-HINDLEY-
“Max, Miguel!” I shouted from the front of the classroom. “Shut the computers down, it’s time to go.”
The boys groaned.
I smiled. Knowing these boys wanted to stay at our facility longer was a dream come true.
Six months ago, Rory secured an abandoned warehouse on the Southeast side of Austin, an area known for drugs, violence, and gangs. It was the ideal spot for his passion project. He’d told me of his dream shortly after he’d proposed a year ago.
Rory wanted to open a facility for at-risk youths. A place where they could come after school and during the summer for help with their schoolwork and a chance to play.
He wanted the kids to have the opportunity for productive downtime while keeping them safe from the rough and often seductive streets of their neighborhood.
It’d taken considerable work and planning, but six months after he’d told me about his dream, we broke ground on the facility—thanks to sizable donations from all seven of Rory’s sponsors, as well as other pro extreme sports athletes on the tour.
Thankfully, the warehouse had been donated by the city and Leif had offered his planning services for the indoor skate park attached to the main part of the campus.
The building included four large open-air style classrooms that could be subdivided if more rooms were needed. It also housed three offices, one for the director of the facility, Dora Rodriguez, a long-time educator and high school math teacher. The other two offices were for our part-time counselors and the volunteers.
Rory named the facility Shelly’s Hangout, after his sister. He’d felt that if he and Shelly had had a place like this to hang out at after school, perhaps they could have escaped their troubled youth. And maybe they would have had a safe person with whom they could have shared the stories of their abuse.
“Come on, guys, I’m serious,” I said. “It’s late and you both need your beauty rest.” Plus, I was dog-tired.
They grumbled but powered down the computers.
“Bring your folders up front so I can check your progress report if you want your star stickers.”
We’d come up with a reward system for the kids that seemed to work. For each positive action they performed, they received a sticker. After they’d accumulated enough, they could purchase things from our inhouse ‘store’. Things as simple as extra time on the computer, all the way up to new skateboards donated by River City Skateboards.
We’d even talked some of the pro extreme sports athletes into stopping by from time to time, and we’d sell what we called ‘Star Tickets’. The kids would accumulate their stars and buy a ticket to come watch the athletes perform or maybe even get a one-on-one lesson with the pro. It was something for the kids to strive for, help them to learn better habits than they’d learned on the streets.
Teachers in the community raved about our program, saying not only had their schools seen improved test scores, but student behavior had improved as well. The city was starting to take notice of our program and was talking to us about starting up other facilities around town. For now, we were happy with Shelly’s Hangout.
Miguel set his red folder on my desk, opening it up to his Star Bar as we called it.
“How many so far?” I asked.
“Ninety-four.”
“That’s a lot of stars,” I said. “What are you saving up for?”
His eyes lit up as a huge grin spread across his face.
“Could it possibly be the new board I saw River City deliver last week? The one with the orange and red sunburst, signed by Rory?”
He nodded his head like a child waiting for Christmas morning, which I guess, really, he was.
It broke my heart to know an item as simple as a skateboard, something I’d taken for granted my entire childhood, would be enough to motivate this boy to do better, to be better. It was during moments like these that I was proudest of Rory and his vision.
“Well,” I said, “you know you get five stars if you get your parents to come to the English class on Friday, right?”
He nodded.
We’d discovered over the last few months that children whose first language in the home was something other than English performed lower in the classroom and on standardized tests. With the help of the schools, we’d gone to the homes of the children to talk to their parents and relatives and realized they did, in fact, want to learn English, they just didn’t have the means or the time.
That’s when we developed the Kick Flip to English program, or Kick as we referred to it. It was Rory’s idea to name it Kick Flip, telling everyone that even though it seemed like the easiest trick in skateboarding, the kick flip had been one of the hardest for him to learn as a kid.
The program was in its fourth week and already our numbers were growing. The parents were receptive to the classes and to their own education once they found out how much it motivated their children. Plus, it was fun to watch the parents play around in the adjoining skate park with their kids after their own classes were over in the evenings.
Miguel cast his eyes down to the floor as he knocked his feet together, fisting his T-shirt. Something else was going on with him.
“What is it?” I asked.
“My dad says he won’t come.”
“Why?”
He shrugged his shoulders.
“What about your mom?” I asked.
“She doesn’t drive.”
The despair in his voice seized my heart with pain. I couldn’t let him lose hope. I understood better than anyone what could happen if you did. You were in danger of losing everything.
