by J. M. Witt
A few minutes later a lab tech came in and drew several vials of blood. I placed my hand on my belly and couldn’t help to think about the possibility of carrying Cal’s child. After losing a child, that I was overjoyed about, it was natural for me to hope I was pregnant again.
My boss, Sylvia, heard I was in the ER and came down to see me. She’d given me a week off, but that was all she could offer me, for now. I was thankful for her help and understanding.
An hour later the nurse came in. “The pregnancy test was negative, dear.” I could tell that she wasn’t sure what reaction she would get from me.
As my heart digested her words, my chin quivered as all my pain was renewed. I nodded my head and told her to proceed with the exam and other tests they needed. One exam, a dozen xrays, and several photographs later, I agreed to the morning after pill. The police needed them, it was protocol.
The doctor wanted to admit me overnight due to the concussion I had sustained, some cracked ribs, and a sprained wrist, but I refused. As I was headed out of the ER I ran into Dave, Cal’s dad, by the elevators.
“Hey, Jane. How are you?” I smiled weakly at him, waiting for the grand inquisition that was surely coming and that I deserved. “Can I talk to you for a minute?” My heart dropped. He motioned over to some benches across from the elevator and I followed.
He stared at me for a moment making me entirely nervous. “Is he ok?” I was examining my hands, unable to look him in the face.
“He’s still in surgery. We’re waiting for word.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Hey, there’s nothing to be sorry for. Cal’s alive. If you hadn’t been there to perform CPR on him, he’d be gone. You gave him a fighting chance, Jane.”
I looked up at his words and saw Cal’s eyes staring back at me, as they turned glassy. I’d never noticed the resemblance before. I was looking at my future, if he made it and still wanted me. “But, it’s my fault he got shot.”
Placing his hand on my knee he said, “Unless you pulled the trigger, it’s not your fault. He loves you and he was protecting you. I know my son well enough to know he’d do it all over again, in a heartbeat. He’s a better man than I could’ve ever hoped he would be; a better man than me.”
“I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I’m not sure what made you run out today and it’s not my business. But if Derek treated you this way on a regular basis, then I’m glad he’s out of your life.”
I started shaking as the memories flooded me. Oh God. Derek had raped me, at least once. “Jane, what’s wrong?”
I jumped at his voice and looked around me frantically. “Sorry.”
Dave seemed to understand my meaning and helped me to the elevator. As the doors opened, we saw James staring back at us. James took in my appearance and said that an intern was due to come give us an update soon. Dave and I joined him in the elevator and I started shaking. James grabbed my hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
Several hours later we were sitting in the waiting room eagerly awaiting some news. I prayed like I’d never prayed before. I couldn’t bear to lose him. He had to make it because without him, none of what I’d gone through would be worth it.
James tried reaching my parents, but they were already in flight for their annual trip. James sat across from me, watching me quietly. Cassidy was being consoled by her dad and Lisa. She was a wreck and I felt about as bad as she looked. She just went through something similar six months ago and lost her best friend in the end. I prayed, for both our sakes, that Cal was more fortunate.
“Do you need anything?” He moved to sit by my side as I just stared at my hands, remnants of blood, Cal’s blood, still there.
I tried to be as quiet as I could. “They had to use the defibrillator on him, James. Two different times.” Hearing a gasp from the corner, I looked to see Dave, Lisa and Cassidy gaping at me in horror. “I’m sorry.” I pulled my knees to my chest and placed my forehead on my knees as my arms hugged my legs tight. The pain that racked my body had me seeing stars.
Dave then got up to go see where the intern was with news. A few minutes later an intern came out to tell us that they were still working on him. He needed several transfusions and they had to revive him a couple times. He told us that we should all prepare for the worst. The room became eerily quiet as the intern left. I think we were all in shock.
Another hour passed.
It was then that a couple doctors came out and asked for Calvin’s family. I’d seen and experienced this too many times as a nurse. The doctors led Cassidy, Dave and Lisa to a private room and shut the door, I had been forgotten.
