“I haven’t even finished lunch,” I squeak.
“I’ll get you something in the drive-through on the way to wherever we’re going.”
“Okay, let’s go,” I say, jumping up from my seat.
We stop at McDonald’s on the way out of town since I’m the one doing the driving. I’m sure Jackson knows where we’re going, but he doesn’t say anything. Instead, we argue over the radio stations and talk about school. It takes us an hour and a half on the interstate to get to North Woods, and when we pull into the cemetery, neither of us says anything. Jackson gets out first and comes over to the driver’s side of the car, opening the door and offering me a hand.
A sudden nervousness washes over me. For a long time, I blamed myself. I hated myself because hating myself was easier than admitting that she was gone. It was easier than believing something bad had happened to me, and like a domino effect, everything came crashing down. I miss Jillian every day, and I am thankful beyond measure that Jackson decided to stay and be my rock over the last year.
“We didn’t have to come here,” he says as we join hands, and I close the car door. The sun is still perched in the sky, and a soft breeze blows through the trees. Everything about this moment feels right.
“We did,” I say, turning to him.
Hand in hand, we walk to Jillian’s grave. I never got to go to the funeral since I was still in the hospital the day they had it, but I came here on my own to say my goodbyes once I was released. It’s the first time Jackson and I have ever been here together, though, and it’s special to me because it’s like our healing is coming full circle.
Stopping in front of her grave, I stare at the words etched into the stone.
Loving daughter, sister, and friend.
My eyes well with tears as I drag my fingers over the letters.
Turning to face Jackson, I can see the emotions on his face, each flickering with a different degree.
“After everything that happened, I never expected to want to be with you. I was determined to forget that you existed and to move on with my life, but you didn’t let me go. You stayed with me through the good and the bad and showed me that you really do care.”
“I love you, Kennedy, and I’ve been telling you that since the day you came home from the hospital. I loved you even when I was hurting you because I was hurting.”
I nod, a lump forming in my throat. “I love you too. This last year has made me appreciate you so much, and I wanted to come here to Jillian’s grave and tell you that I forgive you. That I love you, and I’m ready to embark on whatever journey is planned for us. I’m ready to be a couple.”
Jackson releases my hand and cups me by my cheeks, leaning in to press a gentle kiss to my lips. All I can feel is him, the warmth of his lips, the kindness of his touch.
“I already thought we were,” he says, grinning, which in turn makes me smile.
“Technically, we kinda were, but we never made it official, and you never pushed or asked me if I forgave you. You let me heal all on my own, picking me up when I fell down.”
Neither of us says anything, we just stand there holding each other, letting the breeze rush past us and into the trees.
“Do you think Jillian would be happy if she saw us now?”
Jackson pulls away but only slightly. “I think Jillian sent us to each other, so we could heal together because she knew even though it was going to be rough that we needed each other.”
I nod because I did need him. I needed him so that I could let go of the pain. I needed his anger so I could realize that I wasn’t the only one to blame.
“I love you,” he whispers.
“I love you too, and I’m glad you didn’t leave when I told you to.”
“I’m a little bit stubborn.” He lets out a chuckle.
“A little bit?” I shake my head and look back at Jillian’s grave one last time before we leave to head back to the car.
I miss you, and I’ll never stop missing you.
Thank you for giving me your brother.
The End
About the Authors
J.L. Beck and C. Hallman are an international bestselling author duo who write contemporary and dark romance.
Join our newsletter for MORE FREE BOOKS, as well as sales and updates.
Sign Up
Also by the Authors
CONTEMPORAY ROMANCE
North Woods University
The Bet
The Dare
The Secret
The Vow
The Promise
The Jock
Bayshore Rivals
When Rivals Fall
When Rivals Lose
When Rivals Love
Breaking the Rules
Kissing & Telling
Babies & Promises
Roommates & Thieves
***
DARK ROMANCE
The Blackthorn Elite
Hating You
Breaking You
Hurting You
Regretting You
The Obsession Duet
Cruel Obsession
Deadly Obsession
The Rossi Crime Family
Convict Me
Protect Me
Keep Me
Guard Me
Tame Me
Remember Me
***
EROTIC STANDALONES
Their Captive
Runaway Bride
His Gift
CRUEL OBSESSION SNEAK PEAK
Chapter One
Dove
Paranoia skates down my spine as I walk a little bit faster down the sidewalk. The cold night air fills my lungs, and my heartbeat thuds loudly in my ears. All I can see and feel is that creeper from the party coming up to me and grabbing my wrist. His fingers biting into my flesh. The smell of alcohol on his breath as he spoke into my face.
“Dance with me…” He didn’t ask, he demanded, and there was no way I was going anywhere with him, so I kicked him in the nuts and left the party. But now I can’t help but feel like he’s following me.
Reaching the end of the sidewalk, I chance looking over my shoulder. My gaze falls on nothing but darkness. The light pole above my head does very little to illuminate the street, and when I look back again before crossing the street, I find someone walking toward me.
Panic bubbles up inside of me, and this time, I start running. The air rips through my hair, and my lungs burn as fear implants itself deep in my gut.
Run. Don’t look back. Just keep running.
Cutting down a side street, I hope to throw the guy off, but as I continue running, I can still hear his footfalls behind me. This has to be a nightmare, something I’ll wake up from any second now.
Glancing over my shoulder, I realize it’s anything but a dream. My eyes catch on the plaid pattern of the man’s shirt. Instantly, I know this is the creep from the party. Shit. Instinct tells me to run, but deep in my gut, I know what I should do.