The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (54 page)

“Are you coming, Ruby?” Elijah asked grinning. She bounded over to him, only too willing to go, leaving me all alone with my thoughts.

I heard the door slam shut, and I closed my eyes enjoying the deathly silence for a short while. Until my phone sprang to life and Ryan’s name flashed up on screen.

“Hey Iz, I’m just ringing to see if you had a good birthday. I would have liked to have been there, but I got the feeling it wouldn’t go down well.”

I sighed at his words. “It was probably for the best considering your present situation, but thanks for the card.”

“What do you mean present situation?” His voice now had a hard edge to it that rubbed me up the wrong way.

Did I really have to spell it out?

“Well, your new girlfriend wouldn’t have been welcome, and as you can’t seem to put a lid on it either, it was probably for the best,” I retorted, if he wanted to be a bitch then so could I.

“Ahh, so looks like Elijah has got you up to speed then,” he remarked bitterly.

“Yep.” I made sure I popped the P just to annoy him more.

“Nothing else to add? I’m sure you want to say far more on the matter.”

Oh I had plenty, but I was not about to regale everything I was feeling to him.  “I’m pretty sure Brianne will have told you all you need to know.”

“She hasn’t said a word. I take it you’re not best buds?”

I snorted. “That would be an understatement.”

Probably the understatement of the year.

“Look Iz, who I see is nothing to do with you. I don’t want to get into an argument with you, but she’s what I need right now.”

“Did you hook up with her because of me?” I knew I shouldn’t be asking but there was a part of me that needed to know.

“No,” he instantly snapped back.

Meaning he did.

“Well, Elijah said you were pretty wasted and that it was to do with what happened with Joel,” I offered as an explanation to my question.

“I just . . . I don’t know, Iz, but it’s more than that, at first it was just sex.”

My eye widened in horror. “Oh god, spare me the details.”

“Iz, please,” he pleaded, but I was over it all. If he wanted to go down that path then so be it, it was out of my control.

“All I can say is good luck with that one, she’ll be more than a handful, but it might just keep you occupied with keeping your nose out of other people’s business.”

He sighed deeply down the phone. “Iz, I’m sorry, I really am. I’d had a bit to drink and I saw you together, and I just couldn’t help it.”

“I don’t want to hear it, Ryan.” His actions that night told me more than I needed to know.

“Are you jealous?” he asked, and my breath hitched at his words.

What?

“Excuse me?” I snapped, his question totally throwing me off guard.

“Well, what’s with all the cattiness? I thought you’d be happy with me moving on. You’d made it quite clear we were a non starter.”

I scoffed at his remark. “I think you’re getting my concern mixed up with something totally different. I’m warning you now, I know that girl’s history and she will play you, she’s not the settling down type. I just thought you should know what you’re getting yourself in to.”

“I don’t think that’s your concern anymore,” he murmured, and my heart sunk at his words.

“Wow, well I’ve just been put in my place then.”

“I just meant—”

“Yeah, I know what you meant, Ryan. Take this call as my final say on the matter. Good luck because you’ll definitely need it.” I punched the end call as a tear rolled down my cheek; I had just lost a good friend. I guess trying to help someone would always be regarded in the wrong way, being misconstrued and that definitely was not the case. It was up to him, it was his life after all. I would just have to look on and watch him make the mistakes I knew were ahead.

I heard a scurrying of feet and Ruby soon appeared running over to greet me. I lifted her up, snuggling into her, needing her comfort right now. She licked away the last of my tears, and I smiled at what a blessing she was.

Elijah came around the corner several moments later with a bag of goodies, smiling and holding them aloft. “Ready to enjoy the rest of the afternoon, I trust Ruby will stay awake for Ryan Gosling.”

Ruby barked at his words, and Elijah smiled looking proud as punch.

“Looks like our girl just became part of our fan club.” He smiled giving me a wink, and I faked a smile back. I was not about to retell my conversation to Elijah, he’d only have a go, I would keep it to myself for now. I just needed to concentrate on the film, hoping Ryan Gosling would make me forget my own sadness. That or eating my bodyweight in Maltesers would maybe do the trick.

“Hey, there you both are. I wondered where you’d gone?” Joel remarked, walking through, his face was all crinkled as he rubbed his eyes. I gazed up at him sleepily from the sofa I was curled up on with Ruby fast asleep in my arms. I’d woken up just after four to hear her scratching against her basket, pining for her mother. Within seconds of contact, she’d curled up tight in my arms, lulled to sleep by the sound of my heartbeat. I was now sat feeling zombiefied from lack of sleep, watching re-runs of Friends. I pulled back the cover so Joel could join us.

He bent down softly placing a kiss on Ruby’s head. She opened her eyes for a brief moment before snuggling back down within seconds. Joel’s lips brushed against my hair. “How long have you been awake?” he asked, looking concerned before yawning only making me do so in turn.

