The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set

by King, C. M

  An hour later, we walked into the hall. It was all decked out with free food and more importantly alcohol, which everyone descended on. We stood in groups laughing and chatting away about our time together.

  “I can’t believe it’s over. What are we going to do with ourselves?” Corinne asked, frowning.

  “I’m looking at sleeping for the next month,” Josh quipped. We all laughed, completely agreeing. Sleep was so welcomed right now. I also couldn’t wait to get back to my Kindle. I had some pre-orders I was frantically waiting on that were being released within the next week.

  “I’m going to miss it so much,” Corinne groaned, hugging Josh harder.

  “What is happening with you guys?” Josh lived in Sunderland and Corinne lived in Chester. It was a fair few hours travelling for them both.

  “Oh we’ll make it work. I can come down one weekend and Corinne will come up another.” He kissed her hair lovingly.

  “Aww, you two make such a great couple. It’s hard to think that you used to be such a man whore,” Micha teased.

  Corinne glared and Josh chuckled. “Excuse me, reformed man whore.” He winked and we all laughed. They did make such a cute couple.

  “So did Tony say when his next production would be and do we know what?” Corinne asked anxiously.

  “No, I think it will be towards the end of the year. He said would start auditions and then the tour would be spring next year,” Micha added.

  “Oh god, I hope we can talk our way into this next one. I already have some auditions lined up next week. Hope I’m lucky.” Corinne grinned.

  “Already?” I asked. I was ready for this holiday that Joel had promised me. I was more than ready to spend time with him twenty-fou seven, relaxing on the beach with Ruby beside me.

  “Yeah, well you’ve got to get back in the game. It’s dog eat dog and I’m ready for my next adventure.”

  “I’m having a holiday first.” That was for certain.

  “Oh me too,” Micha agreed.

  We had more than earned it.

  “What time do we have to be out of our rooms tomorrow?” I asked, thinking of all the packing I had to do.

  “Ten in the morning.” We all groaned in unison.

  “That’s enough talk of packing and leaving. Tonight’s our party and we deserve it, so here grab a glass.” Josh handed them out one by one. “And let’s celebrate what’s been an amazing tour. Hopefully there’s more to come and we’ll see each other.”

  “I second that,” I added.

  “I third that.” Micha grinned

  “We’ll always be together,” Corinne sang.

  “Err mixing your musicals up there. Fuck, I was born to play Sandy. I need to get in that audition next month,” Micha pondered.

  “Message me the audition dates, will you, Micha? I’d make a good Rizzo.” She winked and we laughed. Yep her bark was definitely worse than her bite, it was the perfect role for her.

  “Enough talk about auditioning, let’s get drunk,” Josh screamed and everyone cheered. Out of our rooms by ten, yeah righto.

  * * *

  “I can’t believe this is goodbye,” Corinne whimpered, beginning to cry.

  “But we’ll FaceTime and message and text each other,” Micha soothed.

  “I know but it’s not the same, but I promise we’ll all keep in touch.”

  “You better had, come here.” She pulled us both into a hug. All you could hear was sniffling as we squeezed the life out of each other before pulling back and drying our eyes.

  “What time is your train due in?” I asked both of them.

  “Shit, mine’s in five minutes. Gotta go, love you both. Will text you later on.” Corinne hugged us hard and then legged it over the bridge with her case bumping along behind her.

  “Mine’s due in twenty. I guess I’d better make it over to the platform. I need to grab a coffee on the way, my head is pounding,” Micha groaned.

  “I’m not surprised with all those shots last night.”

  “Yeah, that wasn’t a good idea, especially with the early check out.”

  “You live and you learn.” I chuckled.

  “Don’t you just. Keep us posted on the Joel situation. If you need any bodyguards to help slap a bitch, then we are your ladies.”

  “Thankfully we’ve heard nothing since, but it’s always there at the back of my mind. I just can’t wait to go on holiday and escape it all.”

