“Please tell me you’re not leaving me? I don’t wanna be alone. Stay with me?”
“Of course I’ll stay. I don’t want you to be alone either.”
I scooted into the bed and made space for him to get under the covers with me. “Garrett, I want you to make me forget everything. Can you do that?” I asked, gazing up at him.
“Charlie, if I do, everything will change between us. I’m not sure you’re ready for that. But I’ll stay and hold you, make you feel safe and loved. But we don’t have to make love for you to feel better. I don’t want you to do anything that’s gonna betray your relationship with Mitch.”
“What relationship?” I choked out. “You were here when he broke up with me. Do you think Mitch and Heather are just holding hands? That he’s waiting to be with her? He can’t even comprehend anything past high school. I’m not on his radar.”
Garrett stripped down to his briefs and got into bed with me, not answering my question. But how could he? We both knew the answer anyway. I always knew he was a good guy and he was proving it tonight by not rushing to take me to bed. I had just offered myself to him, but he put Mitch before himself. Another great quality they shared.
It was so good to have his body next to mine. I put my head on his chest and nestled under his chin. My body was pressed against his, but I wasn’t taking into consideration what he could be going through. I closed my eyes and began falling asleep. I knew I’d sleep well with Garrett by my side.
***
Garrett
Charlie had wrapped herself around my body and I couldn’t help but have a reaction. If this was a test, I was beginning to fail. Making love to her had been something I’d wanted for so long. She was the only woman I’d ever loved. Sure, I’d dated my fair share of women and had more than my fair share of sex, but I’d never felt about any woman the way I felt about her. I wanted her to actually want to be with me. To love me.
Through our college years, we had a few times when Mitch went to bed and we stayed up. Tension had always existed between us, but I figured it was more on my side than hers. Of course, I’d never make a move on my brother’s girl, but what was happening now was different. He didn’t want her to be his girl anymore and she was brokenhearted. If I did anything, she’d most likely feel taken advantage of and any chance we could have might be ruined. I didn’t want to be the cause of any pain in her life. Garnering her love meant too much to me. Damn it. Why do I have to be a good guy?
Not realizing how tired I really was, I began drifting to sleep, joining Charlie in slumber.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Mitch
“That was awkward,” Heather said after we got in the car.
“Which part?”
“You making plans to see Kate. You know she’s just gonna bring more confusion, don’t you?”
“Actually, I think talking to her will help. I’ve known her for so long and she was my best friend’s girl. I need to talk to her.” I still can’t believe he’s gone. There’s a fucking hole in my heart.
“Well, I wish it wasn’t at a time when I’ll be working. Maybe you should reschedule for when I can be available.”
“Heather, I’m not a child. I don’t need a chaperone for a conversation with Kate. She’s my friend and I trust her. She’s like a sister to me.”
Heather stayed quiet for a moment. “I know you’re a grown man, but I’m just looking out for your best interest. You have to keep in mind she’s Charlie’s friend as well. She’s gonna try to sway you to spend time with Charlie.”
“Is that what you’re worried about? Kate’s influence over me?”
“Yes. Can you say with one hundred percent certainty she doesn’t have an influence in your life? You’ve known her for years.”
“Exactly. She cares about me and has my best interest at heart. I think you’re overreacting a little.”
We pulled up in front of my house. I knew Heather was pissed, but I needed to talk to Kate and I needed to do it alone. After a long silence, Heather reached out and took my hand.
“Don’t you think I have your best interest at heart?”
“Of course I do, Heather. I know you’re on my side.”
“Then can you trust me that spending time with Kate isn’t good for us?”
“But what if it’s good for me? I’m the one lost here. I’m missing years, Heather. It’s not like I got drunk and can’t remember something I did. I’ve lost part of myself and Kate knows that part of me. I need to talk to her about David too. I need you to understand.”
Heather exhaled loudly, giving in to my request. “Do what you have to do. At least your mom will be there with you.”
