Beyond Doubt (Beyond Love Series #2)

by Bolton, Karice

“I can’t believe I didn’t recognize him with the brown hair,” I said to Aaron, shaking my head. “Derek Bourot gave me the creeps years ago, but I never suspected he’d be capable of this type of hatred or—”

  “Obsession.”

  The word sent a spike of fear down my spine. The police were granted a search warrant immediately and found far more than the video game reenactment at his apartment. Unfortunately, Derek was nowhere to be found. It turned out he started going by his middle name several years ago about the same time he started watching me, following me. He was the son of one of the law center’s clients. His mother was sentenced to time in prison for several petty crimes that added up to a stiffer sentence. I remember feeling so bad when I learned about their story. His father was killed in an accident, and his mother spun out of control shortly thereafter, falling into drugs and alcohol. The law center was her last hope, and my mom and her team were able to get her sentence greatly reduced, but she died in prison. What we’ve been able to scrape together in a few short hours was that he wanted my family to pay for his mom’s death, and I became his target.

  “We need to tell my mom as soon as possible, but I don’t want them to find out tonight. We’ve got a hotel suite reserved for them and—”

  “I’ve got a security detail already in place. They won’t know a thing is wrong, but they’ll be protected. I promise.”

  “Thank you,” I said, pressing my head against his chest. “Who would have known I was such a catch?”

  He started laughing and hugged me tighter. “I already knew that. I didn’t need some psycho to point it out.”

  “What does that say about you though?”

  He placed a soft kiss on top of my head, holding me closely, and I’d never felt safer than I did in his arms.

  “They got him,” Aaron announced, hugging me tightly as he turned off his phone.

  “Are you serious?” I asked.

  “Yep. They picked him up loitering around your condo.”

  The moment I heard those words, it was like a big weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I no longer felt frightened to show up to my classes tonight.

  “Just in time,” I mumbled, picking up my scattered schoolbooks. “I guess it’s okay to go back to my condo…”

  His eyes caught mine, and I saw a flicker of disappointment—exactly how I felt. I was sitting at the granite breakfast bar and looked around, surprised at how comfortable I’d made myself in the short time I’d been here. My favorite mugs were lined up on the back counter, and I’d even brought over some of my teas.

  Aaron walked over to me and placed his hands gently on my shoulders, massaging the tension away. “I’m going to miss you.”

  “Me too. Is that bizarre in such a short amount of time?” I asked, feeling his thumbs pressing into my muscles in a rhythmic motion.

  “If you count all the back and forth, it’s been months…”

  I laughed, “True.”

  I glanced at the clock and knew I needed to take off to get to my first class on time. I had taken today off from work to regroup with everything going on. Now that Gabby bought the bakery and left her dad’s company, I magically got transferred to the legal department. I knew Aaron had something to do with it, and I was extremely grateful. The official transfer would take place next week and I couldn’t wait.

  No more cheese for me!

  “I should probably give myself an hour to make it into the city since rush hour’s about to start.”

  “You want me to drive you?” His hands fell away from my shoulders, and I immediately missed his touch.

  “You’d do that?” I raised a brow.

  “Yeah. Why not?” He smiled, but his gaze dropped to the counter.

  “You still worried?”

  “I shouldn’t be. I know he’s sitting in a cell, but it just feels like he’s still out there.”

  “Tell me about it.” I touched his chin softly and smiled. “But I’m perfectly fine. I should be home a little after ten tonight.”

  “Home, huh?”

  I blushed and placed a kiss on his cheek.

  “Make sure your weekend is completely clear.”

  “Why’s that?” I slid off the stool.

  “Think of it as a new chapter and a way to celebrate.”

  “I think I can handle that,” I said, grabbing my bag that held my books and laptop.

  He walked me to the door, and I turned around and gave him one more kiss, this one longer. All it did was make me want to forget about class and stay in for the night, again.

  “The new housekeeper is stopping by at eight o’clock tonight to go over everything so don’t get paranoid if you see a car in the driveway.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I trust you.”

  He held up his hands and shrugged. “I’m just saying.”

  I started laughing as I walked out the door. I was still a little bit paranoid, truth be told. But I was happy to see that the only new photos of Aaron surfacing on the Society pages were of him firmly gripping me. Thank you, Google!

  I made it to my car and watched him slowly shut the door and knew we’d never be the same again. We were no longer going to take ten steps back to get five steps forward. I needed him and he needed me, but that was okay. As I pulled out of the driveway, I thought back to my parents and wondered if Aaron and I could ever be lucky enough to have such a wonderful life like theirs. It was so cute when I dropped them off at the airport for their trip to Ireland. With all the hugging and kissing and excitement they radiated, it was as if they were fifteen. I only hoped to be that lucky to live a long, love-filled life.

  I wondered what kind of things Aaron had planned for the weekend and got excited just thinking about it. I pulled my car onto the highway and began the stop and go, hoping I’d make it to class on time.

  What I didn’t realize as I sat here in the final class of the night was just how fast news traveled. Apparently Jeff or Derek or whatever he wanted to call himself had made quite the impression with several of the other students. Teresa was filling me in during break that the police had questioned many of the students who were connected with our study group.