He was gone.
Those rooms were utilized for the families who needed them to grieve in. I was numb. Everything became inaudible and stagnant. Everyone else, James, Frank, and some other coworkers of Calvin’s, were staring at that door, where they were breaking the news to Calvin’s family. I wandered out of the corridor, forgotten.
I roamed around the hospital for quite a while before I came across the atrium. Searching out a bench in a corner, I sat down and pulled my knees to my chest. It had to be close to the middle of the night, if not close to morning. The atrium was empty. Silent sobs took over my body. I had a few bandages on my face and on my body. What did it matter now? My life was over. The last two months had been the best of my life. I had tried to keep Calvin at arm’s length, but it was impossible.
Now he was gone.
Epilogue
The room was dimly lit. A ventilator moved up and down as IVs dripped, at their scheduled pace, into his arms. He was unconscious and he wasn’t expected to survive. They had also posted a guard outside his room given the circumstances. His ID revealed that he was an organ donor and now they waited for the tests to determine if there was brain activity. The nurse finished checking his bandage and jotted down his vitals before leaving the room.
Blinking rapidly, Derek’s eyes flew open.
The End
JB3 and Cassidy return in
Letting Go of You
Anchored Hearts Vol. 2
Anticipated Summer 2014
&
Will Jane reveal her secrets? Find out in
Anchored Hearts Vol. 2.5
Anticipated Fall 2014
&
Look for a preview of Skye Turner’s
Bayou Stix series
at the very end of this book.
Playlist for Hiding Away
The One That Got Away by The Civil Wars
Crash Into Me by DMB
Wild Horses by The Sundays
I Want Crazy by Hunter Hayes
Don’t Let Me Be Lonely by The Band Perry
Fall Into Me by Brantley Gilbert
Drunk On You by Luke Bryan
Running Blind by Godsmack
Wanted by Hunter Hayes
Just a Kiss by Lady Antebellum
Love Somebody by Maroon 5
Stay The Night by Zedd & Hayley Williams
It Girl by Jason Derulo
Talk Dirty by Jason Derulo & 2 Chainz
Man In The Box by Alice In Chains
Stupid Boy by Keith Urban
Say Something by A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera
Love Don’t Die by The Fray
About the Author
J.M. resides in Metro Detroit, MI with her husband and four small children.
Always wanting to write romance novels, she followed her dreams after having baby #4, who may or may not be the spawn of Christian Grey!
She hopes you’ll enjoy more than a good book, but have an experience.
You can find her at
www.jmwittbooks.com
Twitter @ wittymomauthor
www.facebook.com/jmwittbooks
Official playlist for Hiding Away on Spotify
If you or a loved one has been a victim of sexual abuse; there is help for you.
www.rainn.org
1.800.656.HOPE
AlluringTURMOIL
Book 1 Bayou Stix Preview
By:SKYE TURNER
Alluring Turmoil, Book 1 Bayou Stix
Skye Turner
Published by Skye Turner
Copyright ©2013 Skye Turner
First Edition, ebook-published 2013
www.skyeturnerauthor.com
This ebook is the sole property of the author and may not be reproduced or transmitted without the permission of the author. This preview is being used by JM Witt with the cooperation and permission of Skye Turner. Please help prevent the piracy of ebooks. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, places, events, or occurrences is purely coincidental.
*Due to graphic sex scenes and strong language, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Chapter One
Lexi
“Come on, Lexi. Why are you being difficult? It’s front row at Bayou Stix. BAYOU STIX! Do you not understand this? Micah pulled some serious strings to get us these. Come on!” is what I hear from my old college roommate, now best friend Bradi.
“Bradi, I just don’t know. Things are so busy here, I have inventory to do, and I really need to get started on the Masons’ wedding cake. Besides, I’m not a big fan of Bayou Stix. You know that.” I answer, as I look around at my coffee shop/bakery.
