The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (73 page)

I brushed my nose slowly along his teasingly. “So am I a bad girl.”

“Very bad,” he breathed.

“Well, don’t bad girls get punished?” I asked, smiling innocently.

“They sure do.”

“So what’s my punishment?” I barely had time to speak before he flipped me over onto my back, his eyes stared deep into mine, instantly ignited with lust. I felt him hard pressed up against me, and I moaned softly anticipating his next move, hoping that it would result in me ending up with one hell of an orgasm.

He flicked his tongue teasingly along his lips, so my eyes lingered there, hoping that mouth was going to be my undoing.

“Joel?” I asked, feeling impatient.

His eyes met with mine and he smirked, sending a shiver through me.

“Well? What’s my punishment?”

“Here, let me show you.”

Within seconds, his mouth was on me taking my breath away for all the right reasons.

The next day we invited everyone around to break the news. There was a lot of suspicious activity, but we didn’t give in no matter how much they persisted. They would all find out together. I put together a nice brunch of croissants, cheese, waffles and pancakes. I didn’t want to do any hot food certain the moment I told them all thoughts of food would go out the window.

Elijah was the first to arrive, of course the interrogation started the moment he walked through the door, but we both remained tight lipped despite his best efforts. My mother and Mike arrived shortly after. Joel busied himself making a round of coffees as everyone waited in anticipation of what I was about to announce.

“I’m glad you could make it ’round here for us to give you our news,” I said smiling as Joel approached me from behind wrapping his arms around my waist.

“I can only stop for an hour, Saturday in the boutique is a bitch, and we need all hands on deck,” Elijah stressed, urging me with his eyes to hurry up.

“It won’t take long, but we have some great news to tell you.”

“Oh my god, you’re pregnant?” my mother shrieked, looking completely horrified.

“What?” I asked shocked by how she’d suddenly concluded such a thing.

“All that education gone to waste, you’ve just graduated, and now you’re having a baby. I expected more from you Izzy, I thought you would be careful, that you were on some form of contraception. I can’t believe I’m going to be a grandmother at my age,” she ranted, shaking her head in disbelief.

“Mum—”

“I don’t know, I wanted more for you. I wanted you to see some life before you had kids to tie you down.”

“Well, I’m happy to be an uncle,” Elijah chimed in, smiling.

“You wouldn’t be an uncle, I’m the uncle,” Mike cut in.

“Just because we’re not blood related doesn’t mean I can’t be an uncle,” Elijah snorted, shooting glares at Mike.

“Yes, it does.”

“Says who?” Elijah shrieked.

“Errr me.”

“Whatever, Mike, if it had went your way they would have still been apart.”

“Why are you bringing that up? That’s in the past,” Mike growled, anger flashed in his eyes at the mere mention of his previous actions.

“Yeah, well, people in glass houses, if I want to be the baby’s uncle then I bloody well will be,” Elijah huffed, crossing his arms.

“For the love of god, I’m not even pregnant,” I yelled.

“What?” Everyone asked as I rolled my eyes. Of course they had all jumped to the wrong conclusion. Joel kissed my cheek and chuckled waiting for me to finally unveil my big news.

“What I was about to say, if you’d let me finish, is I got the casting job with Fame, I’m going to be touring the country in a month’s time.”

“No way,” Elijah screeched, almost piercing my ear drums.

“Yes, I got the call yesterday to say that my performance was outstanding and that they want me to join the cast,” I replied, grinning.

“Izzy, that’s amazing.” My mother leapt up and hugged me hard. I could barely breathe, but I let her have her moment after all I had nearly turned her grey.

“Thanks.” I smiled pulling away only to see tears fill her eyes with the happy news.

“I need a hug too, sis,” Mike said, moving past my mother. I smiled as he hugged me hard, planting a soft kiss on my head. “Proud of you, sis. I’m glad everything is working out for you. You deserve it after all that hard work you’ve put in.” I moved back and looked at him surprised, he was never one to really shower any praise so this was a first. But I’d gladly take it, not knowing the next time he would be so open with his feelings.

“Out of my way, Mike. I need to hug Izzy now, stop hogging her,” Elijah snapped, walking towards us.

“I swear, Izzy, one of these days I won’t be responsible for my actions,” Mike whispered in my ear.

“Shush, he will hear.”

“Good.” He winked and moved away but not before he shot a glare in Elijah’s direction.

