by Evie Rose
“Even if you do something naughty, like yelling too loudly inside the house?” he questions.
I shake my head. “Especially not then, you’re a kid, and kids are meant to make lots of noise, have loads of fun and make plenty of mistakes, it’s what being young’s all about. You should never get into trouble for that.”
He looks down at his hands contemplating what I’ve just said. “Daddy always got really angry if I made a mistake,” his voice is low and sad.
I close my eyes a moment and clench my jaw, then try to relax so that Ricky doesn’t see the anger coursing through me towards his shit head of a father. I swallow the fury down and breathe deeply. “Accidents happen, Ricky, even to adults. How do we learn if we don’t make mistakes?”
He grins at me and starts to laugh and I wonder what’s so funny. “Yeah I guess they do. Like when you wet the bed and I taught you not to drink so late at night, so you could learn. It’s okay, it wasn't your fault, you didn’t mean to.”
I burst out laughing right along with him. In the end, the way I connected with him was because he still thinks I pissed in my sleep, when really it was my jizz all over the sheets. Maybe we’ll have a conversation about what wet dreams are when he’s older. I stop laughing. The thought that I might not be a part of Ricky’s future brings an unexpected ache. I love him as much as I love his mum. In the past, I couldn’t even see myself as part of a family and now I don’t know what I’d do without them. My chest grows tight and I need to lighten the mood, to distract us both.
“How about we go wake up Jake and put those Nerf guns we bought to good use?” I ask.
Ricky’s eyes light up. “Jake won’t be mad if we wake him up?”
I grin, “Hell no, he’ll be mad if we don’t.”
Ricky gasps and I chuckle, realising my mishap. “Sorry I said a bad word, didn’t I? How about heck, is that better?”
He shakes his head, but he’s smiling. “It’s okay, I won’t tell, we’re bros, we gotta stick together.”
I laugh. I’ve never heard someone so young say that before. “Where did you learn that saying?”
“My friend Lachlan says it with his dad. I always wanted a bro and I like you. Can we be bros?”
Ricky melts my heart, turns me into a big softie and I love it. “I can’t think of a better bro than you,” I reply. I’m starting to tear up a little and I hold up my hand to give him a fist bump, ’cause bros don’t cry. “Now let’s go have an epic Nerf war!”
We race inside and claim our guns, waking up Jake with twenty or so foam bullets to the head. He opens his eyes and sees them all around his face, laughing like I knew he would. “Oh, it’s war! Game on!” he declares.
We all run through the house shooting each other and diving behind the couches and other furniture. Ricky freezes, looking stricken when he accidentally knocks over a ceramic figurine, smashing it to pieces.
“Relax Ricky,” I reassure him, “It’s not a proper Nerf battle unless you break something.” He squeals in excitement, as I pelt bullets at the matching figurine, knocking it over as well.
As I teach him he’s not to blame for accidents he previously would’ve gotten into trouble for, the message sinks in for me as well. People make mistakes, you learn from them, but you shouldn’t have to pay for them in horrific ways for the rest of your life.
Chapter Twenty Five
“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” - Emily Brontë
Roxi
I walk down the steps from the courthouse in a trance. It was so strange being in the same room with Joseph again after all that’s happened. I used to know him so intimately, but today even though he was so close, he felt worlds away.
He wouldn’t even acknowledge my presence, as he admitted to what he’d done. Didn’t look at me once. His guilty plea was so clinical, as though he didn’t even care. He wasn’t spiteful or remorseful, just stating the facts. It was bizarre. It’s as if I don’t even know him anymore. Maybe I never really did. All that matters now though, is that I’ll never have to know him again.
Ricky and I are completely safe. His sentencing is in one month’s time, and with all the charges piled up against him – domestic violence, rape, attempted murder – it doesn’t look like he’ll be out of prison for a very long time, his bail was denied.
“I’m so damn proud of you, Roxi,” Rachel gives me a hug from the side as we walk along. “You’re so brave facing him like that.”
