Author: kharrison

Brietta

Cringing as her mother’s shrill laughter echoed through the small garden, she couldn’t go any further away. That laugh was as inescapable as the afternoon tea. Brietta had been strictly forewarned against venturing any further than the small garden. So there she was, wandering the fringes of the garden, just in case any of her mother’s friend’s sons, nephews, or any eligible male relation stopped by.

“Brietta darling!” Her mother called over, shattering the illusion of tranquility. When Brietta turned to look in her mother’s direction she discovered a rather attractive young man standing slightly off to the side of the group. With a stutter, her heart skipped a beat leaving her a little breathless. He was tall but not gangly, more broad than spindly. With gold-streaked, dark brown hair and his full masculine attention fixed on her, Brietta had to focus as she inclined her head in his direction.

“Yes mother?” She responded, not moving closer; no matter how tempting it now was. The little freedom she had would not be given up so easily. She could see her mother’s eyes roll in exasperation even from this distance.

“Dear girl, come meet Lady Bristol’s son. He’s only stopped in for a moment to check in on his dear mother.” Brietta’s mother kept waving her forward even after she began making her way through the manicured shrubbery. As she drew closer his eyes followed her, tempting her to stare into their depths. Brietta gave a small curtsey, swaying as she realized she’d been holding her breath. 

In the silence that followed her mother’s pleased smile, Brietta angled herself towards the handsome newcomer. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance Lady Bristol’s son.” She quipped.

“Brietta!” Her mother scolded. Brietta braced herself for an embarrassing public reprimand.

“Forgive me.” A deep baritone voice interrupted smoothly before her mother had a chance to begin. “I should have introduced myself. I would be honored if you would allow me to do so now. Lord Trenton.” He bowed.

Brietta bit her tongue in an attempt to maintain decorum and not stick her tongue out at him. She knew she had already surpassed her mother’s limited patience for the day. Thankfully, he lifted his arm to her in open invitation. “Would you allow me to escort you around your lovely garden so that I may further apologize in order to appease your delicate sensibilities?” She glanced at her mother, who was doing her best to nod her head off…subtly.

After only a few steps down the path he leaned over to whisper in her ear, amusement coloring his tone. “Now that we are practically old friends may I call you Brietta, as your mother so sweetly named you or must I remain formal? You don’t seem as traditionally intent as the ladies over at the table.” He confessed, teasing her with the hint of a roguish and downright mischievous smile.

Brietta’s polite smile brightened with delight. In as serious a tone as she could muster she declared. “Since you have brought up the subject, I confess that I must insist you address me formally.” She paused, checking the distance from her mother before deeming it safe to continue, “In fact, allow me to appease your delicate sensibilities. Most people address me as Lord Aubrietta. I am gratified to make you acquaintance, Lady Bristol’s son.” Her attempted haughtiness failed as she struggled to conceal her grin.

Immediately he bowed low. “Forgive me, Lord Aubrietta I had no idea I was in such lofty company. May I please grovel at your feet?” He glanced up at her from his bowed position, his grin matching hers.

“Oh, do get up before my mother faints or mistakenly believes you are proposing to me.” Brietta sighed.

Lord Trenton stood slowly and once again offered his arm for her to take. They strolled further into the garden in contented silence before he smiled down her way again. “So Brietta, how is it I find you alone in this garden while a bunch of matrons of high society gossip over tea nearby?”

She took a moment to formulate her answer. “How trustworthy are you?” She asked boldly, leaning forward in commiseration. “If I tell you the truth, will my mother be hearing of it before the week is out or will you hold my secret close?”

“No one will hear it from me.” He promised solemnly. They proceeded to walk to the furthest corner of the garden, away from the matrons.

Once far enough away she said, “I was required to stay for just a circumstance as this. My mother is convinced that she will snag me a husband through her entertainments with their mothers. You are not the first son or nephew to stop by for their aunt or mother or even grandmother, and you may have noticed my obvious lack of competition here. However, if it were up to me I would be an hour into those woods over there and decidedly absent until suppertime.”

“Ahh, to be free from marriage-minded mothers. Take me with you on your adventure into the woods.” He beseeched, pleading. “My mother is insisting I attend an afternoon concert with Lady Sophia Grace. A stroll in the woods with no such expectations sounds much more appealing.”

“I hear Lady Sophia Grace is well sought after. You should feel honored by the opportunity.” She muttered, well aware of where she stood in the social hierarchy compared to the elegant Lady Sophia Grace. There was a reason why she wasn’t attending parties where she would be compared to the other ladies her age. Her mother never hesitated to make her aware of her shortcomings in looks, form, and accomplishment. “Besides, I am not able to take you with me, whether I want to or not, because I’m not going anywhere.”

“But you want to?” Lord Trenton smiled. She didn’t have to answer, he could see in her answering smile that she was long to go anywhere and would happily take him along.

His shoulders slumped slightly as he took both her hands in his. After several seconds of simply holding them he looked up, straight into her eyes. Brietta felt positively speared by the determination and tenderness she saw within the depths of his gaze. With a heart-stopping grin he said, “I have decided. I am going to make it my mission to spirit you away from the confines of this garden so that we may go adventuring to your heart’s content. I will just have to keep coming back until we are both free of this garden and of the Lady Sophia Grace. I will see you tomorrow.” He bowed abruptly and left her standing alone in the back of the garden.

She watched as he gave his mother a sweet peck on the cheek and strode off to his waiting horse.

To read part 2 of Brietta’s story, click here.

Elizabeth

Standing on the steps of her childhood friend’s home, Lady Elizabeth Harrow’s heart raced at the prospect of seeing him again. Surely he would forgive her silence these past several years when he learned it had not been her choice.

The door opened and there he stood, tall and at attention, formally waiting to receive his guests. His dark hair was still short, trimmed, and polished. The suit he wore with casual grace couldn’t hide his lean muscled frame. He had definitely grown stronger by the look of him, standing there all tense.

As his eyes fell on her, she pulled her shoulders back. He bowed stiffly, unsmiling. “Welcome Lady Elizabeth. Please excuse me, I have work to do.” He turned to leave.

“Jameson?” She called out in shock before hastily correcting herself. “Forgive me, Your Highness.” His cold greeting astounded her. He paused at the sound of his name in his retreat before continuing his hasty escape.

She shuddered. It appeared that her best friend now abhorred the thought of being in the same room as her. 

Elizabeth had no time to dwell on this new development as her mother bustled into the room. “Ah, Elizabeth. Come. We must get you ready.” And as quickly as she came in, her mother hustled off continuing to talk even as she walked away, expecting Elizabeth to simply follow and listen. “Now, I filled your dance card with the men you are to seriously consider.”

Elizabeth continued to stare in the direction Jameson had stalked out.

