Kisses and Revenge (11 page)

Chapter Fifteen

The wreck had turned out to be rock bottom for Leslie, and with the help of Sharron and Warren, she was slowly starting to put herself back together. She couldn't believe how selfish she had been by rushing off the way she had, and now determination was driving her to stop letting grief and despair rule her life. Not that the change was easy, but it was something she was learning to live with. Dr. Halbert had increased her sessions to twice a week and given her large amounts of homework to help keep her focused. All of it was helping, and slowly the agony of the last year was wearing away.

Walking into the master bedroom, Leslie felt the usual shiver she always got when she entered the room, but this time she was resolved to accomplish something more than going crazy. The doctor had suggested it might be time to make the room hers and no longer "theirs." Maybe by packing up Adam's things and doing some redecorating, she could let go of the last weight holding her down and keeping her from being happy. She pulled a couple of totes behind her. It was time to do as the doctor suggested.

Slowly she started by folding up Adam's clothes. Though she wasn't quite ready to let go of all of his things, she was going to pack them up and put them away. If nothing else, she could rent a storage shed or put things in the attic. Either way, she could get the constant reminder out of the bedroom. Making sure to fold each article of clothing neatly, she placed them in the bin nice and neat.

"Leslie!" she heard Warren call from the front of the house. He had offered to pick her up more totes and some paint. Once the room was cleaned out and painted, she planned to buy new bedding and curtains to finish making the room just hers. It was a strange thought to be taking Adam out of the room, but the more and more she packed up his things, the more she felt free of the grief.

"I'm in the bedroom! Come on back!" she called to him, moving to the door so he would see her.

The smile on his face made her grin back at him. Since their first encounter together, he had not made a move on her. He hadn't even mentioned what had happened between them. It was nice, but at the same time, a bit awkward. She wasn't sure how to pretend it didn't happen, and part of her was starting to not want to pretend anymore.

"You got started without me. That isn't fair." There was a playful whine in his voice as he set down the other bins, and then he came over and gave her a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"Well, I had a couple of totes, so I thought I would start so we weren't at this all night," Leslie answered, placing another shirt in the bin.

"Good thinking. I don't particularly like packing and painting, but it has to get done. I'm looking forward to seeing how doing all this changes you.

"I don't think anyone does, but surprisingly, the more I pack, the better I feel. Dr. Halbert really does know his stuff." Leslie giggled, moving to the dresser and pulling out more of Adam's clothes.

"Well, that is good. I would think with what we are paying him, he would know what he is talking about." Warren joined in on the laughter, pulling more and more of Adam's things out of the closet. "So, I wanted to talk to you about something. There is this big cookout at work. HR thought it would be a good idea to do something to help pick up everyone's spirits. I thought maybe you could go with me. A lot of the people up there ask about you all the time. It would do you and them good to see you."

Leslie froze for a moment thinking about the prospect of seeing all of Adam's old co-workers. She hadn't seen any of them since the funeral, and now Warren wanted her to join him at a company function with him. It was a little awkward to say the least, but the more she thought about it, the more she felt like it might be a good idea. These people had been just as much a part of her life as Adam had been. "You know, you might be right. Several of them have called and tried to check in on me. I even got cards and letters. They are good people there, and I feel like a bit of a jerk not responding. It was just hard. Maybe it would do some good to see everyone and let them know I am doing all right."

"That was what I thought. So you are going to join me? That is great! I'm looking forward to it." Warren gave her the most charming smile, and her insides did that silly flip-flop thing they often did. She was starting to get used to the fact she found Warren attractive in more than a brother-in-law sort of way. No moves were made between the two of them to build on those feelings, but it was something, and it slowly was helping with getting her into a better head space.

It took several hours to get all of Adam's things packed away and put up in the attic. With how much it hurt, by the end of it, Leslie felt a lot better. The process felt like a weight being lifted from her shoulders, and some of the agony left her. Deep down, she knew she would never stop searching for Adam's murderer, but at least now, she could breathe again.

With the room packed, Warren then suggested the two of them go and buy her new bedding and other furnishings to finish making the room more hers. She picked out a set that had an ocean theme to it and was a bit more girly than anything Adam would have wanted to use. Grabbing some seashell candles and candleholders, paintings, and other decorations, they began putting her new room together when they got back to the house. First they painted the walls a nice light blue with white accents.

While the paint dried, they went on the back deck and Warren grilled some steaks and shrimp for dinner. "You know, it is nice to see you smile like this. I like knowing that you are happy, and I like seeing you doing something with yourself. I worry about you a lot."

