Southern Romantic-Suspense Boxed Set (Southern Romantic-Suspense Novel Book 0)

by Carmen DeSousa

  “Nicky …” the familiar voice said through a long exhale. “Finally! I’ve been trying to reach you for over a week. Are you okay?”

  “Yes, Jonathan. No thanks to you,” she snapped.

  “You know I didn’t push you, Nic. You fell. I tried; honestly, I tried to catch you.”

  “I was running from you, you moron. I can’t believe you attacked me … all these years — why am I even talking to you? You left me there.”

  “Baby, I didn’t leave you. I called for an ambulance. I waited until the paramedics arrived before leaving. But you’re one to talk. I was in jail, admitting I was guilty so they’d release you, and then I come home to find you out all night — again. And what was that ring on your finger? Of course, I was angry. Any man would be furious — doesn’t matter. So, what’s the deal? Where did the ring come from? You couldn’t possibly have found someone and gotten engaged that quickly. Was it your mother’s? I thought about that afterward. That your father probably willed it to you —”

  He threw one question after another at her without giving her the opportunity to answer, creating his own answers as he went along. Typical.

  “Jonathan,” she finally interrupted with the only answer that mattered. “We’re over!”

  He sputtered a half-huff, half-chuckle into the phone. “No, we’re not. I won’t accept that. Especially over the phone. Come see me, and we’ll discuss this face-to-face.”

  “Why … so you can hit me again?”

  “That’s not fair, Nicole. You know I’ve never hit you.”

  “You can’t say never anymore, Jonathan. I have the injuries to prove otherwise. And you couldn’t even accept responsibility. You had your mother give you a false alibi, you —”

  “Nicky, please,” he cut off her words, “this isn’t fair.”

  Always. This was Jonathan’s MO. He’d do wrong and make her feel guilty. “There’s nothing to discuss. We’re through, Jonathan. And yes, to answer your question, I’m engaged. I didn’t receive anything from my father that I know of.”

  “Who is he? When? Since I’ve been away — no, it was that first night you didn’t come home, wasn’t it? This has been going on since then? You’ve been seeing someone while living with me?”

  “I warned you, Jonathan. I have to go.”

  “Wait. You warned me? So this is your way of getting back at me?”

  She exhaled a long breath, wondering why she was having this conversation. “No,” she said in a calm and cool voice. “This is my way of telling you that we are over. I am in love, and I am getting married. Goodbye.”

  “Nicky, wait, don’t hang up. Give me just a few more minutes. You owe me that. Come see me, please.”

  “No. And even if I wanted to, I can’t drive. My right leg is in a cast thanks to you.” This time she didn’t wait for a response; she hung up. And when he attempted to call back, she ignored the call. Now she’d have to memorize the number.

  She turned around and wheeled herself back inside the condo. She should feel happier, but she didn’t. She just wanted to get better so she could move on with her life. Hopefully, Cameron would prove to be capable of loving her when she didn’t have a thousand issues bogging her down. Of course, when had that ever been the case? She may continue on this destructive path her entire life, and then she’d never know if he was with her because he loved her or because he wanted to take care of her.

  Her mother used to whisper to her all the great things she’d do one day. She’d filled her head with dreams of princes and fairy tale happily-ever-afters. Now, all Alexandra could see were entangled dreams, and she wasn’t sure how to work out all the knots and get her life back on track.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  The next few weeks dragged on mercilessly. Out of some unrelenting need for a family connection, Alexandra called Lilith. Perhaps her father had left her some family heirloom, something from her mother. She hadn’t spoken to Lilith since the day she’d called about her father’s death. She had missed his funeral due to her incarceration, and she was certain Lilith would have plenty to say about that, so she’d put off calling.

  Wanting to be as far away from Candy’s prying ears as possible, Alexandra hobbled out to the lanai. The woman heard everything — if she weren’t drunk and passed out, that is. At least the crutches she now used were a step up from the wheelchair that had held her captive for the last few weeks. She still couldn’t drive, but she was able to move around more anyway.

