The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set

by King, C. M

  “Yeah, she does have an adorable quality that all the ladies love.” He winked at Joel, as in man code for ‘good for pulling the ladies.’

  I rolled my eyes. Men were so predictable in their attempts to pull women, but to be fair he was on to something. Women generally did go gaga over puppies, we couldn’t help it. I think it had something to do with our hormones. Anything cute and we were goners.

  “Oh, I’ll have to remember that.” Joel chuckled, and I instantly glared at him. “Joke,” he said, holding his hands up trying to appease me.

  “Any more of those, and you will be in the doghouse,” I snapped back. Not appreciating his style of joke at all.

  Joel reluctantly handed Rosie back, giving her a sweet kiss on her head. I reached over petting her too, sorry to see her go. We both watched as the owner made his way down the beach, no doubt in search of reeling in some more ladies.

  We walked off in silence. Joel, sensing my obvious decline in mood, grabbed me and drew me into a hug. “You’re the only one for me, and you know that,” he said, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

  I pouted still feeling annoyed by his comment. “I don’t know, Joel, you seem to be irresistible to all the ladies even Rosie took a shine to you,” I retorted, glaring at him.

  His face automatically dropped. “Are you serious?” He gave me a look of frustration, and I couldn’t hold the smile back any longer and started to laugh.

  He grabbed me, pulling me into a kiss. “Maybe we can get a dog when we move in together?” Joel asked, his eyes trying to gauge my reaction.

  What?

  My heart literally stopped beating, and my mind nearly exploded with pleasure overload.

  Joel was thinking about the future.

  One that included me and now a dog.

  I’d always been cautious, never allowing myself to think ahead that far before. I was always living in the moment with Joel, but now he wanted more.

  “I’d love to get a dog with you.” My eyes misted over at the very thought, my mind exploring all the possibilities of a future together.

  His thumb stroked my cheek tentatively. “Good, I can’t wait till it’s just you and me together. This last week has been amazing. I don’t want to let you go, stay with me forever.” His words alone were enough to charm me, but we had to be practical.

  Ugh, I hated that word.

  “I think my mum would have something to say about that, Joel. I love being with you too, it will break my heart when I have to go back home.”

  We both knew reality was looming once this week was over. I would have to go home and face my mum and Mike, and Joel’s dad would return making his life hell once again.

  We held each other, walking down the beach. Our day had now taken on more of a sombre turn. I was caught up in my own depressing thoughts until a bright yellow bucket half buried in the sand caught my eye.

  I broke away running towards it and pulled it free. I held it aloft, grinning at Joel. “We can make sandcastles,” I shouted. My voice was overly excited, but I was still a big kid at heart. Joel ran over and grabbed the bucket to fill it with water.

  After an hour of building and decorating, we took photos of the masterpiece. It really looked like a castle the royal family could live in. I would always look back on this day and smile.

  I washed the remainder of the sand from my hands by the rocks and caught a flash of green whizz past my head. Turning in time to see Joel standing grinning, moving closer towards me with seaweed in his hand.

  I leapt up and squealed, almost slipping on the rocks as Joel mercilessly chased after me.

  “Joel—go away—I don’t like it—stop it!” I screamed, running like my life depended on it. My heart was almost beating out of my chest trying to outrun the slimy green plant that was gaining on me fast.

  He laughed in sheer delight relentlessly chasing me. After a while I could hardly breathe, clutching my side as I started with a stitch.

  I stopped, holding my hands out. I didn’t want it anywhere near me. I tried to pin his hands back, cringing every time it came within touching distance. “I mean it, Joel, it’s not funny anymore.” I was just about ready to punch him if he pursued it any longer.

  “Aww come on, it’s a joke.” He chuckled, throwing the seaweed down onto the sand.

  My eyes flashed to his. “Do I look like I’m laughing?” I stomped off, leaving him behind. I was raging. What part of stop did he not understand?

  He came up fast behind me and swept me off my feet, picking me up by the waist and spinning me around. He was trying to lighten my mood, but I was not interested.