Her statement lodged in my gut. I didn’t need my mommy to babysit me. All my mom had managed to do was keep me from knowing what had happened in my life. Leaving the house to talk with Kate was now very important. I didn’t want my mom to interfere.
“It’s been a long day and I need to get some sleep,” I said, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek.
“Do you want me to come in?” Heather asked with a hopeful voice.
“I’d love that, but I’m just exhausted. Can I see you tomorrow night?”
“Sure. I’ll come over after work.”
“Great. See you then.” We kissed goodnight and I made my way into the house.
It occurred to me entering my bedroom I should slow down. Everything was happening in fast forward and if I was going to make a life with Heather, I needed to get to know her now. I was expecting the girl I dated, but she had changed. I had changed too, but I didn’t know the man I’d become. Maybe the meds the doctor prescribed would help my brain heal and I’d eventually remember my life. But where would that leave me and Heather if I did?
Chapter Twenty-Five
Charlie
My senses were awakening even though our bedroom was completely dark, maybe still the middle of the night. Feeling my body pressed up against Mitch, relief surged through me. My dreams, or should I say nightmares, had been so vivid and heartbreaking. Right now, I just wanted to love him and know he was mine. All mine. His back was to me and my arm was wrapped around his torso. Beginning to stroke his taut abs, I heard him moan slightly. Hearing his guttural sound, I reached down farther and found his hardened shaft through his underwear. He was ready.
Propping myself up, I put my hand on his shoulder, causing him to lie flat on his back. I tugged his briefs off his body. Climbing on top of him, I leaned forward and began kissing him, rubbing my breasts slightly against his chest. Moaning in Mitch’s mouth, I took the head of his shaft and began sliding it back and forth against my clit. I was so wet and feeling a little wild for him. His head rubbing against me gave me a slight pulsing sensation. Sounds of pleasure escaped each of us as he began slipping inside of me. Slowly, I slid up and down, my nipples grazing over his chest. I loved having him inside of me. I was still a little hazy from all the alcohol, but one thing I knew was how much I wanted him—the feel of his body, his hands digging into my hips. Even when I was on top, he still liked to have a little control. I didn’t mind because the things he did to my body were electrifying.
I sat back and Mitch’s big hands found my breasts. He pulled at my nipples, sending waves of pleasure through my body. The throbbing between my legs was getting stronger and stronger. Mitch pinched and pulled at my nipples as I moaned from his expert touch. Then, his mouth captured my right nipple, scraping it with his teeth. He knew I was almost ready by my loud moan. Mitch rolled us over and he was on top of me, thrusting inside me ever so slowly. His lips found mine, kissing me with so much passion. It was like he had been dying to, but hadn’t had the chance. Moving down to my neck, he slid his tongue along the spot that made my toes curl. He always knew just what to do and exactly how to do it. I loved having his body connected to mine, his skin against mine, his hands and mouth roaming every inch of me. I couldn’t help but scream out as an orgasm ripped through me. I didn’t know how it happened so fast, but
it was magnificent.
“Oh, God, baby,” I cried out. I could feel myself pulsating between my legs, squeezing him tightly.
I knew Mitch was getting close, feeling him slide in and out of me. His pace quickened, thrusting in and out of me. Slamming into me. Fuck, he felt so good.
“Oh, baby, I’m gonna come again.” Another orgasm. “Your turn,” I said, tugging on his earlobe with my teeth.
Mitch kept slipping in and out of me, faster and faster until his body collapsed onto me as he choked out, “Charlie. You. Feel. So. Good. I love you so much.”
The whole world stopped the moment I heard…Garrett’s voice. I wasn’t making love to Mitch. Mitch wasn’t in bed with me, coming inside of me. He was somewhere else and I wasn’t even in his memory bank. Reality came crashing down around me, my heart sinking into the depths of my stomach.
