The Touch Series Box Set

  Once out in the kitchen I start rooting through the refrigerator and pantry. Thankfully Emma and Derrick are keeping the house stocked with food. I grab out the eggs, peppers, onions and ham. Derrick loves his western omelets so this will be the perfect food to make him breakfast in bed. I start up the Keurig once the pan is full of the omelet and brew us both a mug of coffee. I grab out the breakfast tray from the pantry and put the plate, napkin and fork in the center. I carefully carry everything up stairs without dropping it or spilling a drop of coffee. Kicking the door slightly with my foot, it swings open and I see Derrick start to stir in bed. I set the tray on my side and crawl in next to him.

  His back is to me so I start running my nails lightly up and down his back. He starts to twitch and before he goes crazy from his tickle spots I kiss him on the back of his neck and wrap my arms around his chest.

  “Hey Derrick, I made you breakfast in bed. Come on sleepy time to wake up.” I say in a whisper.

  He rolls over on his side and pulls me into his chest. I can hear his heart beat and a smile immediately crosses my face. This man’s heart beats strong for me, for him….for us.

  “I don’t know that I’ve slept that good in months. It was so good to have you here next to me angel.” He says and kisses my forehead.

  “I couldn’t agree more.” I respond pulling myself in closer to his body.

  “Good, so when can I have all your stuff moved back in to our home?” He asks in a whisper.

  “We can make the arrangement tomorrow.” I reply.

  Derrick flips over in the bed so fast I almost fall off the side. He quickly grabs my body and slides me underneath him. I can feel his growing erection through my shorts and my panties become wetter by the minute. He kisses my neck and trails his tongue along my jaw line bringing his lips to mine. He kisses me passionately and I let out a moan.

  “Chloe you just made me very happy. I never want to be apart from you again. Are you sure this is what you want?”

  He takes in a quick breath from his sudden ramble of words and starts kissing me again. His tongue sweeps into my mouth and I get lost in the feel of Derrick. He spreads my legs apart with his knees and pushes himself in closer to my aching core.

  I’ve missed his touch so badly over the past few months I just want him inside of me.

  We continue to kiss like we’re taking our last breathes.

  He pulls away and looks me in the eye. Without words I know his soul is communicating with mine. It’s so good to be this close to him again and I swear I’ll never let him go.

  We make love in our bed, in our home and for the first time in awhile I feel like I’m giving myself to someone else. It’s time I do things right for this man right here. He deserves to be happy and I’ll do just that for the rest of my life.

  This morning was amazing.

  I woke up to Chloe running her hands up and down my back and then was given the best surprise…she’s really going to move back to Boston, like now.

  Shit, if this is a dream, please don’t wake me up.

  Not only did she share that fucktasitic news with me, but she also made me my favorite omelet for breakfast. Too bad it was ice cold by the time I got to eat it, but we did use the time wisely to get reacquainted with one another a few times.

  After we finally got untangled from the sheets, Chloe and I fed each other breakfast and then took a quick shower. Well it was meant to be a quick shower.

  On our way over to the hospital all I can think about is our conversation after breakfast this morning. Something seems to be different with Chloe, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. I was totally thrown off by her comment about calling to have her things moved so quickly. I thought for sure that I would have an argument on my hands with her on that one, but she really wants to come back home. I’m so happy about the whole situation. I really don’t want to ask questions. All I care about is that Chloe is here with me now and she’ll be moving into our home again to stay.

  I look over at her as I drive down the highway. Chloe looks absolutely perfect and she is my whole world. Her long dark hair is lying along her shoulder in waves and I hate that I can’t see her eyes with her giant sunglasses hiding her face. I look down along her body and she is wearing the cutest sundress and sweater. She is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen and she is all mine.

  The conversation we had last night could have ruined any chance of us getting back together, but when it really comes down to it we love one another. Chloe and I have been through too much to allow anything destroy what we had and what we still have.

  We pull into the parking deck and I hear Chloe let out a deep breath.

  “You okay angel?”

  “Hmm, what did you say?” She asks.

  “I asked if you were okay.”

  “Yeah, sorry. I guess I’m just a little nervous. Now that we know Char has no serious damage to her organs or brain I just wish she would wake up. I know it’s silly but I really want to be there for her. When she wakes up I want to be the sister she needs, not the one she has to take of anymore. I’ve got a lot of making up to do to her and I want to start as soon as those big brown eyes open up.”

  “I think that’s great Chloe and Charlie will be so happy to know that you’ll be back here in Boston for good. You’ll see everything is going to turn out just as it always should have been. I can’t wait to have you home with me every morning and every night again. You have no idea how much I’ve missed you being close enough to touch.”

  “I know Derrick, me too. I promise to make things right this time. Tomorrow I’ll get the job and move everything back home. We can start from scratch and build up from there.”

  I shake my head and swallow hard the lump that is now in my throat.

  “Chloe, I don’t want to start over with you. We have years of love, passion and a connection that is impossible to forget. Yes, we were apart for four fucking long as hell months. But now we just move past that hurdle and pick up where we left off. I’m willing to make it work and try whatever we need to be together, are you?”

