“Yes.” His smile was genuine. “Val’s fantastic and everything Jess wasn’t.”
“But you loved Jessica.” That was the part of relationships that confused me. Love didn’t come with a switch, so how did one turn it off? It was hard enough for me to turn it on.
“I thought I did.” Mark rubbed his temples. “No, I did love her. I thought she was it for me, but she was so quick to dismiss what we had. That’s not love.” He shrugged in defeat.
My head bobbed as I tried to figure out what my heart was telling me.
“Jules, did something happen with Brett?” His voice softened.
“No, not really. I don’t know.” I dropped my head in my hands. “I’m not sure how to deal with the reality of having someone consume my thoughts.” Not to mention my heart.
“You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
My head snapped up. “Why would you say that?”
“I don’t know what happened between you two, and I will kick his ass if he hurt you, but I’ve never seen you like this. The Julie l know and love doesn’t get hung up on a guy, so my only conclusion is during the past few months, you fell for him and you fell hard. Now you don’t know what to do about it.”
“Maybe. Yes.” I grabbed some files and handed them to Mark. “Let’s get to work and put a dent in this.”
He stood and took the files. “Jules, I’m here if you need me. I wasn’t kidding when I said I’d kick his ass. If he hurts you, it’ll be my pleasure to wipe the floor with him.”
I smiled. “Thank you, but that won’t be necessary.”
Mark walked out, and I tried to dive into my work. Instead, I nibbled on the tip of my pen as I recalled my past. I’d lost my parents when I was a teenager and lived with my grandmother until she’d passed away my junior year in college. Then it was just me, and I’d been fine with that. I didn’t need to rely on anyone or fear losing someone if they weren’t close to me. My motto was, “You can’t miss what you never had.” So I kept people, especially men, at bay, and it had worked for me until last night. The possibility of Brett being with someone else gnawed at me.
I grabbed a storyboard and placed it on an easel. I moved pictures around until they looked like an incredible ad. Storyboarding may have been the old-school way, but I liked it. There was something real about touching the images. Nothing was computer-generated. My work was honest, tangible, and pure.
As I perused the ad I’d created, I realized storyboarding was like my relationship with Brett. The pieces may have been scattered, but once in place, they came together and worked.
Work wasn’t the same after my talk with Julie. She hadn’t come by in the past couple of days, and I missed her. The sound of her voice over the phone wasn’t the same as having her in my arms or tasting her. Julie wasn’t the jealous, possessive type. I needed to figure things out with her, so when I left work early, I made my way to her place.
My shaky finger pressed the button to her apartment. Once I was buzzed in and made it to her door, I was sure my blood pressure was at an all-time high. When I saw her standing in her doorway, the urge to pull her into my arms was fierce.
I stopped myself and just said, “Hi.”
“Come in.” Julie looked beautiful, as usual. Her gorgeous blond hair had been pulled into a ponytail, and even in jeans and a T-shirt, she was the most stunning woman I’d ever seen. She looked over her shoulder as she crossed to the kitchen. “Beer?”
“Yeah, sure. But then I want to talk.” I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
She handed me my beer and sat on the couch, and I did follow suit. It didn’t escape me that she hadn’t hugged or kissed me hello, not that I had pulled her into my arms either. I let her guide me. The tension in the air grated on me.
She grabbed a glass of wine she’d left on the coffee table. “How was traffic?”
“I don’t want to discuss traffic. I want to talk about us.”
“Brett, look, I know you said we were exclusive, but if you said that because you thought it was what I wanted to hear, then don’t worry about it. Honestly, it’s forgotten if you want it to be.”
My brows furrowed. I was shocked to hear her speak those words. “What the hell are you talking about? Julie…” I stood and paced in front of the sofa.
“Look, I didn’t want this. I don’t want to worry about losing what I have.”
“What? You didn’t want what? Me? Us? Give me a bit more to go on here.” My jaw ticked, and I felt my shirt tighten with each rise of my chest.
