Summer Fire
Page 122
Her head tipped to the side. “What are you doing, Jordan?”
“Writing.” He nodded to the pad. “Been doing a lot of that.” Glancing at his watch, he stood and took the pad back to his room. “I’m heading out. Don’t wait up.”
Chloe shook her head, a soft laugh on her lips. She walked into the living room and looked around. “Clean for a bachelor pad, and warm.” She took in the posters and flyers, mostly from their shows. There were two guitars and a bass in the corner. An electronic drum set in the other. Big TV with game consoles and a sound system.
She closed the distance and her hands landed on his chest. “Your place fits you. I love it.”
“Come on, let me show you my room.” This was the test he dreaded. Would she notice what he still had? He pushed the door open and let her step into his room. It was spotless, except for the jeans he’d thrown that morning, still in a heap against the wall.
Embarrassed by his earlier outburst, he scooted past her to pick them up and drop them in the laundry.
She moved straight to the mirror where there was a strip of photo booth pictures, from the one summer she came back. In the first they smiled. The second, she’d leaned over to kiss him. Third, he turned to pin her against the wall, taking over the kiss. The forth, she straddled his lap.
*
Chloe reached out to touch the strip of pictures. That night came back to her.
“To a fresh start,” Doug rumbled, shoving money into the photo booth. He pulled her into the tight space and onto his leg.
They gave the camera a cheesy smile and emotions bubbled up. This was the guy she wanted to spend every day with. The one who had an easy way of making her smile. The one who didn’t care about society and what everyone else was doing. He made her feel so precious she couldn’t find words.
Turning, she kissed the outer corner of his mouth. His eyes widened. Then he shifted, pushing her against the wall. His mouth covered hers, his tongue demanding.
Taking her own life into her hands, she shoved him back, straddling him as she took the kiss deeper.
He jerked his head away. “Tell me you aren’t leaving me again.”
“In the fall, I’ll be in school.”
“But tonight. Don’t ditch me tonight,” he pleaded.
“Not tonight. I’ll say goodbye when it’s time to leave.”
“Let’s go before I figure out a way to have you here and now.”
She was tempted to unzip his pants and see what he could do in the small space, but remembered the last time, and the furious passion they had shared. This time, she wanted more.
Chloe stumbled out of the booth. He caught her arm, hauling her against his body and devoured her mouth. Then tugged her down the road.
He took her to his first apartment, the one above his parent’s garage.
They slipped inside, and she peeked out the window toward the house. “Are they home?”
“Nope, out of town for a business trip. Rather go in there?”
“Not a chance. Wanted to know if I needed to tame myself.”
“No taming. I need all of you, any way you come.”
She gave him everything she had, no holds barred.
Tears trailed down her face as she turned back to him. “That night was the best night of my life. I didn’t have to be someone else. Then morning came and I—”
His hand covered her mouth. “Doesn’t matter.”
She shook her head, pulling his arm down. “Does. Need to get this off my chest.”
He nodded, taking a few steps back to sit on the edge of his bed.
“Morning came and I realized if I stayed, I wouldn’t go back to Brown. I wouldn’t get my degree or go on to medical school. My parents would likely have worn me down until I went back to college, but by then I would have caved and done what they wanted, not what I needed to do.”
“We were kids. I knew you were going back to school. I had no plans to keep you from going. You’re the smart one, and college suited you. I could tell you were finding yourself and breaking out of your parents’ mold. You came to me.”
“But I hurt you.”
“Yeah, you did. You needed freedom though. And I needed the pain to motivate me to do something with my life. The band has always been great, and I loved working in my uncle’s record shop, but I wanted to help people create music. After some business courses at the community college, I formed a pretty solid business plan, and convinced my uncle and parents to help me get it off the ground.”
“And you say you’re not smart.” Shaking her head, she looked up at the ceiling. “Did you get a degree?”
He shook his head. “Nope, only took the basics. My uncle helped me learn everything else I needed.”