“Oh my God. What have I done?” I practically yelled as I tried to move away from Garrett. He moved off me quickly, clearly discerning how upset I was. I leaned over and turned on the lamp next to the bed.
“Charlie, it’s okay. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
“I didn’t…I didn’t do anything wrong? Are you kidding?” My heart was pounding so hard in my chest I thought I would pass out. I couldn’t catch my breath. I was with my fiancé’s brother. I had cheated on Mitch. “Shit. What have I done?”
I immediately put on my robe that was at the foot of the bed. Garrett stared at me wide-eyed, obviously uncertain of what to do. It wasn’t his fault. I pushed him down, climbed on top of him and…I couldn’t finish my own thought. I was disgusted with myself.
“Charlie,” Garrett said, reaching out toward me. “This isn’t your fault. I should have stopped you. Don’t blame yourself for this.”
I had curled up into a ball on my bed and my back was to Garrett. He was trying so hard to console me. But I didn’t want to be consoled. I didn’t deserve it.
“Charlie, please turn around and look at me. I need you to listen to me.”
I begrudgingly turned to look at Garrett. His eyes were full of concern and love for me. I could see how hurt he was by me pulling away from him.
“Come here. Just let me hold you.” Tears streamed down my face as I moved toward Garrett. He wrapped his muscular arms around me and held me tight. “You thought I was Mitch. You had a lot to drink last night and when you got into bed, you asked me to stay, so I did. I couldn’t leave you. I wanna be here for you, help you through this. Please don’t blame yourself. If you’re gonna be mad at someone, be mad at me.”
In a very small voice, I asked, “Did you know I thought you were Mitch?” I was afraid of his answer.
“I was sleeping, so I wasn’t sure what was happening. But, I’m not gonna lie, I wanted you to want me. I’ve loved you for so long and wanted to be with you, so part of me didn’t care who you thought I was. I’m sorry for being such an ass, Charlie.”
“I know you’re just trying to be honest with me, but I just can’t take on your feelings right now. Maybe it’d be best if you left. Everything that’s happening is just beyond what I can take.”
Garrett began to get up. “This isn’t happening. No, I’m not leaving. I’m not gonna leave you here distraught like this. Don’t…don’t shut me out.”
“Garrett, don’t you get it? Everything’s fucked up beyond repair right now. I can’t return your feelings. I’m devastated over Mitch. I care about you, but I love Mitch. I’ve planned out my whole life with him. Now I’ve gone and done the unforgivable.”
“Charlie, give yourself a break. It’s not like you planned to do anything. You thought I was him. Damn it,” Garrett said, running his hands through his hair. “What I’ve done is unforgivable. You must think I’m a complete asshole for allowing this to happen.”
“I don’t even know what I think. I appreciate you being here for me, but I need to be alone to sort things out.”
“Okay, I’ll go. But know one thing, Charlie: I’m not giving up without a fight.”
With those words coming across like a promise, Garrett walked out of my bedroom. I heard him shut the front door as I was getting out of bed. What have I done? Shit. I cheated on Mitch. But, I couldn’t deal with Garrett’s feelings for me. I was still too raw about Mitch leaving me.
I’m not giving up without a fight. A fight. He was right. I was blind to what Garrett felt for me, but it was time to fight and stop feeling sorry for myself. I needed to fight for Mitch. I loved him and didn’t want to accept his decision to leave me. Leave us. I needed information about Heather. I didn’t know her and had no idea what I was dealing with. I knew she and Lillian were going to do everything in their power to manipulate Mitch, and I wasn’t going to sit back and let that happen. He was worth fighting for. We were worth fighting for. Even after what I just did.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Mitch
I’d taken another pill before going to bed, so I slept like a rock. It was almost ten when I opened my eyes and looked at the clock. My body had needed the extra rest and I was beginning to feel better, at least my head was. My emotions were another thing altogether. Last night, seeing Charlie, it felt like I was supposed to be with her, even though I still had no memories of her. Hopefully, meeting with Kate would give me the insight I needed. Being attuned to situations was something I remember coming naturally to me, so being off like this was making me a little crazy.
