by Dawn Brower
“Where is Matt?”
“He’s in the waiting room,” Carter replied. “He’s patiently waiting to see how you are doing.”
Why was he waiting? Well, she’d waited forever to find out how he was when he’d been injured in the car accident. He’d do the same for her. But what she really wanted to know was why wasn’t he in the room with her. She needed him.
“Tell him to come in here. I want him to take me home.” She wanted to go to his house. There was no way she’d be able to go back to her lonely apartment. It would drive her mad. Every sound would make her jump out of her skin. “We can talk later about what happened tonight. I know you need my official statement, but I can’t relive it right now.”
“I’m glad you’re not going to be alone. If Matt is the person you want to be with, I’m not going to fight you on it.” He nodded. “Have him bring you into the station tomorrow. We’ll do it then. I have what I need for now.” Carter hugged her tight. “I can’t find words to describe how glad I am you’re safe.” He stepped back and stared down at her. He shook his head and stepped back. “I’ll go get Matt now.”
Claire leaned down against the bed and closed her eyes. She didn’t know how long she laid there. Somehow, she’d managed to doze off. When she opened her eyes, Matt was sitting in the chair beside the bed.
“Hey, sleepy head,” he said. “I’m glad you’re able to manage some rest.”
“I don’t know how.” She sat up. “Whenever I close my eyes...”
“Don’t think about it.” His lips formed a thin hard line. “He’s never coming near you again.”
Her lips tilted upward. A warmth spread though her as she drank in the sight of Matt beside her. This was the man who’d owned her heart for so long. She’d willingly given herself over to him. “Thank you,” she said. “If not for you I might not be here.”
He shuddered. “Don’t even say that. I don’t want to think about what could’ve happened if I’d not come to the office tonight. I didn’t get your text until I parked my car. I saw your vehicle and figured you hadn’t left yet. I thought I was lucky to catch you—I didn’t realize what was going on at first.” His hand shook as he reached for hers. “I lost years off of my life when I saw that knife to your throat. I don’t want to go through anything like that ever again.”
“Me either.” She smiled reassuringly. “I’m all for the mundane part of life from now on.”
“I thought you’d hate me after that.”
She turned her head and studied him. They’d been through a lot in a short amount of time. His accident, the resulting blindness, his lie of omission, and finally Nolan’s lunacy—would they ever be able to find their way back to normalcy? Yes. She firmly believed it was not merely possible, but highly likely. They had a lot to live for.
“I could never feel anything but love for you.” She cupped his cheek in the palm of her hand. “Don’t you know how much I need you? Don’t ever doubt that my heart belongs to you.”
“I love you to,” he said. “Before you, I lived each day in a haze. I was blind to what was in front of my face and it took losing my sight briefly to see it. You lifted the veil over my heart and opened it up to the possibility of love. Without you, I’d still be that half-man walking around missing a part of my soul.”
She understood a little bit of what he was talking about. After Nolan cheated on her, she’d been living in a world of disillusionment. The belief love existed was a dream, nothing but a fantasy, and it was time to enter reality. They’d helped lift a veil off of each other. “I see more clearly because of you too. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without you and frankly I don’t want to.”
“Will you marry me?”
“Maybe someday.” Her eyes twinkled with amusement as she laughed at the baffled expression on his face. “I’m not ready to get married. I’d like to enjoy what we have for a little while longer. Let’s get through Dani’s wedding first and see where things go.”
“All right,” he said. “Fair warning though. I plan on asking you every day until you say yes.”
Oh, how she adored this man. There wasn’t a more perfect person for her. They’d have a wonderful life together. She fully intended to marry him and probably sooner than he expected. But she’d like to say yes when they weren’t on the heels of a violent act.
“I look forward to it.” She leaned down and kissed him lightly. “Now take me home. I want to have my way with you in a bed this time.”
“I can’t wait.” Matt’s eyes gleamed with excitement. He glanced down at his watch. “It’s after midnight.”
“Oh?” she raised an eyebrow. Time sure did fly...
“Will you marry me now?”
She laughed and smacked him in the arm. “My answer is the same as it was five minutes ago.”
He sighed. “You’re so mean.” He pulled her into his arms and pressed his lips to her. He hugged her close. “But I love you anyway.”
Claire laughed and let him lead her out of the room. They’d stop at the nurse’s station and sign her out. Maybe they’d be lucky and Lana would be working and make things easier on her. Either way, she didn’t give a damn. She had Matt, and he loved her as much as she loved him. It was everything she’d always wanted. Nothing would stop her from holding on tight and never letting to. They would be together forever.
**Keep reading for an excerpt from Heart of the Moment: Heart’s Intent book 3, Jessica and Preston’s story**
PROLOGUE
Jessica Clark-Sousa rushed around the house making sure everything was in place. He’d be there soon and it all had to be perfect. It had been a long time since she’d felt excitement coursing through her veins. She couldn’t recall the last time she’d looked forward to anything.
What am I doing?
