Catch You (Love Me, I'm Famous Book 0)

by M. H. Soars

  “I got one from Mario.”

  Heat rushes to my cheeks and for the first time I realize how wrong this all is. I’m getting dirty with Owen in a stranger’s home.

  Owen sits up and cups my cheek. “Hey, it’s okay. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”

  “Owen, I—”

  “Kimmy, don’t hide behind some ill conceived morality rule. Mrs. Gomez was practically shoving us together. I have wanted you for so long, I can’t think straight.”

  “So long? Like the two weeks you actually noticed my existence?”

  “I noticed your existence way before that, babe. I only thought you were out of my league.”

  “No, you thought I was a frigid bitch.”

  “Can’t a man change his mind? You changed yours about me.”

  I bite my lower lip because Owen is right. I never once spared a second glance in his direction. But I can’t deny the chemistry between us. Before doubt creeps back in again, I kiss him long and hard. We break apart a couple of minutes later, out of breath.

  “Condom,” we say at the same time.

  I get off Owen’s lap so he can retrieve the foil packet from his pants’ pocket. Once he’s suited up, he laces his fingers with mine and gives a gentle pull. I move back into position, and the moment he slides in, I almost fall apart on the spot. His hands grab my hips and we move together, making magic with our bodies. I never felt more alive in my life, all of my senses have been heightened. Just before I jump off the cliff, I place the soft side of my palm over Owen’s lips. “Bite me, please.”

  I wait for him to question me, to look at me like I’ve just lost my mind, but Owen doesn’t do any of those things. He grabs my wrist, and bites my hand softly, giving me just enough pain to drive me over the edge. I cry out as the orgasm takes me over. A minute later, Owen follows suit.

  I fall forward, landing on his wide chest, utterly and completely spent. Owen’s arms rest on my back, hugging me tight. His heartbeat is going as fast as mine. A few minutes later, I roll off of him and he gets up to dispose of the condom.

  With the lust fever gone, I don’t know how to act around him. I don’t know where we stand. Was this a one-time thing? Do I want it to be a one-time thing? I pull the covers over my chest, needing that ridiculous barrier. Owen stops under the door frame and stares at me.

  “What?” I ask.

  He doesn’t answer, just walks back to bed, pulls the cover aside, and slides in next to me.

  “What do you think you’re doing?”

  “Babe, that was just the first round.”

  He leans in for a kiss and I forget any further arguments.

  Chapter 27

  Owen

  The sunlight streams through the curtains and for a moment, I forget where I am. But then I feel Kimberly’s warm body next to mine, and last night’s memories flash back, like an avalanche. My half-mast morning wood becomes something real. I open my eyes and stare at the beautiful girl next to me. Who knew that behind that cold and bossy exterior there was a sexy fiend. And I thought sex with my ex had been great. God, I’ve been missing out. I never felt such a powerful connection to any girl before. Sure, I’ve heard of compatibility and great sexual chemistry, but I don’t think that sums up my feelings. There’s the real possibility that this is much more than just pure attraction.

  Kimberly makes a soft noise and stretches like a content cat. Her dazzling blue eyes blink open and when she looks at me, my heart does a serious backflip. Jesus Christ, even my thoughts have turned girly.

  I’m awarded with a few seconds of her unguarded gaze, before her brows furrow together and she sits up suddenly.

  “Oh my God. What time is it?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “You weren’t supposed to spend the night.”

  “Sorry, sunshine. After that fourth time, I wasn’t moving to the couch.”

  “Ugh! Don’t remind me.”

  “What? Suffering from day after regret already? I had a blast last night, don’t lie and tell me you didn’t enjoy yourself too. I got love bites to prove it.”

  Kimberly gaze lands on my shoulder where she bit me last night. “Oh, Lord. You must think I’m a freak.”

  “I do. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

  Kimberly gets up, picks up her clothes, and runs to bathroom. I hear the shower turn on, and ten minutes later, she emerges fully dressed, her hair damp. I don’t like one bit the serious expression on her face. I guess the fun time is over. But it doesn’t have to be. There’s absolutely nothing keeping us from seeing where this will go. I’m single, she’s single.