“What if someone from the center came to pick her up? Do you think she’d come then?”
His smile was back. “You’d do that?”
My heart hummed with joy. I’d given this boy hope.
“Of course,” I said, barely able to contain my own excitement.
“Maybe,” he said. “I could ask.”
“Okay, stop by Mrs. Rodriguez’s office before you leave and tell her your mom may need a ride. Tell Mrs. R to call me if she has questions. We’ll make sure your mom gets here if she truly wants to, Miguel, don’t worry.”
“Thank you, Mrs. Gregor.” He ran around my desk and grasped me in his arms. “Thank you so much.”
Tears burned the back of my eyes. I knew in that moment I was exactly where I was meant be.
Miguel released me and I turned toward Max. “How did you do on your math exam?”
His down-turned face told me the news wasn’t good. I felt so bad. Max had studied so hard for that test. One of our volunteers, a college student who was majoring in math, had even come in to help. But like a lot of kids in the center, Algebra didn’t click with Max. I understood that all too well.
Slowly, he pulled a thick packet from his folder. Good, bad, or anything in between, we encouraged the kids to share their schoolwork with us. We had taught them there was no shame in failing, only in not trying.
He held it out with his long slender fingers.
As I took it from him, I noticed a small smile emerge across his face. I flipped it over. Blazing across the top in bright red ink it read eighty-three and had the words ‘Amazing job Max’ with four exclamation points from his teacher.
“Oh my goodness, Max!” I jumped up. “This is awesome. We have to go put this up on the wall.”
He nodded, his smile growing wider.
Rory had created what he called a ‘Sick Wall’ in the main hall of the facility. Apparently, the word ‘sick’ was a complimentary term in the extreme sports world, meaning something was completely insane and amazing. I wasn’t a big fan of the term, but the kids seemed to understand its significance and that’s all that mattered.
The wall was painted bright purple, Rory’s favorite color, and located between the classrooms and the skate park.
Anyone who entered the building walked by the Sick Wall, which was a way for the kids to acknowledge their accomplishments and learn how to be proud of their hard work. The display was also a lesson in humility, a way for the kids to learn how to be happy for one another, not just themselves. The wall helped ward off jealousy, an emotion that had almost cost me everything.
“Miguel, will you grab a tack from the cabinet over there?” I pointed toward the supply closet then waited patiently for Miguel to join us. I knew displaying Max’s accomplishment would be as much an honor for his best friend as it would be for Max.
“What’s going on?” A familiar deep voice echoed through the classroom. My eyes went to the source of the sound, and my knees went weak just thinking about how much I loved him.
Rory stood in the doorway, beads of perspiration dripping from his face. He’d obviously been skating.
He often helped with tutoring when we were in town, but most of his time was spent with the kids in the skate park, helping them learn their tricks and talking to them about life and their problems. It always blew me away that a man so accomplished would humble himself so kids could learn the greater life lesson—anything was possible, with hard work and perseverance.
“Max made an eighty on his Algebra test,” Miguel shouted.
I was thrilled to see him being so supportive of his best friend.
“Eighty-three,” Max corrected.
Miguel rolled his eyes but I knew there was no animosity.
“All right, Max.” Rory fisted his hand and bumped Max’s knuckles. “Way to go. That calls for a celebration.”
“Mrs. Gregor said I can hang it on the Sick Wall,” Max said.
“Well, get after it then.” Rory motioned toward the front of the facility.
I turned off my own computer and put away my supplies then approached my sweaty, hot husband.
“What’s all the commotion about?” Geneva asked, walking up behind Rory.
Geneva had been charged with drug possession and food tampering last year in Miami. But thanks to her high-profile attorney, the charges against her had been dropped in exchange for her serving a shit ton of community service.
She spent a lot of time working with the Austin Police Department in their D.A.R.E. program, speaking to kids about drug use in schools. But after Shelly’s Hangout opened, she’d logged most of her hours here. She’d completed her mandated volunteer hours months ago, but she enjoyed the kids so much that she’d stayed on to help.
Rory and I were both appreciative of the time she spent here. But more than that, I was happy that we were finally growing closer.
“Oh, um, Max got an eighty-three on his Algebra test,” I said.
“Max, that’s incredible. I’m so proud of you,” she said. “You’ve been working hard with Patrick and Joe. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”
He shrugged, staring down at the floor.
I could sense she wanted to hug him, but we’d made a rule that there be limited physical contact with the kids. Some had been sexually abused or assaulted and their lines between appropriate and inappropriate touch were skewed.