"I know you do, and I am feeling a lot better. Today was a good day. I'm sure I will still have bad days, but they seem to be spreading out further. Part of me wishes we could find Adam's killer though. I think if that could be laid to rest, I would feel so much better. The fact it is just hanging there in the air bothers me more than I could ever express." Leslie bit at her lip as she watched Warren flip the meat. A beer dangled from her fingers between her legs where she sat leaning forward with her elbows on her knees.

"It will always bother you, I'm sure of that. But you have to learn to live past it. Maybe they will find the killer, maybe they won't. Either way, you still have to live your life. There is nothing you can do about it either way. One day at a time, isn't that what Dr. Halbert said?" Warren encouraged, reaching over to take a big gulp of his own beer.

"Yeah, that is what he says, and that is what I am trying to do. Sharron thinks I  should try and get a job. I have a degree, might as well put it to use. I just, well, I haven't had a job since college, and the idea of putting myself out there now is a bit intimidating," Leslie added.

"That makes sense. Do things on your own time. You may wake up one day and decide you no longer want to sit around and do nothing. You may also wake up one day and decide to travel the world. You are lucky to have options like that. Adam at least made sure you were taken care of. Not everyone is so lucky." The grin Warren gave her made her blush, and she sat back some so she could cross her legs.

Yes, she was lucky in some regard. Adam had made sure he had a good life insurance policy. He had also built up a good-sized savings account and paid off their house. Leslie had few bills and plenty of money to live on. Getting a job would never be something she would have to do, but down the road, it could very well turn into something she wanted to do. She was far too young to just stay home all the time. Thinking about Warren's suggestion of traveling the world was nice too. Seeing other countries and experiencing new places had always sounded exciting and was something she and Adam had thought to do one day. Maybe she could plan something within the next year and convince Sharron to go with her.

"I have never thought of myself as lucky. I don't think losing my husband at such a young age and so violently is a lucky thing, but you are right. It could have been a lot worse. I could have also lost my home and my livelihood. So when I look at it that way, I am lucky," she responded, finishing her beer. "How is the food coming? It smells really good and is making me hungry."

"It is about done. How about you go and get the salad out of the fridge, and I will plate this stuff up." Warren gave her a wink then began pulling the steaks from the fire. He had seasoned them well, making the air fragrant with the spices and meat. Being hungry like this was new to Leslie, especially with how against food she had been over the last several months. Now she felt like she could eat all the time. Warren had suggested it could be her body making up for lost time. Either way, she couldn't wait to get some food in her.

By the time Leslie returned with the salad, Warren had everything off the grill and ready for them to eat. They had set up the small table outside for a nice picnic under the stars, not to mention avoiding the smell of fresh paint. Leslie set the salad between them before putting some on her plate. The steak was cooked perfectly with a nice warm pink center, and a fresh bottle of wine had been opened for them to enjoy. "Warren, you have outdone yourself this time. I think I am in Heaven. This is amazing."

"Nah, it is just steak. Heaven comes later in the night," Warren teased, making Leslie's cheeks blaze red once more. It was the first comment in that direction they had taken since their night together, and true to her shy form, Leslie let it go.

"Well, you don't give yourself enough credit. I think you singlehandedly are bringing me back to a normal weight. I could eat your cooking every day." She took a sip of her wine then went back to her meal, hoping Warren realized she still wasn't ready for the heavy flirting.

"You do eat my cooking every day. It is part of what I come over here for. Besides, it is easier to cook for two than for one. If I just went home, I would be eating fast food and pizza most of the time. Good health only lasts so long with a diet like that," Warren joked, not even flinching at her lack of response.

The two of them enjoyed their meal, joking and carrying on as they had before everything had changed. Once they finished eating, Warren went to check the paint, and Leslie washed up the dishes and put the leftover salad in the fridge. It had been a perfect day, and as she rinsed the soapy dishes, she found herself tired in a good way. Her body was relaxed, and her eyes were droopy. There was no doubt in her mind that once she hit the sheets she would fall asleep.

With the dishes washed and everything clean, Leslie went back to the bedroom to see what was keeping Warren. To her surprise, Warren had put the new bedding on the bed and began to piece the room back together. While painting, they had spent a large part of the time discussing where she wanted things, and Warren had remembered. The room was beautiful, welcoming, and no longer a horrid reminder of the past. For the first time since Adam's death, she felt like she could sleep in the room without freaking out.