She shouldn’t be anxiously waiting for him to arrive. It was wrong what she was doing with him, and yet, she couldn’t help herself. She had to keep up the façade she’d carefully crafted or all she’d worked so hard for would fall apart around her. No one could know that her life wasn’t as perfect as she’d claimed. Her husband worked long hours and practically ignored her. That part was her fault or at least partially—after her miscarriage she’d pushed him away. She’d wanted that baby more than anything—losing it had devastated her. Finding her way to crawl out of that grief had taken a long time, and in the process she was on the verge of losing the one man she’d fought so hard to have by her side. Ren had been her high school sweetheart and her first love, and yet she found it too hard to turn to him.
But Preston...
Preston West was one of her husband, Ren’s colleagues, and also one of his only friends. He’d been so warm and caring. Where Ren was angry and bitter, Preston encouraged her to be herself. He didn’t represent something she’d lost. With him she could finally see a way past her misery and start living again. It felt—good. She could finally breathe and the hurt lessoned with each passing day. Before she realized what had happened she’d developed feelings for Ren’s best friend.
Now here she was waiting for him to visit her. She was acting like a school girl with her first crush. He probably didn’t feel the same way she did, and even if he did what would she do? Would she leave Ren for him? How would that change both their lives? It was a huge decision and not hers alone to make.
Jessica took one more look around the room. It was all neat and tidy...nothing was out of place. Her gaze landed on her wedding photo on above the fireplace. She’d been so happy that day—now it brought sadness into her heart. Ren had never loved her, at least not the way she’d always loved him. He cared about her, always had, but Jessica understood who he’d really wanted. Jessica was always his second choice, and if Daniella Brosen had once stood up and said she loved him... There was no question where Ren would have gone. Jessica would have been left in the cold, and Ren would have gone to Dani without a second thought.
But she’d taken care of that. Dani thought Jessica and Ren were in
timate and having a baby. When she’d told Dani that lie the girl had run away to save herself more heartbreak—leaving Ren for Jessica to love without her interference. It has taken awhile for Ren to get over Dani’s departure, but in the end he’d returned to where Jessica believed he belonged, in her arms.
Now she was standing in her house with Ren waiting for another man... Strange how she could compartmentalize things and change direction—Preston West gave her a reason to go on. Maybe that was selfish, but she couldn’t help it. She didn’t really want to either.
The doorbell chimed and echoed through the house. Jessica smoothed down her blue tulip skirt, fixed the matching blue and white striped blouse, and then blew out a breath. She could do this—be honest with him. Maybe she’d be lucky and he had feelings for her too. If he didn’t... He’d let her down easy. Preston wasn’t mean or petty, and he really had been a good friend through her ordeal.
Her cerulean pumps clicked softly on the floor as she headed to the front door and eased it open with a smile pasted on her face. Preston stood on the front porch more handsome than she could’ve imagined. His brown hair was a little ruffled from the wind and his brown eyes were as warm as melted chocolate. Jessica stepped aside and waved for him to come inside.
“You look lovely today,” he said and leaned down to kiss her cheek. “I was surprised to get your text.”
She led him into the living room and turned toward him. How was she going to tell him? He stared at her expectantly, and she was dumbstruck. Should she just blurt out the words? Could she even manage that much? They seemed to be lodged in her throat growing into a massive lump of nerves. “Yes,” she finally ground out. “I wanted to talk to you, and...” She swallowed and made herself calm down, at least as much as possible given the situation. “a text or phone call was too impersonal.”
He nodded. “I gather its important then.”
She believed so. What she was about to say could change both of their lives forever. If she could find a way to just say it... Instead she said, “Are you hungry? I can make lunch.” Stupid. He didn’t come see her to eat.
Preston smiled warmly. “I’m good. Don’t trouble yourself with feeding me. I can grab something quick later.”
“It’s no trouble really...” Why did she keep insisting? He said he didn’t want food.
“No, honestly, I don’t need anything.” He met her gaze. “Something is clearly bothering you. You know you can tell me anything. Come let’s sit down and you can explain it all to me. Whatever it is can’t be as bad as you think it is—or I’m imagining.”
Jessica bit down lightly on her bottom lip. He was right all this was doing was making her even more anxious. She should just get the words out and be done with it. The consequences be damned...
“I don’t know how to say this...”
He tilted his head appearing to study her. What did he see when he looked at her that way? Did he like her blonde hair and blue eyes? Was he pleased with her trim body? She’d worn blue hoping to bring out the color of her eyes, and entice him a little bit. Perhaps she should have chosen a more vivid color instead.
He lifted her hands into his and made her face him. “What is it?”
“I...” Damn it. The lump was coming back into her throat. Screw words they didn’t mean much anyway. Actions said it best. She pulled her hands out of his, stepped closer to him, and wound her arms around his neck. Shock filled his face, but when her lips touched his—he reacted the way she’d been hoping. He pulled her tighter into his arms and deepened the kiss. His tongue touched her and sparks of desire shot through her whole body. Need pooled between her thighs and for the first time in months she wanted to make love to a man. Not just any man—the one kissing her senseless. Nothing else mattered but the way he made her feel.
He pulled back and stared down at her. “What are we doing?”