“I want you more than anything I’ve ever wanted in my life. I’m not used to that feeling.” She shrugged.
I sat back down, took her hand, and squeezed it.
I was about to say something when she continued. “Then I started thinking I don’t know much about you. I know you have a brother, but that’s it.”
I nodded. “I guess we never talked about our families when we played our question-and-answer game.”
She tentatively smiled, which gave me an uneasy feeling. “No, we didn’t.”
“Then I’ll go first. My parents are wonderful people. You know I have one brother, Bentley, and he’s a theater critic, so I don’t see him too often even though he doesn’t live too far away. I have several cousins, and we’re a pretty close family. My parents have a home in the Hamptons and stay there year-round, so I don’t see them as much as I’d like. That’s why I haven’t brought you to their home so I could introduce you to them, but I assure you, they know all about you.”
“They do?” Her nose crinkled, and a tiny crease formed between her eyebrows as they drew inward.
“Do you honestly think I wouldn’t tell the people I love about you?” Her eyes became watery as she looked into mine. “Did you tell your parents about me?”
She shook her head, and my heart fell. “My parents passed away. It’s just me.”
She shrugged, and my feelings for her multiplied. One of the strongest women I knew was alone. Maybe that was why she had that strength. Another reason why she never relied on others—she’d only had herself until me.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay. It was a long time ago. But I know they would have loved you.” She sniffled.
I placed my hand on her cheek and wiped a stray tear with my thumb. “I’m sure I would have loved them too, just like I do their daughter.”
Her lids opened, and her lashes glistened with moisture. “What?”
“I’m falling in love with you, Julie. We may not have known each other for a long time, but who’s to say there’s a right or wrong amount of time to fall for someone? What I felt for you started as a deep physical attraction, maybe even lust, but I think you’re perfect for me.”
She didn’t say anything for a bit, as though she was processing everything I’d said. “I think I’m falling for you too, Brett. I’m sorry for acting like a jealous girlfriend. It wasn’t what was happening in the bar as much as how it made me feel. I don’t let people into my heart for fear I’ll lose them. Aubrey is the exception. But I’ve never been as close to a man as I am to you. I’m happy being your girlfriend, and if you could forgive my temporary bout of insanity, I’d appreciate it.” Her hand rested on my leg. She leaned in closer and placed her head on my chest.
I held her tight. I couldn’t believe she’d told me she was falling in love with me. Shit, I couldn’t believe I’d said it to her. It had been years since I said those words to a woman. Oddly, I’d thought I’d meant them then, but compared to now, I didn’t know that I had.
“You’re forgiven on one condition.”
She leaned back and smiled. “What’s that?”
“Friday night, it’s me and you. I have plans for us.”
“Okay, I’d like that.”
“Great, then you’re forgiven.”
We laughed and held each other. She told me more about her parents, and I told her about mine. I also found out how busy her office had been. I couldn’t wai
t to spend Friday with her. She didn’t know it, but I’d called her boss and asked him to give her the day off. Hopefully, she wouldn’t get mad at me or think I was going all caveman on her, but I needed her for more than a few hours. More than anything, I wanted her all to myself.
Friday morning, I picked Julie up for work using the excuse that I would be in the area since I was going to the gym. I dropped her off at the office and kissed her good-bye.
Before she left, she mentioned how excited she was for our date. Her smile broadened as she opened the car door. “See you later.” Julie winked.
She didn’t know I was only going to drive around the corner and park to wait for our day together to begin. I’d traded nights with the new bartender, Mike so I could relax with her all day. I stood on the corner and waited a bit before going inside.
Mark greeted me at the door and shook my hand. “I don’t know what you have up your sleeve, but I’m glad she’s happy. I was ready to come kick your ass.”
“I’m glad she has you for a friend,” I said, trying not to laugh at the idea of him kicking my ass. Mark was a fit guy, but when it came to Julie, I’d fight for her no matter what.
