Forgiven (Touched Series #2) Read online

  “Hey,” I whisper and her eyes flash up to mine. “I’m not gonna keep telling you that you’ve already been forgiven. You’re part of the family, Stormy.” The corner of her lip lifts and her eyes soften. “Mom and Dad will be fine with it. Hell, we’ve practically been living together under their roof anyway and they’ve been okay.” I reach across the table, her eyes staying on mine as I take her hand and holding it gently. “I want to be with you, see where things go with us. I want there to be an us, Stormy. There was once before. The years have changed us both and so many things have happened but…. I still love you.” She bites her lip and now I’m afraid I’ve gone too far. “We’ll take it slow. Get back to where we were a long time ago. I’m a patient person.” She releases her lip and smirks as she raises an eyebrow. I look down and chuckle then back up at her beautiful face. “Ok. I will be patient.” She giggles and then stops suddenly as I get serious. “Can we try?”

  She nods slowly. “I’d like that. I just want to make sure it’s okay with Jade and Knox. You know how much I love them and look up to them. I don’t want anything more to come between us. I had a hard enough time telling them what all happened since…. Well, I had a major time convincing them that I will be fine here. Your dad only said it was okay because he put in the state of the art alarm system and TV monitors and gadgets. The only other thing that saved me was that all the self-defense training Jade gave me years ago. Of course that didn’t help much when Ricco surprised me but I’m on the defensive now.”

  I smile and look down watching my thumb softly rubbing the top of her hand unconsciously. “Yeah, well. That’s true but….” I look back up and see her smiling at me. “How about I stop by the house on the way back from class and talk with them or do you want to wait and come too? Pearl’s leaving tomorrow to go check out a painting exhibit and wants to see you before she leaves anyway.” Her eyes light up.

  “Yes. I need to see her before she goes. I feel bad that I haven’t gotten to spend any time with her. I’ll just meet you over there after your class that way I can get some things done in the office here.”

  I tighten my hand around hers, finally let go and we have the best breakfast ever. I can’t wait to move in. Maybe after talking with Mom and Dad today I can go ahead and bring some stuff over tonight and then move in this weekend. I think I finally have my girl back. I’m gonna marry her one day. Smiling I pick up my fork, scoop up a huge bite and just watch her. I think things are finally changing for the better.

  ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

  I’m so nervous. Knox is gonna freak out, I just know it. Now Jade? I’m not sure what her reaction will be. She seems to be more of a ‘nowadays’ kind of mom, one that understands life better and supports you no matter what. I guess after her horrible life as a child growing up it would have made her that way. Knox had a rough life too but he seems to be really overprotective of all of his family, even me. At least he was somewhat a father figure to me growing up since mine wasn’t around.

  After getting one of the offices cleaned and then taking my bath, cleaning up my room and watching a little TV, I head over to the Dunways. Bo’s motorcycle is already there when I pull into the circle drive and I’m relieved. When I approach the door and knock, it opens quickly and I’m in Bo’s arms before I can blink. “Uh, Bo. Can’t breathe, babe,” I choke out as he squeezes all the air out of my lungs. He releases me but puts his arm around my waist and leads me into the house, his gorgeous smile huge on his face. “Well, you’re in a good mood.” He looks down and winks. Hmmm, wonder what he’s up to.

  It started to sprinkle on me on the way over so I’m not surprised to find Knox, Jade and Pearl sitting in the living room, well Knox is pacing the floor, as usual. Pearl stands up from her chair and runs to me, arms open, making Bo let go of me so we can hug. “I’m sorry I haven’t gotten to spend any time with you while I’ve been home but guess what?” My eyes widen, and my smile is big. “I’m moving home. I figure I can do my painting from wherever and I’m tired of not being around my family.”

  “Oh, my God! That’s great news! I’m so happy! I’ll be able to see you more. I’ve missed you.” We hug again, and my heart is full.

  I hear a throat clear, my eyes move to Knox. Pearl winks at me and returns to her seat and when my eyes move to Jade, she winks at me too. Does everyone know something I don’t know? My head turns to Bo when I feel his hand grasp mine, his fingers threading through and he leads me to the couch, sitting us next to Jade.