“Yeah, you’re brilliant.” She gave him a crooked smile.
“The past shaped us. Honestly, you leaving pushed me to do what I needed to do.”
“You’re the one who inspired me to go for my dreams.”
“We needed that time to find our purpose. Thankfully our paths looped back to each other.”
She walked over and sat beside him. “Can I stay the night, Doug?”
He grinned. “You didn’t bring any clothes.”
“Don’t need them. You’re what I want.”
Conversation dried up as he turned toward her, caught her face, and kissed her softly. “Need you, Chloe,” he whispered against her lips.
She kicked off her shoes and stood.
He followed, dragging her dress up over her body with a groan. She unbuttoned his shirt in a hurry, then opened his pants. This time, she didn’t ogle him like a fool. There was plenty of opportunity to do that later, while he slept.
Doug brought her to the bed. His hands caressed, his mouth explored. Needing a taste, she brought his mouth to hers and sucked his bottom lip.
He broke away with a groan, reaching for the nightstand. She almost stopped him to ask if he was clean. But the words never left her lips. First she wanted to prove she intended to stay here, with him.
She took the condom, taking her time to roll it over his blunt head, and down the gorgeous shaft. She licked her lips.
He laughed. “I know my cock isn’t the first you’ve seen.”
“No, but it’s the only one I remember.”
His brow arched. “You’re the only woman I remember, Chloe. Always have been.”
“Puts us on the same page.” She threw her leg over his hips and held his length steady to take him in.
Doug reached up, grabbing her head and she fell forward, her hands landing on his chest while he kissed her, deep. He thrust into her, a powerful rhythm, and all she could do was hang on while he poured his emotions into her. In return, she gave him every ounce of her love.
*
Letting go of every doubt, Doug rolled on top and gentled the pace, wanting to savor every second. He looked into her eyes and saw all the way to her soul. Chloe was it for him. The one he would never let go.
Her walls pulsed around him, then she shuddered, a cry breaking free. His release followed, pulling him in. Words danced on the tip of his tongue, but he reined them back. He wanted to believe this time was different, but he needed proof in the form of actions.
Lying down beside her, he gathered her into his arms. “Don’t go.”
“I’m not,” she promised.
He hoped to god she meant it this time.
Chapter Nine
Home.
Big arms held Chloe close. His heart beat steadily against her ear. She couldn’t remember the last time she felt so at home. She hooked her leg over his hip, drawing him closer.
“Mmm, morning, Chloe,” he rumbled, pulling her tight against his body.
“Perfect morning.”
Doug sighed. “Not quite perfect. Your phone keeps going off. Something seems urgent.”
She groaned. “It was on vibrate.”
He nodded, reaching behind him to grab her phone. “I didn’t look, but figured you might want to de
al with whoever keeps calling.”
Untangling herself from his embrace, she took the phone and sat up. He moved beside her, and she angled the phone so he could see.
One call after another from her parents. Texts from Danielle.
“She never texts me. She doesn’t even talk to me.” Chloe looked over, chewing her bottom lip.
He sucked in a breath. “Check them. Something must have happened.”
She opened the messages.
Chloe, need you to call me.
I know you want nothing to do with Mom, but call me.
Damn it, Chloe, call already!
Don’t make me track your ass down, Chloe. Daniel needs you!
Her heart dropped and she dialed her sister back.
“Chloe, thank god you finally called. Come to Swedish. Daniel wants you here.”
“What happened?”
“Accident. He’ll be fine, but he’s hurt pretty bad. I think he could use your support against Mom.”
Chloe snorted. “You aren’t on her side?”
Danielle let out a heavy breath. “She’s wrong about a lot of things. You, Daniel, your lives. She needs to stop meddling. Just come to the hospital, please.”
“How badly is he hurt?”
“Broken arm. He’s sleeping for the moment. His head is banged up, but they don’t think he has a concussion.”
