The Rest of Forever: A Guardian Angel Paranormal Romance

by Carrie Pulkinen

Damian’s gut wrenched, and his knees went weak. Love drove her to murder, and that hit too close to home. He couldn’t stand to look at the woman whose actions so closely mirrored Juliet’s.

  He forced a whisper over the lump in his throat. “I have to leave.”

  “Are you okay? Damian, what’s wrong?” She placed her palm on his cheek and looked up at him with worry in her eyes.

  “I need to go.”

  “Okay, let’s go.” She laced her fingers through his and Jumped to their living room.

  He clenched his fists as he paced the room, trying to gain control of his emotions. He’d seen plenty of loathsome people in his life, hadn’t he? This shouldn’t have been any different.

  But it was.

  “Damian. Come talk to me. Please don’t shut me out.” She patted the space next to her on the sofa. Her emerald eyes held concern, compassion. For him. Whether she was in love with Jared or not, she cared about Damian.

  He sank onto the couch and rested his elbows on his knees as she wrapped her arms around him, and he was foolish enough to find comfort in her embrace. When she laid her head on his shoulder and rubbed his back, his tension drained away.

  “Love drove her to murder her sister. Love for a man she couldn’t have.”

  She inhaled sharply and raised her head. “Ah, like Juliet.”

  “Yeah.” He didn’t realize he was wringing his hands until she stilled them.

  “Well, if it’s too difficult for you, maybe we should ask Mira for another Charge. Do you think she’d give us one?”

  “You...you’d do that for me? You’re so committed to Daniel, though.”

  She ran her fingers through his hair and kissed his cheek. “I’d do anything for you, Damian.”

  He looked into her eyes, and he knew it was true. In spite of all the hell he’d given her, she’d sacrifice everything to ease his pain. Liquid warmth bloomed in his heart and radiated through his limbs. With April by his side, he was capable of anything. It was time to let it go of the past.

  “No. I’ll work through it. I would never expect you to abandon a Charge. Especially over a pain I should’ve dealt with a long time ago. I can do this.”

  She reached for his hand and smiled. “We’ll do it together.”

  “Thank you, April. I think I’m going to go to bed now.” He stood and made his way to the bedroom door.

  “Do you want me to stay with you?”

  Yes. “No. I’ll be fine. I’ve got some thinking to do. See you in the morning.”

  The door clicked shut, and he pressed his forehead against it. What the hell was he doing? April was the best thing that ever happened to him. He’d never been happier than when he was with her, and if he didn’t get his act together, he’d be throwing it all away. She’d get over Jared eventually. And if there was one thing he’d learned in his thousands of years of existence, it was that he needed to have patience. He had all the time in the world to wait for her.

  But could he let go of his own demons? He shuffled to his bedside table and pulled a crumpled sketch out of the drawer. Juliet stared back at him with her crystal-blue eyes and long, golden hair. With her body turned sideways, she rested her hand on the tiny bump of her belly. He stroked his thumb across her stomach and shook his head.

  Could he ever forgive her? Could he forgive himself?

  “Ah, Juliet. It’s time for me to move on.” He folded the picture and laid it back in the drawer.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  When April awoke, Damian was nowhere to be found. She considered searching for him in her mind, but thought better of it. His emotions were so intense the night before, she figured she’d give him some time to work through it on his own. At least he was speaking to her again.

  She dressed in faded denim jeans and a pale green top she’d created in her mind. Designer clothes had lost their appeal, since she could have anything she wanted. In fact, material things in general no longer interested her. She chuckled. Who would’ve thought?

  She looked at her beaming smile in the mirror and felt the first twinge of excitement. It was going to be a great day. She could sense it in her soul.

  Ella and some of her friends were hanging out by the lagoon, and she’d invited April to come. Of course, she had declined. But she was in such a good mood, she decided to join them anyway.

  “April! You came!” Ella embraced her and bounced with excitement. She grasped April’s hand and pulled her toward the crowd. “Come meet everyone. This is John, Randy, Cynthia, and Lindsey.”