  “Hello,” her stepmother answered, as if out of breath. She always sounded as though she’d run for the phone. Even though Alexandra knew she was probably just sitting on the couch watching some stupid reality show. She remembered how Lilith always loved to watch the courtroom dramas, where some moron was fighting over a neighbor killing their pet snake while it was trying to eat the neighbor’s cat or something stupid like that. Obviously, they just wanted to get on TV. And the more ridiculous the claim, the better chance the producers would choose them.

  “Hi, Lilith. It’s Nicky.” As many years as she’d called her Nicky, her stepmother probably wouldn’t even remember her name was Alexandra.

  “Alexandra Nicole Dellas,” Lilith drew out her full name in her high-pitched witchy voice that went along with her black hair and pale skin. Okay, so maybe she did remember. “Where have you been, young lady? I’ve tried to reach you so many times that I finally just gave up. I know you hated your father and me, but to miss his —”

  “Lilith,” Alexandra interrupted. “I’m sorry.” Her stepmother didn’t say a word, seemingly shocked that Alexandra would apologize. “I was arrested.”

  Lilith let out a whoosh of breath. “Oh, Nicky. We told you Jonathan was no good. What happened? I’m sure it was because of him, wasn’t it?”

  Alexandra told her about the entire messed up situation, and surprisingly, other than some sighs, she listened in silence. “But the good news is,” she said after she’d given her the play-by-play of her arrest, “I left him … for good … and,” she paused. For some reason, she still cared what this woman thought of her. “I’m engaged … to a really nice guy.”

  “Really? How did you go from arrested to engaged in two months?” Lilith actually chuckled through her words.

  “Well, the night you told me about Dad was the final straw with Jonathan. I tried to work but then couldn’t make it through the night. I called and called, and he never picked up the phone, so there I was … stranded again.” Alexandra took a breath, wondering if she should reveal the rest of the story. “Anyway, there was this really nice guy … and you know I never dated anyone from where I worked. But he was so cute and so sweet. He offered me a ride, and I took it. And, Lilith.” Alexandra didn’t really care she decided. What she’d done was wrong, but for some reason, it was the best mistake she’d ever made. “I slept with him —”

  “Nicky, I can’t believe you —”

  “I know,” she cut off her words. “But he loves me, Lilith. Cameron really loves me. He wanted to be with me even before I told him I was pregnant.”

  “You’re pregnant?”

  Oops … she’d forgotten to mention that little tidbit of information. “Umm … yeah.”

  “Well … at least he wants to marry you.” She laughed again. “Nicky, I hope he’s better to you than Jon —”

  “Oh, he is, Lilith. He’s loving and kind and good looking, and …” Alexandra didn’t care, but she knew Lilith would. “He’s well off. He works as a car salesman, but he’s also a day-trader. He even owns a condo on the beach outright. But more importantly, he loves me, only me. All my problems and all.”

  “He sounds wonderful, Nicky. Your father would be proud.”

  Alexandra couldn’t help but smile to herself. It was easier for her to convince Lilith that Cameron loved her than it was for her to convince herself. Why had she been putting off marrying Cameron? She should be scrambling to take him off the market. “Thanks, Lilith. That makes me feel better. I wish Dad could have met hi
m. I wish we could have been closer as a family.”

  “Your father knew you loved him, Nicky. In fact, I was going to try to call you again. As his wife, I am the sole beneficiary of his life insurance, retirement fund, and IRAs. But, all of his possessions, savings, and his truck are yours. The truck has a free and clear title, too. He also has a box of your mother’s things in the top of our closet. He was waiting until you were mature enough to give the box to you.”

  Tears welled up in Alexandra’s eyes. Something of her mother’s meant more to her than even a paid off truck. She’d never received anything of her mother’s. The only item she had from her childhood was a jewelry box her mother had given her on her eighth birthday, right before she’d died. Every once in a while, she’d open it up. It played the tune Somewhere My Love. Her mother had said the song was from her favorite movie.