Java and Sweeties is my baby. It was always my dream to own and run a coffee shop/bakery. I’m living my dream and I’m very proud of what we’ve put together here over the past few years. I take in the autumn sunset colored walls with the back wall being a built in bookshelf. The black leather couches and recliners spaced intermittently with the bistro sets and warm mocha throw rugs on the polished hardwood floor give the space a warm and welcoming feel.
Over the past two years, business has really taken off and Java and Sweeties has become the go-to place for LSU students and professionals alike to come to study, or work on presentations. My cakes and baked confections have also been on more than one highly respected person’s table over the past year.
“Oh, don’t give me that bullshit, Lexi! This place can spare you for one night. One night! I get it. It’s your baby, but you still need a life. You are coming with me to the concert. It’s Jude… fucking… Delecroix! Sex on a stick! Don’t make me break out the big guns, because you know I will!”
“That doesn’t work on me Bradi. I’m immune to your wiles,” I say with a chuckle. “But you’re right… ok. I’ll come with you. But I am not going backstage. I mean it. I’m serious!”
“Ok fine. We’ll see. Yay!” Bradi exclaims as she jumps around doing some sort of happy dance. “Sheesh, I don’t want to have to browbeat you. And I know it isn’t your thing, but it’ll be fun. You’ll see!”
“Yo Erik, she said yes!” Bradi yells out to my lifelong best friend, as he’s making an espresso behind the counter.
“Oh great. That’s awesome. It’s going to be an interesting night. One that we’ll certainly never forget!” Erik calls back, giving me a small wink and a sheepish smile, before turning back to the customer.
“Sooo, what should I wear? I’m thinking my purple skinny jeans with my black stilettos and my black sequined halter top. You know the one that makes my boobs look fabulous? Or should I wear my leather miniskirt with the red tube top and my thigh high leather boots? I want to be sure the band notices me!” Bradi asks me with a twinkle in her eye.
“Come on Bradi, seriously? Aren’t you back on with Micah? You know, hence the front row tickets to the sold out concert. And you being noticed is never a problem!” Bradi is gorgeous. As in supermodel gorgeous. She’s what guys call “stacked”. At 5’8 with wavy blond hair accented with dark chocolate lowlights, moss green eyes, a perfect heart shaped mouth, breasts that women pay for, a narrow waist, and curvy hips with legs for days, yeah, she has no trouble being noticed.
Now, I’m not unattractive, but next to her, I feel like a wallflower.
Bradi gives me a devious grin and says, “Yes, we’re back on. We’re always on. Even when we’re off. I love that man! And was he on last night… Ahhhhhhh! However, there is nothing wrong with trying to catch a sexy rock star’s attention. Besides, I’ve already told you, if Jude Delecroix motions my way, I’m dropping my panties before he can blink and change his mind. I would so have his rock-star babies. “
My heart starts racing and my head feels strange as I say, “Ok, you do that. Rock stars are overrated. In my opinion, you should stick with Micah and have his babies. He’s crazy hot, he’s in love with you, and he puts up with your insanity.”
Bradi gives me a serious look and says, “Lexi, you know I’m joking, right? Are you ok? I would never do that to Micah. Jude is a fantasy… you know, most women have a guy they fantasize about. Sometimes, I wonder about you chick. Are you feeling ok though? I mean really, you look a little off. I think you’ve been working too much. You really do need a break, even if it’s just for one night!”
I wipe my hands down my jeans and cover her hand with mine. “I know, babe. You’re you and that’s why I love you. And yeah, I have been working a lot. This place just takes a lot out of me, but I love it.”
“And that’s why you’re coming with us Friday night! You need to remember that you’re only twenty-six. You might be a crazy successful business owner, but you’re also a fabulously sexy chick who needs to get out, have some fun, and shit, get laid!” she says with a smirk. “Now what are we going to dress you in?”
I roll my eyes and can’t help but laugh at her. I love this crazy woman so much. Besides, she’s right. I need to have some fun. It’s time to let loose again and be a regular, twenty-six year old, single woman. “You pick. Just make sure all my womanly bits are covered!”
