Crashing Into You (Paragon Series Book 3)

by Juliana Stevens

  "I almost changed several times." When she looked at him, she wondered how she ever could've rejected him. He stood tall before her, his eyes heated as they gazed into hers. "What are you doing here?" she asked again, feeling breathless.

  "Shelly set this all up." She moved so he could enter the house, shutting the door behind them. "She got my number from your phone, and we've been texting."

  "There was never a girl's night out?" she asked, her head spinning at the news. "How long are you here?"

  "As long as you want me," he said hoarsely.

  "Alex," she choked out. "This is crazy. I've looked you up, you're a big deal! How could you not tell me? How could your mom not?"

  He chuckled. "Don't get me started on her. I've been thinking a lot lately. Do you mind if we sit?" he asked gently, so she led him to her couch and they settled in and faced each other. "I've been married to my career for a long time, even before I met Wendy. When she left me, it made me think if I hadn't been so involved with my work, she might not have done what she did. Now I believe everything happened so I could meet you. I think we met when we were supposed to. I had to get through all the anger and resentment I felt towards her, which you helped me with. I think you had to be open to the idea of dating someone."

  Denise reached for his hand. "I don't think it's fair for you to think it's a career or me. Our lives are very different and far apart. As much as we want this, I don't see a relationship working out in the long run."

  "Denise, I love you. Because of that, I will make anything work if you want it to."

  "How could we, though?" she questioned, feeling a tentative hopefulness simmering inside her. "You say you'll come here, but I saw the life you're used to. This one wouldn't compare. This is a lovely, touristy town, but it's not the most bustling. I've read your interviews, Alex, you're very ambitious. I'm not saying that's not a good thing, but how can I fit in your world?"

  "Please hear me," he said, inching closer and grasping her hand. "You're right about some of it, but you forget one thing. When I came back home, I thought it was just for a weekend, tops. Even before I met you, seeing my mom and old friends all the time, it made me reevaluate my life. As much as I loved it in Chicago, I love it here more. This feels more home to me than I ever felt there."

  "Do you mean that?" she asked hesitantly.

  "I do. Some of those articles you read were old, Denise. I have other dreams now for my career and for my life. Now that the lease for my apartment is about to be up, I can make it happen."

  "What are your dreams now?" she asked with bated breath.

  "For a long time, I've thought about being a personal chef and there's plenty of opportunity for it here. I can work at the country club here in Rockford, where I can build a client base. I got a call from the owner and it felt like fate, even though I'm sure my mom talked him into it somehow. I can start in a couple weeks, which will give me time to get situated."

  "Is that what you want? Could you be happy with that life?"

  "Yes," he said readily. "Especially if you can make my other dream come true, Denise. If you will consider being with me, nothing could make me happier."

  "Alex," she said tearfully. "I love you!"

  "You do?" he asked, smiling brightly.

  "Yes!" she exclaimed, cupping his face. She kissed him passionately, and they smiled lovingly at each other when they pulled away. "It feels so good to say it. I feel like I've been sleepwalking through the last four years and you woke me up. At first, it was my attraction for you that did it but somewhere along the way, you snuck into my heart."

  "Not that I'm complaining, but what changed since our conversation the other night?" he asked, anxious.

  "It's a long story, I'm sure you don't want to get into that."

  "I've been a wreck since you left Chicago," he said earnestly. "I was damn near useless at work. Stuart was more than happy to let me go, I imagine. Then Shelly texted me, saying if I showed up here in person, you would give me a chance. I've been nervous since I stepped on the plane a few hours ago. So, trust me when I say I want to know what changed since we talked last."

  "Alex! I'm so sorry for that," she said, kissing him. "I've known for a while how perfect you would be for me, but I've let fear rule my life. I don't want it to be that way anymore but this all seemed like it was moving too fast, especially since I've been going in slow motion for a long time."

  "I understand. It hit me hard and fast, I get that I came on too strong at times. I'm sorry about that."