“We’re gonna hang it on the wall.” Miguel smiled wide. It was wonderful to see how proud he was of his best friend’s hard work.
“Well, let’s go.” Geneva motioned toward the front with her hand.
“Are you coming with us, Mrs. Gregor?” Max looked back at me.
“We’ll be there in a minute, Max,” Rory said.
He seemed appeased and they continued toward the front of the building without us.
I stared at Rory, his mischievous grin warning me that he was up to something. I smiled just thinking about all the amazing things he’d done for me since I’d met him.
“What are you thinking about, Mrs. Gregor?” He laughed.
“You, Mr. Gregor.”
“Why do you make them call you Mrs. Gregor, instead of Hindley?”
“It’s a sign of courtesy and respect.”
Rory rolled his eyes then grinned.
“What?”
“I just think you like being reminded every day that you’re my wife.” He wrapped one arm around my waist and leaned me back. Supporting my neck with his other hand, he bent down and placed kisses along my neck.
“Rory, stop.”
“Admit it, Mrs. Gregor,” he whispered against my neck.
I forgot where I was, sliding my fingers in his hair and pulling his face toward mine as we locked lips in a passionate kiss that took me to another galaxy. Kissing my husband would never get old.
When we surfaced for air, he planted me on my feet, but my equilibrium was off and I had to grab onto his shoulders for support.
“Whoa.” He steadied me. “You all right?”
“Yeah, just a little woozy.”
“Probably from all my passion.” He chuckled.
“Probably.” It was a half-truth. I needed to share my news with him, but I was terrified about how he would react.
“What’s in the box?” I changed the subject. I wasn’t quite brave enough, not yet.
“This is one of my X Games medals.” He held it up with pride.
I rubbed the scars on my arm, remembering how he’d left the games last year to be with me in the hospital after my breakdown.
He lifted my arm to his lips and lightly brushed my scars with kisses. It had become his way of reminding me that he’d always be there for me. Always, he’d say emphatically.
We’d just returned from Los Angeles, where he’d won not one but three gold medals in this year’s games, sweeping the events he’d entered. No one had been prouder than the kids at the center.
“You’re going to hang it up here, on the Sick Wall?” I asked.
“Yeah, I figured the kids would get a kick out of it. It’s as much theirs as it is mine.”
He never ceased to amaze me with his humbleness.
“Why, what’s wrong with that?” he asked.
“Well, I don’t want to sound mean, but I’m afraid someone may take it.”
“I ordered a special case for it,” he said. “It’s here, in the box. I’m going to install it this weekend.”
“Oh,” I sighed. “Was that wrong of me to say?” I felt bad for assuming the worst of the kids.
“Not wrong,” he said. “Realistic. They’re a product of their environment. But we’re working to change that, right?”
I nodded as I stared up into his beautiful blue eyes, watching as the golden flecks danced around his pupils.
“What?” he asked.
“Just admiring my husband.”
“Admire away, Mrs. Gregor.” He wrapped his hand around my neck and pulled me in so his lips were pressed to mine.
What started as a slow kiss soon turned passionate, too passionate for the center, but I was helpless when it came to Rory.
Someone cleared their throat behind us.
Oh, shit.
I pushed Rory away, watching helplessly as he nearly tumbled backward over another box I hadn’t noticed.
“Shit, Hindley, you damn near knocked me on my ass.”
“Rory, language.” I turned, thankful to find it was just Geneva.
“Oh, God, I’m so sorry, Geneva,” I said.
“You two never stop, do you?” She laughed.
“She may be the death of me.” Rory rubbed a spot on his calf that he’d hit on the large box behind us.
“What’s in that thing?” Geneva asked.
“A surprise.” Rory smirked.
“I thought it was the display box for your medal,” I said.
“Oh my gosh, you have your medal?” Geneva asked.
She was definitely not the same girl from a year ago. The Geneva I’d grown up with would never have been excited for anyone else’s achievements and successes, least of all Rory Gregor.
“May I see it?” she begged.
Rory took it out of the pouch and held it out for her perusal.
“Rory, this is amazing,” Her mouth hung open as she admired it from every angle.
His eyes lit up with pride as he watched her appreciation for his accomplishment.
“The kids were so excited for you when you competed.” She carefully passed the medal back to him. “Kids from all over the city came to watch you.”
“From all over the city?” He shook his head slowly. “But, how?”
