by Velvet Reed
When I look out the windshield, I notice we are only just leaving the hospital parking lot even though it feels like we’ve been driving for hours. The sight of cars going by us and coming towards us almost sends me into hysterics. “Oh, God! Oh, God!” I chant as sweat beads on my forehead. Then when I feel Cole’s hand grip my thigh in what should have been a reassuring gesture, I scream bloody murder, “Put your hands back on the wheel.”
Startled, Cole quickly returns both hands to the steering wheel and continues driving with great caution. Even in my current state, it’s not lost on me that he’s taking all the back roads home to our house, no doubt in an effort to avoid as much traffic as possible. Death grip on the door, I close my eyes and focus on breathing in and out... in and out. He’s talking to me constantly, but my frazzled mind prevents anything coherent from registering.
With my breathing under control, I open my eyes and see we only have a few streets to go. Pulling up in our driveway causes a wave of relief to rush through my system and if it was physically possible for me to do it, I would jump from this car, kneel down and kiss the solid concrete we’re parked on. As I release the vise-like grip on the door, fully expecting to see the outline of my fingers embedded there, I turn to Cole and apologize, “I’m sorry.” God, he must think I’m a crazy woman. My embarrassment over my behavior causes a hot blush to rise on my face.
“You have nothing to be sorry about, Sweet Cheeks. I’m so proud of you. After everything you went through with the accident, you did so well.”
His words are sweet but I still feel slightly ridiculous. “I was told it will get easier for you each time you get back in a car, so we’re just going to take each trip as it comes, okay?”
“Yeah, okay,” I reply as the nausea retreats.
Cole looks around and grimaces. “Maybe this surprise wasn’t such a great idea after all.”
A little confused, I retrace the path his eyes just took and I notice the cars parked around. John’s Lexus and my dad’s truck are on the other side of the driveway. A glance over my shoulder brings Ashley’s and April’s cars as well as Charlie’s truck and Sam’s mint condition 1964 Thunderbird into view. Damn, I love that car! “Looks like we’ve got guests,” I say, and while I’m still reeling from my terrifying car ride home, I’m more than happy the people I love are here to welcome me home.
Chapter 12
Ashley...
We’ve been waiting impatiently for Gracie’s arrival home. The house has been decorated with balloons and streamers and there are flowers on every available surface, fusing every room with a beautiful floral scent after being closed up for so many weeks. Time has slipped by and we all know that Gracie has been oblivious to the goings on in the real world. It’s obvious she doesn’t even realize that while she’s been in hospital, she not only missed her first Valentine’s Day with Cole, but her birthday as well.
I’m standing at the window watching when they pull up in their new car “They’re here,” I shout, alerting the others to their arrival. Excited chatter increases in volume and Olivia and April rush to my side to get a glimpse of them.
Sam and Charlie indicate they’re going to go out and help but Olivia stops them with a concerned look on her face. “I think they need a minute, boys.” Looking out at Gracie and Cole sitting in the car talking, my own worry increases a notch because Gracie looks out of sorts. The need to comfort my best friend and ease her stress has been ingrained in me over our lifelong friendship.
“Do you think everything’s okay?” April asks.
“I’m sure it’s fine,” Olivia replies then turns to everyone. “Let’s just try not to overwhelm her, okay?”
I take in all the people in the room. This is Gracie’s family. Every single person here has been beside her and Cole every step of the way since the accident. It fills my heart that she has such an amazing support, but it also makes my heart yearn for something I have never had. I chance a glance at Sam as he stands chatting quietly to Charlie. I thought when he comforted me at the hospital that things would change between us and they have. I mean, we aren’t at each other’s throats any more, but I truly believed that something more would develop, something beyond the need to comfort one another or simply friendship. Much to my disappointment, he’s made no move to contact me apart from when we chance a meeting at the hospital. You’ve got me. His words play over in my head on repeat and I’m utterly confused with what he actually meant by them.
