The Touch Series Box Set

  This should keep me warm enough for my little adventure today.

  Grabbing my robe, I walk out of my bedroom and into the bathroom for a quick shower.

  Finally, a moment of peace and quiet, no interruptions and no crude banter.

  I let the hot water hit me in the face while washing my hair and scrubbing my body.

  Turning off the water, I step out of the shower. I dry myself off and start working on my hair. Once I’m done, I apply some make up and get dressed and ready to go. I grab up my new Columbia coat and head downstairs.

  I see the guys sitting in the kitchen and give them a wave before heading out the door.

  Tomorrow I really need to get myself organized. Riley moved all of my personal belongings from NC into a storage unit and I could really use some of my things here at the house. But until then, I’m going to enjoy a nice day all by myself.

  After being surrounded by this crew for two days I need a breather; if nothing else, just a day alone to sort through my thoughts.

  Today is a day for me.

  I need to get out of this house; I can’t deal with staring at these walls for another day.

  God, is it Monday yet?

  It’s pretty sad when I’m sitting here wishing the weekend away so that I can go back to work.

  My mind needs to be kept busy; if not, I find myself bored and dwelling on the past.

  Since the breakup with Kathy, I keep thinking about shit I never thought about before.

  I was always the guy that put work and my career before my personal life. I’m good at what I do and I’ve got one of the best crews on the east coast.

  Yeah, I may have taken my work a bit too seriously at times and possibly took advantage of the fact that my relationship with Kathy would stand the test of time. But hell, after dating and living together for nearly three years, who wouldn’t?

  The thing I don’t get is if she wanted more, whether it be my attention or a stupid damn ring on her finger, why didn’t she talk to me about it before going off and fucking another guy?

  Why can’t people communicate? Is that too much to ask?

  Now I’m stuck looking back on my thirty-seven years of life, wondering what I have to show for it.

  Damn it, this is why I need to get out of here.

  I grab my keys from the table and head out to the garage. I step up into my truck, back out of the garage and head down my driveway.

  I’m not quite sure where the hell I’m going, but I need to go somewhere. I start to drive through some of the town and decide to head into the city. Maybe walking through the crazy busy streets of Boston will help me clear my mind.

  Before I merge onto the highway, I decide to stop at a coffee shop to grab some breakfast.

  I pull along the street to park the truck and head inside. Walking up to the counter, I order my usual medium black coffee and a toasted everything bagel with cream cheese.

  I pay the gal behind the counter and wait for my food. I glance around the small shop and my eyes stop on her. She’s not looking in my direction, instead she’s sipping on a mug of coffee and reading over a map of the city.

  Her long dark hair is lying perfectly along her back. She’s wearing a soft brown sweater that clings to her petite body. Her legs are crossed and she has on some seriously hot as hell boots. Holy fuck.

  “Pete,” the gal behind the counter calls my name and Emma’s head pops up.

  We make eye contact for a second and I turn around to grab my order.

  Shit, I shouldn’t have turned away so quick. I should’ve waved, no, that’s dumb. I should’ve said hi.

  I grab my bagel and turn around to see her looking in my direction. I walk toward her and she smiles.

  “Good morning, Pete,” she says in that sexy as hell southern voice.

  “Morning, Belle, do you mind if I join you?” I ask, gesturing to the extra seat at her table.

  She shakes her head. “Not at all, please sit.”

  “What brings you out this way today?” I ask, taking a sip of my coffee.

  “I wanted to take on the city by myself today. I haven’t really had a quiet moment since I got here, so I thought I’d be adventurous.”

  “Well, don’t let me stop you,” I say, grabbing up my food.

  “No silly, you’re fine. Sit, stay, I don’t mind your company. It’s just that Riley and Derrick are up my ass trying to keep me busy. I just wanted a peaceful day without them hounding me to do something. Plus, I kind of like getting myself lost and finding my way back.”

  I watch as she picks off a piece of her muffin and tosses it into her mouth.

  “Ah, I see. Must be why you were just studying the map,” I reply, giving her a wink.

  She starts to laugh and waves her hand in front of her face.

  “Damn you, Pete, you almost made me choke on my muffin.”

  “Sorry, Belle, that wasn’t my intention. You okay?”

  She nods her head. “Yeah, I’m good. Just wasn’t ready for a laugh at that moment.”

  “Okay good, I’d hate to have to give you the Heimlich if you were choking.”

  She lets out a laugh. It’s soft, but oh so sweet.

  “So, back to you and your map. What was it that you were studying?” I ask before taking a bite of my bagel.

  “I was trying to find where I wanted to go today. There’s so much to see in this city, I didn’t know where to start first.”

  “Well, if you want I can point out some things that you might like to go see.”

  Or I could just go with you.

  “Yeah, that would be great. Unless…well, if you’d want to go with me.”

  In mid bite I look up at her. Did she just read my fucking mind?

  She’s looking at me with the most adorable look on her face, those hazel eyes shining right back at me.

  I swallow the lump of bagel in my throat and grab for a napkin.

  “You want me to go with you?” I ask, clearing my throat.