“Finally I get to squish you on your great news.” He grabbed me and squeezed me hard. I had to laugh, any more hugs and I was sure I’d end up with bruises. “I’m so proud of you.”

He pulled back with tears in his eyes, and I could see the genuinely meant it. I was a little scared there would be some jealousy after all I was getting to do something he really wanted as well but there was nothing there but happiness for me. For that little act of selflessness in wishing me well in my new venture, I loved him even more.

“You’ll have to skype me and let me know how you are getting on. Let me know the tour dates and I’ll make sure me and Sam have a front row seat to cheer you on and show our support.”

“I don’t think I could perform knowing you’re right there in the front row,” I replied, feeling slightly unnerved by it all.

“Fine, we’ll book a few rows back but we are definitely coming to see you.”

“Okay,” I conceded, knowing fine well he would get his own way.

“Oh and we’ll be there too,” my mother chimed in.

“Fame really isn’t my kind of—”

“You’re there to support your sister, I don’t care, we’re going, Mike,” my mother barked.

“Sheesh, okay, keep your hair on.” He scowled.

“Oh Fame is fabulous, Mike, you will love it,” Elijah piped up, enjoying winding him up.

“Yeah, whatever,” Mike muttered.

It really wouldn’t be my brother’s cup of tea, but he would be dragged along anyway. I didn’t know whether my dad would get the time off work and fly over, but I was hopeful he would. I made a mental note to Skype him preferably when he wasn’t in bed.

After the big reveal, we went onto have a lovely brunch together. My mother made light of the fact she thought I was pregnant, from her reaction it was perfectly clear that she wouldn’t have been happy at all. I knew she wanted to see me have a life first, but I couldn’t help but feel sad she had reacted in such a disgusted way to what would have been her first grandchild. Joel made light of it, but I could see he was taken back by her hostility. It had made me see her in a different light. We never really discussed it afterwards, though Joel seemed slightly withdrawn. I thought it had maybe sparked something inside that always told him he was not good enough, so I made a mental note to try to boost his ego over the next few days. Elijah’s reaction had been the total opposite; he had embraced the potential new arrival with open arms even regarding himself as an uncle, which made me smile. I would hope that despite the years that would pass between us we would always remain best friends. I wanted him in my children’s life too. He always said he would love to adopt, and I thought he and Sam would make amazing parents. Whomever they raised would have a blessed life. They would want for nothing.

Joel made preparations for the rota now that I was no longer working at the pub. He managed to rejig it so my hours were shared out amongst the other members of staff. They were eager for the extra money so it worked out well in the end. On my last day we all had a mini lock in where we had a round of drinks together toasting my new career. Of course there had been plenty of jokes from the guys, I wouldn’t have expected anything less, and they even arranged an impromptu dance to the main theme song. That was an image I would never forget all four guys decked out in headbands and leg warmers. I couldn’t stop laughing at the absurdity of it all. Even though I was mighty relieved to be heading onto pastures new, where I would be starting the career I always dreamt about, there was still a part of me that would miss the staff and the customers and the day to day banter that we exchanged. But I managed to appease everyone by telling them I would drop in when I could to see them all. The fact of the matter was I knew I was going to be run ragged working my socks off for the next month, and then I’d be off on tour, but it was better to tell a tiny lie and leave on a high note than a sad one.

The next few days were manic, sorting out all the documentation, handing over forms and after a lot of to and froing, I finally became a full cast member that was now on the payroll. Just having this as my work role was the greatest achievement of all. I was still in shock days on, but I knew I would soon snap out of it the moment training began, but I had an advantage, I was a quick learner. I had a great memory and could pick up steps within minutes. I hoped my quick pace was enough to get me through so I’d be ready to join the tour in the month’s time.