“Elizabeth!” Her mother called. Reluctantly Elizabeth followed.

The frenzied hours of preparation that followed grated on her exhausted nerves. She silently endured, lost in thought over Jameson’s harsh greeting. Elizabeth braced herself for a long night. Her mother had provided the dress for the evening and Elizabeth cringed. They did not share the same taste. It was a pale pink confection that made her waist appear skinny but did nothing for her complexion or anything else.

As she descended the front stairs, she had to pause and shake off all the memories of the times she had skipped down those same stairs to meet up with Jameson. 

Her mother had certainly filled in every available moment of her night, as well as her dance card. Elizabeth was beginning to wonder if she could make it. After dancing without any rest for several dances, she was reeling but desperately fought to maintain her outward composure. None of her dance partners seemed to notice her discomfiture and whisked her out onto the dance floor before she could protest. As the night went on, she fought to not stumble or break down in tears. She felt alone, in pain, exhausted, and starving with no hope for relief.

Dances blurred and Elizabeth stopped paying attention, focusing only on staying upright. When her next partner moved her away from the dance floor instead of onto it she didn’t notice until the cool outside air hit her face. Abruptly she struggled to alertness and looked up into a familiar face. “Jameson?” She whispered. Her feelings vacillated between relief and hurt. Yet she couldn’t relax, remembering once again how he had so carelessly brushed her aside that morning.

Jameson politely inclined his head. “Lady Elizabeth, you appeared to need a bit of a rest.”

Elizabeth leaned up against the cold stone wall behind her. “How is it you can’t stand to be in the same room as me for more than a few seconds and yet you are the only one to notice when I need help?” Her eyes closed as she struggled to recover from her nonstop evening. She missed his startled look. At his irritated huff she forced herself to look at him. All she could see was how phenomenal he was looking. 

“You left.” He growled.

Startled, she attempted to hide behind cool indifference. “I did. Do you honestly believe I did it by choice?” 

His guilty glance to the floor made it obvious that he had thought exactly that and still did.

“Jameson. My mother told me we were going for a ride together. She didn’t inform me that I would be going to finishing school until I was at the gates. I wrote you. So many times. To explain. I never heard back from you.”

She laid her hand on his arm when what she really wanted to do was force him to give her the huge hug she had been craving since before she’d arrived.

When he didn’t speak she tilted her head to catch his gaze, “Is that why you had other business when I came home?”

His nod gave her hope. He glanced away, and when he looked back into her eyes she saw a wisp of sadness. “I missed you Liz.” She had no warning. He went from not touching her at all to enveloping her in one of his hugs. She collapsed into his arms. 

Instinctively he held her up. “What’s wrong?”

All the stress, the emotions, and even her mother’s good intentions overwhelmed the firm control she had been clinging to. Tears threatening, she moaned. “My feet hurt Jay. And I haven’t sat down since hours before the ball. My mother wouldn’t let me eat to make sure I fit into this stupid dress.” 

His eyes raked hotly over her dress. “You definitely look good in it. Even when I was making it a point to not look your way, I noticed. Is your mother still husband hunting for you?”

“Yes. Apparently you let her know that you were not interested in marriage with me so I’ve been ordered to not talk to you.” She admitted. 

“I told her that the day before you left because I didn’t want you to be forced to be with me. I wanted you to choose for yourself.” He pulled her tighter to him as he whispered in her ear, “When you left so suddenly I thought that you were giving me my answer.”

“Jay.” She smacked his arm but stayed nestled in close. She had missed him far too much for proper distance.

“I never received any letters.” He sighed, hugging her tightly once more. 

They broke apart as they heard footsteps clicking closer to them. Within moments a footman appeared. With a cough he turned to the prince. “Prince Jameson. Your mother is looking for you. Apparently you have missed the last three promised dances with her friend’s daughters.”

“Thank you. I will be in momentarily to soothe the ruffled egos in the room.” He bowed to Elizabeth. “It may not have been a long enough break for your feet but I don’t intend for you to dance with anyone else tonight as I will require my fiance by my side for the rest of the evening.”

“You have a fiance?” Elizabeth struggled to support herself on pained feet. “Since when?”

His boyish mischievous grin caught her by surprise. “Hopefully since right now?” He knelt down in front of her. “Will you marry me Liz?”

Jenna

Jenna almost didn’t step into the ballroom. She felt as though she was cheap taffeta in a room full of silks. Of all the places to meet on a blind date why had she agreed to this event? This was the social elite of the city.

Not that she was poor, she just didn’t make enough to be invited to this party on her own merits or money. Alise had insisted on setting her up on this date and had reveled at having her best friend and this mystery guy, Evan, meet.

At first the idea of going to a fancy event in a gorgeous formal dress and sleek new heels sounded incredible, like a princess fairytale for a night. Now that she was here, all the prepping and primping done, she dreaded the inevitable disappointment that was sure to appear in her date’s eyes. Unfortunately Alise, as a well-meaning friend, tended to talk her up. It was hard to recover from that sort of disappointment in the course of one date.

Braced for what was sure to come Jenna scanned the room again. Amidst all the men wearing tuxedos she had no chance of finding him. Instead, she would have to wait for him to find her. While she stood there, a horrible thought crossed her mind. What if he couldn’t find her? Or did and bailed before introducing himself?

“I’m going to be alone all night.” She muttered.

“Not if you don’t want to be.” A low voice right behind her rumbled with a chuckle.

Jenna swirled gracefully around in her shimmery cream ball gown, secretly loving how gracefully the skirts effortlessly spun.

Standing in front of her was a hulk of a man, all broad shoulders, narrow waist, and bulging biceps his tux couldn’t hide. Tearing her eyes away from all that muscle she found herself once again staring, but this time into amused green eyes framed by short tousled hair the color of burnt sienna. Her heart stirred.

Met with silence he deferred, “Unless you wanted to be alone?”

She shook herself out of her obvious ogling with a blush. “I…no…sorry. I was just looking for someone I was supposed to meet here.”

The smile he beamed her way pulled at her. He cocked an eyebrow. “Maybe I can be the one you are looking for?” With a formal bow he announced. “My name is Paul Carson, of Carson Tech.”

Disappointment marred her smile for only a second but he noticed.

“You are looking for someone in particular? Do you only know their name?” At her nod he smiled. “May I escort you while you search?” He leaned in. “I can be an invaluable help. Introductions and all that.” He looked so beseeching she couldn’t help but relent with a laugh.

“Deal.” She nodded. “Where to first? I am all yours.”

“Tempting.” He smirked. “If you were mine, I would be keeping you all to myself.”

A blush flushed to her face in a flash. “I didn’t mean that. I meant… I should have said…”

He interrupted. “I know what you meant.  A man can dream. Now, I will need to know who we are looking for if I am to be of any help.”