Brian caught me in the hall on the way to Julie’s office, and I thanked him for giving her a day off. He said he was more than pleased to do it because she’d been working too hard and needed a break.
Julie was tapping away on her laptop when I knocked on her open office door. Her face lit up. “Hi, what are you doing here? Did I forget something in your car?”
“Nope, grab your things. We’re leaving.” I smiled and held out my hand.
“Brett, don’t be ridiculous. I have a ton of work to do, and I have meetings today.”
“No, you don’t.” Mark walked into her office and placed his hands on her shoulders. “You have the day off. I’m covering your meetings.” Julie opened her mouth to say something, but Mark stopped her. “It’s a done deal.” He cocked his head toward me. “Your boyfriend here planned it all. Now leave and go enjoy yourself.”
Mark looked at Julie, then he looked at me as if he was giving me a silent warning of some sort. I took it as a good friend concerned for another.
“Really?” She closed her laptop and didn’t hesitate to pack her things.
I took her bag and grabbed her hand, lacing her fingers with mine.
“Thanks, Mark.”
We walked out, and she was practically bouncing. “Are you a bit excited there, Skippy?”
She giggled. “Skippy?”
“Yeah, you bounce like a kangaroo. They’re sometimes referred to as Skippy.”
“Oh, haha, I guess I do.” She shrugged. “So what are we doing today?”
“It’s a surprise.” We stopped in front of my SUV, and I opened the door for her.
Before she got in, she kissed me. “Thank you for today. It means a lot to me.”
“You don’t even know what we’re doing yet.”
“It doesn’t matter what it is. You took the time to plan whatever it is, and we could do absolutely nothing, and I’d be happy because I’m with you.” She slid into my car and fastened her seatbelt.
I stood there dumbfounded as I stared at her.
“Well, are we going or what?” She winked, and we were on our way.
Brett navigated the traffic with ease, and before I knew it, we were in the Hamptons. I stared, in awe of the homes and the beautiful landscape. We didn’t have all of this foliage in the city.
I rolled down my window and inhaled the smell of freshly cut lawns, flowers, and the salty essence of the ocean. “Wow, it’s so serene. I could get used to a place like this even though I’d miss the sound of car horns and the hustle and bustle.” My hair blew in the breeze, and I relaxed. “It’s beautiful here.”
“I think you’re the beautiful one.” Brett picked up my hand and kissed it. He didn’t let go but rested it on his thigh and held on tight. He turned down a long driveway and stopped in front of a gorgeous home.
“Who lives here?”
“My parents.”
My throat may have closed at his reply. He gave my hand a quick squeeze before he released it and turned off the car. He hopped out, and my heart hammered. I rubbed my thumbs on my palms, which were now coated in a thin sheen of sweat. I wiped them on my pants to get rid of any evidence of my nerves.
Brett opened my door. “I can’t wait for you to meet my mom.”
I shyly smiled, trying not to let my uneasiness show.
“I’m her favorite.” He chuckled and closed the door.
“Does your brother know that?” I giggled as he pulled me close in a reassuring hug.
“Yes, but he’s in denial.” He kissed the top of my head and held my hand. “Let’s go.”
He opened the front door, and I was once again in awe. The foyer was grand, and I loved the décor. I could tell it was a home full of love and not a showcase. The pictures on the walls weren’t painted by famous artists; they were family portraits and some candid shots of Brett’s family having fun. I couldn’t help but smile as I looked at a photo of two young boys and an extremely handsome man on a boat. The man held up a fishing line with a good-sized fish on it. I wasn’t sure who had caught it. Both boys looked as though they had, and the man beamed with pride.
“Is that your dad?”
He chuckled. “Yes, that was a great day. Bentley and I were competing, as usual, to see who would have the biggest catch of the day, and it ended up being my father.” We walked toward the back of the house. “My mom’s probably in the garden. She may be a tad miffed.”
I stopped dead in my tracks. “What? Why? Does she not want to meet me?” Heat rose up the back of my neck.