  She stays rooted to the spot, body tense and gaze hard. I feel a pang in my chest, expecting the bad news she’s about to deliver.

  “Owen, let’s agree on something. What happened here, stays here.”

  It’s my time to frown. “Why?”

  “Why? Jesus, Owen. Do I need to spell it out?”

  “Yes, you do.” I sit up, giving her a perfect view of my naked chest. Her gaze lowers and it loses some of the hardness. But just as fast, she puts the cold mask back on, and brings her eyes back up. She opens her mouth again only to be interrupted by the loud knock on the door.

  “Are you two love birds up?” Mario asks.

  “Yes, come in.” I say from the bed, still stark naked under the covers. Kimberly glares at me. Mario pops his head through the opening.

  “I just want to give you a heads up. Big Joe is here, and...” Mario looks from me to Kimberly. I don’t like his hesitation.

  “And what?” I ask.

  “He brought company. You better get dressed.” Mario’s head disappears and the door closes once more.

  “Who do you think it is?” Kimberly asks.

  “I don’t know, but by the tone of his voice, I don’t think we’re gonna like it.

  * * *

  Kimberly

  I’m glad for the interruption. I have the feeling I was about to say something truly regrettable and maybe hurt Owen’s feelings in the process. I need time to sort through the number of paradoxical thoughts in my head. Sure, this past couple of weeks I got to know a different side of Owen, not the image he worked so hard to project. And sure, we had amazing chemistry in bed. I could barely walk straight after our sex marathon. But I don’t like the way he makes me feel, so out of control, so lost. It terrifies me. I don’t want to turn into one of those love sick girls who can’t function without their guy. I always pictured myself with a man I got along with, a man who was a bit adventurous in bed, but didn’t make my heart flutter or gave me butterflies. Butterflies only cause trouble.

  Owen asks me to wait for him while he takes a shower and I do so because I don’t want to do the walk of shame alone. Two minutes later, he emerges from the bathroom dressed in his own clothes, all clean thanks to Mrs. Gomez’s kindness.

  We head downstairs, me taking the lead with Owen close behind. I hear agitated voices before I enter the spacious living room. My stomach drops when I recognize my dad’s voice. I pause and glance at Owen. He must have recognized one of the voices too—my guess his father’s—if the grimace on his face is any indication.

  He squeezes my shoulder, then drops his hand to my lower back. My body reacts to his touch of its own accord, lightening up from the inside. Ignore the feeling, Kimberly. Ignore it. I take a deep breath and step into the room. My father is standing, obviously in the middle of a heated argument with Big Joe. There’s a tall blond man to his left, and I can only assume he’s Owen’s father. They all stop talking when they notice our arrival and turn to us. I lock gazes with Dad and the disappointment in his eyes makes me ashamed on a whole new level.

  “I had to notify your parents since you are minors,” Big Joe says, earning a glare from my father and Owen’s.

  “You should have notified us reg
ardless of their age,” Mr. Whitfield says.

  Dad crosses the living room and engulfs me in a tight embrace. “Kimmy, what in the world were you thinking?”

  “You always taught me to do the right thing. I had to prove Lorenzo’s innocence.”

  He pushes me back slightly. “Not at the cost of your life!”

  His outburst makes me wince, but I guess I deserve everything Dad has in store for me. I’ll probably be grounded for life.

  “Did you arrest Alex?” Owen asks.

  “No. We got Luis Garcia, but unfortunately, your friend escaped.”

  “He’s not my friend,” Owen is quick to supply.

  “Let’s not waste any more time, shall we? It’s time to go home,” Mr. Whitfield says from where he stands. No hugging initiative from his part. “Your mother is worried sick, Owen. How dare you put her through this in her condition?”

  Owen hangs his head, his chin almost touching his chest. “I’m sorry, Dad.”

  My heart clenches at the sight. I’ve never seen Owen so vulnerable. I want to go to him and offer the hug his father denied. My feet won’t move, though. Fear of my own feelings keep me rooted to the spot.