She smiled. “I am beginning to wonder if you are actually going to help me find my date or if you will purposely keep me from him.”

“The thought had crossed my mind I confess but I quickly chose the honorable thing so I would have a shot if your date didn’t go as planned.” Once again he let loose his smile, leaving her dazed. “So how do you not know what your date looks like? Did he not ask you out?”

“It’s a blind date.” Jenna admitted.

“Ahh. If only I had the right name then.” He smirked. “He should have picked you up.”

Jenna inwardly agreed but didn’t say it aloud. They stood there looking at each other in silence with happy contented smiles until he leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially. “His name? And while we are on the topic, your name?”

“Oh yeah. I’m Jenna.” She blushed and gave herself a shake to focus her brain as she nodded. “His name is Evan Cranston.”

He did a double take. “And you don’t know what he looks like?” Surprise and doubt covered his face and tone.

“No.” She confided softly. “Should I?”

It took a few long seconds of him studying her face for him to answer. “It’s just that most people do.”

“Hmm. Well” She shrugged, “I trust my friend who set me up to not set me up with a psycho.”

He nodded, appearing thoughtful and oh so charming. “How are you supposed to know it is him when you find him?”

Promptly she hooked her arm in his, secretly thrilled to be so close to so much gorgeousness. “That’s why I have you!”

In a low rumbling growl he admitted, “I’m finding it difficult to stay motivated in locating your errant date.”

“Why?” 

“The longer it takes, the more time I get with you.” The smile he shot her way was nothing short of devastating.

It was her turn to study him. “You do know what he looks like?”

“Ah yes. I assure you. I know all too well what he looks like.” His eyes scanned the crowd before them.

“And you’re sure you’re not the Evan I’m looking for?” She asked.

“I wish.” He inclined his head to her. “Shall we begin our search?” With a nod from her, they stepped into the press of people.

Over the next hour Paul took the time to introduce her to everyone they passed, and kept her laughing and distracted from the fact that she hadn’t found her date.

“Where do you propose we look next?” She sighed. Her date was officially past late. “Or have I been ditched?”

“It seems your persistence has been rewarded.” He pointed over at the door leading into the grand ballroom. “Evan has made an appearance.” Paul sounded disappointed. She stopped to glance his direction before turning to get a look at the man who was her date.

When she didn’t move toward the man Paul had pointed out, he nudged her.

“Jenna?”

Jenna startled at the sound of her name. She fidgeted with her dress. Here she was, over an hour into this grand event, had met dozens of very important people and still she was nervous. With a sheepish smile she shrugged, “Now that I’ve found him I find I am regretting it.”

“Already?” Surprise was apparent in his tone. “Not many people are ever disappointed finding Evan.”

“Not because of him. He’s handsome enough.” She flushed.

“Then what’s wrong Jenna? We’ve spent all this time looking for him.” Paul pulled her close with the slightest touch of his hand to hers.

Her silence and inability to meet his eyes suddenly made it obvious. Leaning down till their noses touched he snared her gaze smiling, “Save me a dance?”

Jenna’s relieved sigh was answer enough, but he chuckled when she straightened and looked boldly up at him. “Deal.”

Elena

Creeping down the stairs, mindful of her father’s voice rumbling angrily in his study, Elena closed the front door with the barest of clicks. Even after sneaking out, she was irritated that a woman her age had to sneak from her parent’s house.  A 22 year old should not have to sneak. Again the thought crossed her mind that maybe she should finish her degree away from home. With it being online, she could finish anywhere. As she walked down the street to the 24 hour IHOP, she thought back on all the memories that had held her together while Sean was gone.

Once he had left she had no idea what step to take first to leave her parent’s agoraphobic house but she knew she had to go.

It didn’t take long to reach IHOP. She stepped into the brightly lit foyer and scanned the room. He was in the corner, blue eyes beaming her way.

“Elena.” He wrapped her up in a warm welcoming hug. “Six months was too long.”

Elena bit back her retort. She didn’t want her first words to be bitter. She settled for, “I missed you too Sean.”

His hug tightened briefly before he released her, looking into her eyes. “Come. Sit down and tell me everything I’ve missed.”

They settled back into the booth he had previously been waiting in and Elena stared at her best friend and at all the changes that must have happened over the past several months. It startled her into wondering how different she looked now? His once shaggy blonde hair was now impeccably trimmed with no sign that he ever let his beard grow out. There was a power in his eyes now, as if he was used to being in charge and expected to be listened to and taken seriously.

“I am thinking you need to laugh more in your life.” Elena let slip.

Sean’s eyes widened, rapidly followed by a bright smile. A laugh twinkled through his eyes. “You never did have a problem calling me out. Especially when I needed more happiness around.”

Elena blushed.

But Sean continued, “Are you doing alright E? I’ve worried about you.”

So simple a confession but still it warmed her senses. And out it all came. Her plans to leave, her secret apartment shopping, chafing against the strictures that had long held her in her room, even her desire to find a new job out of state once she was finished with her degree. The longer she talked the more she felt the months spent apart becoming inconsequential.

Sean listened to it all. And after she finished spilling out everything she had been wanting to tell him, out came the questions that had bothered her over and over again. “Where have you been Sean? Why did you have to leave? And why for so long?”

He almost looked guilty but quickly straightened, reaching out for her hand. She didn’t, couldn’t, move away from the searing heat his touch instilled. It had been lonely without him.

With his other hand he rubbed his face. “Elena, I am so sorry. I made a deal with my father. Once I graduated college he wanted me to go straight into the family business and train to take over. I wasn’t ready and demanded a break before I committed so fully to the company. I wanted a life. I didn’t want to be me for a while.” He paused to squeeze her hand. “He agreed to two months of complete freedom in exchange for six months of full dedication to the company.”

Elena stared at him. This man in front of her was not the vacationing, happy go lucky guy she had known and fallen for. He wasn’t entirely different but definitely more focused, polished even. She had been drawn to his confidence before. Now, it was as if he glowed with self assurance. Sean had become a force of nature to be reckoned with.

“So, what’s the family business?” she asked, tentatively.

“You don’t know?”

She cocked her head to the side, staring honestly over at him. “No. Should I?”

Sean shrugged, almost looking embarrassed. “I guess I just assumed you would look me up at one point.”

Elena shook her head. “I don’t pry into anyone’s life on the internet. Too many lies and half truths.”

It was Sean’s turn to grin, sheepishly. “I should have known you wouldn’t.” He let out a big sigh. “My dad founded Trelling Conglomerate. It started out small but two years ago it went international. Since I left here I have been traveling, helping cement new business partnerships around the globe.”