  “We’ve definitely earned it. Oh god, I really had better go. I need some paracetamol too. I’m planning to sleep on the train. Just hope I don’t miss my stop.” She laughed pulling a face.

  “Set the alarm on your phone to wake you up fifteen minutes before.”

  “What am I going to do without you? So wise.” She winked and hugged me hard before she scurried off. She always was a hundred miles an hour. I grabbed a coffee and a doughnut making my way over to the platform, more than ready to head home.

  * * *

  “Izzy.”

  A smile crept over my face, I would know that voice anywhere. I turned to find Joel at the platform gate. I squealed and ran over leaping into his arms.

  “You are finally home.”

  “Yep.” I giggled between kisses as lots of amused onlookers watched us make out on the platform.

  “Errm, Joel, as much as I am loving all these kisses, can you wait till we get somewhere more private?”

  “I don’t think that’s possible. We might have to do it right here.”

  “Joel.” I batted him playfully and he chuckled before putting me down. He grabbed my suitcase off the ground, and we headed out of the station ready to catch the tube home.

  Pushing open the front door, I smiled walking into my home. It felt good to be back, even better when Ruby bounded over with a welcome slobbery kiss.

  “I think she’s missed you.” Joel smirked.

  “I’ve missed you all so much.” I hugged her hard, trying to avoid being licked to death but it was pointless. Eventually she settled down, but I knew she wouldn’t leave my side for the next few days.

  Joel made a round of coffees as I got myself comfortable on the sofa with Ruby lying across me.

  “Someone’s comfortable,” Joel remarked, handing me the mug.

  “Yeah, she’s making sure I don’t leave again.”

  “We’ll have to soon because I want you all to myself.” He grinned and a shiver of excitement ran through me at just the very thought.

  “Well, give me time to get some caffeine into my system as I need all the energy boost I can get.” I was completely drained.

  “Drink up because my patience is wearing thin. I want you stripped and that naked body wrapped around mine in ten minutes.”

  I threw back the coffee and burned my tongue.

  Son of a bitch.

  But I knew what was ahead was so worth it.

  * * *

  “Fuck, Izzy.”

  “Oh god, Joel.” My eyes rolled back as he thrusted hard into me, taking my breath away each time with every movement.

  “I-oh-my-god.”

  “Iz-fuck-Iz.”

  I laughed as I clenched him hard. I was close so damn close. I gripped his back tight finally letting myself be taken over by the orgasm that surged through my body.

  Joel flopped down on top of me, his head between my breasts as he panted heavily. I think I had well and truly exhausted him.

  “I swear you take my breath away every time.”

  “That’s good to hear.” I giggled.

  “I’ve missed you in our bed,” he said, looking somber.

  “I’m back now.” I stroked his face soothingly.

  “And don’t I know it.”

  “When did you book the holiday again?” I was so ready to get away from it all.

  “Next week. I wanted to give you time to get home and get settled before we left. I’m pretty sure your mum and Elijah will be chomping at the bit to spend time with you.

  “Does my mum know I�
��m home?” I asked, almost panicking thinking she could turn up at the front door at any moment.

  “I told her tomorrow, Elijah too, today I wanted you all to myself.” He grinned.

  “Sneaky.” I liked it.

  “I need it to be just you and me. This time away has been hard and with all this bullshit that has gone on lately, I wanted you to know how much I’ve missed you.”

  “Has she been back in touch?” I asked, concerned she was still causing trouble.

  He snorted. “No, thank god. I was expecting her too. Maybe she realized her little black mail act didn’t work.”

  “Hmmm maybe.” I kept the rest to myself. “So is the band back up and running then?”

  He sighed. “No, we all agreed we needed time off. Lee’s girlfriend is almost ready to drop with their first baby, and we all need a break. It’s not enjoyable any more. It’s exhausting on top of our full time jobs. So we all agreed to three months off from doing gigs, but we would still have the odd practice and lyric session.”

