Forgotten Truth (The Forgotten Series Book 1)

by Wine, Virginia

  “Nathan, I lost my mom too. She died of cancer seven years ago. I took care of her for the last few weeks of her life, so I understand the loss you’re feeling.” I could easily shed tears at this moment, even after all this time.

  “My mom committed suicide, so I really don’t think it’s the same thing.” He reveals, and I see unresolved pain in his eyes.

  I pull my hand away slowly, feeling he needs his space. The bitterness is so raw, so intense. I can feel his battle scars and see the hurt on his face.

  He shakes his head and runs both hands through his hair. “Bryer, I didn’t mean to sound so cold.

  I place my hand on his once again, forcing him to face me. He covers my hand with his. After several minutes, he looks up. “Bryer ... your mom ... It says a lot about what kind of person you are.” He rubs his thumb over my hand and I feel like he’s opening up a more sensitive side that most don’t see.

  “Thank you.”

  “What happened?”

  There was a time when I wouldn’t be able to share this story, but time has healed some of the pain. “The family knew she was sick. She had test after test. Finally we got the call we had been dreading. It was cancer, and she only had three weeks to live.”

  “I’m sorry.” He still holds my hand “So I took everything she had and moved her in with me. She died three weeks to the day,” I say softly.

  “Tragic.” I can tell Nathan doesn’t know what else to say, no one ever does.

  “The only regret I have is I wanted more time with her.”

  “Let’s take a walk.” I know the city well, the Ice Cream Parlor is tucked away in the historical part of town. “Walking past these old stores is like going back to my childhood.” I say, feeling we just got beyond what had happened.

  He smiles and looks my way. Nathan doesn’t try to hold my hand, but whenever someone approaches he guides me with his hand placed firmly on my back. I find that so sexy and kind of old school. I like it.

  Silence hovers as we walk, but the emotional connection makes me feel closer to him.

  “I live for moments you can’t put into words, yet you still try,” I say.

  Although I’ve done most of the talking. We’ve touched on some very private things and very real feelings about our past today. We walk while our shoulders gently brush together. He runs his thumb over my hand and our fingers interlock.

  This sweet, innocent behavior is doing more than just sweet things to my insides. I could feel the heat off this man. He smells like musk and the woods—clean and fresh. It’s intoxicating. He keeps glancing down at me and I wonder if he’s feeling the same way.

  We come to a gap between the old brick buildings and Nathan pulls me down the alley. He gently pushes me against the wall, then he places one hand against the bricks and the other on my cheek. Our bodies barely touch.

  “You are a good person, Bryer. Maybe too good,” he whispers, shaking his head back and forth.

  “No,” I say.

  “Bryer.” He looks into my eyes and it seems like he wants to say more.

  For a fleeting moment, I see internal conflict in his gaze, but, soon, desire blazes in those blue eyes.

  He slowly moves closer, focusing on my mouth, hovering over my waiting lips. I feel his breath, smell his sexy scent. I’m desperate for anything this man is willing to give.

  He takes his tongue and slowly runs it around my entire mouth, torturing me. I moan loudly.

  “I’m not that good, Nathan.”

  He knows exactly what he’s doing, and a million thoughts cross my mind. I want that tongue in my mouth, and countless other places. This single act has my skin on fire, so I lean in to make contact.

  I lightly touch my lips to his. Nathan’s tongue finds mine, his kiss becomes more intense and I follow easily.

  His body presses harder into mine I can feel his erection brush against me

  “Do you feel me?” he whispers in my ear.

  My heart beats faster. My breath quickens “Yes, all of you.”

  Just then, he breaks the kiss and puts his forehead to mine “Bryer, I knew it would be this good, but I have to stop before we get in trouble.”

  I nod. “Uh-huh” My breathing is still rapid. I’m not sure if he’s referring to being in a public place, or taking this too far with me. I decide to let that go. For now.

  He drives me home, even though the night is still young. We don’t speak, but he rests his hand on my knee—a quiet communication between us.