  I say goodbye to Mrs. Gomez and I thank her for the hospitality. She surprises me by giving me a hug and saying everything will be okay. I want to believe her, but my mood is dark. Guilt is swirling in my chest, mixed with a huge sense of failure. The news of Alex’s escape doesn’t sit well with me and I can feel a foreboding shadow hanging over my head.

  I find myself sandwiched between my father and Owen inside Big Joe’s Suburban. Mr. Whitfield got shot gun. I try my best to ignore the closeness and I keep a small gap between Owen and me. Once my mind stops obsessing about the guy who rocked my world last night, I remember to mention the SD card to Big Joe.

  “Mario already told me about that. We searched the area high and low and we couldn’t find it.”

  “Do you think Luis Garcia’s men got it?” I ask.

  “It’s possible.”

  Big Joe fills us in on more details about his operation. Now that his cover is blown anyway and they got the head honcho, he’s free to let us know his real name—James Tyson—and that he’s been working undercover for a couple of years, mainly in high schools and colleges. I’m glad not to be in the dark anymore, but my mind keeps going back to the SD card. I won’t relax until I see for myself that it’s truly gone.

  “Can we go back to that park and look for the card again?”

  “Don’t even think about it, Kimmy. We’re going home. Your mother is going crazy with worry.”

  “Dad, you don’t understand. Without the card we can’t prove Lorenzo didn’t steal the computers. Alex forged the security tape.”

  “Sir, the playground is not that far from here. I don’t mind making a detour,” James says.

  “Well, I do mind. I’m done with this nonsense,” Mr. Whitfield’s voice booms from the passenger seat.

  Owen shifts next to me, leaning slightly forward. “Dad, this is important. Mom is already worried, a thirty-minute delay won’t change anything.”

  We waste five minutes arguing back and forth until Owen and I manage to convince our fathers to make a pit stop at the playground. I know it’s crazy, and that the likelihood we’ll find the card is slim to none. But I was never one to believe in odds anyway.

  Chapter 28

  Owen

  The kiddy playground doesn’t look much better in broad daylight. Broken swings, graffiti-marked sliders, and a powerful stench of urine makes it resemble a junkyard more than anything else. I feel bad for the community. Kids should have a safe place to play outside. I get angry knowing that most likely thugs made this playground what it is today. I hate those fucking leeches.

  Our presence draws the attention of the few people passing by. Next to me, my dad shifts uncomfortably. “This doesn’t feel safe.”

  “They’re only wary. They don’t like when police enforcement lingers too long,” James supplies and then he turns to Kimberly. “Like I said before, we’ve searched the area thoroughly and found nothing. Don’t get your hopes high.”

  “I threw the card as far as I could. Maybe your search area wasn’t wide enough.”

  She strides with purpose across the park, and I follow close behind. I have the weirdest sensation we’re being watched by several hidden eyes. The sooner we get out of here, the better I’ll feel. I don’t want to concede to my father, but this definitely doesn’t feel safe.

  Kimberly stops by the bushes where we were hiding two nights ago and my gaze zeroes in immediately on the bloody flowers that kicked off my allergies. I want to be angry at them, but in hindsight, last night with Kimberly wouldn’t have happened if we hadn’t got caught. Sure, we almost died, but I would do it all over again.

  “If I remember correctly, I threw the card in that direction.” She points in the distance.

  I follow her gaze and then we begin to search with vigor. Mr. Dawson, my father, and James help too. Everyone seems to be in a hurry to get the hell out of here. After thirty minutes or so on hands and knees, I begin to suspect the card is long gone, but Kimberly is not ready to give up yet.

  “It’s has to be here, it has to be.”

  I touch her back and she looks up at me. “Kimmy, I think the card is truly lost.”

  “Don’t say that, Owen.”

  “Honey, we’ve searched everywhere. Twice. It’s time to go home.” Mr. Dawson’s says.