  “Well, that sounds good. You need a break.”

  “We both need a break. Next week, alone with you, is just what I need.”

  “I know what you mean.” I sighed, snuggling down into his chest. This was exactly where I needed to be.

  “Oh my god, I forget how beautiful this place is.” My eyes took in the quaint white cottage as I smiled. This had become our holiday home and each time it took my breath away.

  “It’s our special place. I can’t wait to spend the week with you.”

  Ruby barked looking annoyed Joel had left her out.

  “Oh and you too, Rubes, can’t forget both my girls.”

  She wagged her tail and looked more than eager for Joel to give her a good ear tickle in apology.

  “If we quickly get unloaded and unpacked, then we can head for the beach and enjoy the rest of this lovely day,” I suggested.

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  Joel grabbed the suitcases, and I carried a box of food inside. It didn’t take us long to make the place our own before we changed and headed for the beach ready for a relaxing afternoon.

  Ruby soaked up the sun running and catching Frisbees as I made my way through my long list in search of a good book on my Kindle. I was left in peace for a while before I flinched as Joel playfully flicked ice-cold water at my bikini-clad body. I shrieked in horror. He flopped down beside me and Ruby gave him a sad look. I was pretty sure she would bound around all day if she could.

  “Come here, Rubes, it’s nap time.” He coaxed her over with some dog treats that she happily gobbled up before lying down beside us. We linked hands and smiled as the warm sun soaked into our skin. This was what I needed, for the first time in a long while I was in complete bliss.

  * * *

  Over the next few days we got into a routine, the weather stayed warm, and I was actually beginning to tan a little. Although next to a tanned Joel, it was hard to tell. He mocked me about it over and over. I guess the Casper label was never going to be shaken off. I felt sad we were now onto the second to last day of our holiday. I wanted it to continue, I was not ready to go home just yet.

  We spent the morning walking around the shops, stopping off at a nice traditional café. We sat outside enjoying the salty air. The sun felt good against our skin. Walking back to the cottage, we cut across the beach. It was the one place I loved and would spend every day if it were only possible. Ruby was bounding around chasing seagulls as Joel took me in his arms. I sighed into his neck, gently nibbling at his skin.

  “Today is a beautiful day to get married, don’t you think?”

  My head snapped up to look into his eyes. “What?”

  “I said today would be a great day to get married, the sun, the beach, it’s the perfect setting.” His eyes watched me carefully waiting for a response.

  “Of course.” Now that he pointed it out, it seemed the most idyllic suggestion for a wedding. Not too over the top, relaxed and perfect for us.

  “Then how about you marry me here today?”

  “What?” Did he just actually say that?

  “I want to marry you here today. Say yes and I can make it happen.”

  “But how?” I asked in sheer disbelief.

  “I have everything planned. We’ve been doing it all behind your back while you were away on tour.”

  “And when you say ‘we’ you mean?”

  “Elijah too. He has everything—the dress, the flowers, the bridesmaid, the rings. All you have to do is say yes, and we’ll get married here in two hours.” He stared at me waiting to give him a response.

  “But my mother—”

  “And Mike and Kara are all here, Sam too. My uncle, Nan and grandad. Oh I even invited Corinne and Micha. Everyone important to us is here for our big day. We have it all planned. Elijah is on hand itching to start getting you ready. So what do you say, Iz, marry me on this perfect summer’s day?”

  He had thought of everything. “Yes.” I nodded as a tear fell down my cheek.

  “Then you’ve already made me the happiest man alive.” He swept me up in his arms and I kissed him hard, staying like that for several moments until we were rudely interrupted.

  “Err Iz, I hate to break this up, but I have a schedule to keep and that isn’t going to work if the bride-to-be won’t stop kissing the groom.”

  I chuckled into Joel’s mouth and kissed him once more before being led away by an overzealous Elijah.