  “Thank you, Lilith. I’ll try to get there as soon as possible.” She explained to her stepmother about her fall and the fact that her leg was in a cast. She didn’t mention Jonathan’s attack; no sense proving how right they’d been. “I’ll have Cameron bring me as soon as he’s free.”

  They said their goodbyes, and Nicky hung up, releasing a long breath of relief. The conversation had been much easier than she’d anticipated.

  Lilith had never admitted that she was wrong or that she’d abused her emotionally, but just the fact that she was proud of her deeply affected Alexandra.

  If only she and Lilith could have gotten along years earlier. If only she hadn’t been jealous because Alexandra looked so much like her mother. She knew that was it.

  Deep down, Alexandra knew the reason her father stayed away and the reason her stepmother hated her was because she was the spitting image of her mother. Her father couldn’t stand the pain, and her stepmother knew her father would never love Lilith as he did his truelove.

  Not wanting Candy to hear, Alexandra cried softly into her pillow for the family she’d never had. Maybe it’d be different with Cameron. Maybe they could have what her father and mother had before that horrible drunk driver stole her family — her life. Once the baby was born, and she knew it was Cameron’s, maybe she could relax and enjoy being a wife and mother.

  One of the reasons she knew she loved Cameron was that when he was at work, she missed him terribly. She could have cared less when Jonathan was gone. She used to worry about him. But after a while, she had almost hoped he wouldn’t come home. Not that she’d wanted him dead, she didn’t. She just wanted him to leave her alone for good. But every time she tried to leave, he begged her and pleaded with her to accept him back.

  She knew the only reason she had any concern about her and Cameron’s relationship was because she couldn’t move around. So she sat around bored all day, wondering if he’d only allowed her to move in because he’d felt sorry for her.

  When he was home, however, it was an entirely different story. She didn’t have time to sit and ponder about anything. Cameron filled their days together with mini-adventures, and their evenings were shared talking and cuddling.

  She always managed to circumvent talks of the future, vaguely suggesting they would discuss their plans as soon as her cast came off. And he would go right along with her, allowing her to ramble on about something stupid, instead of discussing important issues.

  But after talking with Lilith, she felt as though she were ready to delve deeper into the future. She was almost ready to accept Cameron’s suggestion of eloping immediately. If only she could be certain. If only she knew without a doubt that he would truly love her forever, even when he didn’t need to take care of her.

  Hobbling into the kitchen, deciding to prepare dinner, Alexandra smiled at the thought of becoming Cameron’s wife. She could see herself in that role, preparing dinner nightly, sending him off to work, and taking the children to school.

  By the time Cameron returned home, Alexandra’s tears were dry and dinner was ready to serve. Thankfully, his mother had left early. Candy was okay; she hardly even saw her. But just her living in the same house, made Alexandra feel as though she could never really make it her home.

  “Hey, babe,” Cameron announced his presence, strolling up behind her and wrapping his arms around her waist. “That smells fantastic, but you really didn’t have to go through all the trouble of preparing dinner. You’re on crutches, for heaven’s sake.”

  She shrugged. “I wanted to. Do you like fettuccine Alfredo? It’s a recipe I learned from a restaurant I used to work at in Rockledge.”

  He moved around to the front of her and kissed her neck. “I love it! I love you!”

  She kissed the top of his head. “Go get cleaned up, and I’ll have everything waiting.”

  Cameron pulled back and walked to the cabinets. “Let me help. What would you like me to do?”

  As nicely as she could, she repeated, “Cameron, I want you to get cleaned up and allow me to serve you for once.”

  He narrowed his eyes a tad but revealed nothing of his thoughts. Then he turned and left the kitchen without a word. He evidently understood what she’d insinuated, and thankfully, he’d accepted her request. She couldn’t mention eloping now; she had to wait. She had to be absolutely positive. He wanted to do everything for her. God, how she wanted to believe that it was just because she was on crutches … that once she was better, they could fill their individual roles in their relationship. She knew how important it was not to rely on anyone for everything. When you depended on people, they could let you down.