* * *

After the first week, I came home almost broken, the dance sessions had been long. The day was split up between the dance and learning my lines. As it wasn’t a main role, the lines part was manageable. I was certain once I got into the rhythm of performing everyday everything would soon flow effortlessly, I hoped. It was a massive thing to undertake, but I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Joel was amazing. He was there to rub my feet and give me a pep talk when I came home battered and bruised. He was the one that kept me going when all I wanted to do was have a duvet day and reacquaint myself with my friends Ben & Jerry. Elijah was great too, he would come around and sit there while I relayed all my day back to him. His eyes lit up as I walked him through the performance that I couldn’t help feel sad that my friend wasn’t going to be there to share it with me. Of course he kept me topped up with Maltesers, and we’d still have our film nights, just I would fall asleep half way through. It was a good thing Ruby was there to listen to Elijah chat about Channing and Ryan. She was used to it. She was still his princess despite the fact she could now crush you when she tried to work her way onto your knee. She still had that strong bond with him, and he still had his Ruby nights where he’d take her home and spoil her. I worried that she would take it bad when I finally left. Would she think that I had neglected her? The thought alone made me teary. I never wanted her to think that I had abandoned her. I wished that I could take her with me, but I knew that was never an option. I couldn’t even think about the day when I would leave her behind without tears filling up my eyes. She was my beautiful dog and I never wanted to have to say goodbye. I couldn’t even think about saying goodbye to Joel, the thought alone killed me. I think we were both in denial, living in the moment, trying to pretend that the days were slowly counting down to my departure. It was a weird feeling. I was filled with a level of excitement for what was ahead, but a part of me just didn’t want to say goodbye. It was a double edge sword.

On the final week, I felt a shift. Everything clicked into place, the dance moves were now instant and the lines flowed more easily. Suzanne, my dance tutor, was more than impressed. In fact, she told me that I was more than ready and that didn’t happen a lot in such a small space of time. That compliment helped to seal the deal that things were perfectly slotting into place. I had three days and then I was off to my first tour destination—The Playhouse Theatre in Edinburgh. We would be there for over a week, all accommodations had been booked. I had spent some holidays in Edinburgh before so I kind of knew my way around, though I made a mental note to try to squeeze some time to see Edinburgh Castle. The views were magnificent and the building itself was just amazing. I loved to go and see great historical buildings. The architecture back then was just phenomenal. I could spend my days touring different countries just absorbing it and taking it all in.

I received my train tickets through the post the next morning and stared at them. This was the big reminder it was actually happening. Of course Elijah made a big song and dance about coming ’round to pack my suitcase. He said that he didn’t trust me, and all I’d pack would be sweat pants and Converse. He was probably right. I was scratching my head in wonder when the knock finally came, and in some way, I was relieved that he would take charge. I had so many things going on I needed a break from it all.

“Hey, Iz.” Elijah beamed, dragging me into a hug. Ruby wasn’t far behind pouncing on him the moment I stepped away.

“And hello to you, princess Ruby, who’s been a good girl?”

“Not her, she dug up all my mother’s plants up that she’d spent time putting in, she was not amused. You’re a bad girl, Ruby.” She almost gave me a shrug, like she didn’t care. She was more interested in the dog treats in Elijah’s pocket. She had become accustomed to him always bringing them and didn’t take long reminding him that she wanted them.

He reached inside and pulled out some dog drops, which she gratefully lapped up almost instantly. She had to inspect the packet several times before she would take the hint that there was none left. You would think she never was fed. I was pretty sure she’d eat all day long if we allowed her to.

After washing his hands, Elijah quickly opened the wardrobe doors taking his time to sum up the contents, as he had personally shopped for the majority of it, he knew it well. He put it into piles of definitely taking, maybe and definitely not. There were a lot of sweat pants in the definitely not pile, but I was determined to sneak some in. After all a girl had to be comfortable.

“Right, where is your case? I need to see what I’m working with here. We need the essentials, of course, but I want to make sure you have some night time clothes in case you go out drinking. You have to prepare for every eventuality.”

He always was on the ball when it came down to this kind of thing, I was glad I had him on hand to takeover because I was beat. I was happy to lounge on the bed watching him pack my case.

“Right, skinny jeans, T-shirts, tops, cardigans, jumpers, that’s your day wear done. Five pair of pyjamas and slippers. Nighttime, we have three dresses, two playsuits, two pairs of heels and a black clutch bag that will go with all the outfits. Anything else?”

“Yes, my sweats, you know I love to be comfy.”

“Oh sweet lord, give them here.”

I tossed over five pairs and he grimaced, scrutinizing each one. He tossed two back. Fair enough, they did have holes in them so I guess I had to relent on that part and agree with him. I knew once he had gone I would add a few more comfortable pieces as well as one of Joel’s T-shirts.

“There we are. Done. Mow I want to spend the next few hours with you doing what we do best.”

“Perving over guys and eating more pizza and Maltesers than our body is capable of?” I asked, smiling.

“You got it, now what are we going to watch?”

I rolled my eyes. “Do you even have to ask?”

“I might cry just at the very thought of it being our last time.” He pouted.

