Sweet Love: Forever Safe Romance Series Read online

  She looks up, and I see the fear that has taken hold of her. My girl has dropped her defenses, and she’s letting me in. She’s giving me a chance that I’ve needed for so long. How can she not know that I’m already half in love with her? That if she would just give me a chance I’d prove to her the kind of man I can be for her, for us. “Tori, I’ve wanted you since the first day I saw you. I wasn’t quick enough, and all this time I thought I had lost my chance.”

  Pure shock covers her face. “What? You’ve liked me for over a year?”

  I rub the back of my neck and look away, suddenly uncomfortable now that I’ve put it all out there. “What’s important is that we’re here now.”

  Something is going on with Tori, but I’m not going to push it. We’ve already come this far. I’m not going to tempt fate. I push some hairs that came loose from her ponytail behind her ear. “What do you want to do today?”

  She smiles at me, but it isn’t a happy smile. “I need to get home so I can call Summer. I have to go help her plan this wedding. The text said they’re getting married in a week. So while I’d love to stay here with you, I can’t.”

  “That’s not what I wanted to hear Darlin’.”

  “Can I use your shower to wash off? We’ve made a big mess.” She giggles and gestures to her pussy that is covered in my cum. I groan as my dick comes back to life and demands an encore, one he won’t be getting.

  I pull my shorts up and put my dick away. Then I pick Tori up off of the counter, and she immediately squeals and wraps her arms and legs around me as I carry her down the hall and into my bedroom. I walk straight for the bathroom and set her on the counter before I turn on the shower.

  “Thank you, Chase,” Tori says once I put a clean towel on top of the toilet for her to use.

  “Anything for you.” I give her a chaste kiss and then check to see if the water is warmed up yet.

  “It’s all set. Use whatever you want in the shower. I don’t have much in the way of girl shampoo, but I think what I have will do until you get home.”

  Tori hops off the counter and gives me a hug, then kisses my chest and gets into the shower. Before she closes the shower curtain, she looks up at me. “I think you’re one of the good one's Chase. Please don’t prove me wrong.”

  “Never.”

  She smiles sweetly and closes the shower curtain. While she’s in there I look for the smallest t-shirt I can find which just happens to be an HHFD shirt that I got when I started working there years ago and wasn’t working out like I am now. I grab a pair of my drawstring basketball shorts and put both the shirt and the shorts in the bathroom for her.

  I leave and go back out to the kitchen to clean up. I shake my head at the mess my girl made just making bacon and eggs. By the time I finish, Tori is walking out wearing her dress from the night before.

  She shrugs and gives me a soft smile. “They were too big, and I didn’t have any shoes that would go with it. Stilettos don’t really go well with a t-shirt and shorts.” She laughs at herself. “But it was a sweet thought.”

  “You’re beautiful no matter what you are wearing. Come on, let’s get you home before I’m tempted to take you back to my bedroom and not let you leave.”

  I slip on my flip flops and grab my wallet and phone, putting them in my back pocket. Grabbing my keys, I turn toward Tori, “ready to go?”

  She looks at the kitchen and then back at me. I can tell she’s not ready to go, but she wants to do what’s right. “We better.”

  * * *

  I dropped Tori off at her apartment six days ago, and I haven’t heard from her since. I’ve tried calling and texting her, but both have gone unanswered. I’ve even gone as far as driving by her apartment, but her car wasn’t there the two times I went. At this point, I’m starting to feel like a stalker, and I don’t like the feeling. I just want to know why, after the morning we shared, she’s gone cold on me. I thought she wanted this, at least that’s the impression I got when I kissed her goodbye last Friday morning.

  I know that nothing has happened to her because Drake keeps filling me in on all of the wedding details and what is going on with Summer. She and Tori have been busy planning the wedding. It crossed my mind to see what Drake thinks, or if he overheard the girls talking about Tori and I, but I’m not going to burden him with this. He’s marrying his soul mate tomorrow.