My thoughts return to the present when Olivia tells the boys they’re getting out of the car. Again, I watch from the window as Cole maneuvers the wheelchair around to Gracie’s side of the car. Charlie and Sam both take turns engulfing Gracie in hugs as she beams her bright smile back at them. It’s so good to see her smile because I can only imagine how distraught she would have been about leaving Cooper at the hospital and coming home.
Long minutes tick by and finally they’re making their way through the front door. Thank goodness this house has wider doors than normal. When Cole wheels her into the living room, Gracie’s eyes go wide as she takes in the decorations and then everyone waiting for her. I suppress the urge to push everyone aside and get my arms around her first; it’s only fair I let Bryan welcome his daughter home.
When everyone else has hugged, kissed and fussed over her, Olivia’s suggestion not to overwhelm Gracie completely out the window, her gaze searches the room and lands on me. She gives me a cheeky grin, one I’ve been on the receiving end of more times than I could possibly remember and says, “Get over here, you.” And I’m making my way over to her single outstretched arm as we awkwardly hug each other. “Why does it feel like I haven’t seen you forever?” she asks me, her eyes shimmering.
“You’ve had a lot going on, sweetie. I’m here. I’m always here for you.” We hug again and she promises we will have some girl time to catch up in the next few days.
Before anyone can move in on her, Ruby makes her way over to Gracie and throws herself at her. Having helped Charlie care for Rubes while Gracie was in hospital, I know that she has only seen her beloved auntie a few times. Gracie’s joy at being reunited with Ruby shows on her face, but is interlaced with winces of pain as well. There’s no use anyone saying anything or moving Ruby back because Gracie would never deny her niece anything, especially not love.
Ruby’s little hand goes to Gracie’s stomach and she signs the word ‘baby’, obviously questioning where her swollen tummy has gone. Considering Cooper’s fragile state and the strict practices of the NICU, Charlie and Bryan decided it was best not to try and explain the situation to Ruby and they certainly didn’t let her visit him unsure whether all the tubes and wires attached to him would scare her. How I would love to be present when this beautiful little girl finally gets to meet her baby cousin for the first time. It will be a moment to remember forever. Since Gracie can’t sign back to her, Charlie comes over and they start their own little conversation.
Feeling a presence beside me, I look up at Sam. He gives me a small smile and asks, “You okay?” I’m actually kind of shocked he’s taken the initiative to speak to me. Although, he only does it when other people are around.
“Yeah, I’m fine. It’s just good to see her home, you know?”
He simply nods in agreement. The silence between is a tad uncomfortable when he clears his throat. “I’ve been meaning to call you and see how you’re doing. Things have been a little crazy at work and then I’ve been trying to keep an eye on Cole considering the whole brake cutting situation.”
I guess he’s feeling a little guilty about not speaking to me much since our waiting room rendezvous. “It’s fine, Sam. I know you have to work and a life to lead. I had no expectations.” His face falls and I realize my reply may have come across a tad bitchy. “Sorry. I just mean I understand.” Not that I’m not disappointed though, I silently add.
“I... ahhh.” He looks around the room and returns his attention to me. “I was going to see if you’d like to go out for dinner
some time.” If I’m not mistaken, there’s a nervous quiver in his voice, which is totally at odds with the cocky self-assured man I’ve come to know. The thought that Sam is actually nervous about asking me out to dinner has me fighting the smile that tugs at the corners of mouth.
“I’d really like that,” I reply quickly not wanting to pass up the opportunity.
Sam smiles in return. “All right then. I’ll check out my schedule and I’ll give you a call to set it up.”
“Sounds great, Sam.” I see Gracie out of the corner of my eye, a perplexed look on her face as she watches my interaction with Sam. She smirks as she catches my eye and silently communicates, ‘You better spill the beans, girl. I want to know everything.’ I roll my eyes and shake my head at her. Excusing myself from Sam, I head to the kitchen to help with the food.