“Jeremy set up a huge blow-up screen in the middle of the skating area,” Geneva said.
Jeremy Phillips was another volunteer who was pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Texas in psychology with an emphasis on family and marriage counseling. As with most men, he’d been smitten with Geneva from the start, but she had no desire to pursue a relationship. She’d been working on her own education, gaining a teaching certificate three months ago shortly before our wedding in May.
“You really didn’t know that?” Geneva asked.
“No, I didn’t.” Rory looked at me. “Did you?”
“Nope.” I shook my head.
“Geneva organized it.” I heard another voice chime in.
I looked over Geneva’s shoulder and saw Jeremy standing in the shadows, his face totally enamored by the woman he was talking about.
The old Geneva would have had this kid in her back pocket and in her bed by now. But this new, more mature version of my stepsister had forced her once overgrown ego to take a back seat. She’d made real progress, working hard to right her wrongs, and I was happy for that. It made life with our parents much more enjoyable.
Unfortunately, Rory was not convinced of Geneva’s new persona. I couldn’t blame him or force him. After all, the woman had drugged him, seduced him, and almost cost him the love of his life.
But Geneva had come clean, and she was making changes in her life that were in line with her words of apology. In time, Rory would come around too. He was protecting me and felt like he needed to stand guard in case the old wicked stepsister decided to emerge.
“I’m leaving for the night. Unless you guys need anything else,” Geneva said.
“No, we’re good,” I said.
“I’ll see you Saturday?”
“Saturday?” I furrowed my brow as I tried to remember what was on Saturday.
“Your mom’s birthday dinner,” she reminded me.
“Oh, crap, I forgot. Must be the fuzzy brain.” I tapped my temple.
“The what?” Rory asked.
Crap. “Um, nothing, I’m just tired.”
“You’re always tired, Hindley,” Rory said. “Are you sure you’re not coming down with something?” He lifted his hand to my forehead. “Maybe it’s mono?”
I laughed nervously, swatting his hand away from my head. “We’ll see you Saturday,” I said.
Geneva leaned in closer. “Is it all right if I invite Jeremy?”
My face lit with excitement as my brows shot straight in the air. “Really?” I quietly squealed.
For weeks, I’d thought Jeremy would be the perfect match for her, but Geneva needed to recognize that for herself. She’d been divorced for almost six months. Stan hadn’t been able to forgive her for what she’d done in Miami. She hadn’t dated anyone during that time, which shocked the shit out of everyone, especially her.
A small smile spread across her face as she nodded like an eager child.
“That would be awesome,” I said.
“Do you think your mom would mind?” she asked.
“Are you serious?” Rory broke in. “That woman has been trying to hook the two of you up since your divorce was final six months ago.”
Geneva and I stared at Rory with blank expressions. I had no idea he was even remotely aware of anything Geneva did. Maybe he was coming around after all. The thought warmed me.
“Thanks, Rory.” She reached out and touched his hand. “And congratulations on the medals. You were amazing.”
“Thanks for organizing a viewing party,” he said. The look in his eyes was one of genuine gratitude.
“Okay, well, I’ll see y’all Saturday.” She waved as she headed toward the lobby.
“Hold up, Geneva, I’ll walk you out,” Jeremy shouted, giving both Rory and me a wink when Geneva’s back was turned.
Rory laughed. “There may be hope for her yet if she snags a guy like Jeremy.”
I stared up at my handsome husband. “Thank you,” I whispered, standing up on my toes to brush his cheek with my lips.
“For what?”
“For giving Geneva a second chance when no one would have blamed you for writing her out of your life forever.”
“She’s your family, Hindley.”
“I know, but still.”
“Look, I love Caroline and Paul.”
“And me?” I asked, batting my eyes.
“Well…” He laughed.
I hit his arm.
“Damn, Hindley, quit hitting me and shoving me. That shit hurts. You’re a fucking dynamo.”
I giggled when he winced in pain.
“Yes, I love you too.” He rubbed his arm where I’d hit him. “I don’t want things to be weird for you guys. I’m not saying I’m completely over what she did, and sometimes, I still wait for the old bitchy Geneva to surface. But I have to admit she’s changed and that deserves something.”
The moment suddenly turned serious. Maybe this was the time to share my news. Instead, I chickened out. “What’s in the other box?” I pointed to the one on the floor.
“Oh, this.” He smiled. “This is for you.”
“Really,” I squealed. I loved surprises and Rory was the best at giving them. “Can I open it?”