  “Of course I am. I wasn’t kidding when I said I wanted to move back home. This is where I need to be, where I want to be and there’s no one else I would ever want to have a future with other than you Derrick. This is it for me. I promise you…we are my forever.”

  “Good. That’s my girl. Now let’s go in and see how Charlie is holding up and give Riley some clean clothes.”

  As soon as we get out of the car, Chloe comes to my side and holds onto my hand. I’m loving the instant connection she is determined to share and I can’t help the giant smile that is spread across my face.

  This morning the visitor’s room is much fuller than it was yesterday and I immediately see Bryce and Teresa sitting in the far end of the room. Chloe and I walk over to them and they greet us both with a hug.

  “How were things last night?” I hear Teresa ask.

  “Things are great. Right Derrick?” She asks looking at me and squeezing my hand.

  “You got that right angel, things are damn near perfect.”

  “Any word on how Char is doing?” Chloe asks looking between both of her parents.

  “The doctor said she is doing remarkably well. Her vitals are normal, her brain activity is great and the swelling is almost completely down. She just needs to wake up.” Bryce says.

  “Well I’m going to go in and visit for a bit, give Riley a break.” Chloe says letting go of my hand and giving me a kiss on the lips.

  I watch as she walks away through the double doors leading to Charlie. My heart skips a beat and I feel like everything is perfect. Never in a million years did I imagine that the last two days would have happened to us.

  It’s tragic what happened to Riley and Charlie, but if not for them Chloe would not have been brought back into my life.

  No fucking joke, it’s true when they say everything happens for a reason.

  Chloe has been a huge part of my life for years.


  One day I’ll marry that girl and forever she’ll have my heart.

  When I tell her my vows, it’s not just words that will be said.

  She’ll understand exactly what I mean when I tell her…

  You are my soul mate.

  You are the love of my life.

  You Chloe are my forever. I’ve been touched by you and only you.

  I guess people are right when they say, you don’t really know what you’ve got till it’s gone.

  That is exactly what happened to me a little over nine months ago.

  I never would have thought that things would have come around full circle for us, but thankfully Derrick and I have a love that is stronger than anything. Really we are indestructible. I don’t know how I got so lucky to have him in my life. In fact, at times, I don’t know why he put up with my shit for so many years. But something about him was drawn to me. No matter what happened or what I did to hurt him or those that we loved, Derrick always stuck by my side.

  When I made that promise to myself five months ago, I never intended for things to go my way. I was dead set on making sure that I was the servant to my boyfriend and our families, but in turn they rewarded me with so much.

  Some days are harder than others. I still have to take a step back, evaluate the things that I have and be grateful more than anything. I can’t take things or my loved ones for granted anymore.

  I made a pact with myself to live everyday to the fullest. To always think of others before I think of myself. It’s not always easy, but I’ve made a lot of progress.

  It isn’t easy to go from a heartless bitch to a caring saint over night, but I’m doing my best and that is all I can ask myself for each day.

  But today, yes today is the day I’ve waited a long time for. It’s time for Derrick and me to take this next step. After all he’s done for me. I need to do this for him.

  He has no clue what is going to happen tonight, but I hope to hell I’m able to pull it off as planned.

  I’ve been working for the Boston Red Sox as the field analyst for the past five months. I love everything about my job, the kneecap to kneecap coverage with the team and the fact that I can live in Boston close to my family. I truly have everything I’ve ever dreamed of right here in front of me and now, yes now I need to take matters into my own hands and take a huge step forward. I’m scared, hell yes I’m scared, but it’s time to do this and I’m more than ready.

  Looking around my office and at the clock on the wall, I realize that I only have an hour left to finish up this interview spotlight that I’m planning for next week. After this is wrapped up I’m off to go get Riley. I hope that everything is in order that I asked for so we don’t have to spend so much time picking up last minute things.

  My phone starts to buzz across my desk and see that Char is calling.

  “Hey lady what’s up?” I ask in a cheery tone.

  I sure as hell appreciate my sister more than ever. After all I almost lost her this year.

  “Hey Chloe, minor problem….but don’t freak.” She says with a giggle.

  “Shit Char, you can’t say that and expect me not to freak. What’s wrong?” I say with a pout.

  “Well I went to lunch with Derrick today, just like I was supposed to and he said he was going to work late tonight. He has that huge case coming up next week and if he nails this he gets senior partner.”

  “Shit! Damn it! Blah! Okay I’m not going to freak out. It will be okay, I’ll just rearrange some things and it will still work out.”

  “Yes it will. You’ve got a great attitude Chloe. I must say I really like this new side of you. It’s so much easier to get along with you now.”

  “Char, don’t start. I’m trying my best to stay cool and calm.”

  “Okay, okay, I’m sorry. It’s just such an exciting night and I want everything to be perfect.”

  “Yeah, Char you and me both. You don’t think he has any idea of what I’m up to, do you?”

  “Nah, he’s so wrapped up in the case he doesn’t even realize he put on two different shoes today.”

  “Shit, Char that isn’t funny.”

  “Yeah he didn’t think so either when I pointed it out to him at lunch.”