  “Well yeah, I mean no…well, if you have other plans that’s fine, too. I just thought since, well never mind.”

  Damn she’s even cuter when she gets flustered.

  “No Belle, actually it’s a great idea. I was thinking of heading into the city myself to clear my head. I’ve been sitting in my house like a lump on a log and needed to get out. I just stopped here to grab some breakfast.”

  “Great, well looks like we’re starting out the right way. We’ll eat then head out to wherever you think we should go first. You can be my official tour guide for the day.”

  “Let me take a look at that map,” I say, grabbing it off the table.

  I fold it up and stick in my now empty Styrofoam cup.

  “Hey, I need that,” she says with a pout.

  “No you don’t. You have a Boston native as your tour guide today, remember?”

  “Ah yes, it’s all coming back to me now. So where do you think we should go first?”

  “Don’t you worry about it, I’ll surprise you.” I say with a sly smirk.

  “Yay, I love surprises.”

  “Good to know.”

  She smiles at me as she brings her mug of coffee to her lips. I watch as she takes a sip and she doesn’t take her eyes off of mine.

  I don’t know what it is about this girl, but damn it I want to find out.

  I want to spend more time with her.

  I want to know more about her.

  I’m excited about heading into the city with my own personal tour guide.

  As much as I wanted to drive to get a feel for the streets in and out of the city, Pete insisted we take his truck. Personally, I think it’s because he didn’t want to be caught dead in the mini, but whatever, I’ll pretend it’s because he wanted to drive.

  I carefully watch the street signs along the highway so that I know how to get back here when I am on my own.

  “Are you a baseball fan?” he asks, looking over to me with those bright blue eyes.

  “Well,
if you’re asking if I’m a Red Sox fan, the answer is yes. Just don’t expect me to go all fan girl like Riley does. I’m more of a football junkie myself. Go Tarheels,” I say, raising my hand in the air.

  “I won’t fault you for your choice in college football teams, but if you’re a Red Sox fan we have to go to Fenway Park. Plus, there’s a really good restaurant nearby the stadium we can go to lunch.”

  “Lunch?” I ask. “Are we making an all-day event of this date?”

  “Date, is that what this is?” Pete asks, glancing over to me while scratching the stubble along his jaw line.

  “Well, umm.”

  He starts to laugh and I feel completely embarrassed.

  “I’m just playing with you, Belle,” he says, giving me a subtle smirk.

  “Can I tell you something, Pete?” I’m feeling a bit nervous now about the whole ‘date’ comment.

  “Yeah, of course. You can tell me anything. That’s what friends are for, right?”

  “Hmm, I guess so. It’s just that I’m, well, how do I say this….”

  “Belle, just relax, okay? There’s no pressure here with us. We’re friends. We’re cool. Okay?” he says, placing his hand on my shoulder.

  “Okay, thanks. I haven’t had a guy friend like you since college. It’s just a bit weird for me, ya know?”

  “It’s cool, I get it. I don’t have many female friends besides Char and she’s more like a kid sister to me. I know where you’re coming from.”

  I let out a heavy sigh and lean my head back on the seat. I don’t know what I’m thinking—much less expecting—it’s just weird to be hanging out with another guy that isn’t Keith. I don’t want to freak Pete out before we even get to know one another, but I don’t know what I’m doing. My levels of trust with the opposite sex are pretty damn low right now. I get where he’s coming from, too, it’s just that I don’t want to attach myself to anyone, friend or not.

  I need to pull myself together. Today is supposed to be fun and relaxing. I don’t want to stress out about little things.

  I take in a deep breath and let it all out.

  This isn’t a date; it’s just two people getting to know each other as friends.”

  I can handle that, I think.

  No, I know I can do this. I’m stronger now than I’ve been in a long time. I just need to move past all the other shit I’ve been dealt and enjoy myself for a change.

  The new Emma is going to put herself first and have a good time doing it, too.

  I sit up straight and watch as Pete pulls the truck into a parking lot. He turns off the engine and moves his body to face me. I look over in his direction just as he’s about to talk.

  “You up for a bit of a walk?” he asks.

  “Sure, where are we?”

  “Well, right now we’re in a parking lot.”

  “Funny, jackass,” I laugh.

  “I try,” he replies with a wink. “We’re near Kenmore Square; to me it’s like the heart of the city. Everything we want to do is surrounding us. I don’t want to overwhelm you with all of Boston in one day so I thought we’d check out Fenway, walk the square and then grab a bite to eat before heading back.”

  “Sounds good to me, lead the way,” I say, grabbing for the door handle.

  “Okay, sit tight,” he says, stepping out of the truck.

  I watch his figure as he walks across the front and around to my side. He opens the passenger side door and reaches his arm in for me to grab. As soon as my hand touches his there’s a shock.

  “Shit, lady, if you keep shocking me like that we’re bound to combust soon.”

  “It has to be you, I haven’t shocked anyone else since I’ve gotten here,” I say, looking down at my hand.

  “Well, then maybe we need to break the shock pattern,” he says grabbing for my hand again. “Just fight the shock and hang on Belle, it has to give up eventually.”