My phone started ringing and I saw it was my girl calling.
“Hey, beautiful.”
“Hi yourself. How are you feeling this morning?”
“My head’s hurting less, so I’m getting better.”
“Oh, that’s so good, Mitch. I wanted to let you know the offer still stands for me to be there with you when you talk to Kate. I can take a late lunch or just leave work early.”
“That’s really sweet of you to offer again, but I need to see her alone.”
“Well, if you just want to know about David, I can fill you in.”
“Heather, I’m meeting with Kate. I already told you last night I didn’t need you to go with me, and I haven’t changed my mind. I’m a grown man and capable of talking to an old friend.” I heard Heather sigh. “Heather, what’s your real issue here?”
“I’m concerned Kate’s gonna tell you all kinds of terrible things about me and tell you how wonderful Charlie is.”
“Sweetie, you have nothing to worry about. I’m not gonna believe anything terrible about you. I know you and I trust you.”
“Okay. Do you think you might wanna stay over at my place tonight?”
“Probably. I’ll let you know how I feel later. I just woke up and am starved. Can I call you later?”
“Yeah, I’ll talk to you then.”
I put my phone down on the nightstand. I didn’t remember Heather being this insecure. She seemed very concerned about what Kate was going to say. It made me start to wonder what I’d be learning from Kate this afternoon—she’d know the truth. I’d known and trusted Kate for so long, in my heart, so I’d listen carefully to what she did and didn’t say.
Making my way to the kitchen, I found my mom pouring a cup of coffee. “Would you like some coffee?” she asked.
“Yeah. That sounds like a good start.”
“How about I fix you breakfast and you can tell me all about going to dinner with Heather last night.”
“Sure,” I said, finding a banana to tide me over while I waited for breakfast.
My mom began cracking eggs and cooking bacon. “So, where did you go for dinner?”
“Some Italian restaurant. I can’t recall the name.”
“That doesn’t matter. Was it good?”
“The food was, and we ran into Kate and her husband.”
“Kate’s married now. Well, I hope she’ll be happy.” My mom had a way of saying things to have more than one meaning.
“Why wouldn’t she be happy?”
“Guilt has a way of eating at your happiness.”
; “I’m going to see her this afternoon, so I’ll find out how she’s doing. And what do you mean by guilt?”
“I hate to be the one to tell you this, honey, but Kate is the reason David is dead.”
“How could Kate be the reason David’s dead?”
“He answered her text while driving to get her and he crashed, dying instantly. David’s mom didn’t let Kate attend his funeral and she’s never spoken to Kate again.”
I let my mother’s words sit with me for a moment. Could this be true? Is she the reason I lost my best friend? Now talking to her was even more urgent.
“I’ll let Kate tell me about what happened. She’s going to pick me up so we can have some time together.”
“Do you really think that’s a good idea? Maybe it’d be better to hear her news here so if you get tired you can just rest.”
“We’re going out for coffee mom, not to run a marathon.”
My mom nodded. She pushed her agenda, but somewhere along the line I’d started standing up to her. She knew when to give up.
Two arrived faster than I expected. Seeing Kate was going to be helpful, I hoped. For some strange reason, an alarm sounded in my head when both Heather and my mother wanted to have some control over my time with Kate.
The doorbell rang and before I could get it, my mom was greeting Kate.
“It’s so lovely to see you, dear. I hear you’re married. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” said Kate. “I couldn’t be happier.”
“I can tell. You have a radiant glow about you.”
“Kate, thanks for coming. Mom, I’ll see you later,” I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
“Did you remember to take your pill?” my mother asked.
“Yes, I just took it. See ya later, Mom,” I said a little more forcefully now.
Forgotten By You (Redeeming Love #2) Page 9