I thought I’d feel better about attending the hearing than what I actually do. I don’t know what I was expecting. Maybe for him to be more apologetic, or for all of the bad memories to be replaced with images of him breaking down in court as everyone judged him for the horrific crimes he’d committed. It just all feels so surreal, like it’s somebody else’s life and I was merely a witness.
We reach the street and I take a minute to watch everyone bustling about, as though something life changing didn’t just happen. It’s as if my whole world was on pause the past six years and I was simply getting by. Now I’m beginning a new chapter and I want to find the old Roxi sparkle, starting now. I want to help others overcome what I’ve been through. I want to tell them that it’s possible to come out on the other side and be okay. I’m going to get my degree in psychology. It will be a long hard road, but I’m determined, nothing will stop me from being the person I want to be. I won’t let anybody tell me it’s not achievable. No one controls my life except for me.
I walk through the crowd, each and every one of them rushing to where they need to be. I take my time, enjoying the journey, appreciating everything I’m now able to experience, delighting in the freedom. There is no greater liberty then getting to be myself.
*****
Rachel pulls up on the kerbside and Ricky and Luke are in the yard kicking a football.
“Wow he’s really great with Ricky. I’ve never seen him having so much fun,” Rachel observes, giving me an idea.
“Do you guys wanna catch the game on the weekend?” I continue to gaze out the window as I wait for her answer. Luke allows Ricky to pass him and score a try and then gives him a high five. I’ve never seen Ricky look so proud of himself. It makes me want to cry and smile all at once. “Hold that thought, Rach,” I say, hopping out of the car.
“Mum, Mum, did you see that? I scored a try.” He jumps up and down in glee.
“I sure did Ricky. That was amazing!” I pick him up in my arms and twirl him around before placing him back on his feet and giving him a kiss on the cheek. “Well done.”
He wipes his face with the back of his hand and scrunches up his nose. “Mum, not in front of my bro.”
My heart skips a beat, as a memory slams into me.
Lachlan and Ricky are kicking a football in the backyard at Rachel and Mark’s place. Joseph came along for a barbecue for Rachel's birthday, grudgingly. He won’t get off his bloody phone though, but what else is new. He complains about all of the calls and e-mails he’s receiving, but it’s obvious he thrives on them. They make him feel important and when he’s whining, he’s really showing off how high and mighty his position in the company is. Not that any of us care.
The whole situation is awkward and I feel like a terrible person for wishing he was away on business, rather than here with us. What kind of wife wants that?
Lachy catches a high kick and beams up at Mark.
“Nice one, Bro,” Mark praises him, giving him a fist bump and Ricky looks longingly over at Joseph, who’s still on his phone, ignoring everyone.
“Sorry buddy,” I tell him. Each time his father disappoints him my heart breaks a little more. I’m starting to think it’s broken beyond repair, but apparently even a completely broken heart can still endure more anguish. Tiny splinters dig in and increase the pain as I look at the sadness etched into Ricky’s face.
“Don't worry about it Mum, I don't want him to be my bro anyway.”
“Nice try, Bro,” Luke bumps Ricky’s fist with his own
, and apparently broken hearts can be repaired, because the cracks in mine are beginning to fill.
“Thanks, Bro,” Ricky beams back at him.
I’m so overwhelmed with emotion, that I don’t even think, I just wrap Luke up in my arms and kiss him with a passion I’ve never felt before. He didn't just save our lives, he stole both of our hearts, and I trust him with them.
“Eww, that’s so gross,” Ricky’s voice breaks our connection and I pull back.
I’m stunned. I was so caught up in the moment that I didn’t stop to think Ricky was watching us. “I’m sorry Ricky. I was just...” I flounder on what to say.
Ricky is smiling. He doesn’t seem upset in the slightest that I was kissing a man that isn’t his father. “That’s okay Mum. Lachy says two people kiss when they love each other. Luke makes you smile all the time. I like it when you smile.”