  I hop out of his truck as he grabs onto my arm with his other hand.

  “Easy, killer, big trucks aren’t made for little ladies like you to hop out of; it’s a big drop for you.”

  “Are you calling me short?”

  “Nah, I’d never.”

  “Well good, because I was already referred to as ‘old’ by the guys this morning. I don’t know if my ego can take another hit for being short too.”

  “Aww, sweet Belle, you can’t be a day over thirty.”

  I look at him; I mean really look at him.

  I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about him that pulls me to him.

  It’s not just a physical attraction—I’m not near ready for that—but the fact that he’s here and getting nothing out of it has really grabbed my attention.

  He’s kind, sweet and someone I can see becoming a good friend.

  He holds onto my hand as we walk down the side street and out into the heart of his city.

  This place is amazing and there’s so much going on. People are walking about all over the place. Cars are flying in and out of lanes trying to get to their destination. It’s really incredible and not something I’m used to after living in North Carolina.

  There are big cities down south that I’ve been to, but nothing that compares to this. Boston just has an atmosphere like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. The hustle and bustle—everyone seems to be in a rush to get somewhere.

  I wonder how many people miss out on the opportunity to take in the beauty of their city.

  On days like today, it’s nice to just step back and appreciate what’s around you. Sometimes it’s best to just take a breather and enjoy the things that might not be there the next time around. I know I don’t want to miss a single thing that’s here for me to explore.

  Being here isn’t something I ever saw in my future, but I’m going to take advantage of it.

  Who knew this is exactly what I needed to clear my head? Not me, but here I am, ready to take on the city of Boston with Pete.

  Hand in hand, we walk down the street leading us to Fenway Park. I can see the stadium in the distance and can now understand why this is the place Riley wants to live.

  I’m happy to be here.

  I’m excited to start a new life in a new place.

  I’m anxious for my day in the city with my new friend.

  Spending today in the city with Emma has been a lot of fun.

  We held hands as we walked the streets—to fight off the shock factor of course—and took a lot of pictures for her to remember this day.

  Even though we were both looking forward to a quiet day on our own in the city, I can’t imagine a better way to spend a relaxing Sunday than with her.

  With this being her first time sightseeing in Boston, it was so cool to see her expressions as she took in all the sights of the square and Fenway Park. Once the season is back in action, we’ll have to get Chloe to get us some killer seats. That is, if she’s still talking to us after the breakup with Derrick.

  After a much needed break from our journey, we decide to stop at Boston Beer Works for some lunch.

  I got a chance to see Emma smile, laugh and try her first micro-brew. She was quite the trooper, and after tasting a few beers from the selections on tap, she admitted that she isn’t a beer drinker.

  Note to self, Emma likes wine….not beer.

  Over a few drinks—a beer for me and a glass of wine for her—Emma and I talk about her upcoming plans while staying in Boston.

  This week she’s in ‘organization mode’, as she calls it. Riley moved all of her possessions from North Carolina into a storage unit near his house. She’s making a point to go through it all and bring a few things over to Derrick’s house that she’ll need.

  Being the gentleman that I am, I offered to give her a hand if she needs it.

  Since she earned a degree in project management from UNC Chapel Hill, Bryce, Char and Chloe’s dad, has offered her a position with Taylor & Sons Contracting. Not only will she be the missing piece to our team’s culture, but I?
??ll also get to see her and interact with her at the office almost every day.

  Once we’ve finished our lunch and drinks, I drive us back to the little coffee shop. As stupid as it sounds, I’m kind of bumming that this day of fun is coming to an end.

  She helped to keep my mind off of a lot of things today; in fact I don’t think I thought about anything but her the entire day. I’m comfortable with her and I’d like to see where this friendship goes.

  Neither one of us is ready for anything more than friendship right now, but I know I want to spend more time with her.

  In the two days I’ve known her I’ve laughed more than I have in months. She brings out a happier side of me that’s been missing for a long time. I want to do the same for her. I don’t know the whole story of what happened with her husband in North Carolina, but I want to know. I find myself wanting to know so much more about her. If nothing else we can help one another get through the struggles of our past and have fun while doing it.

  I pull the truck in behind her baby blue Mini Cooper and laugh to myself.

  “What’s so funny?” she asks, looking ahead at her car with the cutest smirk on her face.

  A piece of hair falls in front of her face as she turns toward me.

  Without a thought, I reach to her and tuck it behind her ear. I let my hand linger against her face for a moment.

  “Nothing, Belle,” I reply, looking into her eyes.

  She smiles at me. Those eyes…damn those hazel eyes.

  “Mmhhmm. You wouldn’t be making fun of the mini, would you?”

  “I’d never,” I reply with a smirk of my own.

  “Good, because I’d hate to see our day ending badly,” she says with a pout.

  “So then, up ‘til now you’d say it’s been a pretty good day?” I ask, giving her a questionable smirk.

  “Yeah, it’s been a really good day. I had a lot of fun and I don’t think I would have if I’d just gone alone.”

  “Me either. I’m glad I stopped here for breakfast instead of going right into the city.” I give her a smile.