  Tonight is the Rehearsal dinner, so I'm sure to see her. I'm going to find out what's been going on and why she hasn't returned any of my calls or text messages. I take a shower then get dressed in my dark jeans and a light blue button-up shirt. We are all meeting at Drake’s house for the wedding rehearsal and then going out to dinner after. As much as I want to be with Tori, I'm not going to force a relationship on her. I need her to want this as bad as I do. I need her to want to be with me to be in my life. To build a life with me. Isn't that what this is all about?

  I arrive at Drake's house before it’s time hoping to catch Tori before we start. When I get there though, Drake tells me that we’ll be running a few minutes late because of some last minute things Summer, his sister Addison, and Tori are working on. He offers me a beer, and we sit outside on his deck looking out at the beach. I've always loved his house, and I’ve thought about buying a home near him, but I'm waiting to buy a house until the woman I marry is ready to find one with me.

  “How's it been going man? I haven't really had a chance to talk to you much this week with everything going on at the wedding. how did things go with Tori the other night?”

  I sigh I promised myself that I wasn't going to get into this with him right now.

  “Come on, man, you know you can tell me anything. What happened? I know something good because every time I've seen Tori this week, it looks like something is wrong, but she's trying to hide it for Summer’s sake. Summer has noticed it too.”

  “Honestly I have no idea. When I dropped her off the next morning everything was good between us, more than good, things were great. I thought we were moving in the right direction, and we're starting something, but I haven't heard from her since I dropped her off. Something is going on with her that she's not telling anybody about.”

  “If you need my help, you know I'm here. Whatever you need from me I'll be there.”

  “I really appreciate that. Right now I just need to talk to her, and I'm going to do just that, tonight.”

  Crews comes out with an open beer in his hand and sits down with us, but doesn't say a word. Crews is Addison's husband. I've only met him one time, and I have to say he's one scary mother, fucker. I wouldn't want to piss him off.

  “Something is going on with your girl.” Crews says, staring out at the ocean.

  I look at him, not sure if he's talking to Drake or me.

  “Summer? What's going on with her?” Drake says immediately.

  “Not your girl Drake, yours.” He says, pointing the top of his beer at me.

  My brow crinkles, how the hell does he know Tori is mine?

  “I overheard you two talking just a minute ago.” Crews tells us.

  “How do you know something's going on with her?” I finally ask.

  “You both know that my business isn't exactly what some would call legal. I deal with a lot of shitty human beings. Because of that, I tend to pick up on things others might not, like when a certain person checks their phone several times in a short period. Or the look of fear she keeps trying to mask with smiles and excitement. Someone is threatening her, and she’s fucking terrified.”

  The doorbell rings, and Drake gets up to get the door leaving me with Crews. “I’ll be in town for a few more days Chase. Get this done before then.” He warns.

  “Why?”

  “Because I’m the best person to save your ass if this goes sideways.” I get the feeling Crews knows more than he’s letting on, but I don’t get the chance to ask him because a few moments later Drake comes walking out with the preacher who will be officiating the wedding. Not two minutes after the preach
er arrives, we hear the girls coming in. Fucking finally. Crews and I share a look, and I give him a nod knowing what I need to do.

  Five

  Tori

  This week has been a disaster from the moment Chase dropped me off until now. Not five minutes after Chase left, I got pictures texted to me from a blocked number of Chase and me from the night before and the morning of. The messages that came next still chill me to the core.

  Blocked Number: Don’t talk to him or see him again.

  Tori: Who is this?

  I should have known better. I really should have. I couldn’t help myself. My patience was wearing thin, and I was tired of him messing with me and my life. Screw him.

  Then I was sent a screenshot of my current call log.

  Blocked Number: You know who this is. I’m not playing Victoria. I will know if you talk to him. You don’t want to find out what happens if you defy me.

  Tori: If you know so much, then you know he’ll be at the wedding. I’ll have to see him. Are you telling me I can’t be in the wedding either? Don’t you think that will look suspicious?