  “Stop it, Joel.” I wrenched his arms away from my body.

  He dropped me back down to the sand. “Iz, it was a joke, lighten up.”

  “Yeah, cause I really find you trying to rub seaweed in my face hilarious,” I yelled over my shoulder, storming off.

  I just wanted to be alone.

  He jogged ahead, standing in my pathway. I tried to duck past him, but he dived one way then the other. Pleading with his eyes for me to stop. “I have a present for you,” he said smiling, hoping his gift would help calm my mood.

  I scowled again. What horrors was he going to present me with next? “If it’s seaweed again, you can stick it up your arse,” I snapped, flouncing by him. I was no longer interested in him or his present.

  He started chuckling as I strode ahead. “Don’t you want to know what it is?” he shouted after me.

  “Not particularly,” I called back. I’d had enough of his so-called surprises.

  What would it be next, a bloody crab?

  He jogged after me again, easily catching back up. He grabbed my hand and pulled me to a stand still. I stood there panting, dreading what he had in store.

  “Close your eyes and put out your hand.”

  I let out a loud huff. “No bloody way.”

  Did he really think I was that stupid?

  “It’s something good, I promise.” His eyes searched mine, showing their genuine sincerity.

  I frowned, hoping he wasn’t about to play a cruel prank. “Joel, if it’s any form of insect, fish or plant, I swear I will punch you.”

  He stroked my face soothingly, his eyes trying to appease me. “It isn’t, I promise. I’ve been on the receiving end of one of your punches, remember? I don’t want another one.” His hand touched his nose lightly remembering when I had burst it with my right hook.

  I narrowed my eyes. “You’d better not be lying.”

  “Scout’s honour.” He held up three fingers.

  I rolled my eyes in annoyance. “Like you were ever in the scouts.”

  “Iz, please, just close your eyes.”

  I scowled again. “Fine.” I held out my hand hesitantly. I heard him chuckle, which only made my anxieties worse. I felt a cold, hard object placed against my skin. I opened my eyes staring down with intrigue, and there sat in the palm of my hand was a stone in the shape of a heart. “Oh my god, it’s so sweet,” I remarked, running my fingers along it.

  “I know, all I thought about was you when I saw it. I can have it polished when we get back, to get rid of the jagged edges.”

  “No, I like that it’s not perfect, nature shaped this rock to be like this, and that’s how I want it to stay,” I clutched the rock tightly in my hand, in case he decided to take it away.

  “So am I forgiven then?” he asked warily. He slowly made his way closer to me, bridging the gap between us.

  I looked up into his soft, warm eyes. “Only if you promise that you won’t terrorise me with seaweed anymore.”

  “I promise, now can I have a kiss?”

  He gave me the puppy dog eyes.

  Damn those eyes.

  “No, you don’t deserve one.” I shook my head dismissively.

  He pouted. “Pretty please.”

  My mouth twitched, giving him the green light.

  I gasped when his lips locked with mine, the air quickly evaporated from my lungs as I
drew him in tighter.

  It was back to business as usual.

  He leaned back panting. “Now can we please get something to eat, ’cause I am starving?” he begged. I nodded my approval as we walked back up the beach again.

  We both smiled when the fish and chip shop appeared, like an oasis in a desert. My stomach growled in approval, and we ran towards it.

  Walking in the bell chimed, the delicious aroma hit us fully, and our mouths instantly watered. The place was really traditional, small but cosy. People chattered away at other tables as soft music filtered through the room.

  We sat down at a window seat table preferring a sea view while we waited for our food. The young waitress arrived almost instantaneously with notepad and pen in hand. Her red hair was tied up in a ponytail, which she swished around. Her eyes focused on giving Joel her sole attention. She didn’t engage with me once just grinned and giggled away with Joel, much to my complete horror. I might as well have been invisible.

  My eyes dropped down to the low cut shirt she was wearing, which seemed pretty inappropriate for serving customers. Although credit to Joel his eyes hadn’t dropped down once. But that could be because of my glacial stare burning into him as a warning.