  “Knox, darling. Please quit pacing. You’re going to wear another track into the carpet and I really love this one and don’t want to replace it again so soon,” Jade calls out. He stops, stares at her for a minute then his entire face softens. The love they have is so powerful. I hope to have that someday. She turns to me and Bo and smiles. “You now have the floor.” The lump in my throat seems to have grown, and I feel sick to my stomach. I look at Bo, and he winks at me again then he looks at Knox.

  “Dad. Stormy and I have something to tell you but please hear us out before you go crazy, okay?” Knox looks at Bo, his eyebrow raised and then he looks at me. I plaster a sweet smile on my face and sit up, trying to appear calm when my insides are about to explode. “Stormy and I have talked a lot the last few days and we’ve decided to be roommates at her new apartment.” Knox’s arms fold over his chest and my dread just went into overtime. “I know you put a ton of high security in her apartment and the restaurant but I think it would be best if I’m there to also help protect her and…. Dad, you know how we feel about each other. I promise I’m moving into one of the spare bedrooms but we are also in a relationship. Not only has she always been part of our family but she’s always been a part of my heart.” I swallow the lump that’s been lodged in my throat, look at Bo, and the feeling of love and pride sweeps through my body as well as determination. The sounds of Pearl squealing and clapping does not go unnoticed in the room.

  “Well, I guess you’ve already decided to do this,” Knox speaks and my eyes snap back to him. “Stormy. You know Jade and I love you. I just want to make sure this is what you want. You’ve had a rough go lately and even though I’ve tried to help with security I’m still worried for your safety as well as the rest of our family. But….” That stupid lump has grown again but I continue to be determined and hopeful. “I think it is a great idea for Bo to be with you and I know you both have strong feelings for each other. I just ask one thing. Be careful of any extracurricular activities, if you know what I mean, and if anything should happen between you, just remember that you’ve been friends your entire lives. I’d hate to see anything happen to that friendship. Sometimes relationships can take a beating where love and sex are concerned.” Huh? Did he just give us his blessing?

  Bo’s arm moves around my shoulder, squeezing me against his side and my head turns slowly to him as he leans down and kisses my lips quickly. “Thanks, Dad. We know what we’re doing and know to be safe. Just know we are taking things slow. We want this to work and know a relationship takes hard work and patience. You and Mom taught us that.” Knox’s stance relaxes and the pride on his face shows brightly.

  “Well, good. I’m glad to hear that. You know we’ve always been proud of you, son. And Stormy? We know you’ve had some rough times but we are certainly glad to see you on the right track and you know we’ll help you in any way we can. We love you and want nothing but the best for you.” My lump has evaporated and all the love in the room begins to overwhelm me.

  “Thank you, Knox and Jade,” I say to him and then turn to Jade. “Just know that I appreciate everything you’ve done for me and I have a plan set up to pay you back. I love you both too and Pearl….” I look at her smiling face then back at Knox. “I’m ready to make the rest of my life full of happiness and success and with all of your support, I know I can.” Bo squeezes me again, kissing my cheek.

  “Well, I’d love to hang around but I’m going
upstairs to pack as much as I can and take over what I can tonight.” He turns to me and winks. “Wanna help?” I nod eagerly and then turn to Jade. “Jade? I’m leaving your car here. Thank you for letting me borrow it.” She smiles.

  “Nope. It’s yours. I’ve already had it put in your name. I’ve ordered another car and it’s being delivered tomorrow. Just consider it a welcome home present.” What?

  My heart races. “Oh, no! Jade. I couldn’t. You all have done so much for me already!”

  She stands, still smiling and walks to me. “Stormy, we take care of our own. It’s a present. Take it. We want you to have it with all our hearts. We love you, honey.” I stand quickly, hugging her as if she were my mom, with all the love I’m feeling.

  “I love you all too, so much! You’ll never know how much I appreciate it. Thank you.” She holds me tightly, rubbing my back and I can’t hold back the tears. Once we’ve pulled away from each other, I’m moved back into Bo, his arms around my waist, as I wipe away some tears.