  She chuckled. "I liked it, I probably needed it. I'm not used to it was the problem. I wanted to stay with you for a couple extra days in Chicago but after seeing Wendy, I couldn't. I couldn't get it out of my head that you weren't over her or that I could compete."

  "There's nothing for you to compete with. There's nothing left there for me, I assure you," he said, then frowned. "How do you think I feel? Having to compete with someone like Benny?"

  "I never thought of that," she said, squeezing his hand. "I don't want to ever make you feel that way. You should know, I think it's time for me to move forward, Alex, and with you."

  "I'm glad you came to that decision," he said, smiling sweetly.

  "I have to admit I couldn't do it alone," she said pensively. "There is this woman, Grace, I can't begin to describe how amazing she is. I almost feel like she's a guardian angel, visiting me at the bookstore and always making me feel so good about everything. Even when I was scared of my feelings, she made me believe I would make the right decision. Then there was Shelly and our trip to Dallas. I needed to face my past and she helped me through it. Even though you weren't with me, you never left my mind. Even today, before I opened the door, I wished it would be you. When it was, it felt like my world made sense again. Everything was in full focus, for the first time in as long as I can remember. I swear I would've hopped on a plane tonight, I was so desperate to see you."

  "Remind me to buy your friends each a pony," he chuckled. "You've made me so happy." His kiss was soft at first before growing more heated. He pulled away first, smiling.

  "What?" she asked.

  "I'm thinking about our time in the storage room. Kissing seems to get you excited."

  "Alex! You know my neck is sensitive," she said, blushing.

  "It was one of my favorite discoveries," he said, nibbling her neck. She closed her eyes but opened them when he stopped what he was doing. "Is something wrong?"

  "No. It's just..."

  "What?" she asked, and he met her gaze.

  "Did you know your necklace is off?"

  "I put my rings away," she said, caressing his face tenderly. "Benny is someone I can always look back on fondly, and he gave me so many great memories I will always treasure. I will always love him, but it's time to move on. I know he would want me to. It took a while for me to accept that, but I'm finally ready."

  "Denise, I understand you will always love him. I will never not be okay with that. He was lucky to have you," Alex said kindly, kissing her lips softly. "I'll do him proud by taking care of you."

  "How about we take care of each other?"

  "Sounds like the best thing I ever heard," he said, smiling. She kissed him, passionately and more happily than she ever dreamed she would be again. When they pulled away, the look in his eyes said he felt the same way. "Do you want to fly back with me this weekend and help me pack?"

  "Already putting me to work, are you?" she teased. "But, yes, I'd love to. Oh, and did I tell you? I'm an artist now. Or again, I should say. Officially, since I sold a painting."

  "That's huge!" he said proudly. "My girlfriend, the artist. I like the sound of that."

  "Girlfriend, huh?" she asked, smiling. "I like the sound of that, too."

  "It sounds like I should take you out to dinner to celebrate. What do you think?"

  "Sure," she said, her fingertips grazing his arm as she stood up. "First, maybe you can help me with something in the other room."

  "What can I do f
or you, my love?" he asked, standing up.

  "It's this dress," she said teasingly. "I actually hate it, I might need help taking it off..."

  "Oh, yeah?" he asked, a fire blazing in his soft blue eyes.

  "Race you to the bedroom?" she asked, shooting him her flirtiest smile, but he pulled her in his arms before she could take off running.

  "Keeping me on my toes since day one," he said, kissing her affectionately. "The beautiful woman in the black dress, so much more than I ever could've dreamed of. I'm so glad you crashed into me in that restaurant."

  She laughed. "The ridiculously tall guy with sparkling eyes. How could anyone let you go?" She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled. "I'm never going to." He flashed the smile that set her heart aflutter, and she knew they would make each other happy. They both deserved it.