  Joel was his usual charming self, which made her even worse. After placing the order he flashed her a smile as she left making my eyes bulge even more.

  “What?”

  You have got to be joking right?

  After that little performance he was asking me what was wrong? “You know what,” I hissed, uncurling my cutlery from the napkin.

  “Enlighten me?” He crossed his arms, leaning against the table.

  My eyes snapped up to meet his. “Do you think you can maybe tone it down a little?”

  His eyebrows scrunched together in confusion. “Tone what down.” He stared at me, looking clueless.

  I exhaled loudly annoyed by the fact he even had to ask. “The whole charm routine you have going on.”

  He looked at me with an exasperated stare, which only angered me even more. I wondered if I openly flirted with a guy if he would be totally fine with it?

  “I was being nice that’s all, it is called good manners.” He scrubbed his hands over his face in frustration.

  I scowled at his response. “Well, the girl is barely minutes away from dropping her knickers, I disagree,” I whisper yelled, my eyes piercing like daggers into his.

  He let out a loud huff and dropped his hands down to the table. “Iz, you’ve got it wrong.”

  “I beg to differ,” I murmured, awkwardly playing with my cutlery.

  “Well, you’re the only one I’m interested in.” He lifted my hand and kissed it.

  I gasped lightly as his soft, sweet lips gently pressed against my skin. “Promise,” I whispered.

  His bright blue eyes stared deep into mine. “You have my heart.” He placed my hand over his chest, and his eyes never left mine, shining with so much love I almost melted with the intensity.

  I smiled back feeling reassured as his fingers interlocked with mine. His lips gently placed soft, sweet kisses along every inch of my hand. Electrical pulses shot through my body each time they connected with my skin.

  Our food arrived shortly after, the plates heaped high looking absolutely mouth watering. We tucked in groaning at the first few mouthfuls, devouring the fish, chips and mushy peas. Towards the end I ran out of steam. Joel needed no invitation, quickly clearing my leftovers. He smiled when I rolled my eyes at him; he was like a bottomless pit.

  “Would you like dessert?” the waitress asked, suddenly appearing from nowhere, eyeing Joel.

  Joel smiled politely but avoided her gaze.

  “No, thanks, I’m stuffed,” I blew out, but her greedy little eyes were still fixed on Joel.

  “I could manage something,” Joel said grinning. His eyes skimmed over the menu before widening in delight. “I’ll have the hot chocolate fudge cake, please.”

  Would you like cream with that?” she purred, playing with her ponytail. She gave him a wink as I glared daggers out of the window.

  “Yes, please.” He smiled and squeezed my hand, but I was too annoyed to look at him.

  Thankfully the older waitress brought the fudge cake over saving me from any further torment with a repeat performance.

  Joel took a large bite and didn’t hold back in voicing his approval for just how good it was. I instantly regretted not ordering one.

  Big mistake!

  Of course Joel took the opportunity to tease me even more.

  “Mmmm, Iz, this is so good.” His over the top groaning pissed me off. “Do you want some?” he asked, holding out a spoonful loaded with chocolate fudge cake with a dollop of cream on top.

  I nodded, opening my mouth, smiling as it headed my way. Only to watch in horror as it disappeared into Joel’s mouth.

  I scowled at his little prank. “You’re such a jerk.”

  I was not amused at all.

  He laughed loudly, attracting the attention of all the other people sat by us.

  He licked the sauce off his lips teasingly. “Here, let me try again.” He scooped up some more cake, taking time to add some cream and directed the spoon towards my mouth again.

  I pressed my lips tight together. “Don’t bother,” I muttered.

  I was not falling for that trick again.

  He nudged the spoon against my lips, and I reluctantly slowly opened my mouth. He slipped the spoon inside, and I groaned softly at the instant pleasure.

  “Mmm, that is amazing.” I greedily licked my lips, and he pushed the plate over to me.

  “Here, you finish the rest of it.” He smiled, sitting back in his chair.