  “Can you believe he’d go that nuts over everything?” Teresa asked, her eyes wide. “Kind of makes me think twice about becoming an attorney.”

  I glanced away as a few students were milling around and looking over at us. The classroom was small, but it had stadium seating. I was sitting in the back row at the top, nursing my cup of coffee.

  “It shouldn’t. There are always crazies out there that are unpredictable no matter what we decide to do for a living.”

  She shuddered and shook her head. “I always knew I never wanted to be a prosecutor or a defense attorney, but I’m telling you it makes me worry. I’m actually thinking of changing my concentration to legal writing.”

  “There’s nothing wrong with that…” I took another sip of the lukewarm liquid. “But make sure you’re making the switch for the right reason. Not just because you’re scared.”

  “So do you still want to work in your mom’s law center when you pass the bar?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, and I’m not going to let someone else shatter my dreams. Besides, he had a rough life, and while I don’t understand why he chose my family as a target, I understand the pain that drove him. At least partially.”

  “You’re a better person than I,” she hummed.

  I laughed, “Hardly.”

  The Professor came walking back to the classroom and a few straggling students followed right behind and took their seats. I only had another hour and then I could go home and see Aaron and begin to pack up my things to go back to my condo tomorrow. The last thought made my heart sink a little, but it was for the best. I didn’t want to scare him away just yet. It was going to be odd since Gabby basically lived at Jason’s house now so she could be closer to the bakery. When she told me that was the reason, it was all I could do to not start laughin
g in her face.

  But anyway, things had been absolutely amazing between Aaron and me since we put the focus on us and eliminated all the second-guessing and worries about others. I was completely ready to hand over my letter to Gabby this weekend. Although, it might have to wait a day or two depending on when we got back from whatever fabulous thing Aaron had planned. I felt confident that she would understand and would be totally supportive. Plus, Jason said he started sharing hints about the possibility, but he wasn’t sure she was picking up on any of them, which didn’t surprise me.

  “Miss Rhodes, you look like you might be able to answer my question,” the Professor began.

  Oh, no! What was her question?

  Teresa scribbled something quickly on a sheet of paper as I sat up straighter in my chair.

  The elements required to prove Breach of Contract are examples of what type of law?

  Thank God for Teresa! Suddenly feeling as if I were on Jeopardy I answered, “Procedural Law, Professor Loretal.”

  “Nice work, Miss Rhodes.” She shot her stare at another unsuspecting victim and continued her lecture, and I flashed Teresa a grateful smile.

  The rest of the class went without any other hiccups, and I was beyond thrilled to pull into Aaron’s driveway, and I was starving, ten o’clock at night or not.

  I walked up the steps to Aaron’s home and opened the door, my mind wandering briefly to the first time I was brought inside. My heart fluttered at the memories flashing through my mind. I dropped my bag on the slate floor of the large entry and sighed. I really could get used to this place. The walls were a nice taupe and there was a large mirror in front of me, which I happened to glance at. I saw my reflection and started laughing. I looked horrible. If the circles under my eyes were any darker I’d put zombies to shame.

  “How was your first night?” Aaron asked, walking into the foyer.

  He looked sensational when I left, but even better when I returned. He had traded out his suit for jeans and a sweater, and his hair was still wet from a shower.

  “Grueling, but I loved every minute of it.”

  He wrapped his arms around my waist and lifted me up, scattering a few kisses down my neck. “I made you dinner in case you were hungry.” He put me back down on the ground and stood back, grinning. “I had no idea how much I’d miss you. I—”

  He stopped himself, and his gaze shifted nervously as he bit his lip.

  Oh, please, dear Lord. Was he going to say those three words?

  “You what?” I asked, hoping that he’d finish what he started.

  “I. Am. Starving.”

  I looked at him and smiled. “I. Am. Too! Very. Much. So! I enjoy these three word sentences.”

  He laughed once he realized I wasn’t really planning on letting him off the hook. Seeing the beautiful candles that he’d lit on the kitchen table, along with a vase full of autumn-colored flowers and place settings for two filled me up with feelings of affection and adoration. Why rush something that can always wait until tomorrow? We already knew that those three words were on the tips of our tongues. I looked over at Aaron, his eyes searching mine for a reaction, and knew I already loved him and had for some time.

  “This is so sweet of you. I—” Smiling, I bit my lip and chuckled.

  “You what?” he asked, his brow arched.

  “I. Am. Starving.”

  “It might be a little light if you’re starving,” he said, walking into the kitchen.

  He opened the door of the large stainless fridge and grabbed a metal bowl and a jar of dressing.

  “What’s in there?” I asked, sliding out the chair.

  “Salad with pepper steak strips,” he grinned, placing the bowl on the dining table.

  “I’m impressed.”

  I glanced up at Aaron and his eyes locked on mine. “I really like having you here.”

  “I love being here…especially if I could look forward to this kind of treatment,” I laughed as he plated the salad.

  “I thought making you a latte every morning would make you want to stay.”

  “I don’t want to wear out my welcome,” I teased.

  “You never would.”