I’m torn between gazing down at the joy on Ricky’s face and the pure adoration I see in Luke’s eyes, as he looks at my son. We all stand in silence, just glad to be here with each other. My heart feels like it’s about to burst.
“Wise young man you have there, Roxi,” Rachel comes up behind me almost causing me to jump out of my skin. I forgot she was there. “You have to do more of what makes you smile. Speaking of which, hey Luke,” she grins and I blush furiously.
Luke smiles up at me then turns to my friend, “Hey Rach, I love when Roxi does something that makes her smile too.” He winks at her and they both laugh as I flush bright red, nevertheless, it’s great to be dating someone who actually gets along with my friends.
Feeling slightly embarrassed by their innuendos I change the subject. “So the football game this weekend, Rach, are you keen?”
“Sounds like a plan,” she replies.
“Luke?” I ask.
“Hell ye...” He trails off, as he witnesses Ricky narrowing his eyes, at his use of a swear word. “Sounds awesome, I’m in.”
I look down at my little boy, “What do you say Ricky? Do you want to go to the football match?”
His eyes go wide. “I'm allowed to come?”
“Of course you are, it wouldn’t be as much fun without you there,” I tell him, relishing in his enthusiasm.
He bounces on his feet, excitement clear in his face. “You really want me there?”
Luke and I reply at the same time, “I really want you there.”
I’m talking to both of them and I’m just as thrilled as Ricky. For the first time in ages, I’m actually looking forward to the weekend.
*****
While Ricky sleeps, I lie on my bed, scrolling through my phone and looking at all the pictures of Luke and me. We’ve been dating for four months now. I like knowing I’m capable of achieving things on my own, that I don’t have to rely on a man, but I also love being able to lean on Luke when I need to. I love that he can lean on me too and that we make each other’s lives better, more complete. I miss him whenever he’s not by my side.
Luke switched to day shifts at the fire station. He often stays at my house, but between work and part-time study, I hardly get to see enough of him. I also make a point of spending time with the new friends I’ve made. I’ll never let a man be my sole focus in life again, no matter how much I adore him. Being a single Mum, who works and studies is tough, but I’m enjoying every minute of it.
I sigh as I look through all the silly photos. Luke and Mark wearing frilly aprons next to the barbecue, Ricky turning Luke into a sand mermaid at the beach, Luke adding huge sand boobies to said mermaid after Ricky’s gone back in the water, and looking rather pleased with himself. Some new photos I discover cause me to gasp. Luke must have put them on there, so I dial his number.
“Hey gorgeous,” he answers on the first ring and I smile.
Was he waiting for my call? Does he miss me too? As much as I thought I wasn’t ready to live together, it makes more and more sense with each passing day. He’s over on the other side of town all alone, and even though I’m here with Ricky, life feels incomplete and miserable without him.
“Hey,” I choke out. “So I was going through my phone and...” I trail off embarrassed to say the words out loud. Joseph and I were never very open when talking about sex, I’m not used to being so blunt, to saying exactly what’s on my mind and how it’s effecting me. Luke on the other hand enjoys finding new ways to make me blush. He pushes me to talk about what I’m feeling. It’s daunting, but the way I’m able to communicate with him makes all the difference, we have an amazing connection.
His chuckle rumbles through the line. “Tell me what you found, Roxi.”
I chew nervously on my bottom lip, before replying, “You know exactly what I found, you put it there.”
“I want to hear you say it, I want to hear what I do to you.”
My face feels hot and my pulse races, pumping blood through my body and filling me with need, making me squirm. I barely manager a whisper, “Your cock.”
“Is it turning you on?” he asks.
I can hear the sound of his zipper lowering and his heavy breaths. As hot as phone sex sounds, I want him here with me. I’m sick of nights apart. He’s playing dirty, but two can play at that game. I’ve developed a whole lot of confidence and come a long way in the last four months.