  Epilogue

  In the middle of the woods of the vast land that the castle Star Dania sat on, there was a waterfall. It had been Charity's favorite place as a Paragon and Grace sat on a boulder that faced it, relaxing to the sound of the water flowing over the hill and onto the rocks. She'd witnessed Denise over the last several days saying goodbye to an old life, and Grace knew it was time for her to do the same. Even though she knew in her heart Charity was exactly where she belonged, a part of her hadn't accepted it. If she wanted to peek in on Charity, even visit her, she needed to do it without wishing she would again be a Paragon. It was time to let her live her life. Charity was happier than ever before, and Grace could finally feel a true happiness for her. She had a Paragon family she avoided too long because she'd been lost in her sadness over losing Charity. Seeing Denise and all she lost over the years made her realize it was time to stop feeling sorry for herself. If Denise could move on with her life and be happy, Grace could do the same. At least she could see the person she lost, she would find solace in that.

  "I didn't know if I would ever see you here again," Victor said, appearing beside her. "This was always Charity's place."

  "Yes, it's why I'm here. I'm saying goodbye in my way. It's time for me to let go of things I've still been holding onto."

  "Such as?" he asked curiously, sitting beside her.

  "Victor, Charity was like a daughter to me, but my emotions got so messed up that I hated her. I hated everything and still I felt free. I think it's taken me a long time to forgive myself for that, even though she already has. I just went to see her."

  "You did?" he asked, surprised.

  "I only peeked, but she always senses me. She's so happy, Victor."

  "I'm glad to hear that," he said, and Grace marveled at the emotions emitting from him.

  "So am I. I'm also glad I can see her now without feeling envious of what she has. I wish I never had been."

  "It's a normal thing. Don't beat yourself up about it, Grace," he said, sounding serene. "You're the Love Paragon, yet you never felt love romantically. Have you?"

  "No," she said hesitantly, curious of the emotions she felt from him. "You're calmer than I thought you would be about Charity and her happiness."

  "That's because you're near."

  "My mood can't affect you. We both know it's the other way around."

  "That's where you're wrong."

  She almost touched her hand to his face before pulling it away. "How badly do you miss Charity?" she asked, and he smiled halfheartedly.

  "I'm a little better every day."

  "Good. Even Anger Paragons deserve a little happiness."

  "How's your human?" he asked, and she knew it was only to change the subject.

  "Happy in love, so my job there is done. Though sometimes I wonder if I'm ever needed."

  "As if you didn't do much more than you let on."

  "You know me too well," she said, smiling. "I started on them from their first meeting. I saw a spark between them when they were at a restaurant, even though he was rude to her. I sensed a mutual attraction, so I watched them closely. They had a few meetings but one night seemed extra special, after a chance meeting at their lake. He even talked to his mother about it after. When he slept that night, I shot a jolt of love through him to test my theory. The jolt wouldn't have worked for her at that time since her heartache was deeper."

  "She's ready now?" he asked, and Grace was surprised by his interest.

  "She needed to let her past go on her own. Never to forget but to not hold on so tightly to it. Last night, I watched her for a while and saw she was ready. I did my jolt of love earlier, and I may have washed some much-needed confidence over them both while they slept last night. I also might've put a bug in an ear or two, letting certain people know a worthy chef wanted to start over in a town where Denise happens to be." She chuckled. "Although half the work was done already with his mother's matchmaking. She wanted them together long before they even met."

  Victor smiled. "I still like you, even if you are a meddler," he said, teasing her.

  "My matchmaking would never work if the feelings of love weren't naturally there for each other already. My job is merely to see when the time is right for either person. Otherwise, my jolt of love would be useless."

  "I know," he said thoughtfully. "That's why I call on you so often. You see what others won't or can't. You know when it's meant to be and not a passing thing. I'm sure she thanked you, didn't she? They always do, even if they don't know you're there to hear it."

  "I suppose she did," Grace said, smiling. "She'll forget me soon enough."

  "Occasionally, in a quiet moment, Denise will wonder whatever happened to her redheaded friend that helped get her through a tough time. No one would ever be able to fully forget you, Grace."