  We arrive back at my place. “ I haven’t done anything like this in years.” he says.

  I quickly glance up. “Really? I do things like this all the time. Simple fun. It’s who I am, but I do enjoy a sexy club night once in a while.” I feel a tinge of playfulness.

  “You don’t say?” he teases. “Well, then maybe I should hang with you more often.”

  “That depends.”

  Nathan walks me to my door and I slip the key in the lock, but before I can unlock it and step in, he stops me. He turns me to face him. “Depends on what?”

  I smile. “Everything.” He groans.

  “I have a five am client tomorrow. I know if I walk through that door, I might not make it out on time.” He brings both his hands up to cradle my face. Once again he slowly leans in, allowing me to meet him half way. That teasing pre-kiss is almost as hot as the kiss itself. My God this man knows his way around a woman’s body. The kiss is slow and sweet.

  “Sex god,” I mumble. “Did I say that out loud?”

  “Oh yes, and there’ll be no taking it back.”

  Our lips meet again and I feel my panties dampen. I can’t help but wonder what I would do if he asked to come in.

  He breaks away. “Next time, Bryer.” He turns as I let myself in.

  Next time?

  That man is going to end up in my bed, but will that be enough?

  I call Gen as soon as I get inside and she answers on the first ring. “So, spill it girlfriend. Was he everything you dreamed of?” She giggles.

  “And more.”

  “Oh, I definitely need details. Let me get a glass of wine.” Gen takes only a second to return. “You can talk while I pour.” I hear her fumbling with a bottle or a box. You never know with Gen.

  “It was interesting, to say the least. He opened up, and even pulled me in for smokin’ hot kiss.

  “Go on,” she says when I pause.

  “I could be just another notch, but I think I want more than that. But I don’t have a clue if he does more.” I sigh.

  “Bryer, if you keep this up, you’ll never get what you want. Ask for it. Take it if you have to. You’re a beautiful woman. He’d be a fool not to want more than a one night stand with you.” My best friend always knows what to say to build me up.

  “So, I have a plan, and it includes you.”

  “Count me in” Gen says, and I can almost hear her smile.

  Chapter Five

  ~Nathan~

  “YOU HOME?” I say when Clayton answers his phone.

  “Yeah, I’m home. Watching a game. What’s up?” Clayton says.

  “Are you alone?”

  “Unfortunately, yes.”

  “Okay, I’m coming by.” I’m only ten minutes away, and I feel like I need to talk about today. Clayton may not be the best choice, but he’s all I’ve got.

  “Want a beer?” Clayton offers after he opens the door.

  “No. Water,” I say as I walk inside.

  “So, what brings you to my humble abode? Didn’t you have a date today?”

  Clayton exchanges the beer for a cold bottle of water. I take it and drink half. “I feel like such a pussy talking to you about this, but my date with Bryer was…” I search for the right word. “Different.”

  “Different how?” Clayton furrows his brow.

  “I like her, we talked, and it was different. She’s such a good person.”

  “You mean you want more than your typical pelvic affiliate week long fling?” Clayt
on thinks he’s clever.

  “Okay, golden boy. Don’t make me regret coming over. But, yes, I might.” I know I do. “Maybe I will take that beer.”

  “I’ll get it. So does Bryer know any of this?” he yells from the kitchen.

  “No, it was our first date for Christ’s sake. I’m not on bended knee.”

  “Don’t get your balls in an uproar, buddy. Just asking.” Clayton snorts at me. “Ask her out again. You know, date her, but don’t fuck her.”

  “That’s definitely not my usual style, is it?” I laugh along with Clayton.

  “Serves you right, Nate. Falling for the perfect woman, with your past.”

  “What is that supposed to mean, jackoff?” Those are fighting words.

  “She’s innocent. Not your usual one night womb-mate is all I meant. Admit it, life would be boring without me.” Clayton continues to poke the bear, but I ignore him.

  “She’s even more beautiful away from the gym,” I say, wondering where that came from.