“I think it’s rather obvious,” she said breathlessly. “Kissing isn’t a complicated process.”
“No,” he said. “This can’t happen.” He took a small step back. “Ren...”
Damn Ren to hell and back. He didn’t want her—not in any way that mattered. She was his conciliation prize. Jessica never should have stood for being second best. She deserved far more than her husband had offered her over the years. He was kind and considerate, but they’d never had any true passion. He’d not made her feel one iota of what Preston had with one kiss. She’d not let Preston walk away from her. Perhaps it was a mistake, and yeah maybe she’d regret it one day, but she wanted to know what it was like to be loved by him. More than anything she wanted to shed the numbness that had overtaken her and just feel...
“Don’t,” she urged him. Jessica closed the distance he’d tried to gain and placed her hand on his chest. “I can’t ignore what’s been bottled up inside me anymore. I need you, and only you. Please Preston...”
His eyes appeared to be filled with agony and indecision. He must be at war with himself. She could appreciate that as she’d done something similar not too long ago. Finally she’d given up and contacted him. This was what she wanted and he did too or it wouldn’t be so hard for him to say no. She could tell when he’d made his decision. His expression seemed—resigned. As if they were inevitable and he’d always known it. Well now they both did.
He lifted his hand and cupped her face. “Are you sure? If we go any further there will be no going back...” Preston lifted her chin to meet his gaze. “I won’t let you. This craving inside of me—once unleashed it won’t be tethered.”
Jessica nodded and licked her lips. “Love me.”
He didn’t need any more words of encouragement. Preston leaned down and pressed his lips to hers once again. His mouth was pure sin and he kissed her like she’d never been before. Nothing compared to the taste of him. It was passion, longing, and desire all rolled into one package. His hands skimmed her skirt and rolled it upward until his hand hit her thigh. He trailed kisses down her neck and stopped when he reached her breasts. His tongue trailed down the juncture between them. Jessica moaned as pleasure shot through her again. Her whole body was sensitive and she writhed under his touch.
“I need you,” she begged. “Please.”
“I’ve been waiting too long to rush this.” He whispered in her ear, trailing kisses in his wake. “I’m going to savor every inch of you, and before I’m done you won’t question where you belong. This is our beginning and I’m never letting you ignore what’s between us.”
“I won’t,” she promised.
Preston lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the room. She directed him to her bedroom—perhaps she should have had him go to the guest bedroom, but hadn’t considered it in the heat of her desire. He set her down and peeled off her skirt and blouse tossing them aside. She leaned back on the bed in only her panties and bra. His hot gaze skimmed over her and sent tingles of anticipation over her. Preston loosened his tied and pulled it over his head, and then slowly unbuttoned his shirt. It draped open to reveal a well toned chest Jessica wanted to explore with her tongue. Down girl... Soon she’d be able to do all she wanted to his delectable body.
After he was done undressing he joined her on the bed. He tasted every inch of her making her scream with pleasure, and when he finally came inside of her Jessica felt as if she’d finally found where she belonged. Preston was who she belonged with—who she should have planned a future with. She’d made so many mistakes, and it was time she realized it.
“What the hell is going on?”
Preston rolled off of her and she met Ren’s gaze. The horror in his eyes made her question every decision she’d ever made. She glanced over at Preston and saw the same horror reflecting back. They both had dove in without thinking. She should have ended things with Ren if she wanted to be with Preston. She’d done what she’d always had—thought of herself first, and now she might have not only ruined her life, but Preston’s too.
He deserved better than her. She should never have texted him
to come see her. In her defense, she didn’t expect Ren to show up in the middle of the day. When had he ever come home early? Never as far as she recalled, but none of it mattered. One thing was perfectly clear though... She’d fucked up. Again.
Her selfishness would always be her undoing, and now she’d blown her whole life apart. Would either of them ever forgive her?
Dawn Brower holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Arts in Education, and is currently working on a Master of Arts in Liberal Arts with concentrations in Literature, History, and Sociology. She works as a substitute teacher and enjoys the flexibility it gives her to concentrate on her other endeavors.
Growing up she was the only girl out of six children. She is a single mother of two teenage boys; there is never a dull moment in her life. Reading books is her favorite hobby. There is nothing like a nice glass of wine and a good book to relax with at the end of the day.
There are always stories inside her head; she just never thought she could make them come to life. That creativity has finally found an outlet.
Visit her website at www.authordawnbrower.com for more information on upcoming releases.
Books by Dawn Brower
Broken Pearl
Deadly Benevolence
Don’t Happen Twice
A Wallflower’s Christmas Kiss (Connected by a Kiss 3)
Marsden Romances
A Flawed Jewel
A Crystal Angel
A Treasured Lily
A Sanguine Gem
A Hidden Ruby
A Discarded Pearl
Novak Springs Series
Cowgirl Fever
Dirty Proof
Unbridled Pursuit
Sensual Games
Linked Across Time Series
Saved by My Blackguard
Searching for My Rogue
Seduction of My Rake
Surrendering to My Spy
Heart’s Intent Series