Suddenly the lights came on and police were everywhere. “Call a medic!”
One of the medics knelt next to Cassidy. “I’ll take over.”
“You’re bleeding, Mr. O’Malley.” One of the medics started wrapping Grady’s arm but all he could do was watch as they tried to bring Cassidy back.
“We got her; she’s breathing!”
“THANK GOD!” Grady reached for Cassidy’s hand. “Cassidy, can you hear me? Open your eyes, Baby.”
Cassidy’s eyes blinked a few times before they opened. “Grady, it…really is you?”
“I thought I lost you.” Grady wiped the tears from his face.
Cassidy reached her hand up to Grady’s wounded arm. “You’re hurt.”
“I’m ok.”
“We need to get you both to the hospital.” They lifted Cassidy onto a gurney.
“I can walk.” Grady followed behind Cassidy.
Jess was outside waiting beside the ambulance. She had refused medical treatment until she saw Cassidy. “Cass!” Jess hopped over to Cassidy.
Cassidy looked at her bruised friend and tears began rolling down her cheeks. “Oh Jess, I’m so sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about. This is Rick’s doing, not yours.”
Jess looked up at Grady. “Are you ok?”
“We almost lost her.”
Jess grabbed Grady and hugged him. “But we didn’t. You saved her.”
30
Grady opened his eyes and Cassidy was staring at him. “What happened?”
“You were so worried about me that by the time they got us to the hospital you collapsed.”
“Am I ok?”
Cassidy nodded. “You lost a lot of blood.”
“I don’t care as long as I didn’t lose you.”
Cassidy squeezed Grady’s hand. “Grady, why did you come home?”
“You’re awake.”
Grady looked away from Cassidy. “I guess you must have some questions for me, Detective?”
“I’ll need a statement, but it can wait until you’re feeling better.”
“He stabbed me, and I shot him.”
“Ok, then. I will add that to my report.”
“Mr. O’Malley, just out of curiosity why were you in the dark? The power was on when we arrived.”
“I saw Cassidy on the surveillance camera, so I knew where she was on the pool deck. I learned how to navigate quite well when I was blind. I hoped the darkness would give me an unfair advantage.”
“It certainly did.”
“Detective, should Grady contact a lawyer?”
“No. Based on your past experience and the day’s events we’ve ruled it as self-defense.”
“Thank you.”
“I’m just sorry that we couldn’t have done more to prevent this.”
“I’m sorry that he hurt your officers.”
“They’ll be ok and so will the security guard that was stationed outside your home. It seems that he gave them all an elephant sized dose of sedatives.”
“That’s a relief.”
“Detective.”
“Yes.”
“Is he dead?”
“He is.”
Cassidy gasped. “I have to check on Jess. I’ll be right back.”
“I’m fine. The doctor cleared me for travel.”
“What are you going to do by yourself?”
“Shop or eat or shop and eat.”
“You’re crazy.”
“I know. That’s how I put up with you.” Jess giggled.
“I miss you.”
“I miss you too, West.”
“When you see Grady can you ask him to give me a call.”
“I will.”
“I have to get to the pool.”
“I’ll call you later.”
“Take care of yourself.”
“Goodbye.”
“Hey!”
“I was just talking to Weston.”
“Are you still going to go meet him?”
“Unless you need me?”
“I’m fine.”
“Cass, you technically died today.”
Cassidy exhaled. “Rick’s dead.”
Jess extended her hand to Cassidy. “Hey, I thought you’d be happy.”
“I did too.”
“Talk to me.”
“I’m numb. I don’t know how to explain it.”
“I do. You’re too good a person and the thought of anyone dying upsets you.”
“Maybe.”
“Look, you may have had some good times but Cass, he tried to kill you twice and he hurt so many people.”
“I know but, in the end, he wasn’t pure evil he just wanted to be loved.”
“He was a sick individual, Cass, what he did to you wasn’t love.”
“You’re right. I need to let it go.”
“No, you need to let him go.”
“You’re right. I’m finally free.”
Grady was sitting up when Cassidy came back in. “Hey, Beautiful.”
“Hi.”
“How’s Jess?”
“She’s ok. They want her to stay overnight for observation.”
“How’s her best friend doing?”
Cassidy smiled. “She’s ok, thanks to her boyfriend.”
“When I thought I lost you I died a million times.”
“Well you didn’t and now you’re stuck with me.”
“Sounds like the best thing that ever happened to me.” Grady smiled.
“Grady, you never got to answer me before. Why did you come back home?”
“I can’t explain it.”
“Explain what?”
“I had this feeling. It was like I somehow knew that you needed me.”
“Grady, you gave up the Olympics for a feeling?”
