Page 35 of Embracing My Nightmare
Elise
IWAS LOST IN THE MUSIC, cleaning my apartment when I turned and nearly fell over, finding Devlin leaned against the wall, watching me with a smile. Turning off the vacuum and my music, I tried to stop my racing heart. I wasn’t used to anyone being in my apartment, but with him, I had a feeling he would pop in when I least expected it.
He stepped away from the wall and opened his arms to me. Walking into his hug, I felt the tension seep from both of us as we sought comfort from each other. Every moment with Devlin over the last few days had been everything I had ever hoped for. We had gone from strangers to lovers in the blink of an eye and now my heart felt full.
As he promised, Devlin cooked us a wonderful dinner. He used the built-in grill that remained untouched since I moved in and cooked us steaks with roasted vegetables. We sat on the patio, watching the sunset on the lake, contently wrapped under a blanket as the chill descended on us.
My heart was telling me there was something he was keeping from me. Something related to the man from the park and a connection to me. The first five years of my life were a jumbled mess, often just snapshots that had no context. I questioned what happened during those years and if it was best left undisturbed.
My best friend Paula had suggested taking a DNA test to see if I had any relatives. I considered it then I looked at my case file picture. All I saw was the little girl who was starved, beaten and drugged, then left alone in a church with no idea what my ownname was. Whoever they were, they didn’t deserve to be a part of my life.
Devlin and I talked until my eyes felt heavy and I couldn’t contain my yawn. He scooped me up, cradling my body against his chest as he carried me to bed. Setting me on the edge of the king-sized bed, he removed my clothes, his deadly hands softly stroking my skin. Tucking me in, he turned off the overhead light and went to the other side of the bed. I watched his clothes come off, the light shining through the open blinds casting him in muted moonlight as his perfectly toned body came into focus.
He laid down and pulled me against his chest, his arm wrapping around my waist. His steady heartbeat coupled with the familiar tune he softly hummed lulled me into a deep sleep. I woke up feeling rested. I had a new project starting at work today and I was eager to get into the office after stopping by my parents.
Finding Devlin shirtless in my kitchen cutting up fresh fruit was the best way to start my day. Walking in, he poured me a cup of coffee and kissed me before swatting my butt. I laughed and his smile lit my soul. After eating, he watched me get ready and picked out my clothes for the day. His pampering and attentiveness was something I had never had, and I couldn’t keep the smile off my face.
I left for work at the same time he did and something about it made me feel like my life was finally starting. For years, I had waited for him and now that he was here, I wanted everything. The house, kids . . . a dog. I wanted it all and I wanted it now. Shaking my head at the crazy thoughts, I pulled into my parents’ driveway.
Knocking on the door, I let myself in with my key.
“Good morning,” I yelled into the house, letting them know I was here.
One afternoon during my freshman year of college, I had to come home to change clothes mid-day, walking in unannounced. They were getting busy in their bedroom and I quickly turned and ran out the door, my face red from embarrassment. I never walked in without announcing myself again.
“Good morning,sweetie,” Blaire returned, her voice calling down the hallway from the kitchen.
Finding them sitting at the table, I gave them both a hug and handed Chuck the bag from Devlin. He went into the bedroom to put it away and Blaire turned to me, whispering as she watched over my shoulder for his return.
“Chuck told me he explained Cameron to you the other night.”
Glancing behind me, I looked back at her and whispered, “He did. I never knew he had a brother.”
“He doesn’t, as far as I’m concerned. Last night, Chuck started talking about hiring a private investigator to find him. Something about putting the past to rest. I wanted to let you know, just in case he actuallyfinds him this time.”
We heard him coming down the hallway and I mouthed that I would call her later and she nodded just as he walked back into the room. I stayed for about half an hour before I needed to leave for the office. Chuck followed me out to my car, ready to head to his job when he stopped me.
“I wanted to thank you.”
“It’s no problem.” I shrugged.
“Not for that.” He nodded to the house. “For being such an amazing daughter.”
My eyes swam with tears as he pulled me into his arms and I wrapped mine around him, knowing his love wasn’t bought, but earned. I had the fatherly love I had always craved and the intense love that Devlin had promised. The smile pulled deeply at my cheeks.
Just as we pulled apart, he whispered into my ear, “Bring your new guy to dinner soon. I want to meet the man who put that smile on your face.”
He released me and winked before he turned to his car. The short drive to the office was over quickly and I entered, ready to tackle another new day. Work was a beehive of ideas, planning, purchases, and temperamental clients. Lunch was delivered to me at noon with a note from Devlin.
It’s time to take a break.
I happily enjoyed the sandwich and fries, each bite fulfilling his promise to take care of me. At six o’clock, my phone chimed with a message from Devlin.
Devlin: The workday is over, lamb. It’s time to come home.
Me: I’m just about to leave. I’ll see you soon.
Walking to my car, I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, so trusting my instincts, I walked faster. I used the keypad to unlock it and secured myself inside quickly. Shaking my head with a chuckle, I started the car and drove the fifteen minutes home. The entire drive, I thought of the brief conversation with Blaire this morning and I got a sick feeling in my stomach.