  “Oh she’s hot. No doubt about that, and her body is smoking.” Clayton smirks.

  “Shut the fuck up.” I cut him off before he can ramble on.

  “Oh hell, Nate, you’re fucked. You must really like her if I can’t even comment on her assets.” He laughs then chugs the last of his beer. “When has that ever happened?”

  “Never. I think you’re right. But how do I date her and not take her to bed? That’s impossible.”

  “If you want her long-term, you have to date her. You know, more traditionally.” Clayton suddenly becomes the relationship guru. But I admit, it’s sound advice.

  Early call tomorrow, gotta’ run. Thanks man. Take it easy.” I get up to leave.

  ***

  MORNING APPROACHES quickly, bringing with it my five am appointment, but I have a break at six am. Clayton approaches me during my break and hands me a piece of paper.

  “This came in. I didn’t know if it was important. I left you a voice mail. Did you get it?”

  “No. I must have missed it.”

  “Mackenzie called. Said he wanted to speak to you about some business venture.”

  “My uncle? Mackenzie James?” I’m shocked. “I haven’t heard from him...” I try to recall the last time. “Since my mother’s funeral.”

  Clayton’s eyes meet mine with understanding. It’s rare for me to discuss my mother in any capacity.

  “Are you going to call him?” he asks. “I may be crossing treacherous waters here.”

  Many thoughts run through my mind as Clayton casts me a worried glance.

  “I’ll think about it.”

  I head over to make myself a protein shake while I wait for my seven am client. As I drink it down, I think about the last time I saw my uncle.

  It’s still a blur. It felt like a dream, or a nightmare. So many memories rush at me at once. The pungent smell of flowers as I stood at the threshold of the room. The open casket in plain view. The confusion, because there was my mom, but she was no longer with me. As I slowly made my way up to her, my father stood behind me. His hand on my shoulder gently squeezing. Tears ran down my face. Tears only my Mom would see. I didn’t know how life would go on without her. Darkness waited and the future was unknown.

  I have clear memories of my uncle. When we were alone, he would share life quotes with me, allowing me to peek into his world and how he thought. He was so different from his brother, my father. Some still come to mind today: ‘No one else can ever make your choices for you. Your choices are yours alone. They are as much a part of you as every breath you will take, every moment of your life.’

  To a twelve year old boy, those were just words, but now I fully understand the meaning. And why he would share that with me.

  I recall the strong smell of coffee as I walked into the funeral lounge that day. My father and uncle were discussing something, and I could tell it was an angry exchange. Once they saw me, it abruptly stopped and Uncle Mac left. My father came to me and rested his hand on my shoulder once again. That’s all he had to offer.

  That was the last time I saw Uncle Mac, so why’s he calling now? I wonder if my father knows. I know he didn’t mention it the last time we spoke. I need to pull myself together and find out what this is about. I feel an obligation to Mac, even if I haven’t seen him in years.

  Curiosity gets the better of me once I get home and re-read the note.

  “Just do it,” I tell myself.

  After grabbing my phone, I dial and hold my breath.

  “This is Mackenzie,” he answers.

  “Uncle Mac, it’s Nathaniel. It’s been a while.”

  There’s a pause, then, “Nathan, my boy. I wasn’t sure I’d hear from you. Thank you for calling.” He sounds emotional.

  “Of course. You’re family. What can I do for you?”

  “I’d like to meet with you. I have some important things to go over, and I want to see you face to face.” He gives nothing away.

  “Okay.” His response worries me, and I run many scenarios through my mind. I sense he’s filled with secrets, and I need to find out what they are. “When were you thinking?”

  “The sooner the better.”

  “I can meet you at lunch time tomorrow?”

  “That’s great! I know you work at East Side Gym. There’s a coffee house around the corner. Meet there at noon?”

  Interesting. He knows where I work and the area. “Okay. I’ll see you then.” My curiosity just turned up several notches.

  ***

  THE NEXT DAY, I arrive early for our meeting, and I feel severely unhinged. I order a black coffee and take a seat in the back booth watching the flow of people move swiftly in and out.