“Oh.” Elena wanted to say more but she sat back in shock. That was not what she imagined at all. Son of a huge multi-national business. Heir to a fortune. How small she seemed in the big picture of his life when he was such a prominent part of hers. She ventured, “How did you find time to come all the way back here?”  

When he leaned forward, across the table, her attention was riveted. “Elena, this trip back here has been in my schedule and unchangeable since the second I left. I promised my dad six months with no social distractions of any kind, but I wasn’t going to wait a single day passed that to come back to you.”

She mentally staggered under the immensity of emotion his confession charged in her. “What now?” she whispered.

“Well, as far as plans go, I had hoped to spend time with you for the week I’m here. I was hoping you’d still be willing to go on a few dates, talk things over and figure how we can best move forward together no matter where that is. Then, in a week I will have to head back to New York to settle things.” He paused, looking beyond anxious but excited. Elena couldn’t figure out how to feel. It was more than she had hoped for in all the time she had ached to be with him. Her gaze zeroed in on his very kissable mouth as he began to talk again.

“When I leave, Elena I was hoping you would come with me.”

Shock again coursed through her, leaving her energized and giddy. She smiled and began to nod when she noticed he was holding out a small box over the table. He pulled it open to display a diamond ring. She smothered her gasp with her hands as tears rolled.

“Elena, love. I know it has been a long time, but there has never been any doubt for me that you are the one I want to spend eternity with. Will you marry me?”

All she could do was nod and cry. Sean stood and slid into her side of the booth, easing the ring onto her finger and whispering into her ear, “I love you E.”

Deah

“Deah Rose!”

Deah’s head popped up from the garden she was tending. Her father’s voice echoed off the stone walls surrounding her. Seconds later, her father appeared at the arched doorway.

“Ah there you are, my dear. I have the most wonderful news.” His jubilance was infectious and she found herself smiling. “I’ve found him!” He exclaimed, waving his arms around.

“Who? Found who?”

“Him! Your future husband. It’s all arranged!” In his excitement he didn’t see his daughter go pale and drop the shears she had been holding. He heedlessly continued, “It solves everything for both him and us.  He needs a wife and I need you married before any of those thieving warlords cast their eyes your way.”

“Papa.” She breathed, scolding.

“Oh, do not worry about a thing. It will be a small exchanging of vows in a week. Nothing big. Nothing to fret over.” He patted her shoulder.

Papa!” Deah ground out.

It was as if he was deaf as well as blind, rattling on about how much her marriage would benefit him.

“Papa!” She yelled, stomping her foot, determined to have his attention.

He blinked, finally focusing on her. “What’s wrong Deah? I thought you would be happy for me.”

“Papa, you have just told me that I am going to be marrying someone in a week’s time and you still have yet to tell me who!” Deah fought back her frustration.

“Oh.” He only allowed a few seconds of worry before jumping back to jubilation. “Alarik Carrington.” He proudly proclaimed.

The hope of having at least met her future husband was crushed. She recognized the name, but had never met the fearsome lord.

“He’ll be here in a matter of minutes. Go throw on something pretty.” He nudged her toward the door before taking off down the hallway himself.

Deah stumbled and leaned against the doorframe. Closing her eyes she tried to reconcile her suddenly turbulent mind with what she had to do.

“Might as well go get pretty.” She muttered sarcastically. Turning to go to her room she found herself toe to toe with a stranger. A tall stranger with a sinfully strong, muscled chest. A fact she could see quite well, her slim nose being inches from it.

The man caught her by the shoulders to stop her from bumping into him. “Hello.” He rumbled in amusement.

Her gaze flew up and straight into his mischievous smile. “Who are you?” 

His smile burst from his core into a full-bodied laugh and she found herself smiling up at him even as she blushed. “Nice to meet you too, Miss…?” He tilted his head to the side.

“Oh!” With a gasp she remembered why she had been in such a hurry. “I have to go! I’m late!” She didn’t wait for him to say goodbye. Instead she ran.

As she made it to her room she could only spare a second of thought for the handsome stranger she had literally just run into. He was probably one of the hundreds of business associates of her father’s constantly coming in and out of the house, yet she couldn’t figure out how she hadn’t noticed him before.

Quickly she pulled off her dirt-streaked gardening dress, replacing it with her only jade velvet gown. She tried not to care about how sudden this all was, but in the back of her heart she was still stunned. It was too much to handle too fast. 

It had only been a few minutes since her father had sent her off to change but she still felt rushed. Her breakneck run to her room had done little to escape the hypnotic pull that the handsome stranger had held over her. However, she no longer had the luxury of such distraction, engaged as she now was. Instead, she had to focus on her future husband. Hurriedly making her way to the great hall she focused only on moving quickly yet gracefully.

The noisy chaos within the hall silenced as her father noted her entrance and stood. Everyone turned toward him; all but one. There, off to the side and looking an odd combination of sheepish and alluring, was her stranger. He did not take his eyes off her even as her father began speaking. It made her arms tingle and she had to force herself to look up at her father.

“My friends, I have asked you all here for a wonderful announcement.” He clapped his hands. Deah began to wonder if he might simply be eager to be rid of her. “I have found a husband for my daughter.”

When he motioned for Deah to stand beside him she obediently made her way forward.

“Come on up and meet your bride, Carrington.” He called gleefully

Deah shuddered. Her father sounded as if he were presenting a prize, not his only daughter. Her eyes rose as she saw a pair of shoes step up in front of her. She gasped. Standing before her was her handsome stranger.

As he bowed, he took a gentle hold of her hand and pulled her closer as he stood tall once again. He whispered down to her as she found that she was once again inches from colliding with his chest. “It’s nice to officially meet you Deah.”

Startled at his tone she looked straight into his sparkling eyes, forgetting that she was supposed to be acting appropriately demure. “You knew!” She accused in a fierce whisper, embarrassment clouding her normally calm composure.

Looking around at their audience he gave a slight nod before addressing the men watching. “As wonderful as it is to be with all of you to celebrate our new engagement I must speak with my fiance for a few moments alone.” He bowed with a gracious smile and pulled her along with him to a side door leading to a small patio.

She merely waited until the door closed before she rounded on him. “You knew who I was in the hallway and didn’t tell me!”

He shrugged. “I figured you already knew who you were and didn’t need me telling you.”

Exasperated she folded her arms, “That is not what I meant.”

“I know.” He conceded, gently pulling her into him. She would have pushed him away for his brazen audacity if it hadn’t felt so comforting. “And I’m sorry I could not prevent your father’s method of meeting. I was by that door earlier hoping to meet you before he did all this but it didn’t quite work out as I planned.” His grin was anything but apologetic. “You do run quite swiftly though.”

Embarrassment coursed through her. “I was in a hurry.”

“Yes. I could see that.” He paused.

Deah looked up at him as he held her waist, a small smile dancing on the corners of her mouth.