“Well, you’re no fun,” Bradi says with a smile. As she reaches over to kiss my cheek and I give her a hug, I don’t hear the door to the shop open.
My back is to the door. The shop is busy for a Wednesday night. Almost every couch and chair is filled and there’s a nice line of people at the counter waiting to order their coffee or pick up a sweet treat from our bakery display racks. John Mayer is playing over the speakers low enough not to bother anyone working, but loud enough that you can hear the music.
Suddenly, the hair on the back of my neck stands up as if I’ve just been shocked. Bradi is facing the door and her eyes go wide. “Oh my God… Oh my God… OH MY GOD!”
I slowly turn around, as if pulled by an imaginary cord, but I already know what I’ll see. My mind sees everything as if in slow motion. My eyes travel the length of a slim, but cut, 6’1 body, taking everything in, from the tips of his black boots to the top of his spiked dirty blond purple tipped hair. I notice all of the tattoos and the scruff that looks as if it’s a permanent part of a chiseled face.
“Oh FUCK ME!” I gasp out.
I feel faint. My hands start to sweat, my stomach starts to clench, and my panties start to moisten. It’s instinctual. My eyes move back down a smidge and rest on the clear, hard, hazel eyes of the one and only Jude Delecroix, lead singer of Bayou Stix, and he’s staring right back at me.
I unconsciously start to shake and forget that I’m still holding onto Bradi. Only now I’m squeezing her as if she’s a lifeline. I feel her move to where she’s looking into my face, but I can’t move. I can’t speak. I cannot break the all consuming hold of the hazel eyes across the room. Those eyes that still haunt my dreams… every night.
<><><>
Jude
I’m staring into the whiskey golden eyes across the room and I can’t stop. It’s almost as if I’m frozen. Rooted to the floor. My hands clench and unclench and I have to grit my teeth. The urge to run across the room and kiss those moist red lips or to scream into that beautiful, perfect face for still affecting me is almost too much to handle.
Alexia Sloane… here, in front of me. Th
is is what I wanted. This is what I needed. But now that I’m here, everything I’ve ever thought this moment would be, the way it would play out, goes out of the window. My head is suddenly blank, but I can’t stop looking into those eyes. Those eyes, that I once thought could see into my soul. The eyes that every night when I close my eyes, I still see, no matter what I do to banish them... no matter how many women I take into my bed. My heart is empty. Dead. But those eyes… those fucking gorgeous eyes. They haunt me.
Chapter Two
Lexi
Bradi is pulling on my arm. I can feel her, sort of. It’s as if I’m in a tunnel, me on one end and Jude on the other. Everyone and everything else is covered in fog. Nothing else exists. It’s only him and me.
Our eyes stay locked. I’m stunned, frozen in time. I thought I’d do this differently. I knew there was going to come a time when we would be in the same room together again, but I’m not ready. Not now. I’m not ready! I need more time.
“Lexi. Lexi. What the fuck Lexi? LEXI?”
Finally I’m able to tear my eyes away from Jude and focus on my friend.
Shaking my head to clear it, I look at her. I see the concern and confusion on her face. I’m finally able to comprehend that she’s talking to me, though I can’t yet understand what she’s saying. “What?”
“Lexi! WHAT THE FUCK? Why are you and Jude Delecroix… ‘Jude Fucking Delecroix’, eye fucking and strangling each other from across the room? Do you know him? Lexi, tell me now! DO. YOU. KNOW. HIM?” Bradi is squeezing my hands now; I never even noticed she’d grabbed them.
I sigh and look into her eyes, before glancing back at him. He’s still staring and I can see the rage on his face and in his eyes. The rage directed at me. I tear my eyes away from Jude and look back at my confused best friend. Suddenly I feel defeated. “Yeah.” I sigh. “Yeah you could say that. There was a time when we knew each other very well. A time when we ripped each other’s clothes off at every available opportunity and fucked like rabbits. A time when the only way I was me, was with him. So yeah… you could say I know him. Or I guess I knew him.” My voice fades in and out as I talk. My voice is flat, monotone, as if I have no emotions.