“I don’t know. Can you?” he mocked my incorrect use of the verb.
“You’ve become such a grammar snob, I swear. I’m sorry, good sir. I meant, may I open it?”
“Yes, you may.” He laughed, holding the box up for my scrutiny.
It was huge and I had no idea what could be inside. I was surprised that he hadn’t wrapped it, but judging by the sheer size of it, that may not have been possible. “What is it?”
“Open it and find out.”
I tugged on one end, trying to pry loose the industrial strength adhesive. “I can’t get it,” I moaned like a pathetic child.
“God, Hindley, for someone who punches like Floyd Mayweather, sometimes you’re the biggest baby.”
“Who?”
“Never mind.” He ripped the end open with ease. “Here,” he sighed, shoving the box toward me.
I peeked inside but it was completely dark. I had no idea what it could be.
“Oh, for God’s sake.” He took the box from me, stuck his hand inside, and pulled out a brand-new skateboard.
“Oh my God, it’s a skateboard,” I cried. “For me?” I’d never skated before and the thought was really rather ridiculous when you stopped and thought about who I was married to.
“Yes, for you. You think I’m going to ride this ridiculous board.” He rotated the board to show me the bottom.
I busted out laughing. It was black lacquered with a huge emblem of Hello Kitty on one end and hot pink letters on the other that spelled out “DRNK GRL,” in graffiti type font.
“Oh, Rory.” I took it from him, holding it up in front of me like it was a precious child. I spun all the hot pink wheels.
“Here.” He held out a black helmet.
“For me?” I squealed.
“Well, it sure as hell isn’t for me.” He rotated the helmet.
I laughed again when I saw the sides.
“God, I love your laugh,” he said in a wanton voice.
I heard him speak but his words didn’t register, I was too entranced by the shiny, black helmet with a Hello Kitty face and her signature bow along with the letters “DRNK GRL” written in cursive.
It reminded me of our wedding bands. We’d each had them engraved before the wedding. His read, ‘MY SK8R BOY 4EVR’ and mine read, ‘MY DRNK GRL 4EVR.’ No one else would understand the deeper meaning behind our expressions for each other, and I was completely okay with that. In fact, I counted on it.
“As I seem to recall, Mrs. Gregor, there was a time when you sat in my home in California and told me the only way I would ever be able to get you on a skateboard was if I married you. Do you remember that conversation?”
I closed my eyes, trying to think back, but my brain was fried. I could barely remember what I did ten minutes ago, let alone a year ago.
“You wanted to help me learn to read.” He smiled. “I said only if I could teach you how to skate. I believe your words were something along the lines of, ‘I would have to marry you to teach you’.”
I let my mind wander back in time as I relived the memories in California. Now, I remembered vividly. It was the night I’d given him the journal and set us both on this amazing journey. It was the catalyst that had led us here, to this magnificent facility that offered so much to the kids of the community. And to us.
“Sound familiar now?” He lifted his brows.
I nodded. He was right. “I believe the marriage part of the equation came from you though, Mr. Gregor.”
“Those are just semantics, my darling wife.”
“Semantics,” I repeated. “Ooo. Word of the Day calendar?”
“Courtesy of Mr. Luis Marquez.” He grinned. “My attorney slash sports agent. My last one fired me.”
I laughed. We’d both agreed that me being Rory’s agent after we were married wasn’t the best thing for wedded bliss.
He stared at me as he stuck out his hand.
“What?” I asked, looking at his muscular arm. God, he was gorgeous. I always called him sex-on-a-board.
“I believe we have a date with that skateboard.” He gestured at my hand. “You’ve been my wife for several months and you’ve gotten away with this long enough. It’s time your spazzy little ass gets out there on the course and at least tries.” He swatted my butt.
I yelped in surprise and anticipation. It was still a wonder how he could excite me by slapping my ass.
“Later for that, Mrs. Gregor, I promise.”
God, the erotic tone of his voice was positively unbearable. My legs pressed together in anticipation.
“I can smell you,” he whispered against my neck.
“Shut up!” I hit him on the arm.
He grabbed my wrist and his entire demeanor changed. “You hit me again, Mrs. Gregor, and I will take you into that office, tie you to the desk, and spank your ass until it’s red, then thoroughly fuck you until you beg for mercy.”
His words went straight to my lady parts. I flexed my hips with anticipation, thinking I might just hit him again.
