“I couldn’t function. For four months, I was a shell at my dad’s condo. He and his housekeeper were the only people who saw me. His housekeeper would make me meals, and leave them on a table near the door of my bedroom. I barely ate, but she was persistent. She would make all of my favorites.
“By the end of that time, I realized I couldn’t stay in New York anymore. I told my father I needed time. It’s that spring I came out to Lake Tahoe. The place had not been lived in for a few years. That was probably the best thing that happened to me—an entire summer working with tradesmen to bring some life back to the cottage. That was the escape that pulled me out of my helplessness. By the fall, I was better, but not much. I was functional. The distraction of working on the cottage saved me.
“That was when I decided to make it my home. I confirmed my resignation at the hospital. I told my father I wasn’t returning to New York. He began to pull me into helping him at Carrington’s. I think he sold the condo and the house at some point. Actually, I’m not sure. I left everything behind there. The only thing I had taken out of our home was one portrait of Emma and me. That’s all I have of her. And even today, it’s difficult for me to look at that photo.
“I still feel I’m to blame for Emma and that man’s death. I don't think any counselling will ever change how I feel. Since that fall, I had only left the Lake Tahoe area twice before meeting you and your friends. Both times were to help Professor Sansbury. I still don’t know how he was able to get me to leave the cottage. Those two times were more than enough. And when he asked again after that, I turned him down.
“I think that’s the whole story, Abby. But before I finish, I just want to tell you this. You and your friends have been a step forward for me. I didn’t think I could be around anyone, other than my father. I know I’m a long way from getting over what happened two years ago. I know I need help. Probably therapy too. Definitely therapy, to be perfectly honest. But being forced into close quarters with the six of you; it helped.
“And then there was you, Abby. Getting to know you, falling in love with you, it’s been something I never thought could ever happen to me again. I didn’t feel I deserved it. I still don’t. That’s the reason I left when you told me you knew about the articles. I figured there was no point; that there was no way I could expect you to want me after finding out about my past. This is why I would completely understand if you don’t want to have anything to do with me again after tonight. But I still want to thank you for taking a chance on this bruised, wounded guy you see here in front of you.
“I’m here tonight because my Dad told me about your note. I didn’t see it after your left. Rob also called. He told me it was his sister who had sent you the articles. For a while, I thought you had sought them out yourself. That hurt me. I shouldn’t have gotten so upset about it. Any reasonable person would want to know who they’re dealing with. But the way I reacted, it shows I still have a long way to go. I need to deal with my grief and sense of loss from that night. As a doctor, it’s time I accept being a patient. I’m going to get the help I’ve put off for so long.
“I don’t know what that help looks like right now. I’m sure there’s something I can do locally in Lake Tahoe. I don’t know how long it will take for me to feel better, if at all. But I’m here because I want to tell you Abby, that if you would forgive me, and can be patient with me, I would love to hold you in my arms again. I would love it if you would give us another chance.
“You’re probably exhausted by now. I think I’ll go now, and let you digest it. I was planning to go back to the cottage tonight, but it’s too late to fly. I’ll be over at the hotel tomorrow morning if you’d like to talk in person. After that, you know where to find me. Good night, Abby.”
Andrew stood up to leave. Abby stopped him. “Andrew, can you wait here for a few minutes? I promise it won’t be too long. Please, sit. I’ll be right back.”
“Of course. I’ve been talking for over an hour. Sure, I’ll wait.”
Abby walked to her bedroom and closed the door. She was probably crying. And he felt like crying too, but he was numb from sharing so much. There were so many points he felt he would break down and sob, and not be able to say more. It was the first time he had shared all of that with anyone. And he was exhausted from having shared it, but he had to admit, he felt different now. More at peace, now that he had let it out.
After about five minutes, Abby returned to the living room. She was dressed in jeans and a sweater. She had her purse and laptop bag on one shoulder, and a small suitcase in her hand.