  “Okay well I have to go and finish up here. I’m still picking Riley up, right?”

  “Yep! Okay Chloe relax, it will all be okay. I’m so excited I could scream.”

  “Yeah just not in my ear this time. Okay I’ll see you later on, thanks for everything Char. Love ya.”

  “Love you too Chloe.”

  I hit the red end button on my phone and take a seat back at my desk. I can’t imagine if that girl was not in my life. My sister and I have grown so close since the accident. She truly is my best friend and I would be lost without her.

  A few days after the initial trauma of the accident we were all on pins and needles waiting for Char to wake the hell up. One night after everyone had gone home I decided to stay so Riley could get some sleep. The poor guy never left the hospital. The staff was nice enough to bring in an extra chair that extended out to a lounge like bed and let him shower in her bathroom. I really do admire the way he cares about her. They are both so lucky to have one another in their lives.

  While sitting back in Riley’s chair I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye. Thinking it was just my imagination playing tricks on me I went back to doing some work on my iPad. A few minutes later the monitors started to beep and I stood up next to Char. Holding her hand I caressed her palm and started talking to her.

  Within a few moments the nurse walked in to check on Char’s vitals. I continued to watch her as her eyelids started to flutter and a cough escaped her throat. I knew at any moment something big was going to happen and I was right.

  Char’s beautiful big brown eyes opened and she watched the nurse and me as she tried to focus. It took her a bit till she was able to open them fully, but when she did I felt the tears begin to fall down my cheeks.

  I quickly grabbed my phone and dialed Riley’s number. Once he answered, I told him to call Mom, Dad and Derrick to get down here quick.

  Ever since that day I swore to myself that I would never disappoint or hurt my sister again. We’re closer than ever and spend as much time together as possible. In fact if one of us is not at the other’s house we’re out doing girl stuff while the boys are watching a game or at the pub. Life with us is just perfect and I wouldn’t change a thing.

  I glance over at the time on my computer screen, “shit!” I shout. I need to finish this up later, it’s time to get out of here and go get Riley. Pulling together all the papers on my desk and shutting down my laptop, I then lock up and make my way to my car.

  I pull into Taylor & Sons Contracting and Riley is already out standing by his Durango. As I slide my car in next to his, he stands there shaking his head at me. I let out a giggle and know that he’s going to give me shit for being late.

  He hops in the car and leans over to give me a hug.

  “Thanks so much for doing all this with me. I know Char has her hands full keeping Derrick busy, well at least she was supposed to be. Now he has to work late so we’re going to have to skip the game and go right into stage two of the night.”

  “Fuck Chloe calm down, you’re talking to me like you’re on speed or something…wait did you take drugs before you came and got me. You know how I hate that shit.”

  I smack his arm and put the car in reverse.

  “Shut the hell up Riley, my nerves are shot to hell. I don’t want to blow this tonight. It means a lot to me that everything goes perfect.”

  “Everything will be fine don’t worry, but I do have one question. How are you getting him there since he won’t be at the pub to watch the game?”

  “Well since he’s going to be working late I thought I would text him to come get me at the stadium. I’ll just tell him to come in and get me while I finish up some work. He loves walking around and being nosey, so I should be fine.”

>   Riley and I spend the next hour getting everything from their house to the stadium. Thankfully the Red Sox are away today and since I am part of the team they granted me access to the field…an awesome perk I think.

  It’s 9:30 and go time. Derrick should be here any minute now. My nerves are killing me and my stomach is in knots. I walk out the stadium and glance around the field. The lights are lit and the set up in the outfield looks amazing. I’m so blessed to have so many people in my life to help me with this special night.

  I walk out to the pitcher’s mound and wait for him. I can feel my heart beating a mile a minute and I’m afraid I’m going to puke at any given moment. Tonight will change things for us and I can’t wait to share this moment with him.

  In the distance I can see him walking along the concourse and see him stop.

  Why the hell is he stopping…don’t stop, keep walking. He starts to move again and my heart begins to beat out a steady rhythm.

  He starts to walk down the stairs and I can barely make out the expression on his face.

  As he continues to walk closer and closer to me I can see his baby blues sparkle from the lights of the stadium. A smile is spread across his face and he reaches his hands out to me as he approaches.

  He looks handsome wearing his dress pants, white button down shirt and green tie.

  My lips lift in to a smile as he grabs me into his arms. He gives me a kiss on the lips and pulls me in closer to him. I can feel his heart beating and our souls instantly begin to communicate. His touch gives my body a warmth that only he can provide and it makes me feel so loved.

  We pull away from our embrace and he looks into my eyes.

  “I’m sorry I missed watching the game with you guys tonight, but glad I’m here with you now. What’s going on here tonight anyway?” He asks looking behind me at the white tent set up in the outfield.

  “Just follow me. I have something special planned for us tonight.”

  I take his hand in mine and start walking our way over to the white tent.

  Once we’re inside I’m instantly taken back to that night. Riley, Char and our parents did an amazing job setting everything up like I asked. There’s a table set for two in the far corner and a wooden dance floor in the middle. Soft music is playing in the background and our dinner is set on the table waiting for us.