  "You know her name?" she asked, astonished at his softness of tone, and he shrugged.

  "Yes. What I don't know is why you can relate to her."

  "Victor," she scolded. "There's no way for you to know that unless you were spying on me again."

  "It was innocent. I was looking for you and I found you at that bookstore."

  "I see," she said doubtfully. "I can tell you if you wish. I could relate to her for a couple of reasons. She was living her life in fear and holding back for quite some time because she lost someone. It wasn't so long for me and I didn't lose a life mate, but my loss of Charity still felt fresh. My fear of moving on without her was real. My fear of you held me back as well."

  "Your fear of me?" he asked, pensive. "I can't stand what I put you through. I used to hate you for your sweetness and for your heart, but these days I seek it out. I turned you from the only and perfect Love Paragon to someone like me."

  "Victor, no," she said, feeling guilty. "You are not hateful. You weren't yourself completely when you helped flip me. We were both hurting over Charity falling for someone, for distinct reasons of course. You have a good heart. Don't ever think otherwise."

  "If you say so," he said dubiously, quiet for a moment. "Grace, I remembered Denise's name for one reason only. If you care about her, then so should I."

  "Well," she said, impressed. "You must miss me if you care about a human for my benefit."

  "More than you could ever know." She wasn't prepared for the regret he held inside, or the sorrow, the feelings rushing through her. Without thinking, she wrapped him in a hug.

  "I missed you!" she cried, encircling them with every good feeling she had inside her. She hoped for once, if only for an instant, he could feel all the love she held and he could escape the anger that would forever trouble him.

  "Grace," he said, holding her with all his might, laughing happily. Victor, laughing! It had to be the most magical sound she ever heard. Her heart leapt. "I'm a mess without you."

  "I guess I've needed you all along myself, you old bear."

  "Friends again?" he asked, pulling away from her, and her heart sunk at the word. He didn't seem to notice at least. He would never know how she really felt for him. There was only ever one for him and she was a human now, lost forever to them both in some ways.

  "Friends," she said, smil
ing. She knew in her heart she needed him in her life, so long as she didn't lose control of her own emotions because of it. At the end of the day, Victor was her best friend, for better or worse.

  "Good," Victor said, kissing her cheek before standing up. He reached for her hand and she took it, and they walked arm in arm back to their castle. "I'm glad to have you back, Sunshine. You missed our morning meeting. Hattie told us about a dormen woman she helped get out of a relationship a few years ago. You know if Hattie was involved, things weren't pretty. Would you like to look into it, see if she has a perfect mate you can spot?"

  "Matchmaking again, so soon? I would love to help," Grace said, always happy to go into the rainforest realm of the dormens.

  The End....

  (for Denise and Alex)

  Dear Readers,

  Thank you for taking the time to read my book. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it! If you enjoyed the story, I would sincerely appreciate your rating and review on Amazon or Goodreads.

  Enjoy these sample chapters of Every Day, Until Forever

  Prologue

  Grace forgot that even in the summer months, the dormen world was chilly. She rubbed her bare arms as she trekked the foggy rainforest along Darin River, walking past moss-covered trees until she found a clearing in the woods. She frowned, knowing she was further down than was safe. In the morning hours, mountain lions or bears could be nearby. She was safe since she remained invisible to anything that would happen by, but she worried for Calista Andrews.

  The thought made Grace guiltier than ever. She intended on coming to see Calista months before when she first heard of her situation. Instead, she'd helped Thomas, a Sadness Paragon, in the human realm. When she thought about it, she knew Thomas didn't need her help as much as she insisted upon it. She used the time to avoid working side by side with Victor as long as she could. Even though they were long since back to good after going through an awkward spell, it didn't mean she always had to put her heart through the wringer. Being the Love Paragon, she had to make sure her emotions were even. That meant from time to time, she needed to avoid Victor as much as possible.