Chloe relaxed slightly. Didn’t sound like anything critical. “I’ll be there. Send me the room number, and give me an hour.” Hanging up, she stared at her phone.
Doug took her hand. “I’ll come with you.”
She glanced away. “My mother is there.”
“So?” When she didn’t answer, he pulled her gaze back to his. “She won’t affect me. And if she hurts you, I want to be there to take away the pain.”
“Does this mean I can call you mine?”
He grinned. “You want a boyfriend?”
“Aren’t we a little old to use that word?”
“Don’t know about you, but if we go in there telling your mom I’m your lover, that will be even more awkward.”
She laughed then. “Okay, boyfriend, can we take a shower before stopping by my place to change?”
“Of course. We can do anything you need. First, let me call Jared to have him open. Then I’m all yours.”
Chapter Ten
The only source of comfort in a swirl of worry was Doug’s big hand wrapped around hers. Chloe squeezed tighter.
Doug leaned over to kiss her ear. “I’m with you every step of the way. Your brother needs you.” He dropped her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder.
Chloe stopped outside the room and sucked in a breath. Looking up and down the hall, she made sure no one was around before peaking at the chart. Broken arm. Surgery to fix that. Couple stitches to his brow. Bruised, but no concussion. Not horrible, but his arm was broken badly enough to need three screws. She put the chart back and looked over at Doug.
He gave her a supportive squeeze. “You can do this, Chloe.”
She drew a slow breath and pushed open the door.
Danielle looked up with concern on her face until she saw Chloe. One corner of her mouth turned up. “You’re here.” She looked to Doug and brightened further. “Mom and Dad went for breakfast a few minutes ago. Come inside, the coast is clear.”
She moved to her brother’s bed. Doug came with her, never leaving her side.
Her breath caught. Black and blue peeked out of the bandages wound around Daniel’s head. A cast held his left arm at an odd angle.
Taking the fingers of his good hand, she looked to Danielle. “You didn’t mention he needed surgery.”
Danielle shrugged. “Didn’t want to scare you. He wanted you though.”
“And Xavier? Where is he?”
“Dad insisted he go to breakfast with them.”
Chloe winced, her head jerking to the side.
“It’s not like that. Daniel and Xavier meet Dad for lunch every month. Mom doesn’t go, but Dad’s a lot more open-minded than her.”
Chloe frowned, looking over. “Really?”
Danielle nodded, then a smile appeared as she looked to Doug. “Isn’t this the guy Mom had such a hissy fit over before you fell off the radar?”
It was Chloe’s turn to grin. Her sister met Doug once, at graduation. She never imagined Danielle would remember when she was so busy hanging on her then boyfriend, now husband. Chloe was starting to think maybe she’d never given Danielle much of a chance. “It is. This is the ultra-talented Doug Walsh. He owns Strike a Chord up on Capitol Hill. Doug, this is my sister, Danielle, a lawyer with an impressive court record.”
Danielle held out her hand and Doug shook it. “I’ve seen you play. And I know about your program to give underprivileged kids the ability to learn instruments while helping the community. I’m truly impressed.”
Doug nodded modestly. “Thank you. Music has helped me, and some of my friends. Being able to share that outlet with kids is an amazing feeling.”
“Oh, Chloe, he’s a keeper. Don’t let him go.” She winked.
“No intention of it. No matter what Mom thinks.”
“Good for you. And a doctor, Chloe. I always knew you were brilliant. I hear you’re starting at Children’s in a couple weeks?”
Daniel croaked, “Wish Mom could see how amazing Chloe is.”
“Wish she realized she has the best son ever,” Chloe fired back.
He laughed, but it ended on a pained grunt. “I don’t need Mom’s approval. I’m happy, hurting at the moment, but happy.”
“That’s all that matters.”
Daniel looked over to Doug. “Have to say, you and Chloe look good together. Hope this means we’ll all hang out more often.”