After everyone’s finished eating dinner, we decide to spring the birthday element of Gracie’s homecoming on her. She’s sitting on the couch in the living room, which is pretty much where she’s been since she arrived home, and Cole is once again at her side. If he didn’t have Ruby on his lap, I’d hall his ass out of there so I could spend a few minutes with my girl. Olivia holds up her hand indicating we’ll be ready to start in five minutes so I head to the kitchen to get the cake ready, completely unaware Sam has followed me in there.
“I was hoping we’d have had a few more minutes to talk, but I guess everyone’s excitement hasn’t allowed it to happen,” he says, startling me a little.
“Oh, well, the next few minutes are all yours,” I grin at him. He moves further into the room while I continue organizing the plates, napkins and silverware on a tray. I turn around to retrieve the cake box and end up slamming straight into Sam’s hard, broad chest. His hands wrap around my arms steadying me as a stumble back.
“I’ve got you,” he murmurs huskily, and when I look up into his gorgeous green eyes, I’m held captive by the desire shining from their depths.
“Sorry, I didn’t realize you were so close behind me,” I softly reply, my voice laced with undisguised lust.
His hands slide down the length of my arms and then move to my waist as he pulls me closer. I’m still caught up in his gaze and then I watch in fascination as his attention drops to my lips and he his tongue peeks out to glide over his own, leaving them glistening in invitation. Kiss me now! I silently beg.
“I really have been exceptionally busy at work, Ashley, but that doesn’t mean you haven’t been on my mind.”
A shiver of joy runs through me at his words. “I’ve been thinking about you too,” I admit. “I just didn’t know where we stood after what happened in the waiting room at the hospital.”
He eyes flick from mine to my mouth in quick succession until they finally hold. “I guess we need to clarify a few things then,” he says. Before I can respond, he drags me against his body so we fit together in perfect alignment. His mouth captures mine in a soul-searing kiss that I willingly surrender myself too. Our tongues dance a frenzied tango while our hands move in exploration over each other’s bodies. My hands move to his hair, and though it’s not long enough for me to pull, I press his head closer, wanting to completely devour him.
The feel of Sam’s hands on my bare back sends bolts of heat straight to my core. Pressing myself even closer to him, I unwittingly rub against the substantial bulge of his erection. Sam growls in reaction and turns us so I’m now wedged between him, his gloriously hard jean-encased cock and the fridge that rattles on collision.
I can hear the little moans that expel from the back of my throat and get swallowed by Sam’s mouth. I’m lost in his taste and the sensations that are exploding within me. As Sam’s wandering hands move higher and my blouse travels up with them, the cool surface of the fridge door connects with my back and has goose bumps rising on my skin.
It’s just Sam and me, all lips and tongues and frantic hands, so completely lost in the moment and each other. The world around us no longer exists.
“What in the world!”
The shock of Olivia’s voice has us stumbling apart, and while I quickly try and straighten my clothes, I see Sam wipe his hand across his mouth as if trying to remove any evidence of our kiss and my heart dips in response.
“What is it about this kitchen that makes my children forget their minds and want to go at it like rabbits in here?” she chuckles. “First Cole and Gracie, now you two. I swear, if I catch April going at it in here next, I’m going to install a big flashing neon sign saying ‘Warning: Fornication Zone. Enter at your own risk.’”
Sam smirks and I suppress the giggle that wants to escape; however, Charlie, who came in behind Olivia, doesn’t look amused in the slightest as he stares at Sam. “If you two are finished, everyone’s waiting on the cake. Although, I’d say you have both already had your dessert. Ashley, you grab the tray with the plates and I’ll carry the cake. Charlie, can you get another bottle of wine when you get those beers please?” Olivia directs.
“Sure, Olivia. Sam, can give me hand with the drinks?” Charlie replies, his tone low and flat.
I look to Sam for some indication of what we do from here and I’m only given a small smile in return. Confused and unsettled, I pick up the tray and follow Olivia into the living room. That’s the third kiss we’ve shared and each one has been more spectacular than the last. There’s no question that I want Sam Evans with every fiber of my being, and while I see stars when we connect like that, when the moment ends, I’m always left in the dark about what’s happening between us. There’s always that small part of me warning that I need to protect my heart against the irrevocable pain that Sam can inflict.