"Oh wow, this is awesome, Warren. Thank you." Her voice was breathy and in shock as she looked around. It had really turned out perfect.

"Don't thank me; it was my pleasure to help you. I think we did good and had a great time, but it is getting late. I need to head out. I have someone to meet. You get some sleep. Keep your phone close in case you need me." Warren walked over and gave her a hug with a quick kiss to the top of her head.

Sighing contently, Leslie hugged him back then watched as he left. When the silence filled the room, she walked over and pressed play on her music play list then opened the windows to let in the sound and smell of the beach. Just as she predicted, the moment her head hit the pillow, she was out.

Chapter Sixteen

The scent of smoky meat filled the air of the park where SkyFinn Marketing was having their cookout. The sun was shining brightly, and the air was a comfortable warm with just enough of a breeze to keep from making things too hot. Everyone was there, which elevated Leslie's blood pressure. However, she was already finding herself getting more and more comfortable the longer they mingled.

Warren did his best to stay close to her without looking like he was trying to move in on his brother's wife. It was comforting. Most of the people who came up to them to talk kept the conversation light. She could see their desire to ask questions, but none of them did, as if there were a sign over her head saying "please don't ask."

"Leslie! You are looking so good! How are you?" Vivian Trainer said, rushing up to her. Vivian was the receptionist in the main office and had always been nice to Leslie when she would go to see Adam. When Vivian reached her, she wrapped her arms around her as if they were old friends. In a strange way, it was nice.

"Hey! Vivian. It is nice to see you too. Thank you so much. I am feeling a lot better too," Leslie hugged her back then took a step back to look at her old friend. She was beaming and happy in a way Leslie couldn't remember ever being. She was sure she had been, but it had been a long time.

"That is good to hear. I have missed seeing you around. Warren will update us about how you are doing now and then, but never anything worthwhile." Vivian went on, her words coming out excited and hyper.

"Hey now, it isn't my place to tell all of her business. She has to come around on her own time." Warren added playfully, moving in and giving the woman a bit of a hug.

"You just like keeping the mystery alive. Oh, hey, Leslie, guess what! I'm pregnant!" Vivian then jumped in and said. "I don't know if you can tell in this dress, but I'm actually seven months along."

Leslie's eyes grew wide, and she forced herself to smile. Getting pregnant had been the last thing she and Adam had tried to do. "That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you. I didn't know you were married."

"I'm not. I'm not even really with anyone. But I'm happy about it either way. I have a good job. I don't need a man to have a baby. My mother is really excited too. She has gone crazy buying up baby stuff. I'm having a little boy," Vivian went on, grabbing Leslie's hand and pressing it tight to her belly.

"That is wonderful. I'm happy for you. If you don't mind, please excuse me." The emotions hit her hard, and Leslie couldn't stop herself. She needed a moment to breathe and clear her mind. For how much better she was getting, she still had moments she couldn't handle everything.

Leaning against a tree, she looked up at the clear blue sky and breathed slowly. Closing her eyes, she did all the things Dr. Halbert told her would help calm her down, slow deep breaths and thinking about happy things.

"Don't let it get to you. I know you and Adam had plans, but don't let it ruin the day. Everyone is so happy to see you," Warren whispered, placing his hand on her shoulder.

"I know, I know, I just needed a few minutes to clear my head." Leslie turned and gave him the best smile she could muster. It wasn't easy, but she didn't let her emotions crush her. "I am happy for her, and I know I still have a lot of time left for me. It is just hard sometimes. Let's, umm, get back to the party though. I don't want everyone to start talking and thinking I'm losing it."

"No one is talking. People are just glad to see you. Stop stressing. I promise, no one is looking at you like something is wrong with you." Warren took her hand and led her back toward the cookout.

With most of the food finished, everyone was starting to sit down to eat. Leslie went through the line next to Warren, getting a little bit of everything. Not enough to fill her up, but enough for her to get a taste of everything. Taking a seat, she was starting to eat when Charles Grossman stood up and called for everyone's attention.

"I would like to get everyone's attention, please. It has been a hard couple of years here at SkyFinn Marketing, with many changes. Through it all, you have all remained loyal and hardworking. It is what Gregory would have wanted. It is also what Adam would have liked to see. The Finn family has worked hard in the community, building up our town and making us stronger. They have given us a place not only to work but to depend on. It was important to Gregory and Adam to make all of us more like a family, and I have no doubt the tradition will continue. I would like to announce, along with the other members of the board, that the family legacy will be passed on. Warren Finn is taking over as the company head. I am excited to say he has shown great dedication and determination in the face of tragedy. Warren, I'm proud of you and proud to work for you. Your father and brother were an honor to work with, and you are no less an honor."