My eyes filled up just at the thought of it. “Don’t. You’ll set me off, and I don’t want to cry. The time will fly by and you’ll come out to see me, I hope.”

“Of course, it’s just not the same as having you ten minutes away.” He sighed and he was right.

“I know, but it’s the best we can do under the present circumstances.”

“I know. Can we order pizza now before I start to cry already?” He did look practically on the verge of tears.

“Coming up, the usual?”

“Of course.”

I smiled, grabbing my mobile phone, ordering our final pizza together.

Suddenly my appetite was gone.

* * *

“Oh sweet lord, every damn time this film gets me. You would think after a million times, I would have built up some kind of immunity to it all but each time I bawl my flipping eyes out.”

“I know, I’m the same.” I blew my nose, quickly swiping the tears away. It had to be The Notebook for our final film. It was like our final swan song. I just wished that it finished on a happier note. It was hard enough suppressing the tears knowing I would finally have to say goodbye.

“I hate to say this, but I need to get home. We have a meal to go to, one of Sam’s friends. I don’t want to go really but you know me, I’ll put on a face to hide my true feelings, the things I do for Sam.” He winked and I laughed, he always was so selfless.

“It’s okay. We’ve had a great day. Let’s end it here before we start to dwell on my imminent departure.” I was starting to already feel overemotional.

“I don’t want to say goodbye, but I guess I have to.” He pouted, walking forward

“We’ll see each other soon, and you can FaceTime me on the iPad after the show. I’ll probably be telling you all about my screw ups on stage.”

“Nonsense, you’ll do great, be the star of the show. I have some auditions lined up next week, so fingers crossed something good comes my way too.” He smiled, looking hopeful.

“You will be amazing, and I know good things are ahead.”

“Hope so, Iz, don’t forget me when you become a big star.” He grinned as I rolled my eyes.

“Well, that’s not going to happen.”

“I hope not, besties till the end.” He winked but I could see the tears that were beginning to build, and I instantly felt my own.

I put on a fixed smile, but I wasn’t quick enough to catch the tear that fell from my eye.

“Hey, you shouldn’t be crying, this is a happy time for you,” he soothed, brushing my tear away.

“I know, just sad to leave you all. I didn’t realise it would be this hard to say goodbye.” This was just the tip of the iceberg.

“It’s not goodbye, it’s so long for a while. I will still be in your life day to day, annoying you.” He winked and another tear escaped as I grabbed him and hugged him hard. We should have been prepared for this. After all, the lifestyle of the job could take us anywhere in the world, but it all felt too much. I guess it might get easier as I went along, but right now, it felt like the hardest thing in the world.

“I have to go before I start bawling too. I’m only just keeping it together myself.”

I held onto him for a few moments longer, not quite ready to let go just yet till I managed to compose myself. I drew back and he kissed me softly on the forehead.

“Go make us proud, Iz.” Elijah’s voice wobbled on the last part, and he walked away without looking back. I think he knew if he did, the situation would be even more emotional and for that I was thankful.

* * *

It was it was my last full day with Joel as I was setting off early to Edinburgh in the morning. He had taken the day off so we could spend every last minute together. We had gone to my mother’s last night for a farewell family meal, Mike and Kara had been there too. It had been nice, just the five of us. Of course, towards the end it had all gone a bit teary, even Mike had filled up a little, something I never thought capable but it was nice to know that he would miss me too. Kara promised to look after him. I was glad he had found such an amazing girlfriend and that his life was finally one I was proud of. My mother had clucked around me like a mother hen, asking questions about everything that had long been sorted. But I knew she needed this, it was her having to finally let go so I allowed her this, but I appreciated Joel’s hand squeezing mine under the table in a ‘hang in there’ action. I loved that he knew me so well.

My day began with Joel gently rousing me from my sleep. I was going to miss these wake up calls. There was no substitute for Joel’s lips, they were heaven against my skin. I sighed in sadness at the prospect that for the next few months I would be without him, waking up alone.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he asked, looking concerned.

Like he even needed to ask?

“Just sad this is my last day.” I sighed.

“But we’re going to make it a good one.”

I turned to face him, he was smiling, but I could see the sadness in his eyes. If he was trying to put a brave face on about my departure, then I sure as hell could too.

“Today is going to be an amazing day,” I replied, quickly moaning when I felt his fingers begin to stroke me.

“I plan on giving you so many orgasms today that your body is going to need a break from me.” He grinned and I couldn’t help but reciprocate. A day filled with intense, delicious orgasms, I was ready to begin.