His smile warmed her skin and tickled her toes with pleasure. “I suppose now would be a good time to formally introduce myself. Alarik Carrington, Lord Dunharein.”

To read part 2 of Deah’s story, click here.

Sandra

The tent they had shoved her into was stifling. She would be married off to a man she had never met, whatever he was willing to pay. The highest bidder. Today she would be sold. There would be no courtship, no party, no celebration, nothing. The vows would be spoken and the contract would be signed; and she would be his.

Oddly, Sandra found herself hoping that she appeared pleasing enough to entice someone to ‘marry’ her. Anyone not auctioned off today was sent into the services of the city’s elite. It was not a fate to be envied. When labeled as un-marriageable you were viewed as less than a person. Assigned to the worst tasks that no one else wanted, many women didn’t last more than a year, succumbing to depression and suicide.

“Vira.” The head guard hollered. The blonde next to her gave a little sob and stepped forward.

Sandra stepped back and fought to hold in the tears as she allowed her long blonde hair to drape down, concealing her face from the rest. She didn’t want to look weak.

In mere minutes the man was back calling out another name. All that registered in Sandra’s mind was that it wasn’t her name.

Name after name was called and time after time Sandra waited, until she was the last woman in the room. She stepped forward knowing that her time had come. Someone had to go last. The head guard stepped back into the room and pointedly did not look her way as he exited, leaving her behind.

Sandra stood there, unsure what to do. She hadn’t been put up to be viewed so she couldn’t be labeled un-marriageable but she wasn’t married off either. This was a middle ground she had no clue what to do with. Several minutes passed before she had the gumption to approach the exit. She pushed open the flap of the tent and stepped out. There was only one guard in sight standing right next to the opening. She drew to a sudden stop when he pinned her where she stood with a mere glance. He handed her a sealed envelope.

Curious she opened it and withdrew a note.

Sandra,

You have 15 minutes to gather your possessions. The guard who gave you this letter will escort you. Future clothing will be provided.   -Ethan

Straightening herself to her full height she faced the guard, forcing her voice and expression to remain calm. “I have nothing to retrieve from home.”

“Follow me” he gruffed.

Wordlessly she followed, anxiety for what would happen next weighing her steps. Shock interlaced her apprehension when he eventually led her up the steps of a grand house. Even though she was nervous, she noted that her escort brought her through the front entrance and not the servant’s door. Hope trickled through the fear clogging her thoughts.

The guard stopped in front of a large set of doors just inside the entry. “Wait here” he commanded and promptly left, not waiting for her to respond.

She only had to wait a few minutes before a servant opened the door wide and motioned her in. Sandra walked into the room and over to the large desk dominating the room.

The man seated behind the desk barely glanced her way but immediately dismissed the servant at the door with a careless wave. When he went back to his work Sandra took the opportunity to really look at him.

She blushed as she realized how handsome the man was even as he scowled down at the papers in front of him. His dark hair and well-tanned skin made her prickle with awareness. It was obvious he did not normally sit behind a desk but was a man always on the move. This was not a man to trifle with. Even sitting down, power and authority seemed to emanate from him…and his bulging muscles.

“Sit” He barked, without looking her way.

Glancing around she saw a chair in the corner and retreated to it.

When he glanced up minutes later she silently watched as he had to check the whole room before his bewitchingly intelligent hazel eyes landed on her.

In a softer voice than the gruff demand earlier, he amended “I meant over here.” He pointed at the large, luxurious chair positioned directly in front of his desk.

“Oh.” She blushed. Quickly she made her way back to the desk and plopped into the chair with less grace than usual. To cover up her blunder she smoothed her dress straight and sat up tall. When she braved a glance up she discovered him smiling over at her with such affection her blush deepened.  

“You don’t recognize me.” He stated, almost sadly, while still smiling.

She started in surprise and studied him closer. He had looked familiar but she had brushed it aside as nerves. Now she really looked, trying to figure out why he did indeed look familiar. He allowed her to stare for a few seconds as he continued to smile. His smile alone made her flutter inside, her heart pounding.

“It was a few weeks ago.” He prompted. “Just outside of town. Those boys that were bothering you…” Again he paused.

Sandra gasped. “That was you! I didn’t have a chance to thank you.” She smiled shyly. “Or see your face very well.”

Anger flashed briefly across his face. “I am only glad you were not hurt.”

“Thanks to you.” Her heart warmed with gratitude. At least now she knew the person in front of her was a good, honorable man.  With a wisp of boldness she muttered “Why am I here?”

He leaned forward. “What?”

“What am I doing here?” She braved a peek at his face. A soft smile had replaced all traces of anger.

“You deserve to be courted.” He confessed, almost sheepishly.

Sandra was stunned. The custom he brought up was very old and rarely ever used anymore. Not when the auctions were so simple. “ You don’t even know me.” She argued.

“I know enough to want to court you.” He replied with sincerity. “You deserve a marriage proposal, not a contract.” He paused. “If you decline I will find you a good job in my household or elsewhere if you so choose. You do not have to say yes just to save yourself from slavery.”

She sat there, stunned. What do you say when your world is suddenly upended?

In the silence that followed he stood and moved around the desk, all smooth steady grace, sliding into the equally plush seat next to her. Grabbing hold of her tightly clasped hands he implored “I have been unable to rid you from my thoughts since the moment I first saw you attempting to fight off those scoundrels alone.”

Sandra stared down at her hands held in his. The warmth and absolute tenderness conveyed was mesmerizing.

“I…” She paused and started over with a shy smile. “Yes.”

Sarah

Sarah sat patiently in the Audi’s passenger seat and smiled through the window at the man walking around to open her door. As much as she wanted to get out and look around, she loved it when Matt opened the door for her even more. When it slipped his mind, she happily waited in the car until he noticed. It usually didn’t take long. He always remembered… eventually.

Wiggling her toes she glanced down at her worn out sneakers. Hopefully it wouldn’t get too hot while they were hiking. Her door opened and she took his extended hand. She pulled herself out of the car to kiss him. Even after dating him for a year, kissing him just didn’t grow old.

She broke away reluctantly so he could close her door. Gazing past the parking lot at the trees crowding both sides of the path, Sarah couldn’t help but take a big deep breath. Being outdoors was such a big stress reliever!

Matt came up behind her and slowly eased his hands around her waist until she could lean back into his chest, enfolded in his embrace. For several minutes they stood there, enjoying the simple fact that they were together and in love. It was Matt who broke the quiet first by spitting out a few stray hairs of Sarah’s that had blown into his mouth.

With a giggle Sarah spun out of Matt’s arms and grabbed hold of his hand. “Let’s go.”