“An hour or so.” It was all I managed to get out, I was barely functioning. I shifted over slightly so he could climb onto the sofa as I nestled into his chest. He pulled me in tighter, his arms around me. He gave out a contented sigh, and Ruby followed suit before we all fell into a blissful sleep.

* * *

I awoke several hours later alone on the sofa, my hands instinctively reached out for Ruby to find her gone. I sat up in complete panic, but hearing Joel’s voice filtering through told me they hadn’t gone far. Walking to the back door that was stood open, I smiled at the sight of Joel sat in the middle of the grass while Ruby ran around softly yapping and chasing butterflies.

He was sat in just a pair of jeans, naked from the waist up, showing off his amazing collection of tattoos, inked with the finest intricate designs. I could have stood and stared all day, but I needed to be closer, much closer.

Dressed in only a T-shirt I moved forward, my fingers itching to touch him, to feel him. They quickly weaved through his hair, and he instinctively looked backwards, scrunching his eyes against the sun. “Hey baby, hope we didn’t wake you?”

I bent over giving him an upside down morning kiss. “No, you didn’t. I just needed to know where my two favourite people were hiding. Joel’s hands quickly manoeuvred me around until I was eventually sat on his knee.

“That’s better, now I have better access to these lips.” He gave me the kind of smile that always left me melting like butter before his sweet lips brushed up against mine. Within seconds we were lost in the kiss, my fingers teasing and winding around the strands of his hair. He moaned, pulling me in tighter until we became aware of an intruder trying to join in the fun. I giggled, moving away to watch Ruby try to attempt to climb up. Joel chuckled, lifting her up where he received a thank you lick in return.

“Now I have my two favourite girls.” He smiled, and Ruby barked her approval flopping down onto my chest, obviously exhausted from all of the butterfly chasing. “Oh she’s worn out, but happy to see her mama.”

I smiled at Joel’s choice of name, I guess I was. She was my little baby girl. She snuggled into me, and I knew she’d already worked her way deep into my heart.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my fingers stroking along the curve of her back as she sighed contentedly.

“It’s my pleasure, just seeing your face light up was all the thanks I needed, last night was just an added bonus.”

Ahh, last night.

No wonder my throat felt tight. I was almost hoarse. “Yep, thank you for that too.” I was certainly one lucky girl. His fingers stroked along the length of my leg, leaving a trail of goose bumps in their wake. My body felt ready for him again.

Already?

“No thanks needed, you more than told me loud enough your feelings on the matter.” His eyes sparkled with a level of mischief that I instantly wondered what else he had in store.

“Hmmm, I was pretty vocal.” I cringed slightly, hoping no one had heard my cries of delight. “But then I blame your mouth and all the delicious things you do to me.”

Joel’s face broke out into a humongous smile. I was pretty sure I was inflating his ego by the minute. “Ahh well, I am a man of many talents.”

I rolled my eyes, he was full of it. But I had to admit he was very gifted in that department.

“I know and what great talents you have.”

“Well, I don’t like to brag . . .”

Pffttt, who was he kidding?

“That’s one thing I love about you, Joel, your modesty.”

“And my mouth.” He cheekily winked.

“Well that too,” I admitted, slightly blushing.

“You ready for more action? You think you can handle it?”

Was this guy a machine? “Yeah, not right now, I’m far too exhausted for those kind of activities.” I patted his face in a playful way, Joel’s phone began ringing, breaking our playful moment. He dug it out of his pocket to answer, then frowned looking at the screen. “Why is Elijah ringing me?”

I shrugged as he answered. I was none the wiser.

“Hello,” Joel answered, looking slightly confused. He soon rolled his eyes, passing the phone to me. “He wants you.”

“Hey, Elijah.”

“Hey Sweetie, I was wondering if you’d like to go shopping later for Ruby’s pet stuff? To get a collar, a lead you know that sort of thing. I’ve been having a look online, and they have some great sparkly ones. I might see if they have any tiaras too.”

Oh dear god.

I shivered just thinking about it. “Errrr, I suppose we could shop for Ruby some dog accessories.”

Joel’s eyes immediately widened, and he started mouthing words to me as Elijah continued with the conversation.

“Pick you up at one o’clock, sweetie, we can shop and then stop off at that fab cupcake place on the way back.”

Oh, he knew my weakness.

Cakes.

Especially cupcakes.

“Sounds good.” I avoided Joel’s glare that was burning into me.

“I know you well, sweetie, laters.” He hung up before I had chance to reply.

I turned to see a pissed looking Joel. Yeah, this was not good. “Hey, what’s wrong?” I stroked his face, but he pulled away looking slightly hurt.

“I thought we’d do all that together.” His eyes dropped down, and I could tell he was feeling left out.

“We will.”