* * *

“Oh god, Joel, I can’t take any more.” I panted the words I thought I’d never say, but after bringing me to orgasm twice with his mouth, once with his fingers and twice inside me, I was ready to surrender.

“Lightweight,” he chuckled, pulling me into him so I was resting on his chest.

“I think you’ve made your point, I need to rest. I need this just you and me skin on skin, snuggling together.”

“I think I can do that.”

“But thank you for this morning. You never fail to surprise me just how far you will go.” He always surprised me by taking it to the next level.

“I love to see you come apart in front of me. It’s my favourite part knowing that I do that to you, only me.”

“Joel, it will only ever be you,” I replied breathlessly.

“I know.” He pressed his lips against me, then went to pull away but I cupped his face holding him there a few moments longer. I needed this kiss, to feel his lips against mine. It was almost like I was memorizing every single touch, feeling so that I could remember on those days we were apart.

Eventually my gurgling stomach broke the moment, and Joel sniggered against my lips.

“I think I need to get you some breakfast, growler.”

“Seriously that’s one thing I won’t miss, that flipping nickname,” I ranted. It annoyed me every time.

“You love it really.”

“Trust me, I don’t,” I huffed, shoving back the covers to head for the shower. He quickly chased me and pressed me up against the cold bathroom tiled wall.

“I think we need to have one more go.” He pressed himself into me.

“Joel, how are you even hard, are you a freaking robot?” This was just unbelievable.

“You just have to be naked for me to react, you know that.”

It was true. I barely had to show a little skin and he pounced on me, not that I was complaining, as the orgasms that followed were enough to put a smile on my face.

He leaned over and switched on the shower, keeping his hand there to judge the temperature in between kisses.

“Are you ready to scream some more?” he asked, grinning and I rolled my eyes at his egotistical question, but he soon got my reply minutes later when my voice echoed around the bathroom.

He was good, and boy, did he know it.

* * *

I finished washing the last of the breakfast dishes. After all, Joel had cooked so washing was the least I could do. I could barely move after the fry up, but we had a busy day planned and so needed a hearty breakfast to fuel us for what was ahead.

After the dishes were done, we headed out and picked up Ruby from my mother’s to head for a walk at the park. We had a picnic basket loaded with amazing delicious treats, and of course, plenty to keep Ruby occupied. She was more than happy to see us. She leapt up, almost knocking me over, which seemed to be her specialty. It was a good thing I had great balance from all the training.

So with the sun beating down on us, the three of us headed out to enjoy our last afternoon together. I knew Joel would be here all the time with Ruby as it was her favourite place to be, but it would be minus me and that thought alone made me sad.

Joel unfolded the blanket, spreading it out along the grass, Ruby soon dropped down, taking good of the sun as Joel put up an umbrella to stop us all from catching heat stroke. I quickly emptied out all the food, making sure to give Ruby hers first before she decided to help herself to ours. It was bliss.

We quickly devoured the food, with Joel and Ruby around there was never any waste. I was hoping they would be good company for each other once I had gone. Joel got up a while later to play Frisbee with Ruby. She enjoyed bounding around using all that energy, she became the main attraction amongst a group of kids and was more than pleased to stand there and be petted. She was still a little miss limelight but she had learned that from Elijah. Sometimes I looked at her remembering the little puppy she used to be. So much had happened in this last year. It was unbelievable how fast time had gone and now things were changing, our usual day to day routine would be no more. I hoped she wouldn’t pine too much and that Joel would manage to placate her while I was away. We spoke about FaceTiming with her, but then I worried that she wouldn’t understand and it would distress her even more.

She wandered over a short while later, giving me a hello lick on my cheek, and I chuckled. She was such a sweet dog. I had waited so long to have my own pet. She truly was a blessing, well when she wasn’t trying to chew my shoes. She flopped down and gave me the ‘pet me’ eyes. I tickled her ears, and she soon rolled over with her legs in the air insisting I tickle her stomach too. She was too adorable and would have me tickling her all day long if she could.

Joel dropped down beside me, placing a kiss against my skin. I shivered slightly, his lips still had that effect on me. Ruby shuffled over so Joel could pet her too. He chuckled at the look of delight she gave him, and he kissed her on the head. I quickly took a picture of them both, setting it as my screensaver so I always had something to remind me. Ruby soon fell asleep, leaving Joel and I to curl up together.