“Yes, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”
“Won’t you get into trouble for leaving?”
“I may lose a sponsor or two.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Trust me, it’s their loss.” Grady winked.
“Is there any chance that you could make it back and compete?”
“No, and even if I could, once they saw my arm, they’d send me packing.”
Cassidy walked over and looked out the window so that Grady couldn’t see her tears. Her heart was breaking. Because of her the man she loved gave up his dream.
Grady gave Cassidy a few minutes to process everything that had happened but when she remained like a statue staring out the window, he decided what she needed was a hug.
Cassidy never heard Grady until he whispered in her ear. “I love you.” Then he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her on the top of her head.
“How can you still love me?”
“Hey, look at me.” Grady turned Cassidy around. “Don’t ever question my love for you. Cassidy, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me.”
Cassidy looked up at Grady. “I cost you your dream.” Cassidy looked away and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
Grady dropped to his knee and grabbed Cassidy's hand. “Dreams can change. I’m not saying that I’m going to give up swimming but there's something that I want more than winning the gold. I want you, Cassidy. These last few months with you have been the best months of my life. I love you, Cassidy, and right now the only gold I want is in the form of a ring around your finger. Marry me?”
Cassidy gasped, then blinked. She tried to speak but she couldn't find her voice. Grady O'Malley was on one knee asking her to marry him.
Grady could see the emotions running across Cassidy face. He began to get nervous that she was going to turn him down but then she inhaled and exhaled in a tiny whisper. “Yes!”
Grady sprung to his feet lifting Cassidy up into his arms on the way. “Damn, I never thought anything could feel better than winning gold but right now that pales in comparison.”
“I love you so much.”
31
Two months late
r…
“Race you!” Cassidy took off. She knew there was no chance of winning, but the chase was fun.
Grady dove into the water and was halfway across the pool before Cassidy took two strokes. He couldn't help but smile as she swam into his arms. “Have I told you how proud I am of you?”
“Only every day since you've been giving me swim lessons.” Cassidy giggled.
Grady kissed Cassidy and untied her swimsuit. “I want you.”
“Come and get me.” Cassidy pushed off the wall to swim out of Grady's reach, but she didn't get far before he pulled her into his arms and pushed himself inside her.
“I love you, my little Swim Goddess.”
Cassidy laughed. “Swim Goddess!”
Grady kissed Cassidy's neck. “Mmm hmm.”
“Then I guess that makes you my Swim God.”
Weston hung up his gold medals, took a step back and smiled.
“I’m so proud of you.” Jess wrapped her arms around Weston's waist.
“I know I wouldn't have won if Grady was there but…”
“You don't know that for sure.”
“No, I guess not.”
“What is it they call you again?”
“Wild West.”
“How about you show me how wild you can be.” Jess winked.
Weston lifted Jess up and carried her over to the couch. “Rawrrr!”
“My wild savage.”
Grady wrapped Cassidy in a towel and then kissed her forehead. “You know, Cass, I’ll never know why I survived that crash, but I’d do it allover again because it brought you into my life.”
Cassidy held Grady’s hand. “You survived so that you could save me.”
“I think we were meant to save each other.”
“I love you, Grady.” Cassidy leaned up and kissed Grady.
Grady picked her up and held her tight. “I love you to the deep end and back, Cassidy Scott, and I can’t wait to fill our lives and this pool with a whole team of little swimmers.”
“Oh, really?” Cassidy smiled.
Grady nodded his head as he flashed Cassidy one of his panty dropping smiles. “Yes, really. In fact, I think we should start practicing.” Grady carried Cassidy over to the chaise lounge, gently placed her down and removed her towel. “Practice makes perfect you know.” Grady winked.
Cassidy wrapped her arms around Grady and kissed him. “Let the practicing commence.”
THE END
About the Author
Michelle Iannarelli is a lifetime New Yorker, living just minutes from New York City in a coastal community with her real-life prince charming, her husband, and her pride and joy, her two children. Some of her favorite things are coffee, snow, time spent with family and the New York Yankees.
Michelle strongly believes in fate, destiny, and that life is way too short...so she decided it was now or never and wrote her first book. The rest as they say is history. If you're a lover of sweet, sassy, sexy romance filled with suspense and a happy ending then treat yourself to one of Michelle's books.
Read More from Michelle Iannarelli
https://www.michelleiannarelli.com
Sweetest Risk
Megan Matthews
Sweetest Risk © 2019 Megan Matthews
* * *
All rights reserved under the International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
Warning: the unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000.
Created with Vellum
Sweetest Risk
Their sleepy coastal town isn’t so quiet.
* * *
One look at the tiny town of Pelican Bay and I fell in love. Managing the historical bed-and-breakfast isn’t my dream job, but it’s a start.