  He didn’t need to tell me twice.

  I dug in, ashamedly scraping the plate at the end. I looked up at him, and he leaned over wiping the chocolate sauce from the top of my lip. He slipped his thumb inside his mouth to wipe it clean.

  Wow, that was sexy.

  His eyes held a wicked glint throughout, and I liked it.

  The waitress interrupted our moment, slapping the bill down hard onto the table. Joel reached into his jacket to retrieve his wallet, quickly handing over the money. Shortly after, she returned with the change, discretely stuffing a napkin into his hand, and winked before walking off.

  I grabbed the napkin straight off him and opened it to find her mobile number scrawled across it.

  What the fuck?

  I threw it down in disgust and stood up ready to charge over. Joel quickly grabbed my arm.

  “Calm down, Izzy. Let me handle it, please,” he asked, pleading with his eyes for me to not make matters worse.

  I nodded in agreement as we both stood up. We grabbed our coats, quickly wrapping up again in preparation for the cold journey back to the cottage.

  Walking towards the door, the waitress instantly stood up straight. She pulled her top lower and grinned wildly at Joel, who now had the napkin in his hand.

  The smile dropped from her face when he crumpled it up, throwing it in the bin beside her. “Thanks, but no thanks. It must have escaped your notice, but I have a girlfriend already.” He threw his arm around my shoulder and kissed my head. We both walked out laughing together.

  Once outside I barely had time to react as Joel’s lips locked onto mine. I instantly wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him in tighter.

  “I love you, Izzy,” he panted, between kisses.

  “I know. I just might need to carry a stick in future to beat off all the women.”

  He chuckled kissing me again. “You’re the only one I see. It will only ever be you.” His hands pressed against my face as his eyes stared deep into mine. I knew looking at the genuine sincerity shining back that every part of his words were true.

  Chapter 14 – First Time

  I curled up tight with my Kindle beside the fire. It was good to finally unwind after spending the day out sightseeing and shopping. We had definitely taken in all the delights Cornwall had t
o offer, I could barely move a muscle.

  Joel had planned a romantic meal for this evening. He revealed his surprise earlier, and the sweet look he gave me almost made me melt. He was being the perfect gentleman, and I felt highly honoured. I knew he’d never cooked for a woman in his entire life which made it extra special that I’d be his first.

  The menu was top secret and despite my several shameless attempts to seduce him, he remained tight-lipped. He did tease me with his revelation that he was making his own dessert. My level of intrigue automatically heightened at the thought of chocolate being potentially involved.

  I snuggled back down, embracing the heat and sighed, until I felt Joel’s shadow towering over me. “What?” I asked, slightly confused by his lingering presence.

  “I forgot to get the wine, can you get some?”

  I sat up and rubbed my eyes in confusion. I stared out the window only to see the weather has taken a turn for the worse.

  Ugh, I hated rain.

  “Errrm no, have you seen the weather? It’s like a monsoon out there.” I scrunched my face up in obvious disgust.

  Why would he even ask?

  For wine of all things.

  I wouldn’t even venture out for chocolate and that was saying something.

  He chuckled stroking my hair. “Hardly a monsoon. Please I forgot to get it before, and it will go nice with the romantic meal.” He gave me the puppy dog eyes.

  Yeah, I was not falling for that.

  I dropped back down onto the rug. “I don’t really drink wine, so it’s no bother to me if we don’t have any.” I closed my eyes, hoping it would put an end to the conversation. Despite my eyes being closed, I knew he was still standing beside me. He wasn’t giving up on his quest for wine so easily.

  “Well I would go myself, but I’m the one doing the cooking.” His voice sounded slightly irritated. I popped open an eye to find him glaring down at me.

  Was he actually joking?

  The tone of his voice immediately incensed me. He was making me feel like a total arse for not going to get his precious wine.

  What the hell?

  A surge of anger coursed through me. “Fine,” I snapped, jumping up. I barged past him and grabbed my coat, yanking on my wellies. If he wanted wine, then he’d get his freaking wine.