He tugged me forward, and I stumbled as I followed him. “No, silly, I didn’t tell her we were coming. So not only will she be surprised that her favorite child is here, she’ll be shocked to finally meet you. But don’t worry. She’ll love you.”
I swallowed hard.
The backyard was stunning. There was a beautiful patio with what looked like comfortable and expensive furniture, a grill, bar, and a large table that was just right for a family.
As Brett had guessed, his mom was kneeling on a cushion in front of a flower garden. She was clipping and gathering the most stunning bouquet.
“Hey, Mom.”
Her hand went to her chest as she looked at us. She stood, laid the flowers down, and took off her gardening gloves. “Hi, honey, I didn’t know you were coming over. I’m a mess.”
He let go of my hand and gave her a hug. She looked at me then at Brett.
“Mom, this is my girlfriend, Julie. Julie, this is my mom, Madeline Chambers.”
“Hi, Mrs. Chambers.” I held out my hand.
“Please, call me Madeline. It’s wonderful to finally meet you.” She pulled me into a hug.
I looked at Brett over her shoulder, and he gave me a thumbs-up, which made me smile. Madeline exuded the same tenderness as her son—he must have gotten it from her.
“Brett, grab those flowers for me, will you?” He did as she asked, and she said, “Come with me, Julie. Would you like some iced tea?”
“Yes, thank you. That sounds wonderful.” I followed her into the kitchen.
Brett wasn’t far behind us. He opened a cabinet and pulled out a large Mason jar, filled it with water, and put the flowers in it.
“Thank you, sweetheart.” She took the flowers and put them in the center of the dining table before getting us each a glass of iced tea. We sat at the table, and Brett held my hand.
His mom looked at us. “So where did you two meet?”
Brett spoke first. “I met her at the club.”
My heart sank. I wondered what she must think of us meeting in a bar. “I was working an event at the club that evening, and my friend met Alex when I met your son.” I took a sip of my tea.
“It’s funny how things happen.” She smiled. “When you least expect it, right? Are you two hungry?”
“
No, thank you, mom. I just wanted to bring Julie here to meet you.” He kissed my hand, and my stomach fluttered.
“Well, I’m glad you did. Between you and your brother, I was beginning to lose hope. You’re both so busy and don’t take time for yourselves to find happiness for more than a few hours.”
I snickered. I loved this woman. She called it like she saw it, and she was right. Brett was all about one-night stands. Okay, we both had been before we met each other, but she didn’t need to know my relationship history.
“Mom, really.” Brett shook his head and laughed. “Keep talking that way, and I won’t have a girlfriend for very long.”
“Oh, Julie seems like a smart young woman. I don’t think I’m giving her any new information.” She waved dismissively. “So, Julie, you said you were working when you met Brett?”
“Yes, I work for a marketing firm, and the White Orchid is one of my accounts. That evening, I was managing a speed dating event. Alex was kind enough to let us use the club.”
“Speed dating? Does that work?” Her nose crinkled.
“That’s what I asked,” Brett interjected. “How can you find someone within minutes and know they’re the one? It seems more like a hook-up party.” He laughed, and I raised my brows at him. “What?” He shrugged. “It did.”
I shook my head. Didn’t he realize that even though we weren’t part of the event, it hadn’t taken much longer than several minutes for him to kiss me, and now I was his girlfriend? Men and their selective memories.
“Julie, do your parents live in the city?”
I hated answering questions about my parents. Not because of the way it made me feel—I’d accepted that—but for the way the other person seemed affected by the information. I put on a happy face to reassure her that it was okay before I replied. “My parents passed away.”
“Oh, honey”—his mom placed her hand on my forearm—“I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you.” I needed to change the topic. “Your home is beautiful.”
She looked around, pride etched in her features. “Thank you. Hopefully the next time you’re here, you can meet Brett’s father and maybe his brother if I can ever get him to take a break.”
A Heart's Forgiveness Page 6