  Blocked Number: Don’t be smart. Do the fucking wedding, but keep your distance. I’ll be watching. Things will be changing real soon for you, so get your shit in order. I’m tired of playing these games with you.

  Since then, I’ve been devoting my time to Summer and her wedding, making it everything she wants it to be. I also finally contacted the police to see what they could do to help. Nothing. Okay, that’s not true, but it sure as hell feels like it. I called the police from the work phone and asked them what would happen if I reported harassment. They told me they would open a case and investigate. If they felt there was sufficient evidence, they would move forward with the charges. They also said that because there hasn’t been any physical contact and no harm done to me or my property that he would most likely get out on bail. It felt like they were trying to talk me out of pressing charges. Since that conversation, I’ve been doing what Aaron suggested and getting my shit together.

  What makes things harder is that Chase, the incredibly sweet and sexy Chase, has been calling and texting me. I can’t reply. I can’t talk to him. Who knows what Aaron will do if he finds out, and the odds are good that he’ll find out. What would be the consequences? Whatever they are, I’m not willing to find out and put the people I care about at risk.

  I’ve been dreading today all week. My stomach has been in tight knots, knowing I’ll see Chase and not be able to explain to him what is going on. I’ve been gone all day with Summer and Drake’s sister Addison. She’s as sweet as can be, really one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. Her husband is no joke a scary giant, but I can tell as I’m sure everyone can by just being in the room with them that he is completely devoted to her.

  Being around both couples the past few days has made me ache for Chase. I know it's fast to already know that he’s the one, especially with all of my hang-ups with men, but I just do. How am I supposed to stay away from the one man that I’m drawn to? How do I go about hurting him when that’s the last thing I want to do? Once I reject him, will he move on to someone else?

  We just came back from picking up Summer’s wedding dress, and our bridesmaid dresses that we were able to get in only a few days. Now it’s time for the wedding rehearsal and off to dinner with the happy couples.

  As we walk out to the back yard where Summer and Drake will be getting married, my eyes find Chase’s immediately. His stare is so intense I can feel it all the way to my soul. Thank god we start the rehearsal as soon as we arrive and there is no time to talk. It doesn’t stop Chase from staring at me the entire rehearsal, and by the time it’s over, I’ve had enough.

  “Summer, I’m sorry, but I can’t go to dinner.”

  Frowning, Summer presses the back of her hand against my forehead, and her brows pull together. “You feeling alright? You aren’t warm.”

  I give her a sad smile. “Not really. I think I’m just tired after this week and working. It’s just been a lot, you know.”

  Summer hugs me against her tightly. “Thank you for all of your help this week Tor. I don’t know how I would have done this without you. You know I love you, right?”

  I kiss her cheek. “I love you too, Summer.” I pull away sighing. “Now I’m going to head out so I can get some rest for tomorrow.”

  “Alright girly, I’ll see you bright and early.”

  I escape out the side of the house and get into the car that I parked on the street, knowing I wanted a way to get out quickly. I’m about to pull onto the road when I see Chase walk out to the driveway and toward where I’m parked. I look away and drive off quickly, not able to do what I’ve wanted to for days.

  When I get home, I immediately get into my shower and turn it on as hot as it will go. I curl into a ball in my bathtub until the water turns cold, crying out my frustration and fears of uncertainty about my future. For the millionth time, I ask myself how I got into this situation, how I let this become my life. I’m transported back six months ago, remembering how it all started.

  “Tori, you got a patient in room three,” Janice tells me and hands me the patient’s chart. I scan it and cheer silently when I realize Mr. Aaron Yarrow shouldn’t be too difficult of a patient. He’s in for a laceration to the eye and needs stitches.

  I walk into room three and smile brightly at the man waiting to be seen. He’s talking to someone on his cell phone, but as soon as he spots me, he winks.

  “Horace I got to go, an angel just walked into my room.” He laughs and then disconnects the call. He puts his phone into an inside pocket of his suit jacket.

  “Hi Mr. Yarrow, I’m-”

  “What is your name?”

