” I smiled.
“Fine. Let me go get my purse and then we can leave.”
“Hey, Amelia. You might want to change into more casual clothes. A dress isn’t appropriate for what I’m planning.”
“Oh, okay. I’ll be right back.”
As she was upstairs changing, I looked around the first floor. It seemed that she had everything packed and ready to go. I walked over to a desk that sat in the corner of the living room. It was an antique and my mom would love it. I picked up a picture of her and a guy. I assumed it was her boyfriend. They looked really happy, like Hailey and I once did. Such a tragedy and such loss for someone so young. I had a feeling that she would tell me more in time. I set the picture down and walked back to the foyer.
“I’m ready.” She smiled.
“You look great.”
“Thank you,” she said shyly.
Chapter 14
I drove us to Deep Hollow Ranch to go horseback riding. My mom and dad took me and Julia there when we were kids. I hadn’t been there in a few years because Hailey didn’t like horseback riding. I wanted to share this with Amelia and I hoped that she would enjoy it.