Andrew stood up. “Oh. I’m sorry. Is there somewhere my driver can take you?”
“Don’t be silly, Andrew. I’m coming with you for the weekend. If you’ll have me, that is. I just need to be back by Sunday night. Is that okay?”
Tears streamed down Andrew’s face as he stood looking at her in disbelief. She put her suitcase and bags down and crossed the room to him. He took a step toward her. He leaned his head down to her, his lips just inches from hers. They gazed into each other’s eyes for some time, locked in the moment.
She flung her arms around his neck. “I love you, Andrew. You couldn’t keep me away if you tried.”
Andrew pulled her closer, and kissed her. Long. Tender. Explosive. Unending.
Epilogue
Three Months Later
ABBY looked out as Andrew’s limo driver pulled up on the tarmac at San Francisco International Airport. A pilot stood waiting at the private jet. The engines hummed as the crew waited for them to board. One of the uniformed male flight attendants, sporting sunglasses, walked up and opened Abby’s side of the limo door. He helped Abby out of the car, and Andrew climbed out behind her.
Abby looked down at her dress. She wore a floor-length black evening gown with a touch of pink in her sweetheart neckline. She hoped it was formal enough for whatever Andrew had planned for them. He had told her it was a pre-graduation surprise. Taking Abby’s elbow, he led her across the tarmac to the foot of the jetway stairs. The flight attendant followed behind with a piece of hand luggage Andrew had brought along.
“We’re all ready to go, and should be cleared for takeoff in twenty minutes, Mr. Carrington,” the pilot told him.
“Excellent.”
Abby held up the hem of her dress and boarded the plane. When they were aboard and buckled up in their seats, Abby had to ask. “Do I get a hint of where we’re headed?”
“Los Angeles,” he answered.
“Any other hints?”
“I don’t want to spoil the surprise.”
“Will it just be us?”
“Yes and no.”
“Well, that doesn’t help.”
“True. But that’s all you’re getting,” he said, smiling broadly.
“My curiosity is definitely piqued, then,” she answered, leaning over to plant a kiss on his cheek.
The co-pilot announced the plane was cleared for takeoff, and ran through the safety announcements as the plane moved along the landing strip. After takeoff, the flight attendant offered them glasses of wine. Andrew took one for each of them.
“How about a toast?” he asked, raising a glass.
“Sure. To what?”
“Let’s see,” he answered. He looked intently at his glass, seeming to search for inspiration. Finally, he turned and looked her in the eye. “To hope, chance…and redemption.”
Emotional and close to teary-eyed, a soft sigh escaped Abby’s lips. She repeated the toast and clinked his glass, not leaving his gaze.
Andrew was the first to turn away. “I almost forgot,” he said, undoing his seatbelt. He walked over to a large drawer at the bottom of the bar, and pulled something out from his hand luggage. He came back and stood in the aisle beside her, holding a small case. Abby looked at the grin on his face, and the loving look in his eyes.
He took her hand to help her stand, and held out the case toward her. “This is for you. I think it goes well with your dress.”
/> “What is it?” she asked, trying to guess from its size and shape.
Andrew opened the case slowly. Abby’s jaw dropped. Inside was a pink diamond necklace, with matching pink diamond drop earrings. They were perfectly matched to the trim in her dress, and absolutely stunning. Andrew took the necklace gently in his hands and moved behind her. He fastened it around her neck, and passed the case to her so she could put on the earrings.
“Come take a look,” he said, leading her to the mirror in the plane’s bathroom.
Abby gazed at her reflection, with Andrew standing behind her.
“This is…so…I don’t have any words, Andrew,” she said, turning to him, trying to hold back the tears she felt, ready and waiting to mess up her makeup.
“It’s beautiful, but nowhere near as beautiful as you,” he whispered in her ear, pulling her close. “Let go have a seat.”
***
ANDREW looked through the airplane porthole windows. They landed at a private air strip to avoid the usual chaotic rush at LAX. Another limousine rolled up after the doors opened.