  She loved Cameron, she truly did. But she had to be her own person, or he would smother her, and she would end up resenting him.

  Alexandra managed to have everything on the stove and ready when Cameron returned. He just needed to carry their dishes to the table. He looked to her for direction before he attempted to touch anything. She couldn’t help but laugh inside. He looked as if she’d slapped his hand.

  “Is it okay to serve myself,” he asked politely.

  “Yes,” she answered. “And while you’re at it, would you dish out some for me too? I haven’t quite figured out how to carry a plate or glass while on crutches. When you’re not home, I eat all my meals at the counter.”

  “You sure you don’t mind?” His voice had a tone. She always knew he could be bratty when he wanted, another spoiled rich kid. Though, he didn’t have the arrogance as Jonathan. He just got snippy when he didn’t get his way. Men could be such babies, she realized.

  “I’m sorry,” she said on a sigh, not sure why she was apologizing. “I think I’m getting cabin fever, and as I told you … I’m not used to people taking care of me, Cameron. I just wanted to do something for you completely on my own.”

  He set both plates on the table and then walked over to where she balanced on her crutches. He cupped her cheek. “Alexandra, you’re hurt. I’m just trying to help. I swear I won’t smother you.”

  God, she wanted his words to be true. “Thank you. Let’s eat, okay?”

  They ate quietly for a few minutes before he spoke again. “This is excellent, by the way; I didn’t know you were such an awesome cook.”

  She smiled. “I guess I have a few qualities.”

  “Darling, I think you have many wonderful qualities.” He reached across the table and brushed her hand. “Alexandra, I don’t want you to have cabin fever. It’s not me, is it? Am I too boring?”

  “Not at all, Cameron. I’m great when you’re here. I love just hanging out in the evenings. And we have done many things together. Every weekend you’re dragging me off somewhere. I’ve seen more of Florida with you in a few weeks than I’ve seen my entire life. It’s when you’re not here that I go stir-crazy.”

  He smiled, seemingly relieved. “Thank goodness. I was hoping you weren’t bored with me already. The cast will come off in a few weeks, and then we’ll get you out of the house more often.”

  “And I can go back to work …” She sighed.

  He drummed his fingers on the table a few times, and then he looke
d out into the courtyard, as though there was something outside he hadn’t seen. “You know … I was thinking about that. What do you think about not returning to work? After all, if you start a new job now, you’ll just have to quit when you get too far along and then afterward to heal.”

  “I’d go insane!” she said, an octave too high.

  He blanched at her emphatic statement but continued as if unfazed by her shrill voice. “I thought you might want to return to college.”

  Alexandra inhaled a deep breath, then stared at him across the small table. “Cameron, I can’t let you pay for everything. I have to —”

  “Just hear me out, please,” he interrupted. “I pay the mortgage anyway. It’s not as though you eat a great deal … so what am I paying extra? You own your vehicle outright. So far as I can see, I’m out car insurance, gas money, and a cell-phone bill. Heck, as well as you cook, I’d be spending more money if I hired someone to cook for me. That sounds like a fair exchange.”

  “You want to pay me to be your cook?” she asked incredulously.

  “Alex, you know that’s not what I meant. My point is — you know what? Never mind. You’re obviously not in a pleasant mood. This is wonderful; let’s just finish eating.”

  Cameron was right. Her comment had been ridiculous. She knew he hadn’t meant that. What in the world was wrong with her? “I’m sorry. I’m acting like an idiot. I’m just —”

  “I understand, Alexandra,” he interrupted her again. “I’m sorry too. I guess I would be going bonkers if I had to be here all day. It’s just that … sometimes … I wonder if you really want to marry me. It seems as though you’re afraid to let go. That if you lean on me, I’m going to let you fall.” He lowered his head, and those cat-like eyes gazed into her soul. “I won’t, you know. I’ll never hurt you or abandon you. You can count on me.”

  She shook her head. “You are too good to be true.”