“Does that include me?” Danielle asked.
Daniel nodded and reached out for Chloe’s hand. “I think that’s a great idea.”
Chloe nodded. She was relieved to be wrong about Danielle, though she planned to drill Daniel as soon as he was well enough. “How you doing? Do you need a nurse?”
“I’m good. Sore, but I’ll survive.” Daniel looked to Doug. “We should have a double date. Xavier is bringing me to that fundraiser you’re playing at.”
Doug grinned. “I already asked.”
Chloe smiled at Doug. “Oh, I’m coming.”
“Perfect. You can finally meet my husband,” Danielle interjected.
“Sorry I’ve been so busy.” She sighed. “I should have come back. After a point, I couldn’t deal with Mom.”
Danielle put her arm around Chloe. “Let’s face it, I was also busy with college, working my ass off. Then you turned around and did it too. We were both focused on our goals. Now, we can catch up on all that time we missed.”
The door creaked open and Xavier snuck inside. “You’re awake, Lover-boy.” He walked over and leaned down to place a quick kiss on her brother’s lips.
Daniel lit up, and she had to smile. They’d been together since before Daniel told the world about his sexual orientation.
Xavier squeezed Chloe’s shoulder. “Hey, short-stuff. Good to see you.”
“Missed you. Seems like it’s been forever.”
“Just a few weeks. Graduation wasn’t all that long ago.” He winked.
Once again the door opened. Her mother’s voice cut through her. “We can’t all be in here.”
Chloe looked back. “Give me ten minutes with my brother. Then Doug and I will go.”
Daniel nodded. “Yeah, let her stay a bit. She can send you two in when they’re done.”
“And I’m staying,” Xavier announced. “You aren’t getting rid of me.” He shot a look to their mother.
Anger flashed through Mom’s eyes, but she dipped her head in a nod before pushing back out the door.
Dad walked in and quietly said, “Chloe, good to see you. Later, call me. Please.” He gave her a sideways grin with a shrug. “I’ve missed my baby.”
Tears burned her
eyes and she ran to her father. She’d forgotten how much she loved him after all the crap her mother dished. He accepted Daniel, spent time with him and Xavier. He was never the one pushing her into decisions she hated. That was Mom, but since Dad let it happen, she assumed he was on Mom’s side.
Maybe she wasn’t as alone as she thought. Chloe threw her arms around his neck. “Missed you.”
“You too, sweetheart. We should catch up. Soon.”
She nodded. “We will. I’ll call. Promise.”
He kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be terribly disappointed if you don’t.”
There were a million things she wanted to say. “Maybe I’ll pull you aside before we take off.”
“Please do.” He stepped outside, and Danielle squeezed her shoulder on her way out.
Chloe went back to Daniel and took his hand once again. “What happened?”
“Someone ran a red light, slammed into my car. I’ll be okay.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here sooner. I slept through the phone this morning.”
Daniel glanced over at Doug and chuckled. “I’m guessing you were busy last night.”
“Guilty,” she answered sheepishly.
“Hey, it’s not like you could do anything. I just wanted to see my little sister. Now, I’m not so worried you’ll let Mom get under your skin. And if she starts trying to, call me. I’m always here.”
“And I’m always here for you. Later on, after I can get to your favorite chocolate store, I’ll bring our old standby.” She winked.
He grinned. “And they wonder why you’re my favorite. You get me like no one else.”
“Ditto.” She leaned down and hugged him carefully. “Anything you need, call me. I mean it.”
“Always, but same goes for you.”
Chapter Eleven
Twenty minutes later, Doug led Chloe to the waiting room. “You worried about what your parents will say?” he asked.
She looked over, her brow creasing. “I wasn’t until you said something. I don’t know what to expect. Beginning to wonder if I had Dad and Danielle all wrong.”
“That’s a good thing, right? Maybe the root of the problem is one person. That means you don’t have to cut out most of your family.”