  “Hi. I’m April.” She waved at the Angels who beamed back at her.

  John wrapped his arms around Lindsey and kissed the top of her head. Envy surged through April’s heart, but she pushed it aside. She was determined to stop longing for Damian’s love. He would come back to her when he was ready.

  “So, April,” John said, “we’ve been debating. What’s the best Pixar movie of all time?”

  She looked at him incredulously. “Seriously? Angels watch movies?”

  Ella giggled. “Sure we do. It’s one of my favorite ways to spend time with my Charges.”

  “Yeah,” John added. “We don’t float on clouds and play harps all day, like on TV.” He shot April a teasing grin, and Lindsey elbowed him in the stomach.

  “Be nice. She’s new. Sorry about that, April. Sometimes John forgets to turn on his social filter.”

  John blushed. “What? She knew I was kidding. Didn’t you?”

  “Uh, yeah. Wow.” She scratched her head and looked at their beaming faces. This was exactly what she needed to get her mind off her tormented love life. Friends. “Well, I guess I’d have to say Up is my favorite.”

  “In your face, Randy!” John smiled triumphantly at his friend.

  “Whatever, man. Toy Story beats Up any day.”

  April laughed. “I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.”

  As the Angels continued their debate, Ella clutched April’s arm and pulled her aside. “So, how are things?”

  She glanced at the Angels who were engrossed in conversation. “Better. We’re talking again.”

  “That’s awesome! You seem like you’re a lot happier today.”

  “Yeah, I don’t know what it is. I woke up in a good mood, and I have this feeling it’s going to be a great day.”

  “That’s a good feeling to have.”

  “Sure is.”

  Ella’s eyes widened as she looked over April’s shoulder and grinned. “I think I know why your day’s going to be so great.”

  “Oh, yeah? You can see the future now?” April giggled and followed Ella’s gaze.

  Damian strolled toward her through the grass, wearing his usual faded jeans and white shirt. The sun shone behind him, creating an ethereal glow. In his hand, he carried a bouquet of lavender tulips, and he offered them to her as he approached.

  “Thank you, Damian. Tulips are my favorite.”

  He grinned. “I know.”

  “I’ll see you later, April.” Ella gave her a quick hug and scurried away.

  She looked at him, and heat rose in her cheeks. He seemed different, somehow. Peaceful. Her stomach did flip-flops when he smiled.

  “So, uh... You want to go grab a bite to eat? I know a great place to get Italian.”

  “But I thought that was against the rules.”

  He raised one shoulder on a dismissive shrug. “I’ve never been one for rules. What do you say?”

  A smile stretched across her face. “Well, that depends. Are you asking me out on a date?”

  He put his hands in his pockets and stared at his shoes. When he raised his gaze to hers, his hazel eyes sparkled. “Yeah. I guess I am.”

  Her heart sprinted in her chest. “Do I need to change before we go?”

  “No. You’re beautiful just the way you are.” He reached for her hand, and they strolled down the path to their home. “Let’s drop your flowers off in the house, and then we can go.”

  He opened the door for her, and s
he created a vase on the table, placing the bouquet inside. “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.” He pulled her to his chest, and she inhaled his intoxicating scent. His mouth quirked into a crooked grin as his strong arms tightened around her, and they Jumped.

  They arrived in a narrow alley with a stone path. Ivy clung to russet clay brick, twining its way up the three story buildings. Quaint windows with brown shutters and window boxes scattered about the walls gave the passage a homey feel. A lone woman tending to her flowers looked down at them and smiled.

  “Where are we?”

  “You’ll see.”

  He laced his fingers through hers and led her into the heart of a bustling village. Olive-skinned people darted about, shopping, working, strolling with friends. Stone and stucco buildings lined the streets, and a group of girls played jump rope on the corner. She’d seen the familiar, picturesque view so many times in paintings and movies, but she never dreamed she’d get to visit in person.

