Hide: Part One (The Black Letters Series Book 1) (22 page)

Chapter Twenty-Three

Mitch and I stayed in the rest of the day and night. He’d blown off visiting a construction site in Ludington to stay with me. Usually, I wouldn’t encourage such behavior, but I was being greedy now and wanted to get lost in him.

He’d cooked three meals, and had impressed me with each one.

His gentleness was heartwarming, especially when he was one who liked control as much as I did. The night had gone by too quickly, and I needed to head to the airport in a few hours. Mitch was already moving around, freshly showered and making coffee.

“Here you are, cream and sugar, masking the taste of coffee. I’ll have to get some of that flavored shit for you,” he teased, handing me a mug.

I grinned, then took a sip. “I don’t know how you drink it black.”

“It’s to wake me up, not give me a sugar rush.”

I giggled. His smile was sincere as he reached for my cheek. “What are we? I don’t want to play games, Jamie. I want this, more than just when you lose the feeling to fight wanting to be with me.”

“I don’t fight you.” My voice was small. He’d nailed it on the head, but I was done fighting my feelings for him.

“I love you, Jamie.”

My eyes were wide and I was at a loss for words. I’d only said those words to one other man besides my father, and he’d had a fucked up version of what love was.

“I know I just took a huge chance by telling you that, but it’s the truth. Ever since you started working in Miami, I’ve been enamored with you. At first, I did just want you physically. But then I got to know you and your witty, no bullshit attitude. It was sexy as hell. I love to argue with you, but I love your soft side when you let me hold and protect you. You hold your own, yet you’re willing to be held by me as well.”

Both of Mitch’s hands found their way to my cheeks, his thumbs stroking each side. “You don’t have to say anything, but I needed you to know before you got on that plane with Nathan to go back to Miami. I’ll be there in a few days, okay? Maybe we can have dinner?”

“I’d like that,” I choked, not wanting him to leave. My brain couldn’t wrap around my words fast enough to tell him how I felt. He leaned in to kiss me, opening his mouth for me to come and explore. My hands wrapped around his shoulders, holding him as tight as I could. Reluctantly, I pulled away.

“Going back to Miami won’t change my mind about giving us a shot.”

He offered me a small smile, and I knew he was guarding his heart, afraid I’d change my mind. I’d screwed him over before, so I didn’t blame him for being apprehensive.

“Text me when you land.”

I nodded, kissing him one last time before he left.

***

Nathan ended up taking a separate flight back to Miami. It was probably better since I’d been woozy the entire flight. When I arrived at my condo, I expected to find one of those stupid ass letters, but nothing was on the doorstep. I’d even expected something to be inside my condo since Rod seemed to be a ghost and could get anywhere he wanted.

But there was nothing.

I couldn’t contain the smug smile that crossed my face. Maybe he’d realized that I wasn’t afraid of him anymore and was ready to fight back for my life, just as my older brother had ordered with his last breath.

Nathan:
Taking a red eye in tomorrow night. Can we do breakfast the following morning?

I smiled. I was sure he was treating the breakfast as a meeting, but would most likely give me shit about Mitch. He was typically all business, but when it came to his family, he felt privileged enough to be involved.

Sure. Guess I can hold down the office without you until then.

Nathan: 
Don’t miss me too much. Text you with a time later.

Mitch would be in town that day, and I couldn’t wait to see him. I’d missed him the moment he left, walking out the door in his work boots, worn jeans, and white shirt. He was so sexy, even with shorter hair that I had to really grasp to tug on. My heart fluttered. Was this what love was supposed to be like? Then my stomach dropped again.

Maybe it was just the stomach flu.

***

I felt nauseated the following day, but I blamed it on a questionable bagel from the airport. After lounging around my condo, I decided to call Mitch. I’d wanted to call him the second I was free but didn’t want to come across as a needy girlfriend—if that was what I was.
Girlfriend…
I’d had my fair share of partners, but never considered myself a girlfriend because of Rod. The feeling made me feel girly.

“Hey, beautiful,” Mitch greeted.

I rolled my eyes. “How do you know I look beautiful?”

“You could be hungover and hit in the face with a baseball bat and you’d still be beautiful.”

I chuckled. “And if I had the stomach flu?”

“Hmm, that’s a tough call…”

“I’ve been puking on and off the past few days. I think I ate something bad,” I sighed.

“I’m sorry. Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I’d have taken an earlier flight in. Tony can handle my work here.”

I smiled, feeling warm and fuzzy for his need to take care of me.

“As sexy as it sounds seeing you catch my puke, I think I’ll survive on my own. I’m feeling better now.”

“Good, I’ll be in tomorrow morning. Come pick me up?”

“Of course.”

“I’m excited to see you,” he said quietly.

More flutters filled my stomach. “I’m excited to see you too.”

***

My mind was foggy all night, but not from confusion. I’d come to an epiphany last night, and for more than one major life event. I needed to see Becca, but she was busy, so I’d tell Nathan first.

The flutters weren’t the stomach flu. It was Mitch, all of him. He was consuming my mind in the most complete way. We were each others equal halves. We were both hard-headed but had worked our way toward knowing when to give to each other. He was everything physically I’d dreamed of, and his heart and mind only rounded him more. His intellect was hidden from the world, but I managed to find it through all the bullshit.

He knew me inside and out as well, called me on my crap when I was being irrational. He knew when to be firm and when to be soft with me, and didn’t push my demons to the surface. He was waiting for me to confront them and was patient enough to hold my hand until that time would come.