  There are tears in Kimberly’s eyes and I want to pull her to me, hold her tight until her sadness is gone. The defeat in her gaze caves my chest in. I hate it.

  “Give me five more minutes,” she pleads.

  She stands up and looks all around her, a serious frown marring her face. I can practically hear the gears in her head working at full speed. Her gaze travels past a rusty teeter-totter, then snaps back to it again. She reaches it in three long strides and bends over to inspect the spring coil underneath it. She tugs at something, before yelling a satisfied ‘Yes’. She turns to us and raises her hand in triumph. Pinched between her fingers is the SD card.

  I’m so caught up in her excitement that I forget we have an audience and reach her faster than lightning, pulling her into my arms and kissing her neck. She stiffens against my body, killing my euphoric mood with a swift blow. I let go of her, searching her face for a clue to her thoughts. Her troubled expression is like a knife twisted in my gut. I want to say something, anything to wipe that look from her face, when a voice I know too well says from behind me, “What a touching scene.”

  I turn to find Alex there, pointing a gun at us.

  “Now hand over the card and no one gets hurt.”

  “Put your weapon down, now!” James yells.

  Alex spares an enraged glance at James. “No, motherfucker. You put your gun down nice and easy, before I get trigger happy and blow off Nancy Drew’s pretty little head.”

  When James hesitates, Alex screams again. “Now!”

  My stomach drops when the cop abides by Alex’s demand. He bends his knees and puts his gun down on the ground, never breaking eye contact with my former captain.

  I take a couple of steps in Alex’s direction, hands raised, effectively blocking Kimberly from him. “Alex. Don’t be stupid.”

  “No, Owen. I’m not being stupid. I’m being fucking smart. Now give me that damn card and I’m out of here.”

  “Give it up already, Alex. How far do you think you can run? You’re broke, you have no friends, Luis Garcia’s men are probably after you too. Your best chance of survival is in jail.”

  “Shut up, you fucking bitch. This is all your fault. If you hadn’t put your nose where it didn’t belong, I would be far from here, sipping margaritas on a tropical beach.”

  “God, you’re so delusional.”

  Kimberly laughs and I
want to tell her to stop goading Alex. My eyes fly to Mr. Dawson, pleading him to say something to his daughter. But I think he’s in shock and completely frozen. My father, on the other hand, is slowly moving toward Alex from behind. Does he plan to tackle the guy to the ground? I try to catch my father’s gaze, tell him not to be a fool, but he’s too intent on what he’s doing.

  “You know what? I don’t give a shit about what’s on that fucking card. I only showed up here to give you what you deserve,” Alex says, bringing my attention back to him.

  I see it in his eyes now, the craziness. Desperation made him snap, bringing forth the psychopath he probably always was. He never cared about the card. All he cared about was revenge against Kimberly. His aim moves to my right and I realize only too late that somehow, Kimberly is no longer behind me. The gun fires and I jump in front of her. Searing pain explodes on my shoulder before I land on the rough ground. I hear Kimberly scream my name and I want to tell her that I’m okay, but I’m clearly not. I see dark spots in my vision. The sound of a struggle reaches me as well, but it’s muffled somehow.

  Kimberly pulls my head onto her lap while tears stream down her face. “You crazy idiot. Why did you do that?”

  “I’ve always wanted to do something heroic for the girl I loved,” I say before darkness takes over everything.

  Chapter 29

  Kimberly

  I can’t decide what’s more depressing, the pasty colored walls in front of me, or the sad, linoleum floor below my feet. The clock mounted on the wall indicates two hours have passed. That’s how long Owen has been in surgery. The bullet he took for me pierced his left shoulder, but it bled so much, I thought he was going to die in my arms.

  I bite my lower lip hard, and I taste blood. I welcome the pain. It’s better than the flood of tears that will come if I let the dam open. Owen risked his life to protect me. What kind of fool does something like that? A fool in love, says the little annoying voice in my head, and I want to stomp on it until it dies. He can’t be in love with me, no matter his heroic action or words. He can’t be, because then I won’t be able to keep my own feelings locked down.