“It makes me ache,” I whimper. I drop the phone beside me, low moans escaping through my lips as my hand dips into my panties.
“Roxi?” I hear him groan through the line. “Pick up the phone Roxi, tell me what you’re doing.”
I ignore his request, moaning louder and waiting...
A smug smile covers my face as I hear a knock on the front door, roughly ten minutes later. That didn’t take him long.
“Answer the door, Roxi,” his voice filters through the phone line and I realise he never hung up.
“In a second,” I pant, teasing him. “I’m busy.”
“I need a damn key,” he growls.
On the other hand, I could just get a key to his place, and never leave. I’m ready for that next step. I’m ready for Luke.
I walk to the door to let him further into my life and further into my heart. He doesn’t just turn me on, he turns me inside out.
*****
We snuggle against each other, satisfied and happy. “Can you stay the night?” I ask, hoping he can.
“I have to be at the station early, but I don’t want to go.”
He runs his hand through my hair sending tingles of pleasure through me. I want to fall asleep like this every night, wrapped up in his arms. “Then don’t. Please,” I plead with him.
“You’re killing me,” he groans. “You know if you’d just move in with me, we wouldn’t have this problem.”
I rise up on my elbows so I can see his reaction to what I’m about to tell him. “Okay.”
His hand stills in my hair and his eyes go wide. “Are you saying what I think you are?”
I nod, “I want to move in with you.”
A smile breaks across his face and he flips me over, showering me with kisses. I giggle at his enthusiasm and sigh as he cuddles back into me.
“So this is what it feels like,” I exclaim.
“What?” he questions.
“This is what real love feels like.”
Book 2 – Betrayal coming mid to late 2014
Jake and Amanda’s story
Acknowledgements -
Firstly, to Kimi, Steph, and Angel, I thank you for keeping me sane through this whole process, for never allowing me to give up and for always being there for me. I couldn’t have done this without you.
Allie and Nyrae, I can’t even begin to express how much I appreciate all that you’ve taught me. I’m so grateful. I absolutely adore you both. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Charlene, Rosemarie, Wendi, Debi, Elle, Dawn, Gavin, and Kathy; thank you so much for all your guidance, for you kind words and assisting me to shape this story into what it is today. Your encouragement means the world to me.
&n
bsp; Terry, thank you for editing my book on such short notice. I really appreciate it.
Coming soon 1/30/2014
An Exceptional Twist by Kimi Flores
Book 2 in the Intertwined Heart series.
What’s a girl to do when the one person she’s been forewarned about is the only one that her heart desires?
Leah Valdez is a sassy, intelligent, hard-working woman whose beauty shines from both inside and out. Friends and family have always come first, but it's time for her to start thinking about her own future.
Stefen Hunter is a rich, charming, sexy playboy. With seemingly no effort on his part, countless women flock to him. That is, until he meets Leah. He can’t understand why it’s so difficult to win her over or what it is about her that intrigues him so much.
When an unfortunate event intertwines their lives, Leah finds herself in a war between her thoughts and desires. To forgive, and ultimately trust, Stefen, she will have to put her heart on the line. After what he’s put her through, she’s not sure she’s willing to do that.
As compassion meets resistance, will Stefen be able to step out of his comfort zone and accept that he can become the redeemed man worthy of Leah’s love? Is Stefen and Leah’s connection strong enough to withstand An Exceptional Twist?
Coming soon February 2014
Then There Was You (So Much It Hurts Series Book 2)
By Melanie Dawn
Out of despair comes hope.
Chris King never saw it coming...
In some ways, closing the book on my first love was the worst day of life. I was gutted, and yet I was completely at peace with my decision.
Little did I know that one concert would change the entire course of my life. There I stood, signing autographs and snapping pictures with fans when a familiar face in the crowd catapulted my mind back in time—Salem Honeycutt, once a balm to my pain and a calm in my storm. Yet again, her smiling face gave me hope.