His eyes snapped up to mine. “You’ve just arranged it all with Elijah.”

“Do you really think I’m going to walk Ruby with a pink, diamante encrusted lead?”

Joel snorted, instantly smiling. “Yeah, I take your point.”

“This shopping trip is for Elijah, not me. We’ll go together, I’m thinking red accessories to match her name.”

He smiled in approval. “Sounds good, I wouldn’t be seen dead walking with a pink sparkly lead.”

“Really? I think it would go well with your outfit,” I teased. Before I had time to finish laughing, Joel grabbed my ribs tickling me hard. I jolted in surprise, instantly wakening Ruby.

“Oh sorry, baby,” I soothed, kissing her lightly on the head. She yawned staring at us both in wonder.

“Yeah sorry, Rubes,” Joel said, lightly scratching her head. “So is there anything else you’re shopping for?”

My eyes flicked back up to Joel’s, within moments they would be filled with amusement. “Well he’s thinking about buying a tiara.” I cringed waiting for his response. His eyes widened, but Ruby yapped totally throwing us off. I was guessing by her response even she was not too thrilled at the prospect of wearing one either.

We both looked at her smiling. “Yep, my thoughts exactly, Rube.”

I rolled my eyes for what felt like the millionth time that day. We had been in the pet accessories store for an hour, yet Elijah was still stood debating on what shade of pink he wanted Ruby’s collar to be. I was just happy Joel wasn’t here, he’d have had a meltdown by now. Shopping really wasn’t his thing or mine either, but I had come to the conclusion it was far easier to just go with it than to protest.

“I don’t know, Iz, what do you think, the dark or lighter pink?”

I really didn’t care.

“The dark pink.”

Just pick one for the love of god.

“No, I think the lighter one.”

Then why ask?

“Right now we have the collar and lead . . .”

“We can go?” I asked hopefully.

“Good one, Iz, but we still need a lot more.”

Oh give me strength.

“Oh my god, I’ve just died and gone to heaven.” Elijah squealed, taking off into a completely different direction. I stood mystified by what had caught his eye until he picked up the offending article. I grimaced at the sight of it, quickly changing to a smile when he looked my way, holding it aloft. It was indeed the tiara that Joel and I had sat laughing about. I guess he was about to actually buy and make it a reality.

Poor Ruby, rather her than me.

“Oh my god, Princess Ruby is going to look so cute in this.” He grinned, and I could already see the pictures plastered all over Facebook. Joel was not going to like this, but once Elijah got something into his head, he pretty much ran with it. There would be no changing of minds, we just had to grit our teeth and bear it.

“Check it out, Iz.” He balanced the dainty tiara on his head as I performed my best surprised and happy face.

“Oh wow,” was all I managed to get out, anymore and the sarcasm would take over, and I didn’t want that ruining the moment.

Elijah grabbed a few more accessories, each one pink. I was glad we had another shopping trip planned, one that didn’t include pink or diamante. Joel was going to be horrified when I reported back, I would maybe need to bend the truth slightly.

“I think that’s about it. Let’s get to the checkout. I have a double chocolate mocha with extra sprinkles with my name on it.”

He didn’t have to ask me twice, I was in need of a sugar hit after the long morning we’d had. Elijah passed the accessories to an overly enthusiastic checkout girl.

“Oh so cute, what kind of dog do you have?”

I opened my mouth to speak, but Elijah got in ahead of me. “She’s a golden Labrador puppy called Princess Ruby.” He grinned, while I bit my tongue against the long list of expletives I was about to unleash.

“Oh how old is she?”

“Eight weeks. Oh here’s a picture of her, if you want to see?”

“Of course,” she chimed.

What the hell?

I stood there looking like chopped liver while he scrolled through endless photos of my dog, never once referring to Ruby as mine. The last one was of Elijah, Sam and Ruby.

“Oh you make such a sweet couple with your little princess,” she crooned.

“Yeah, we think so too.”

The cheek!

“Elijah,” I warned

He turned to face me. “Oh sorry, Iz, forgot you were still here.”

Charming.

The girl quickly packed away all the accessories in the large bag that screamed dog accessories. I could feel my mood dropping at the fact Elijah had just claimed Ruby as his own. I was about to confront him when a picture message came through.

Clicking it open my screen filled with the beautiful sight of Ruby snuggled in with Joel.

Joel: Miss you x

I instantly smiled seeing my two favourite people, my anger quickly subsided as I texted back.

Me: Thank you I really needed that x

Joel: I thought you would, come home soon we miss you x

Me: We’re stopping off at Starbucks first and then I’ll be home. Thanks for helping to soothe my rage, I was just about to strangle Elijah with Ruby’s lead x

Joel: Wow, that bad huh? No wait it is Elijah we’re talking about, so I can’t say I’m shocked ;) x

Me: Yep, I’ll tell you all about it when I get home x

Joel: Looking forward to that, maybe I need to find ways to make you unwind?

