Rescued Hearts (Hero Series)
Page 11
Thirty-five minutes later, Susan walked out of the homeless shelter and saw Nick leaning up against a city lamp post. She smiled at him and even with a chilly November day she could feel the heat of her face rising in anticipation of speaking with Nick after purposely avoiding him for 2 months. She knew in her heart that this was the right time to see him and reconnect with him. She had seen this very moment in her dreams shortly after ending her relationship with Tom. Her father reminding her in her dreams to trust him and to wait patiently, faithfully. Wanting to run and throw her arms up and hug him tightly, she walked up calmly but with a stunning smile and said, “What a wonderful surprise. It’s so good to see you Nick.”
Susan didn’t have to search Nick’s eyes deeply to know he had been looking forward to this moment. “I’m glad you were surprised. It’s really wonderful to see you again. Wow, feels like a really long time we haven’t seen each other.”
“It certainly does. How’s Mike?”
Tired of the small talk “He’s good. Look Susan, I’ve got to get something off my chest. I know you’re not with Tom anymore. I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you that’s the greatest news I’ve heard all year. Since the evening I rescued you, not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought of your sweet smile. I missed talking with you, laughing with you, cooking for you. I’ve missed being with you.”
“Oh Nick, I’ve missed you as well. I really did?
“So why didn’t you tell me?”
Because I needed to heal from my breakup with Tom, settle into a new place and get comfortable with being single again. Would you really have wanted to begin a relationship with someone who just got out of one, let alone a wedding engagement? Susan asked.”
“I see your point. It’s just… you’ve made such an impact in my life.”
You changed my life too. Not only did you rescue me from that fire but you helped me to not settle in life, to grab life and live today. When I first saw you in that soup kitchen, you reminded me what it was like to serve others out of the kindness of your heart and be filled with compassion. I held on to that example and took action on it and here I am today still serving to this day and I love it.
“I’m happy for you. Still wish you would’ve texted or emailed me that you were done with Tom.”
I wanted to so many times but whether you believe me or not, I dreamed several times of this day so vividly that it gave me the strength to wait patiently for you to come find me. I knew from my dreams, it wouldn’t be terribly long.” Placing her hands on her hips and shifting to a sexy posture, Susan gave me a flirtatious expression. “Call me old fashion, but I believe it’s the man’s job to pursue the woman.”
“You’re right and now I found you.” Stepping closer and tenderly grabbing Susan’s hand, Nick noticed Susan’s pupils dilate. “I want to know you more Susan. I want to know your heart deeply.”
“I want to know you more too.” Susan expected him to kiss her and wanted him to. Instead, he lifted her hand and gently placed it on his cheek. Closing his eyes, he cherished the moment as he longed for some time to know what her touch felt like. Kissing the back of her hand before letting go, he opened his eyes and decided to share the experience with Susan. Taking his right hand, he gently placed it on her face causing Susan to close her eyes and lean into his hand. Meanwhile, Nick’s left hand brushed her hair slightly then returned to caress her forehead, affectionately brushing his fingertips along the side of her sweet face until he stopped his hand. With both hands on Susan’s face, he drew closer until she felt his lips kiss her forehead continuing a downward trail of delicate kisses against the side of her face before ultimately connecting with her irresistible lips.
Susan leaned into him and moved her arms around his strong, broad shoulders. She longed for this moment for so long, that she allowed herself to completely forget her surroundings and embrace this precious, perfect moment with Nick. His delicate kisses communicated to Susan that he cared deeply for what they have. Wishing that he wouldn’t stop kissing her, he moved his body back slightly and grabbed her hands and looked at her breathtaking hazel eyes.
“That was really something special and surprising for me.” Susan said capturing her breath.
“I wanted to do that for so long but I knew the timing wasn’t right then.”
“It wasn’t then but it certainly is now. I’m really excited for what the future has in store for us.”
“So am I Susan. I really am. Hey! How about dinner at my place after work? I’ll make you my specialty.
“Lasagna?”
“Lasagna it is.” Nick answered.
“Come on. I’ll walk you to your car.” Nick put his right hand in his jacket pocket and gestured for Susan to grab his arm. Grabbing with both of her arms, she rested her head on his shoulder, walking towards the street where she parked her car. But she stopped and changed her mind.
“What’s wrong?” Nick asked.
“Where’s your bike?” Susan asked.
“In front of the shelter. Why?”
“I’ve never been on one. Take me for a ride.”
“It’ll be cold. I’m used to riding in this weather but if this is your first time ever, you’re going to feel it really bad. Even with my helmet.”
“That’s Ok. Holding you tight will keep me warm.”
Turning around to walk back to his bike, Nick says, “I like the sound of that.”
“I thought you might.” Susan was excited to go on her first motorcycle ride ever but more importantly with someone that was dear to her heart. Explaining to Susan how to get on the bike after him, he pointed out the pedals where she could rest her feet. Susan refused the helmet because she knew she wanted to have her face close to his. After attaching the helmet to the side, Nick got on his Honda Shadow RS cruiser bike, started it up and waved at Susan to hop on. She grabbed him tightly like she said she would and it felt magical to have him so close to her. Thank you for finding me and coming back into my life.
Feeling the November chill hit her face as the headed down Kirby Street, she admitted to herself it was cold on her face but she was enjoying her first ride ever. More importantly she was experiencing this with a man that she knew was right for her. That’s what her father meant when he told her to wake up in her dream, that wonderful things would happen. Nick was the one that she had to wake up for. Nick was the wonderful thing, Susan’s father mentioned in her dream the night Nick rescued her. It was a perfect day for Susan and just as she thought it couldn’t get any better, she heard the sweet loving voice of her father. The voice revealing she made the right choices that led to today’s outcome with Nick. “I’m so proud of you Susan. More good things are coming your way. Wonderful things!”
About the Author
Gina Austin lives in the land of Mickey and Minnie in Orlando, Florida. After many years of digging her car out from the snow she decided to head south and trade in her shovel for sunscreen lotion. When she’s not on her laptop, she’s reading , swimming, hiking, or taking salsa and ballroom dance lessons. This is her first book and wouldn’t mind hearing from you. You can connect with her on Facebook by clicking on this link.