  “Ok. Well, we’ll let you go pack and we will start dinner. You all can stay for that, right?” Knox asks as he starts to walk towards the kitchen. I look up at Bo and he smiles.

  “We’d love to,” I answer quickly. Bo takes my hand and we start to walk out of the room when I’m grabbed into Pearl’s arms. My tears stop and I start laughing. “Oh, my God. I’m been squeezed to death here, Pearl.” She starts laughing and releases me.

  “I can’t help it. Everyone else is getting their lovin’ and huggin’ in. I was feeling left out. I’m sad now since I’m leaving tomorrow but will be back in a couple of days and…. I’m going to be spending the night with you lovebirds. We’ll have a slumber party!” She says excitingly. I hear Bo laugh and can’t contain my laughter either. I just love her.

  “Sounds like a plan!” Bo pulls me away from her arms and leads me to his room but instead of starting to pack, he grabs me, his mouth crashes against mine as he holds the back of my head, his other hand flat on my lower back. What begins as a slow kiss begins to heat up quickly. “Mmm, Bo,” I mouth against his luscious lips but he begins kissing me in earnest once again. Finally needing to take some air, I pull back and smile. “Well, that was…. That was amazing but don’t you think we need to get you packed up? We might be able to….”

  “I’m just excited about moving in with you and how everything went. I feel like we’re getting a second chance, a fresh start and I, for one, can’t wait.” He grins, his eyes lighting up showing a sparkle in their blueness.

  “Well, if you’re so excited to move in, it would help if we pack. It’s not like you need furniture since both spare rooms are completely outfitted.” He laughs along with me. “I think we might be able to pack up everything tonight, if you’re game.” His eyebrows rise, his head turning to survey his room and then he turns back to me.

  “You’re right. We could. Let’s do this!” he yells. I can’t help but laugh with his enthusiasm. He walks over, grabs a couple of empty boxes that he must have brought here and hands one to me. “You can start on my dresser.”

  It took us about two hours to get everything packed and then Bo and Knox carried them all to his Jeep. By the time we are done, dinner is sitting on the dining room table and I’m starving! When I sit down I notice filled wine glasses at our settings along with a vase full of assorted fresh flowers as a centerpiece. “This is lovely, Jade.” She looks at me, smiles and picks up her glass, raising it in the air then looks around at everyone who follow suit.

  “Just wanted to make a nice dinner for you two as a little bit of a celebration on a new start for you together. May your lives be filled with happiness, love and joy.” Everyone yells their cheers but I swear I heard her whisper, “And no babies until they are married.” Tilting my head while taking a sip of my wine, I look at her, my brow raised and she smiles sweetly at me then shrugs. Yep, I heard her correctly. I just wonder if anyone else did. When I take a glance over at Bo, he winks at me then goes back to talking to Knox. Maybe I was the only one who heard her.

  It’s late by the time we get over to our apartment. Thank goodness there’s a side gate into the alley from the parking lot and then the side entrance stairs, with another locked door that leads straight into the hallway to the offices and apartment making a quicker and easier access to haul all the boxes there. Of course I’m limited on what I can help carry with my cast. Once we’ve taken several trips and have gotten the boxes into the apartment, I’m not only sweaty, and dirty but also exhausted. I sit down on the couch, lean my head back and close my eyes. “I need a bath but I’m too tired,” I whine. I feel the couch dip next to me and Bo’s hand brushing my hair that had come out of my ponytail, away from my face.

  “Come, Peaches. I’ll draw you a bath. You can soak, then wash and then I’ll tuck you in bed.” I feel the couch move again and then gasp when I’m lifted into his arms, opening my eyes and watch as he flips out the lights as he carries me upstairs. Once in my room, he walks us straight into my bathroom, sets me on the counter and walks over to the tub, turning on the faucets.

  “Don’t you ever get tired? I don’t think I can even move anymore,” I ask as I watch him test the water with his hand. He turns his head and smiles.

  “I’m actually pretty tired but I need to take care of my girl first.” He goes back to checking on the water, then pours in my peach scented salts, and I sigh. Why in the hell did I wait so long to be with him? Because I was stupid and rebelling and an idiot. Once he’s satisfied with the water he stands and walks to me, pushing my tired legs apart and moves as close to me as he can. “Need help getting undressed,” he says waggling his eyebrows.