They were having too much fun to do any serious hiking as they meandered along the trail. Sarah drank in all the beautiful fall colors. How could she not be completely happy when she was not only surrounded by nature but also with the one person she wanted to be with for the rest of her life?

Shaking herself out of her thoughts she pointed up at a huge rock on the side of the path.

“That one!” She exclaimed.

“What about it?” Matt asked, using the distraction to pull her in under his arm. She didn’t hesitate to snake her arm back and around his waist. The closer the better.

With a small hip check, she nodded up. “I want to climb it.” She gave him her very best ‘duh’ face. “I want to stand on top and see the world at our feet.”

Laughing, he agreed.

In a matter of minutes they reached the base, all while pushing each other around like two year olds. With an exaggerated bow Matt proclaimed loudly. “After you, milady.”

Sarah shoved him a little. “You just want to watch me climb.”

All he did in reply was smile. Shaking her head, she began the climb. It took longer than she thought because Matt would randomly grab hold of her foot. He didn’t pull or anything dangerous, but it sure made it hard when she couldn’t pick up her foot to step up higher.

“Stop grabbing me!” She hollered down. As she heard him chuckle back, he snatched at her foot again.

“It isn’t me.” He wriggled his fingers up her legs like spiders, “It’s the rock monsters.” With a soft smack to her calf, he called up. “Don’t worry. I got it.” Again she took a step up, laughing.

Reaching the top, Sarah let out a whoop and did a little victory dance. Matt took his time.

While she waited, she turned in a full circle, looking out across the tops of the trees in every direction. Even the trail they had been following was hard to discern from up top.

Matt’s head popped into view. “What? No help?” He bemoaned.

With a laugh she reached her hand out, “Want some help Matty?”

“Peas!” He fake whined.

Both collapsed into giggles after she did indeed help him up. After several minutes laying there giggling and poking each other Sarah sat up and dangled her feet off the not-quite-steep ledge. Matt followed her over and gently wrapped his arm around her; effectively taking her in against him once more.

Sarah lay there, head on his shoulder, drinking in the view as well as Matt’s closeness. Far too often work, school, and well-meaning friends intruded on what little time they could spend together. This hike was perfect. Just the two of them for the whole day.

Matt stirred beside her, giving off an almost anxious air that hadn’t been there minutes earlier.

“What’s wrong?” She asked, still snuggling while attempting to look up into his face. He didn’t look at her but smiled quickly.

“Nothing.”

“Liar.” She softly accused. It wasn’t anger that filled her but curiosity. Why would he lie to her? And why on earth was he so nervous?

She felt rather than saw him shake his head. He didn’t answer her accusation. “Matt?” She questioned, seeking to pull his attention back.

He had begun to shake, his nerves getting the best of him and Sarah was beginning to worry. If he had to end their all-day date early she was going to be heartbroken. Already she started preparing for the worst. In an effort to pull him out of his fog she nudged him and asked, “Ready to climb down and keep hiking?” Even to her, her enthusiasm sounded forced.

Matt stood up and stuck his hands in his pockets, looking everywhere but at her.

Enough of the weird behavior. This was not how she was going to spend her day.

Sarah stepped right in front of Matt. Fists on hips she glared up at him. “Alright. Spill.”

“Huh.” His distracted gaze landed on her. Her in-the-face approach at least got his attention. “Oh sorry Sarah. I’m just a little distracted. It’s fine. I’m fine.”

“Well I’m not. Un-distract yourself.” She smiled and went up on tiptoes to give him a small kiss to soften her demand.

Under his breath he muttered, “Now’s as good as any.” Before she could question that odd comment her question was answered as he dropped down on one knee.

Sarah heart stopped and shock sprinkled across the absolute joy spreading over her features.

The nervousness Matt had been exuding disappeared and her confident and outgoing man made a startling comeback.

“Sarah. From that first date when we had a picnic in the rain, I have known you are such a special person. Everyday I am more and more certain that I never want to let you go. I want to be with you for eternity. Will you marry me?”

Halfway through his proposal Sarah was already nodding. “Yes!” she beamed.

He slid the ring on her finger and rose to kiss her. It may not have been perfect since she had sort of bullied him into spitting out the proposal without realizing what she was doing, but she was now his fiance.

“I love you Matt!” She exclaimed as she threw her arms around his neck.

Bethani

Bethani leaned back in her office chair, reaching her arms back as far as they would allow to stretch out her aching back. Glancing around the work floor she realized that she was once again the last to leave. She shook her hair loose from its constricting hair clip, brown curly waves brushing the tops of her shoulders, a freedom she rarely indulged in since her mother insisted it was horribly unprofessional to leave her hair down.

As hard as she tried, she couldn’t keep her focus for more than a few seconds on her large computer screen sitting to her left. Charts, spreadsheets and graphs covered the display. She laughed; it almost looked as cluttered as her physical desk.

In a steady rhythm she tapped her self-manicured fingers softly over the tops of the keyboard keys. Not enough to press any keys or anything, more of an absent gesture to help her think.

“Ms. Jacobs.” A gruff but not wholly unpleasant voice disturbed the quiet from behind her. “You are here rather late. Whatever you are working on will be here in the morning. Go home.”

Bethani attempted to stifle her startled shriek but wasn’t successful. Spinning in her chair she came face to face with her boss, Mr Hillier, whom she’d only ever glimpsed from a distance. Even more surprising than his presence was the fact he knew her name. In an attempt to cover her embarrassing display of surprise she blurted, “I didn’t realize anyone else was here.”

He grunted in response and headed back up to his office. She watched him go in and shut the door. She hadn’t ever met the boss, still hadn’t technically, since he hadn’t bothered with a hello much less an introduction. In fact, she was still reeling by the fact that he knew her name and had noticed she was still there. It’s not like she had been making noise. She peered up at his office, unsure if she should head out or stay and finish her assignment.

She dropped back down in her chair. Even if she wanted to leave, she couldn’t go. Her supervisor had happily assured her that if the project wasn’t polished and complete by morning she would be fired. Cruel, bitter woman. Bethani was stuck at her desk until it was done.

“I better get it done faster. Maybe he won’t notice I didn’t leave.” She muttered to herself as she went back to typing. For several minutes she made a whirlwind of progress.

“Ms Jacobs!” Mr. Hillier roared from where he now stood in his open office doorway. Bethani hesitantly peeked her head over her computer to look at him. He didn’t wait for a response. Instead he continued to holler. “Get in my office now.”

She hurried to comply. She couldn’t lose this job. 

Once inside his office she sat in the large plush chair opposite his desk. He sat with steepled fingers and a slight glare. Bethani watched as he took several slow, deep, bracing breaths.

“Why are you still here? I have a meeting with board members in Hong Kong and you are distracting me. ” His eyebrows arched in annoyance.

“I need this job sir.” Bethani struggled to speak above a whisper.