Chapter 13
Sam...
When Olivia and Ashley leave the kitchen and Charlie moves to the fridge to get the drinks, I take a second to adjust myself. A few deep breaths and I’m willing myself to calm down. Damn, that woman drives me all sorts of crazy. I start to relive the feel of her against me when the loud clank of beer bottles getting slammed down on the counter grabs my attention.
“You want to explain what the hell that was all about?” Charlie demands, and when I look at his face, I see unbridled fury there. What the hell?
“What exactly do I need to explain?” I question, knowing full well he’s referring to him and Olivia catching Ashely and I in a slightly compromising position.
“Don’t play dumb with me, Sam. My family’s been through enough crap in the last few weeks without having you come in and causing any more problems.”
“Your family?” I question, because hell, I’m not going to stand here and let him act all high and mighty with me. As much as sometimes I do feel out of place in the Tierney’s, they are the only family I have and I love every one of them, and that includes Gracie now too. Then I have the sudden thought that maybe Charlie has a thing for Ashley. It makes sense. She’s fantastic with Ruby and loyal to Gracie. She’s been around Charlie all her life. Maybe he wants her and is jealous I was kissing her instead of him.
“Yes, my family,” he snaps back. “You need to leave Ashley alone, Sam. She’s not a toy for you to play with.”
Again... What. The. Hell?
“Let’s get a few things straight here, Charlie. Number one, what I do is not your concern so you need to mind your own business. Number two, this is my family too, and while Gracie is your sister, I consider her mine now as well. But in saying that, Ashley isn’t, so if you’re jealous and can’t handle a little competition, that’s your problem, not mine.”
Charlie reacts in a way I didn’t think the guy was capable of. This time it’s my back against the fridge doors causing it to rattle and my shirt bunched up against me as he gets in my face. “Listen up, asshole. I’m not fucking jealous of you and Ashley; she’s as much a little sister to me as Gracie is. She’s my family and I will protect her just the way I would Gracie.”
His eyes blaze with fire as he continues, “You’ve been a prick to her so many times I’ve lost count and I’ve kept my mouth
shut about it. But I’m warning you now, Sam, I won’t sit back and let you hurt her or toy with her emotions. Ashley deserves better than that.”
He gives me one final hard shove unsettling the fridge again and moves back. I raise my eyebrows at him and smooth down the front of my shirt, much like Ashley did moments ago. “Damn, Charlie, I thought we were friends.”
He gives me a mirthless smirk. “We are friends, Sam, but that will change pretty damn fast if that girl sheds one tear over you. You feel me?”
I try not to laugh at the last three words out of his mouth, because honestly, I’d never expected him to say them. Charlie’s an easygoing guy and now he’s shown a side of himself that is exactly like Gracie. The fiercely protective, ready to throw down family trait is strong in the Rivers clan, that’s for sure.
“I feel you,” I reply because he’s clearly waiting for a response. “And just so you know, Charlie, I’ve never once meant to be an asshole to Ashley. I’m not usually that kind of guy. She’s under my skin and drives me crazy. It’s not much of an excuse, but all I can say is I’ve acted the way I have because I don’t know how to deal with the feelings I have for her. Believe me, I don’t intend on hurting her, Charlie.”
Charlie grunts in response and gathers up the beer and wine bottles. As he walks to the door, he turns back to me. “Just make sure you don’t.” And he’s gone.
I take a minute to gather myself, thinking about Charlie’s warning and my feelings for Ashley. I shared my feelings for her with someone else and it’s not lost on me what a big step that was for me. It’s no secret I keep my feelings closely guarded, but now I’ve made my move and Ashley seems responsive, I’m not going to hold back. I want her and I want to see where this thing—whatever it is—might lead. I’ll be twenty-nine years old in a matter of months, so it’s time to man up and make plans for the future.