* * *
But life isn’t always quiet on the east coast. Our newest guest could grace the cover of GQ and soon my frozen winter nights are heating up behind closed doors.
* * *
The man fast working his way into my heart is mysterious as he is hot. My best friend claims he’s a spy, but I don’t believe her crazy theories until we uncover the secrets hidden in his room.
* * *
When I stumble across something I shouldn’t will anyone be there to save me?
1
No one knows what a day will hold in Pelican Bay.
I tap the thick stack of papers on the big wooden desk for the tenth time since punching into work five minutes ago. A rogue piece glides against my thumb and slices through the skin. Why is it the littlest pricks are always the most painful?
“Ouch.” What a wonderful way to start a day of work. Not.
Dwight, nephew to the owner of the bed-and-breakfast and manager of the night shift, raises his head from the second stack of papers he’s been finalizing before handing over the keys. Wonderful. The only thing worse than a paper cut so early in the morning is drawing attention to myself when he’s here. What would it take to get one morning without seeing Dwight so early? Any price would be worth it.
His eyes lock on to my finger as I wave it in the air praying it won’t bleed. “Are you okay, Tara?”
I force a smile, trying to be polite. “Yeah, it’s just a paper cut.”
“Do you want me to stick it in my mouth?”
Eww. “What?” It’s impossible to hide my shock and disgust at his question. This is odd even for Dwight. He’s let his freak flag fly too high more than once.
He reaches out, trying to grab my finger, but I shove it between my lips so he doesn’t get any ideas. “I read somewhere the saliva helps heal a cut,” he says looking at my mouth with sadness.
I’m pretty sure humans don’t have healing qualities in our spit, but I nod my head before taking the finger out and wiping it on my leg.
“All my paperwork is in order. We didn’t have any incidents last night or late check-ins. Everything should be set for you today.” He cautiously hands over the second stack of papers and then pulls it back. “Be careful with this stack. Don’t let it attack you.”
“Ha-ha-ha,” I deadpan. It’s not that Dwight is a bad guy. It’s that he’s… well, creepy. Weird. Unsettling. Things about him turn me away — normally in revulsion. He wasn’t socialized enough as a child or something. He tries to be funny, but he doesn’t hit the mark. Ever.
The small alarm glued to the top of the reception desk dings, warning me of the upcoming morning rush. I quickly turn it off on reflex. It will go off again in a few hours to warn us about the lunch and dinner rush. Working here will have me trained like one of the Pavlov’s dogs by next spring.
The 7 a.m. alarm is my reminder to get my butt in gear and start the morning preparations. December is the off-season for Pelican Bay tourism, the time of year when snow coats the streets, cold winds whip down Main Street, and people stay warm inside their homes.
That means the rush is more of a slow trickle of people. Those misguided folks who decided it would be pretty to see the coast in the winter and occasionally a long-term resident here for a fancy meal. And sometimes — when I’m lucky — a hot guy with a long-term reservation because of work.
One of those last types has me peeking toward the dining room every thirty seconds. Each morning for the last two weeks he’s walked down the hallway and headed into the breakfast room between 7:10 and 7:15.
I take the stack of papers
from Dwight, not bothering to look at him or his paperwork before setting them down on top of the others.
“So, would you like to?” he asks.
“Hmm?” I try to keep one eye on the dining-room door. Did he ask to stick my finger in his mouth again?
Dwight leans across the counter getting closer as I back up to maintain my distance. He wears too much cologne for this early hour. “You want to grab something to eat from the bakery this afternoon? You always take a lunch at one.”
His admission grabs my full attention. There he goes being weird again. “Um, like a date?”
Dwight smiles, putting more of his weight on the top of the counter. “Just to get to know each other better.”
That sounds date-ish. I swallow hard, my brain searching for another way out of a proposed date. I’ve already used every excuse in the book in the past. Something tells me men in this day and age won’t believe I’m washing my hair all night. “Wow, that is really nice of you,” my words pause as movement happens from the corner of my eye. I fight not to let myself check the room with Dwight still waiting for my answer.
“You told me you don’t like to date people you work with, but one day I’ll own the bed-and-breakfast and then your rules won’t matter.”
“Wow, that is a really nice offer.” How many times have I said really? Damn it. “Thank you, but I’m not sure I’m ready yet. I’m still settling in here.” Even as a kid I was a slow settler. I calculate it’s going to take me years. Decades.
Dwight leans back in a huff, his normal reaction to one of my rebuffs, although they’re getting louder. “You’ve been in Pelican Bay six months now. You can’t use that excuse for much longer.”
Sweetest Obsessions - Anthology Page 288