“And how would going home tonight compromise that job?” He demanded.

“Mr. Hillier, sir. I was informed this afternoon by my supervisor that if I did not complete my project by tomorrow morning I would be let go.” Bethani didn’t raise her eyes, focusing firmly on her own clasped hands.

“What project?” The curiosity in his tone pulled her gaze up to his now contemplative face.

“Carista.” Even as she said it his gaze darkened with mild anger.

“Carista?” He repeated. She nodded in confirmation. “Abigail is your supervisor then.” Again he surprised her by knowing who she worked under. “How much of this project are you assigned to complete?”

“All of it.” Bethani replied. Confusion spread through her. If he was going to fire her for staying why didn’t he just get it over with?

“I see.” He leaned back in his chair, looking decidedly more thoughtful as he looked at her across the desk. After a brief pause and slow inhale he nodded to her. “Since you have my attention, I would like to see what you have come up with so far.” He announced. 

Pulling everything she needed off her cluttered desk, she made her way back to his office to find him still sitting reclined in his seat.

“Sir, I…” 

He interrupted. “Adam.”

Startled, she blinked, “What?”

“The formality. I hate it. It is also after normal work hours. Please call me Adam, not sir.”

Bethani blushed. “Oh. Alright then, Adam.” Setting down the papers filling her arms she handed him the one on top. She proceeded to provide all the pertinent information and solutions she had been slaving over. He stopped her and asked questions throughout her makeshift presentation. Once she finished, he continued to look over her cluttered papers.

Unsure what to do, she quietly sat back down in her chair. She was surprised when he finally looked up at her again. He was smiling. A jolt of joy seared through her. He was stunning, smiling at her like that. 

“Well Ms Jacobs.” 

“Bethani.” She interrupted, the corners of her mouth curving up in the hint of a teasing smile.

His megawatt grin brightened as he nodded in acknowledgement. “Bethani. I must admit I find I am very pleased you chose not to leave when I told you to. This has all been very enlightening.” Adam motioned to the mess she had made of his previously pristine desk. “But now I must insist you go home. Your job is secure and I am impressed by your ideas and dedication. I expect to see you in my office tomorrow morning to discuss this in full detail. However, for now, allow me to walk you to your car. It is late and I would hate for anything to happen to you.”

“I can keep my job?” She sighed in relief.

Adam chuckled. “Without question, your job is secure.”

“Don’t you have a phone call with Hong Kong?”

Delicious warm shivers ran the length of her spine as she watched him stand and button his suit.

 “I have a few minutes to spare.” He said.

Bethani stood, smiling shyly. “Then yes, you can walk me to my car. I’m starving.”

As he came around his desk he offered her his arm. “Could I convince you to wait an hour and have dinner with me?” 

She cocked her head to the side. “A business dinner? As friendly coworkers? Or like a date?”

Adam leaned in close. “Most definitely a date.”

Bethani’s heart tingled as she dared to nod at the handsome man in front of her. “I’ll wait.”

Tieralee

Tieralee found herself toying with her starburst pendant, her fingers trembling. These high society balls made her anxious.  It was stifling. 

She stood on the outside of the swelling crowd, head bowed, eyes down. In a heartbeat she was shouldered roughly into the wall behind her. With a pained exclamation she looked up into a pair of sage green eyes, the surprise in them mirroring her own. 

Quickly the owner of those eyes righted her, sliding his hand softly down to take hold of hers. 

“Are you alright? Did I hurt you?” The intense sincerity with which he searched her face stole her clear thinking from her. 

“I…no…please do not worry yourself. I am unharmed. Only startled.” How long had it been since she last spoke to anyone? Relief flooded through her when her voice did not crack. The music for the next dance announced the beginning of a waltz.

“Still” he temporized, “I am appalled by my lack of manners. How may I make it up to you?”

“Sir, I do not even know you. Please do not worry over such a trivial thing.”

“Of a truth! Another bout of bad manners on my part!” He caught her hand in his and bowed over it. “I am Lord Braithwaite. Allow me to show my deepest apologies. Please honor me with a dance Miss…?” 

“Gibson.” She acceded, looking anywhere but into his intoxicating gaze. She struggled to figure out a way to extricate herself and reacquaint herself with the shadows of the nearest alcove as soon as possible.

“Wonderful. Miss Gibson.” He led her on the dance floor in a firm grip well before she could voice her dismay. Dancing with the handsome Lord Braithwaite was not a good way to stay out of her aunt’s scornful watch.

With his hand properly holding her in harmony with his movement, the warmth emanating from his strong frame lulled her to giddy acquiescence. It was exquisitely more exciting than what she had expected of her very first dance, and a waltz at that.

She was quite enjoying her forbidden interaction with Lord Braithwaite, until he opened his mouth.

“Now Miss Gibson, to whom do you belong to at this delightful little soiree?”

“My aunt.” She hedged.

His smile bloomed. “Ah, how telling.” He glanced away. “When you answered, you glanced her way to make sure she hadn’t seen you. Thus she is in that corner and you are only recently acquainted and don’t want to mess it up.” He paused. “That is, if I read that look correctly.” His gaze went from scanning the corner in question to piercing through her. “Why weren’t you standing with her?”

Tieralee blushed, dropping her gaze to his shoulder. This man and his eyes were far too perceptive. At a loss of how to answer, she stayed silent. 

She forced herself to keep her smile but could still feel him looking at her. With the end of the dance there came no relief, for he held her hand to his arm in the guise of escorting her. “Come, let us meet your aunt.”

“Please, leave it be. The shadows where you found me is where I aim to stay for the rest of the evening.” She pleaded softly.

“No I’m afraid I can’t allow that.” He smiled to cushion his bluntness. “We must be properly introduced through your aunt, for I plan to spend as much of the evening as I can at your side.” With this pronouncement he pulled her to a stop in front of her aunt. How he knew, she couldn’t say. “Lady Grenault, I must compliment you on pulling together such a wonderful event.”

Lady Grenault turned her full attention their way. “Lord Braithwaite. I am pleased you have enjoyed yourself thus far. Allow me to introduce my daughter Miss Alanna to you.”

Simpering and flouncing into view, Alanna dropped a deep curtsey to Lord Braithwaite. Tieralee burned with embarrassment at what was sure to happen next.

Lord Braithwaite bowed, drawing attention to the fact that he had her at his side by choice. It only took a few seconds but Tieralee knew the instant she was noticed. It was then she knew without a doubt, her aunt had expected her to stay out of sight in her room and most decidedly not in the ballroom.

Lord Braithwaite felt her tense and watched her wilt under her aunt’s silent scolding. Far too perceptive.