“Ready?” he asked, helping her down the steps.
“I hope so.”
“You look fantastic.”
He could barely take his eyes off her as they sat in the waiting limo. He held her as they drove closer to the city center, admiring the sunset. It cast an indescribable glow on the buildings they passed, making their trip all the more surreal. Abby seemed just as mesmerized, staring out her window.
“You know what I’m looking forward to?” he asked her softly in her ear.
“When I see your surprise?” Abby asked, looking over at him.
“No. Getting back home and curling up in bed with you.”
“Me too,” she answered, nuzzling into his chin.
The limo came to a stop at their destination. “We’re here.”
Andrew put an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close before the limo driver opened their door closest to the sidewalk. He climbed out first, and helped her step out carefully. Abby looked up at the sign at the top of the ornate building.
“What’s El Capitan?” she asked.
“A theater.”
“So we’re going to a musical? Or is it the opera?”
“Not quite. It’s one of the most memorable ways to see the movies.”
“Nice. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been to the movies.”
“Then you’ll love it,” he told her, leading her inside. “This is one of Hollywood’s legends. It’s like stepping into the past. It put on its first showing in the roaring twenties—my guess is it was a silent film. They’ve tried to preserve the best of the old Spanish colonial exterior décor and indoor playhouse stages. And with that, they’ve brought in the new with Disney screens, surround sound and digital projection.”
“It’s gorgeous,” she said, looking around “And so elegant. I’m glad we dressed up.”
“Me too.”
She rested a hand on his tucks jacket. “So what are we seeing?”
“Whatever you want to see.”
“Really? Won’t that upset the other ticketholders?”
“There’s just us,” he answered.
He showed her the empty halls as they walked through the second set of entry doors into the elegant lobby.
“You booked this whole place…for us?”
“Of course. I want tonight to be memorable.”
“Awwww. That’s so sweet. Thank you, Andrew.”
He nodded. An usher greeted them, and led them through the hallways. Just as he said, the sprawling place was completely empty. Abby’s eyes widened when they walked past a stylishly lit fountain, surrounded by cupid statues.
They entered theatre one.
“Where are we sitting?” she asked.
“Anywhere you’d like,” the usher answered. “Might I recommend the VIP orchestra center seating, sir and madam? It’s the perfect distance from the screen and sound. It will be an excellent movie experience.”
Andrew nodded and looked over at Abby, who seemed keen to try the recommended seating. When they took their seats, the usher passed a thick program guide to each of them.
“Feel free to choose any movie you see in here,” he said. “Whenever you’re ready, I’ll be right over there.”
“Thank you,” Andrew replied.
Abby flipped through the guide. There were hundreds to choose from. “Anything catch your eye?” she asked Andrew.
“No, no. Tonight is for you. What are your favorite types of movies? Romance? Dramas? Comedy? Action? Choose anything at all.”
“How about one of the sci-fi movies? I hear Chris Pine plays a great Captain Kirk.”
Andrew threw his head back and laughed. “Really?”
“Yes. I think reading all those Asimov books at the cottage had an effect on me.”
“Sure!” he answered, signaling to get the usher’s attention. “Sci-fi’s my favorite genre.”
“Then let’s get trekky,” she teased.
Andrew told the usher their selection and leaned back in his seat. The lights dimmed. He put his arms around her and smiled. Abby reached up and gently caressed his face. He took her hand and kissed her palm. Soon the curtains opened and revealed the screen. Lights from the screen danced on Abby’s awestruck face. The music was raised slowly, and soon Abby and Andrew were lost in the future…together.
THE END
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CABIN HOPE (John and Trina)- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XVJ89KA
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Table of Contents
Cabin Fire
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
Chapter Sixteen
Epilogue
THE END
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Cabin Fire: A New Adult and College Romance (The Billionaire Romance Redemption Series Book 4) Page 8