Everyone burst into a round of applause, and Warren stood to nod and bow to everyone. There was a hint of pink in his cheeks, showing he was a bit embarrassed. Winking at Leslie, he then walked up to shake Mr. Grossman's hand. "I don't really know what to say. This company was all I have ever known. My father was proud of it, more so than anything else he ever did in his life. That and family were the things he talked about most. It was important to him, and it is important to me. I want to do my best to help all of us grow and become better. I know I'm not the man my father was, but I hope, more than anything, to be the right man for the job."

Again everyone cheered and Leslie beamed. When Warren got back to her, she gave him a huge hug. "I am so happy for you. You really deserve this."

"I couldn't have done it without you. You were the one who believed in me. No one, not even Adam wanted to give me a chance, but you. You were the one that really thought I could do it. Hell, I think you believed in me more than I believed in myself," Warren whispered, his eyes lighting up with his happiness.

"You just needed something worth fighting for. You needed responsibility and trust. I didn't make you do it; I just gave you the push you needed." Leslie blushed, not wanting to take credit for all the hard work Warren had put into the company.

"You pushed me all right, but that is neither here nor there. Thank you, though. Thank you for pushing me and believing in me," Warren finished, reaching over and brushing a stray hair from her face. "Look, let's get out of here soon. I'm too excited to just hang around. I think it will be nice to just get out and do something crazy. Think you might be in the mood for something a little off the straight and narrow?"

Leslie cocked her head to the side, a curious gleam entering her eyes. "What do you mean?"

"Honey, my brother was good to you, there is no denying that, but he was also a bit of a stick in the mud. You deserve to let your hair down and be wild. Besides, no matter how much of a good boy I'm trying to be so I can work hard here, I'm still a bad boy at heart. I just want you to join in on it. Come on. Just for a while, come with me and be free." The temptation in his voice was electric and sent a shiver down her spine. She wasn't really sure what it was he wanted to do, but she was a bit thrilled to see what he had in store for her.

"All right, we can go do something wild. I'm sure you will show me what it is your eyes are hinting at." Leslie giggled a bit and pushed up from the table.

The two of them threw away their paper plates and slipped from the party. They had made their mandatory appearance at the cookout, and now they were off to do something spontaneous. Leslie could feel her heart racing with anticipation. When she got into Warren's car, he quickly put it in gear and raced out of the parking lot. Breathing hard, she watched him maneuver in and out of traffic toward his house. She was a bit confused why they would be heading there, but she didn't ask. 

"All right, I want you to change into some jeans and something comfortable. With how pretty you look in your little sundress, I need you in something a bit more durable. I think I have some clothes here that will fit you. Some of my mom's old things or something. Anyway, get dressed and we will head out," Warren instructed, leading her up to the front door.

He led her into a guest room and pulled out a box filled with clothes. Adam's mother had been shorter than her but slender enough that her clothes would fit comfortably. It only took her a moment to get ready, and when she got back to the front door, Warren was waiting for her in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt. There was a set of keys dangling from his hand and a helmet resting under his arm. "They fit good enough, a little short, but good enough."

"What's that?" she asked, pointing at the helmet.

"This is part of our wild ride. Come on, time for you to get some real wind in your hair." He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her out to the garage. There he swung his leg over a large Harley and patted the seat behind him.

"I've never been on a motorcycle before," she said reluctantly.

"First time for everything. Come on; let me give you a ride. We can hit the back roads and just let loose." His words sounded far more wicked than they should, and she shivered moving toward him.

"What if I fall?" she asked, moving in close but not getting on the bike.

"Don't worry, baby, I'll make sure that doesn't happen. Tonight, I'm not Mr. Responsibility, but that doesn't mean I'm going to let you down." His look was hard, determined, and she held her breath as she climbed in behind him. "Hold on tight though, you are going to need to. I don't plan on driving all calm and easy with you. I plan on giving you a ride you will always remember.

He slammed down on the bike starting it and making the engine roar to life as she slid in tight to him. Her arms clung to his body, and she gasped as he took off down the road. Before long, they were following a stretch of road just off the beach with no one around them. It was beautiful and exhilarating with the sun setting just off the horizon. Warren drove like a mad man, but a mad man in perfect control, making the world around him chaotic while he was perfectly calm. Without thought, Leslie howled out into the evening, releasing the rest of the tension from the day.