Me: Ooh what do you have in mind?

Joel: I can’t divulge my secrets here, I’ll show you later ;)

Me: Wow, I’ve now went from angry to frustrated grrr x

Joel: Oh I’ll be sure to help you with that later x

Me: Not helping!!!

Joel: Oh baby I’m going to rock your world later ;)

Me: Can’t wait :D

Joel: Hurry home to me x

Me: I’ll make sure I do. Now leave me alone before I completely combust!!

Joel: Haha, I love how I work you up so bad, have you gone all red?

Me: Like a tomato :/

Joel: That’s my girl, I love your sexy blush, it turns me on so bad x

Me: Stop it now!!!

Joel: Okay baby, but just know you’re mine later x

Me: Looking forward to it ;)

Joel: Bye baby x

Me: Bye x

“Who’s got you all flustered? Ahh, let me guess, Joel.”

I flushed even more.

Dammit!

“Has he been sexting you?”

Oh god!

“He has, let me see.” He moved to grab my phone, but I quickly shoved it down into my jean pocket.

“Err, no chance.”

“You know, Iz, I’m not afraid to go there, especially if there’s a cock shot involved.”

Seriously?

“He didn’t send me a cock shot, alright.” Jeez, his obsession with seeing Joel’s cock was slightly worrying.

“Ahh, see I bet it’s burnt into your brain, you won’t need a picture, but getting one for your best friend would be amazing, call it an early Christmas present.” He grinned, raising his eyebrows, looking hopeful. Did he really think I was going to do that? He had more chance of flying to the moon.

“Yeah not happening . . . Ever.” I put the emphasis on the last word just to make my point. I didn’t want him under any impression that there would ever be a chance.

“I’ll find a way.” He smirked, shooting me an ‘I always get my way look,’ but this time that was not even a possibility.

“Dream on,” I snapped back at him.

“Oh I do, great dreams involving Joel and Sam,” he retorted.

“I don’t want to know, thank you.”

“Not even a tiny bit curious?” he teased.

I snorted at his question. “Nope, I never want to hear another word on the matter.”

“Well then you’re missing out on some great sex dreams.”

“La la la, not listening. I get to enjoy the real thing.” I stuck out my tongue, knowing that would shut him up.

Ha! Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.

“Lucky bitch,” he muttered, grabbing my arm and yanking me away. “Come on, I need a sugar hit, and maybe we’ll find some eye candy while we’re there.”

I pursed my lips in a non-amused way, watching him roll his eyes at my face.

“Jeez Izzy, it’s okay to window shop, it’s not like I’m sampling the goods.” He winked, half dragging me down the street. “And maybe we’ll find some more eligible guys for our fantasy threesome.”

Honestly this guy never missed a beat.

* * *

I returned home to find Joel flat out on the sofa with Ruby wrapped in his arms. I smiled, quickly taking out my phone, snapping a few pictures to make into the cutest screensaver. After hanging up my jacket, I joined them both, snuggling in close, hearing Joel slowly begin to stir.

“Hey,” he croaked in his sleepy voice.

My lips brushed against his cheek. “Hey you.”

His arm encircled me, drawing me in tighter as I nuzzled into his chest. I was more than happy to be home. “We missed you.”

Ruby quickly peeped open an eye, her tail wagged for a few moments before she quickly fell back to sleep.

“Yeah I missed you both too, what a day.”

“Dare I ask?”

“Let’s just say my day has been filled with too much pink, diamante and talk of your cock.”

“What?”

“Yep, your cock,” I confirmed.

He rolled his eyes in annoyance. “That guy is obsessed.”

“Trust me, he’d be even more obsessed if he saw it.” I could feel my heart beat quicken at the thought, feeling the jealousy begin to stir inside me.

Joel’s eyes widened in alarm. “Trust me, he isn’t ever going to see it.”

I smiled at Joel’s words, and the wave of jealousy slowly subsided. “I’ve told him it’s for my eyes only.”

“Oh I love when you get all territorial on me, baby.” He grinned, gently kissing me on the nose.

I frowned in frustration. “Well you’re mine, and can you blame me?”

“I’m all yours,” he soothed, sensing the annoyance in my tone.

“Not like that’s going to stop him. I’ve got to give it to Elijah, he’s persistent.”

“Yeah, persistently annoying.” Joel snorted.

I laughed and then became consumed by guilt. “Now I feel bad.”

“Do you want me to make you feel better?” he asked teasingly.

I didn’t have the energy. “Not right now, but you can make up for it later.”

“That I will.”

“For now this is all I need.” I snuggled into them both deeper. Ruby let out a small contented sigh as Joel’s lips brushed up against my hair. Yeah, right here was where I needed to be.