  Chapter Thirty-Two

  “Oh my god, Iz, can you believe it’s your big day?” Elijah shrieked, leading me into the bedroom where everything was laid out on the bed. “Now first I need to do your hair, then makeup and then help you into your dress.” He clapped his hands looking overly excited. “Now off into the shower and then we can proceed.” He all but shoved me into the bathroom as I stood there stunned by the whole thing.

  After being half blasted with the hair dryer, he then curled my hair into loose waves before fastening in a very simple yet elegant tiara. It wasn’t something I would have considered, but now that it was sat perched on my head, I couldn’t help but admire it.

  “Now makeup.”

  “Keep it simple, Elijah,” I warned.

  “Sweetie, I know how to do wedding chic. You are a natural beauty so I will keep it light. Trust me, I’m good at this.” He winked.

  After fixing on the fake lashes that helped to give my eyes that little more oomph, he held up the dress that was currently hidden under a cover.

  “Are you ready for the big unveiling?” he squealed.

  I nodded, I was too nervous to speak.

  He unzipped the bag tantalizingly slow as my eyes began to take in the elegant and graceful gown in front of me. It was a simple white strapless dress, but the bodice was intricately decorated with tiny jeweled stone and beading. It was very graceful yet understated and very me.

  “Do you like it?” he asked hesitantly.

  “It’s beautiful. You chose the perfect dress.” I sighed.

  “Oh thank god.” He blew out. “Even I had my doubts about being in charge of your dress, but after trawling through every boutique there was, my eyes rested on this and I knew that it was perfect for you.”

  “It is, thank you.” My eyes filled up as his widened.

  “No crying or else you’ll ruin your makeup,” He scolded, giving me a wink.

  “It’s just I can’t believe this is the big day. I’m in complete shock.”

  “I knew I had to step in and arrange it all, you are a born procrastinator. So I wanted to handle all the arrangements leaving you with just the marriage part. But if you need me to step in for that part too.”

  “Elijah.”

  He grinned. “I’m joking, you know how completely in love I am with Sam. Now come on, let’s get this dress on, then shoes and then we’ll take some photos. I’ve hired a local photographer for the day, to give you the most amazing pictures to look back on.”

  Wow.

  “You
’ve seriously went all out, haven’t you?” I asked surprised.

  “Well I have to give my friend the perfect day, you completely deserve it.”

  And he had. It was perfect.

  “Thank you for just being amazing, for being you, for doing all this.” Tears filled my eyes at just how selfless he’d been planning it all.

  “Now shush, don’t make me cry. I don’t want to look all blotchy in the photographs.”

  I chuckled as I removed the dressing gown leaving me standing wearing the lingerie Elijah had handed to me earlier. It was a white satin corset trimmed with peach satin ribbon with knickers to match.

  I stepped into the dress as he lifted it slowly working its way up, it fit me like a glove, then he slowly fastened the back cinching me into the dress.

  “Oh the underwear gives you a fabulous shape. You look so beautiful, Iz. Oh god, I think I’m going to cry. My best friend is finally getting married.” He fanned his hands in his face as he tried like crazy not to.

  “Don’t, if you cry then I cry,” I warned, on the verge of tears myself.

  “You can’t cry,” he shrieked looking horrified.

  “Then don’t you cry.”

  “Here, let’s add the final pieces.” He held up a garter as I giggled, lifting my leg so he could place it on. I knew Joel would enjoy peeling it off later.

  “So you know I love you in heels? Well, I knew the sand would play havoc with your balance so I had to come up with an alternative, so I got you these.” He held up a pair of jewel-encrusted sandals. They were perfect. I was grateful I wouldn’t have to worry about the added pressure of breaking my neck before taking my vows.

  He stood back and smiled. “All I need to do now is top up your lip-gloss and then we can let your mother and Kara in to see you.” He added my gloss and I spun around checking myself in the mirror at all angles. I could barely recognize the vision before me.

  “You look beautiful. I couldn’t have done better if I’d tried,” he remarked, his voice breaking slightly.