  I shrugged, unsure of where this was heading.

  “I mean it. Waking up with you next to me is—”

  My body stilled as I saw the sincerity pouring out of him, but he stopped himself.

  “I’m probably freaking you out.”

  “Not at all, but things have been so amazing I don’t want to rush things or scare you off,” I said, smiling.

  “Nothing you could do would scare me off.” He grabbed my hand and the familiar tingle of electricity shot through me.

  “You say that now, but I’m sure I could prove otherwise.” I glanced over to the family room where the fireplace was flickering its brilliant orange and yellows in the darkened room. The room was beckoning, and the soft music he had playing made me think of things other than finishing this meal.

  “You know what I’m looking forward to?” I asked.

  “What?”

  “Spending the holidays with you.”

  He stiffened slightly and his gaze shifted to his plate.

  “What?” I asked.

  “I’ve never actually celebrated the holidays since I was back at home.”

  “You haven’t celebrated Thanksgiving or Christmas for ten years?” I asked.

  “Only if you count felt trees and takeout as celebrating,” he laughed.

  “Well, I’m going to change that this year,” I said, spiking a few of the lettuce leaves on my fork as he did the same.

  Something changed slightly in his expression as he looked at me, and I wondered what about the holidays bothered him but not wanting to ruin the streak we were having, I let my question slide.

  “I’m going to get everything packed up tonight, and I’ll just crash at my condo for the rest of the week.”

  He nodded and stood up, grabbing our plates and the salad bowl. “Want any dessert?”

  I smiled and hopped up. “Definitely. I’ll grab the whipped cream and meet you upstairs.”

  His laughter filled the air as he shook his head. “You never cease to amaze me.”

  “And I hope I never do.”

  It was Saturday morning, and I had spent the night at my condo. I woke up to the awful sound of my alarm clock but bolted right up once I remembered that Aaron was on his way over to pick me up. I glanced out the window and was thrilled with the beautiful clear skies. It wasn’t every day that the sun shined in Washington during the fall.

  Since Aaron wouldn’t tell me much about what was happening this weekend, I packed two pairs of jeans, two sweaters, one dress, plus a pair of slacks.

  I turned on the faucet and ran warm bathwater into the tub. I poured two capfuls of the bubble bath that Aaron had bought me under the running water and turned toward the mirror. Stripping off my clothes, I turned around in the mirror and noticed that between Gabby’s baking and spending so much time at Aaron’s house, I seemed to have filled out a tiny bit, but my clothes still fit so I wasn’t going to worry about it. I quickly brushed my teeth and let out a sigh as I thought about how much my life had changed and how little of it I had shared with my best friend. But this weekend that was going to change. Okay, maybe Monday that would change. Right now, I just wanted to focus on my weekend with Aaron and much needed relaxation. Between working full time and attending law school, I was exhausted—thrilled! But exhausted.

  As I slid into the warm bath water, the bubbles spread out in several directions, and I scooped as many back toward my body as I could capture and sunk in deeper as the warmth hit my bones. The scent Aaron picked out was so light and florally, and I absolutely loved it. Every day when I was staying with him, he somehow managed to spoil me with some little something. I took a deep breath and slithered under the water, feeling my hair float around me. Running my fingers through my hair, I daydreamed about Aaron being in here with me, and just when I was running ou
t of air, I slowly emerged to the chill of the room.

  I heard footsteps coming down the hall and my heart began pounding.

  “You here?” Aaron’s voice called into my bedroom.

  “In here.”

  “I should probably give your key back now that—” Aaron stuck his head around the corner and his expression completely lit up. “Or not.”

  “I thought I was meeting you downstairs.”

  “I wanted to surprise you with some fresh baked croissants,” he said, holding up a brown sack. “From Gabby’s Goodies.”

  “Sounds delicious.”

  “Not as delicious as you.”

  I rolled my eyes but reveled in the compliment.

  “I also wanted to grab the keys to your bike.”

  “They’re hanging by the door. Is it coming with us?”

  He nodded and I glanced at the towel next to him.

  “Mind bringing me that?”

  Aaron tossed the bag on the counter and grabbed the grey towel, holding it open for me. “I’ll just help you out.”

  “I’m sure you will.”

  His eyes locked on mine as I stood up from the water. The way his eyes fell along my body made me feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. His lip curled up slightly as I stepped out of the water onto the bathmat and reached for the towel, which he immediately dropped to the floor.

  “I don’t think you’ll be needing that,” he murmured, pulling me into him.

  “You’re going to get completely soaked,” I objected.

  “Fine with me,” he said, as his fingers drifted along the droplets on my arm.

  I looked up into his brown eyes and saw the familiar glow of desire. Knowing that I could unleash that in him made me feel amazing, powerful. I draped my arms across his shoulders, leaning into him as his mouth slowly parted. His kiss was slow, deliberate, and delicious as my fingers tangled through his hair. His hands glided along my body, stopping at my hips as I felt his firmness pressed up against my bare body.

  I delighted in what the morning held for me, but he drew away from me and grinned as I let out a moan. Thinking I held any power over this man was laughable as I stood here feeling absolutely powerless in his embrace.