He forestalled any further conversation that would put Alanna forward and relegate Tieralee back to invisibility as he spoke. “I must beg your pardon for bringing this young lady into the conversation, however she has not been introduced to anyone and it seemed only appropriate to seek your impeccable guidance on whom would have such manners as to abandon their kin without a friend here, to be left alone, unable to properly meet anyone. She refuses to tell me who she is here with. Would you be able to enlighten me?” Tieralee looked up at the innocence plastered convincingly all over his face. Subtle.

“No need to be rash my Lord.” Lady Grenault fluttered. Based on her aunt’s simpering theatrics, Lord Braithwaite’s influence must have been great indeed. “She is my niece sir, and I was simply unaware she had arrived. Seeing how she has only arrived this evening from the country. I had assumed she would need more rest after such a long journey. Since she is here allow me to happily introduce her to you now. My sister’s daughter, Miss Tieralee Gibson. My dear, this is Lord Jamison Braithwaite.”

Tieralee did her best to curtsey prettily as the bow Lord Braithwaite presented her was impressively powerful. Immediately he placed her hand back in the crook of his arm. “Please excuse us Lady Grenault, I promised Miss Gibson an introduction to several of my associates.”

Tieralee followed him away from her aunt. Once far enough away she whispered up to him. “Though I am sure to be in great amounts of trouble for that conversation, I thank you.”

“No need to thank me Miss Gibson. I did it for selfish reasons.” He shrugged, refusing to release her hand from his arm. 

She stilled. “What would those reasons be?” 

“Well, I am sorry to say I may have been avoiding your cousin. And even if that were not the case, I couldn’t bear to not have the chance to get to know you better.” He caught her gaze with his, capturing her fully. Again, Tieralee found herself speechless and utterly drawn to him.  He continued with a grin, “And most importantly, I learned your name is Tieralee. Charming indeed.”

Maddy

I didn’t realize how close our faces were until our noses brushed. I took a step back, focusing on my breathing to stay calm, to hold it together.

Caden turned 17 yesterday. He now knows who he’s going to marry and I can’t figure out why it irritates me so much. All morning when I caught him glancing my way I couldn’t help but blush at his obvious attention. A part of me wants him to be my future. After all, we are best friends.

However, I am going to have to wait another year before I will find out for myself who my parents chose for me. With each engagement and subsequent marriage arranged and coordinated by parents, society deemed that children need not know the details until they were considered old enough to handle the responsibility. Yet that is not entirely true, because the boys find out when they are 17 while the girls have to wait until they are 18. The actual marriage doesn’t take place until both are 19 but still, they knew first. When did adults suddenly decide that boys were more mature than girls at 17?

When I asked my mother why I had to wait a year longer she laughed. “The longer a girl knows who she’s marrying the more she rebels and looks for a way out of it. Whereas the longer a boy knows, the more he gets used to the idea and looks forward to it.” 

I couldn’t disagree. I knew it would be very true in my case but I hated having all the guys in the school know and I was left in the dark. Caden was the last of my circle of guy friends to find out. Every one of their birthdays had come and they each had in turn become insufferable. I’ve grown to hate birthdays and what they did to my friends. Every birthday I got stares and every birthday Caden would take my guy friends aside to talk. After they talked everything would go back to normal. Caden saved my sanity. However this time it was Caden doing the staring. Who was going to have words with him?

By the end of the day I couldn’t stand it any more. I was walking out with Caden, Ben, Trate, and Eli when once more Caden looked my way. He was hiding something. So I whacked him as hard as I could.

I had waited until we weren’t on campus so we wouldn’t get in trouble but that was it; this is where my patience ended. 

“What was that for?!” He hollered before coming at me. I had been friends with these guys for most of my life so they no longer felt the need to refrain from seeking revenge when I hit them. In turn, I didn’t hold back my punches when they deserved it. 

I widened my stance, ready to absorb the full-on tackle I knew was coming. I was braced and ready but at the last second he swooped around and picked me up. 

“Caden!” I screeched. “Put me down!

My world began to spin. I clamped my mouth shut and hung on tight. How he kept his balance for so long while turning my world on end, I do not know. As he finally slowed I could feel his soft chuckle deep in his chest to which I clung. When did he get to be so strong? I didn’t notice before how much muscle he hid under those baggy old t-shirts.

He held onto me and nodded for the guys to keep going. Ben laughed, but then as they all started walking again Caden didn’t move to follow. After a minute he looked down and smiled, setting me down. “Ready to talk?”

“It’s just not fair” I stuck out my bottom lip and gave my most convincing pouty face. 

“Aww put that pout away.” He tucked my lip back in. “I know it bugs you not to know and I shouldn’t have stared.” I looked up into his face and searched for some sign that he would give me even a hint of what he now knew. Guys talked to each other. They were allowed to. I caught his ‘debating’ look and wanted to beat it out of him.

“Are you going to tell me then?” My hand found itself clutching his arm. I didn’t want to look desperate so I forced my hand to drop to my side.

I watched him pull his hand through his hair as he looked down the road at the other guys standing around waiting for us. Our friends, MY friends. His voice dropped to a painful whisper. “You know I can’t tell you.”

My breath hitched. I pounced on his wording. “But you know! You know! Tell me who!” Again my hands clenched his biceps. Who cares about looking desperate. 

Both his arms wrapped me in a huge solid hug as he bent to whisper into my ear. “I wish you were mine.”

I lost my breath. My heart dropped down to my knees as they buckled. If he hadn’t been holding me up I would have been on the ground. It wasn’t Caden. And he knew who it was. In that instant I knew I wouldn’t find out from him. For a second I blanked. All my brain could process was one phase over and over. It’s not Caden. It’s not Caden. It’s not Caden. I didn’t realize how much I had wanted and counted on it being him. And now that it was too late to try and do anything about it he admits that he wanted me to be his. “Do…do I know him?” I stumbled out.

His eyes closed. I watched as his face filled with sadness.  “Don’t ask me Maddy.”

I didn’t realize how close our faces were until our noses brushed. I took a step back, focusing on my breathing to stay calm, to hold it together.

I looked around and discovered that all the other guys were no longer quite so near, but were studiously looking anywhere but at the two of us. In a moment of clarity it hit me. Every birthday, all those talks, Caden was making sure I could still be his. They all knew I was supposed to be with Caden. That he had always thought we would be together. How could I not have seen before? It’s true he had always been so protective of me. But it didn’t click until now. 

Once again I faced Caden.

Before I could say anything else he swooped down and caught me in a kiss, his embrace tightening. My world narrowed in, focusing on the sensation invading my heart, permeating my being and capturing my very soul. I happily lost myself in what I was feeling. Never wanting it to end but knowing it was inevitable.

As he broke away he softly took hold of both sides of my face. I could look nowhere but at his tortured soul. “I would’ve chosen you, Maddy Raile. I still do. I’ll fix this.”