  “Italy?”

  “There’s no better place for Italian food than straight from the source.” He ushered her into a cozy little café on the corner.

  The stone floors and dim lighting were reminiscent of a time long forgotten. Couples chatted over coffee, businessmen made deals over lunch. The modern patrons were a harsh contrast to the tranquility the town possessed.

  They found a small table in the back of the room, away from the hustle of the midday crowd. He pulled out her chair and gracefully slid it beneath her as she sat. Then, he slipped around the table to his chair and picked up a menu.

  She held the menu in her hands, afraid to open it. “I’m sure this is written in Italian. Can you read it?”

  He grinned. “Yes. So can you. Give it a try.”

  How could she possibly read it? She didn’t know a lick of Italian. If it was Spanish, she might be able to fumble her way through, but Italian? Yeah, right. To humor him, she unfolded the paper and looked at the words.

  Everything made sense. Her mouth hung open as the shock registered in her brain. She could read Italian. “Why do I understand this? I don’t know Italian.”

  “Sure you do. You know whatever language you need to know, whenever you need it.”

  “Wow. That’s pretty cool.” Absolutely incredible! This Angel gig never ceased to amaze her.

  The server arrived to take their orders then hurried off to the kitchen. Damian fiddled with his napkin; then he looked at her and smiled.

  “Well, what do you think?” His grin held all the excitement of a child on Christmas morning.

  “This is amazing, Damian. This building alone is so rich in history. I’ve always wanted to travel the world. You know, to see all the places I taught my kids about. I never thought it would actually happen.” Excitement bubbled inside her. Not just because she was in Italy, but because she was there with him.

  “I know.” He reached for her hand across the table, and her body buzzed with need.

  “What else do you know about me?”

  “Hmm...I know you’re stubborn, just like your mom. You’re adventurous. You were always up for whatever harebrained idea your friends threw at you, which got you into trouble a few times. Your favorite ice cream is mocha chocolate chip. Starbucks is one of your all-time favorite restaurants, though it’s not really a restaurant. And you’ve seen Steel Magnolias at least fifteen times, and it still makes you cry.”

  She was speechless. This man knew her better than she knew herself. No one had ever taken the time to truly understand her. But he did. She had to swallow the lump in her throat to speak.

  “You...know everything about me.”

  “Almost everything.” He dipped his head and flashed a sheepish smile. “Is that creepy?”

  “It probably should be, but it isn’t.” She linked her fingers with his and traced his palm with her thumb. “You know all my flaws. All my insecurities.”

  “Yes.”

  “Yet, here you are on a date with me, holding my hand.”

  The corner of his mouth pulled into a crooked grin. “Here I am.”

  Her heart swelled with joy. He did know everything about her, and he still liked her. She had to tell him how she felt. How she wanted to be his and his alone. That she wanted to love him forever.

  “Damian, I...”

  The server brought their plates to the table and rattled off their orders in Italian. He set their plates down and stood there, staring at them expectantly.

  She tried to hide her frustration with a smile. They were always getting interrupted. “No, grazie. Siamo a posto così.” She put her hand to her mouth and gasped. Did that language really just cross her lips?

  Amazing.

  She turned back to Damian, but the moment was gone. The overwhelming need to lay it all out for him gave way to her practical side. He’d have to let go of his past before he could make a future with her. Besides, she wanted to hear him say it first.

  * * *

  Sitting across the table from the most beautiful Angel in the Realm was like a dream. He knew about her desire to travel, and bringing her here was the perfect setting for their first official date.

  Her smile brightened the entire room, and her eyes sparkled as she admired the architecture. “When was this place built? It’s incredible.”

  “Around the twelfth century. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? And it really hasn’t changed much since then.”

  “You were here when this was built?”

  He shrugged. “Sure. I told you, I’m old as dirt.”

  She giggled until she was gasping for air. Her laugh was like beautiful melody in his ears.