I was in love with Mitch Conklin.

Nathan was sitting at the corner table in the coffee shop in his typical pristine Prada suit, coffee in front of him and a newspaper in the other hand. “It’s been a while,” I said, crossing my arms. My red shift dress felt powerful as I stood in front of him. I’d put it on for Mitch; he loved me in red.

He glanced up from his newspaper, smiled, then continued his attention on the black and white lettering. “That’s what happens when one gets wrapped up in the sheets with a Conklin.”

***

“You’re sure?” Nathan asked as though I was crazy. I nodded like an idiot, happier than I’d ever felt. He shook his head in defeat. “All right, it’s your life, live it how you want.”

Even though his words were stern, he gave me a knowing grin. Nathan would forever be supportive of me and all of my decisions. He knew his little brother too and wanted the best for him as well.

His phone beeped.

“Odd. Kobiashi wants us to meet him at his new building of condos. Has a question about the suite.”

My eyes furrowed. I knew Mitch had been busy, but Kobiashi also knew the suite was going to be delayed because of the rather large adjustments to the drafts he demanded. “Did he say something was wrong?”

“No, it’s from his assistant. They want to meet in an hour.” Nathan looked down at his watch. “We should get going.”

I stood from my seat. “Yeah, I need to go get Mitch from the airport soon.”

Nathan stood with me, pulling out his wallet to pay for breakfast. “He’s going to need to take a cab. Kobiashi wants both of us there.”

“Why me?”

Nathan shrugged. “Maybe he’s on the Jamie Rae fantasy train.” Nathan raised a brow at me waiting for a smart ass comment to come from my mouth.

“We both know only two men have fantasies about me,” I flirted. Nathan gave me a confused look. “You, and your sexy as hell brother.” I laughed, hitting him in the bicep.

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. “I don’t munch on carpets. Therefore, my interest in you is purely business.”

I laughed and wrapped my arm around his waist as we left the restaurant. “Let me text Mitch.” I knew he’d be disappointed. So would I. I couldn’t wait to have his big, strong arms wrap around me.

I have to meet with Nathan and Kobiashi at Plaza Towers. I won’t be able to pick you up from the airport. :0(  Call you when I’m done. I can’t wait to see you.

I wanted to add I love you at the end, but I’d rather whisper it in his ear after I’d ridden him. My insides tightened at the thought.

The skies were almost pure black, a storm threatening as we drove. You could see lightening off in the distance, and hear the quiet rumble that followed.

“It’s funny, I thought more people would be here,” Nathan said as we pulled into the parking lot of the Plaza Towers. No one was moving around which was odd for a Conklin Construction site on a Wednesday morning.

“Where the hell is everyone?” Nathan sounded pissed.

“Maybe they’re taking an early lunch, or called it a day because it’s about to storm.”

“The building’s enclosed, no reason a storm would stop them. We live in Florida for Christ’s sake.” He shook his head. “We’re early, but I want to check and see how far along the building is.” He jumped out of the car and walked quickly through the main entrance. “The fucking door is unlocked! These little punks are going to get an earful when they get back.”

I rolled my eyes at him. Most likely the workers were up in the suite, busily working on Kobiashi’s demands, and I was in too good of a mood to get irritated by something so small.

We made our way to the elevator, Nathan mumbling the entire time about responsibility and professionalism. The elevator doors opened, revealing the half-finished space. More was done than the last time I’d seen it, but I also know it had to be completely taken apart. The framework was hard to work around since it was such a tall building. Mitch had to think smartly to get all of Kobiashi’s demands correct, and I was proud of him for managing the situation so well.

As we walked through the threshold of the building, the lights flickered, along with a massive boom of thunder. A zipping sound occurred, then the lights went out completely.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” Nathan shouted. The storm was swallowing the light now, and we couldn’t see a thing. He pulled out his phone, searching for the flashlight app.

“Do you know where the breaker is?” I asked, pulling out my phone.

“I’ve got no fucking idea.” He was grumpy now, and the urge to giggle was a hard one to stop. Angry people looked so silly when you felt like you were on top of the world.

“I’ll check this way while you go that way,” Nathan grumbled, going in the opposite direction.

I searched the huge space, daydreaming about getting my own place, one where Mitch would be a permanent fixture. “I don’t see it over this way,” I yelled, but only the sound of my heels clicked loudly. An eerie feeling swept through me, surrounding me in this large space.

“Nathan?”

I searched each room, shadows startling me along the way. Then my eye caught a leg, and I rushed into the room. Nathan was on the ground, holding his side as blood gushed over his hands.

“Nathan! Oh my God!” I rushed to his side, nearly stumbling over pieces of plywood and metal rods.

“It’s not… that… bad…” Nathan choked, attempting to sit up, but fell backward in pain. He let out a loud groan of agony. Tears swelled my eyes as they followed the puddle of blood that was forming. “You need… to go…” he muttered, wincing in pain.

“No! What happened?” I shouted, searching for something to help stop the bleeding from his side. I went to find a rag in the other room, calling 911 in the process. Of course, the phone was taking forever to connect as I zoomed back to Nathan.

“Jamie, you have to….leave,” he pressed. I ignored him, holding pressure to his wound, causing him to let out another sound of agony. His scream was muffled by a roar of thunder.

“Someone did this…” he choked, beginning to cough.