  “I’m Victoria.” I reach my hand out to shake his hand, and he captures it in his much larger one and places a kiss on the top of it. “Please call me Aaron, Victoria.”

  “Okay, Aaron. Can you tell me what’s going on and why you’re in the E.R. tonight?”

  “A patron at one of my bars got wasted and started fighting with another equally drunk individual, and I got in between them to break it up. I ended up taking a hit to the eye.”

  “Well, let’s take a look.” I do an initial examination of the laceration above his eye and decide he only needs a few stitches. There’s a knock at the door and Doctor Richards, who’s working the ER tonight comes in. I give him a rundown of what’s going on and my assessment. Dr. Richards checks the patient over and agrees with me. Before walking out the door, he asks Aaron if he has any questions or concerns, and when Aaron shakes his head, no Dr. Richards tells him he’s in good hands with me then leaves.

  “Alright, Aaron, I’ll be right back. I’m going to get the suture kit.”

  I eventually turn the shower off and get out. I wrap my hair in a towel and then dry off my body. When I look in the mirror, my eyes are red and puffy just like I expected they would be. Great! I pull on a pair of my comfiest leggings and a ratty long sleeve t-shirt that I’ve had for years, but it’s the softest thing I own and only wear it on nights like tonight when I need to feel like I’m home. One of the hardest parts about being an orphan is not having parents, or someone older and wiser to give you advice on decisions you’re making. Someone to tell you what really matters when picking a man. That a charming smile and personality aren’t what’s really important in the long run. I’m not blaming my choices on anyone else, just wishing there had been someone to give me a verbal kick in my ass and tell me I was foolish.

  I go back to the bathroom and brush out my hair and then dry it, knowing my rat's nest isn’t going to cut it for tomorrow’s events. Once my hair is dry, I curl up in my bed and trap myself under my cozy blankets. I check my phone hoping to have a text or a missed call from Chase even if I can’t call him back. Sadly, there’s nothing. Have I finally succeeded in pushing him away?

  Six

  Chase

  She fucking left. She didn’t even give me a chance to say goodbye, or hello f
or that matter. When she didn’t show up at the restaurant for dinner, I was disappointed, but not surprised. I’m fucking livid, and I don’t know what to do. I’ve thought about going to her apartment and telling her exactly how I feel and demanding her to tell me what the hell is going on with her, but what’s the point?

  Before leaving the restaurant, Crews took me to the side and imparted his brand of wisdom on me. “Don’t be fucking stupid.”

  I’m not exactly sure what he was referring to, but right now, it would be stupid to go to her place. It would be stupid to call her or text her since she more than likely won’t even answer. More than anything else in the world it would be stupid to give up on this woman. So instead, I wait. I’ll wait for tomorrow to get here and as soon as I get the chance, I’m cornering her and demanding she tells me what is happening.

  * * *

  I’ve been watching Tori like a hawk since she walked down the aisle. When the preacher was officiating the wedding, my eyes never left hers, and hers never left mine. The entire ceremony we looked at each other, and I knew when the preacher announced Drake and Summer as man and wife Tori would slip out of sight and out of my world forever. There’s no way in hell I’m letting that happen. Because while I was gazing at her throughout the ceremony, I also saw longing and need. I saw pain. I saw regret. I saw my future in the eyes of a woman who needs me.

  Just like I predicted as soon as she can, Tori is escaping once again, this time I’m not letting her get away from me. While everyone helps shift the chairs to get ready for the reception, I follow Tori back into the house. I find her in the kitchen, getting a drink of water. When she sees me, she says nothing and tries walking past me.

  “You can’t even say hello?”

  She shakes her head and again tries to push past me. If I believed for one second that she didn’t want this, didn’t want me, I’d let her go. I know that isn’t the case. Everything is screaming at me, telling me that something has happened. There hasn’t been an us for very long, but the time that we did share only cemented my powerful feelings for her are genuine and real. “Jesus Tori! Fucking talk to me.” I shout, needing to snap her out of wherever she’s at in her head.