  Coffee is a poor choice to calm my nerves. I get out my phone and check for any new messages, finding none. Ten minutes slowly tick by as I tap my fingers on the table.

  Then I see him. Before he notices me, I take a moment to evaluate my uncle. He’s aged, of course, but he looks thinner, too. His hair is grayer and the lines on his face are deep. He looks like my father, but also like me. When I raise my hand, he notices and walks toward me wearing a huge smile. Once he’s close enough, he opens his arms.

  “Nathan, my boy. How the hell are you? You look remarkable.”

  We go in for a man hug and I pat his back. “You look the same, Uncle Mac. I’d have recognized you anywhere. Have a seat. Oh, do you want a coffee?” I stumble over my words.

  “No, but a water would be great.”

  “I’ll get it. Sit tight.” As I wait in line to pay for the bottle of water, I have an uneasy feeling, combined with an overwhelming desire to know this man.

  “Here you go. I’ve been thinking how long it’s been since we saw each other.”

  “I know exactly how long it’s been.” Mac looks me in the eyes. “You’ve grown into yourself, Nathan. The fact you chose your career based on what you love shows your true character and the kind of man you’ve become.” he says with pride.

  I let the words sink in. They feel emotional, I feel emotional.

  “I’m sure you are wondering why now?” He seems to read my thoughts. “And, most importantly, why not before?” I nod but say nothing, letting him continue. “Many reasons, Nathan. I had to come and see you before...” He looks down, then speaks after a deep breath. “My Company, M&M Global Research, our primary focus is in the medical field. Product Research, Consulting, and most importantly several charities, I’ve owned it for many years, but I’ve been slowly delegating the day-to-day responsibilities to a handful of trusted employees. I basically just sign on the dotted line when needed.” He looks up at me and sighs.

  “Nathan, I’ve never married. Since you’re my only family, I want you to inherit my company.” He looks into my eyes, waiting for my response.

  “Uncle Mac, that’s extremely generous, but I don’t know the first thing about running a medical company, and why now? You have a lifetime to figure out these details.”

  “That’s wher
e you’re wrong.” He takes a minute, swallows hard, then takes a deep breath. “The only way to do this, my boy, is to come right out with it. I was recently diagnosed with cancer. I’m going through treatment, but I know this is a swift illness with no cure, so I wanted to see you, but also put things in order while I’m still capable.”

  I’m stunned into silence. He’s sick, dying, and he wants to give me his company. Fuck. “Uncle Mac, I don’t know what to say. I can’t imagine what you must be going through. It’s a tragedy.” I’m just going through the motions, attempting to process all of this. “I’m so sorry. What’s the prognosis, if I may ask?” Though we barely know each other, I feel a sense of loss.

  “It’s not good. Three months, maybe more.”

  “How can I help? What can I do?”

  “This isn’t something that can be fixed. It’s about managing the details, before my body won’t allow me to do it any longer.” He gives me no time to process this news before he continues. “So, can I count on you? I want this in the family, and with your business degree, you’ll get by fine making decisions.”

  “What about my father?” It makes perfect sense that it should be him.

  “Your father and I don’t speak after your mother, Meredith’s death. We went our separate ways, I need someone I can trust Nathan.”

  “Why? Why don’t you trust my Father?”

  Mac doesn’t give me a reason, but just lets the words hang in the air. What does he know?

  “You are the only one who can run my company after I’m gone.”

  His emotions are rising and I quickly want to tame them. “Of course, Uncle Mac. Whatever you need. I’ll be there for you.”

  He drops his head and sighs heavily. “Here’s my card. I’ll be contacting you with additional details. And I’m so incredibly proud of you.”

  Fear rises up and I’m instantly in panic mode. “What if I fail?”

  “And what if you fly?” He rises, pats my shoulder, and walks away, leaving me speechless and with too many unanswered questions, and real no answers.

  All I want is to turn the volume down on the world.