  “Wow. I’m on a date with a geezer. How gross.”

  “Well, maybe I shouldn’t be robbing the cradle. Isn’t there a law about that?” He winked, and they both laughed.

  “I am not a child, mister. I’m more woman than you could handle.”

  “Mmm... We’ll see about that. You ready to get out of here? See the sights?”

  “I’d love to.”

  He savored one last bite of his meal, and then led her out into the street. They ambled, hand in hand, through a courtyard and down three blocks of cobblestone. The Leaning Tower of Pisa stood just across the street, and he paused to watch her reaction.

  But she wasn’t looking at the tower; she was gazing up at him. Her eyes were greener than the Italian countryside, and he forgot all about the sights of the city. He forgot about everything else in the world when he leaned down to kiss her. Her lips were so soft, her taste so sweet, his head spun. At that moment, the only thing that mattered was having April in his arms.

  She slid her hands over his shoulders and pulled him closer. He could have drowned in her essence right there on the sidewalk. The need to be with her surged through his body, and he had to pull away before he took her to his bedroom and made love to her all day.

  He tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and tried to find his voice. But what could he say?

  Her expression was one of anticipation. Longing. She looked at him like she wanted him. “That was...nice.”

  “Yeah, it was.”

  She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his chest. “We should do it more often.”

  “Sounds good to me.”

  She took a deep, satisfied breath as her gaze traveled to the building in front of her. “Oh my gosh! It’s the Leaning Tower of Pisa.”

  He chuckled. “Yeah. That’s what I brought you here to see. Want to get a closer look?”

  “Uh, yeah.”

  They darted across the busy street and walked up the path to the tower. She put her hand over her heart as she admired the structure. “It’s amazing that the foundation shifted so much for it to lean like that. But it still stands. They just don’t make ‘em like that anymore.” She grinned and tousled his hair. “But I bet you remember when it stood straight.”

  Heat rushed to his cheeks, though he didn’t know why he was embarrassed. He shrugg
ed and kicked at the dirt with his foot. “Yeah. I guess I remember. But it’s no big deal. A thousand years from now, we’ll be looking at present day skyscrapers and saying, ‘Remember when.’“

  “True. But I bet skyscrapers won’t be around a thousand years from now.”

  “Wanna put money on it?”

  She flashed a mischievous grin. “Okay. I’ll give you a trillion dollars if they’re still standing in a thousand years.”

  “You’re on.” Having April by his side for the next thousand years was exactly what he wanted. What he craved.

  “But that means you’ll still have to be speaking to me. No more games.”

  He pulled her into his arms and pressed a kiss to her forehead, her nose, her lips. “You don’t have to worry about that.”

  They spent the rest of the afternoon lazily roaming the city. They strolled along the riverbank and settled on a patch of grass in a secluded spot to watch the sunset. If only Angels had the ability to freeze time; he could have lived in that moment forever.

  With his arms wrapped around her, she snuggled into his side and sighed. “Thank you for this. The whole day, you, everything. It was perfect.”

  He closed his eyes and inhaled her sweet scent. The day really was perfect. She was perfect, and he didn’t want it to end.

  She lifted her head and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “The sunset sure is beautiful.”

  “Not as beautiful as you.”

  * * *

  April couldn’t resist those luscious lips that whispered so close to her skin. She lifted her face to his, and he leaned toward her. Their lips didn’t touch, but his breath warmed her skin as the tension built before the kiss. Still, he waited. He wanted her to come to him, and she was more than happy to oblige.

  She teased him first with a gentle brush of the lips. When he opened for her, she lapped at him and caught his bottom lip between her teeth. When the first moan escaped his chest, she couldn’t hold back any more. Straddling his lap, she pressed her body to his and took his mouth in a fervent kiss as she pushed him to the ground.

  Passion ignited between them as the heat from his body warmed hers. She linked her fingers with his and pushed his hands up over his head. She ran her hands down his muscular arms and gripped his shoulders as her pelvis grinded against his.