  “I’d smack you but I’m too tired to lift my hand,” I laugh.

  His hands tug on the hem of my shirt, starting to lift it, his eyes watching me as I raise my arms a little and he continues, pulling it over my head. “You know I’ve seen you naked before, Stormy. It’s not like you don’t have anything I’ve not seen before. I have a Mom and a sister.” Another laugh escapes me but stops when he reaches around and unclasps my bra, then moves the straps off my shoulders with his fingers, delicately. I let it fall and see his eyes are aimed right at my breasts. My arms start to cross over me, trying to cover up when his hands stop them. “Don’t.” He moves his eyes to mine and I can see them glazed over with lust or love or maybe it’s desire. “You’re so beautiful, Stormy. Don’t worry. Taking it slow, right?” I swallow hard and nod slightly. His hands move to the waistband of my shorts and starts tugging them down when one of his arms grabs me around my waist, lifting me high enough while his hand pulls them along with my panties down enough and he sets me back down. He finishes removing them from my legs and tosses them in the hamper along with my shirt and bra from the counter. I squeal when he lifts me and then walks the two steps to the tub, he proceeds to lower me in the warm water with care.

  “Oh! This feels heavenly!” I sigh, leaning my head back against the back of the tub.

  “I’m going to go take a shower then I’ll be back to check on you. Don’t want you falling asleep and drowning on our first night as roomies.” I smile and watch as he walks from the room, his muscles moving in all the right ways as well as his fine ass and then close my eyes.

  Chapter Eight

  Damn, it felt good to take a hot shower. My body is more tired and already starting to get a little stiff from moving then I let on. I don’t want Stormy to think I’m not manly and can’t take the heat of a little work. When I saw how exhausted she was, I had to help her so she could go to bed and be comfortable. I’ve seen her body before, but it’s been years. It sure is gorgeous. Her breasts looked firm and more than enough for my large hands. Her nipples peaked, and my cock hardened immediately. When I lowered her pants, I found her bare as a baby and almost came in my pants from the vision, her unblemished skin looking delectable. I lick my lips now from just envision
ing it again. After drying off, I walk into my new bedroom and wonder how much I’ll actually use this room as I’m sure I’ll be in her room every night, but at least it’s somewhere to keep all my things. After walking around boxes, opening a few and then tripping over one, I finally found a clean pair of boxers and my sleep pants. I stop cold when it dawns on me that I haven’t heard any sounds coming from her room, so I quickly walk across the hall and look around, her bed is still made and nothing has been disturbed. My heart beats rapidly as I head into her bathroom and when I look down at the tub I find her sound asleep, her casted arm hanging over the side and I hear the faint little snore escape her slightly parted lips. She’s too cute.

  I figure I’d better quit standing there gawking at her so I grab a towel, lay it on the rug and then pick up her sleeping body, placing her on the towel and then bend down on one knee, drying her as best as I can. I get up and jog into her bedroom, grab a pair of clean panties from her drawer, her sleep pants and sleep tank top from another drawer and then jog back to her. You would never know just how hard it is to dress someone who is dead weight until you do it. Finally, I carry her to bed, pulling down the covers as I set her on the bed and then lie her down, covering her back up and notice she hasn’t stirred, not even one time. Damn, she must really be worn out. I want to climb in beside her so badly but I decide I’d better go make sure the alarm is set to the outside door and the apartment door. I reluctantly head downstairs. The doors and alarms are secure, so I head back upstairs and when I walk into the bedroom, I stop. She’s kicked off the covers, and her top has ridden up showing the smooth skin of her flat stomach, and she’s laying on her side. She has her arms wrapped around my pillow and her long dark hair is fanned out over hers. She’s beautiful. I creep to the bed, get under the covers and carefully untangle her from my pillow, pulling her into me. Her body is soft, warm and smells of peaches. I close my eyes, breathing in the aroma that is my Stormy and even though my body is exhausted and my limbs sore, I can’t go to sleep. So, I dream of us, being together always, our wedding day and then children running around our house. In my dream we are so happy.