Scanning his face, I wasn’t surprised to see a hint of fear in his expression. He was afraid his threat had gone too far, worried perhaps I might consider his threats on the verge of abuse, which would bring back unwanted memories. It pained me that he still felt the need to worry so much about my past and protect me from it. I had to reassure him that was not how I felt.
“Promise?” I whispered in my most sultry voice, my eyes wide with anticipation.
His eyes danced with relief and his lips curled into a wicked smile. Any concern he’d had was wiped away. “Oh, I more than promise,” he growled. “I guarantee it.”
“I might have to hit you again then.” Mockingly, I raised a fist, not surprised when he grasped my neck with his free hand, bringing me in for a forceful yet intoxicating kiss. It lasted forever as we sought our escape in one another’s embrace.
I knew it sounded corny and completely unbelievable, but every time we kissed, it took me back to the first one, when he’d totally consumed me at Geneva’s wedding. Even then, he’d been protecting me from an old boyfriend. And now, over a year later, he was still ravishing me in the midst of protecting me. There was no bigger turn-on. I had to tell him before he threw me down and had his way with me.
I tried to end our embrace, but he pulled me in tighter, and I knew I would have to ride out this kiss. Not that I minded. I’d been more ramped up with sexual desire for weeks.
“Rory,” I moaned against his mouth.
“Hmm.” He buzzed his lips against mine, sending a wave of desire through my body.
It took every ounce of effort I had but finally I was able to drag my mouth away. We both stood, panting like dogs in heat, which we kind of were. God, I loved him. I just prayed he would understand when I broke the news.
“What’s wrong?” His eyes darted between mine. “Are you all right, are you sick?”
“No.” I laughed, thinking of the irony.
“Then, let’s go skate.” He pulled on my hand.
“Wait.” I stopped him.
“What?”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“Why? Are you scared? I won’t let you get hurt, Hindley, you know that.”
“I know that,” I whispered, looking down at the board, unable to meet his gaze.
What if he was pissed at me, enough to walk away? This hadn’t been our game plan. If he left me now, I didn’t know how I would ever recover.
His hand slid under my chin as he lifted my face to his. “You’re starting to scare me, Hindley. What is it? You know you can talk to me.”
Here goes, I had to do it. “Well,” I stumbled for words, “I can’t skate right now because…”
“Because?” He drew out the word.
“It’s just, the doctor doesn’t want me doing anything strenuous or dangerous. Not right now.”
“Oh, fuck, what’s wrong with you, Hindley?” He dropped the board and helmet and took me into his arms.
“It’s nothing like that, Rory.” Shit, this was going all wrong. I meant to go for humorous, but this was anything but.
“Then what is it?” He leaned back, searching my eyes for the truth.
I nodded down to the board on the floor. “Did Bucky and Pena from River City make my skateboard?”
“Don’t, Hindley.”
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t change the subject. You do that all the time. Why did you go to the doctor? What’s going on with you?”
“Do you think Bucky and Pena could make another board? A smaller one?” I tilted my head and winced, praying he’d understand what I was trying to say.
“This one is custom made to fit your height, Hindley. It’s perfect, you don’t need another one.”
“Well, we’ll probably need another one, a smaller one.”
“Why?”
I gazed up at him, trying to gauge his mood by his expression.
“Do they make skateboards for babies?”
“You mean kids? Yeah, they make them for kids, you know that. They supply all our boards for everyone here at the center.”
“No.” I winced. “I mean, smaller.”
His expression went stone cold. “What are you saying, Hindley?”
My stomach twisted in fear. Please, God, don’t let him be mad. Don’t let him leave me. I drew in a deep breath, hoping beyond all hope that he’d understand I hadn’t done this on purpose.
“I’m saying,” I released a heavy sigh, “that in about seven months, we’re going to need a new board for someone who’ll only be about eighteen inches high.” I closed my eyes, my entire body tense as I waited for his fury. Instead, there was silence. Deafening silence. This was bad.
I lifted one eyelid, surprised at the man standing before me.
He was smiling, his face innocent and joyous and…happy?
“Say something, Rory,” I whispered, staring up at him.
“Are you telling me that you’re pregnant, Hindley?” His flat tone was in direct opposition to the smile he still wore.
“Yes.” I winced. “I’m pregnant.” Tears rolled down my face. “I’m sorry, Rory, I didn’t do this on purpose, I swear. The doctor doesn’t know how it happened with the IUD. He said maybe—”
My words were cut off as his lips pressed against mine. It wasn’t an aggressive kiss, but it wasn’t sexual either. It was reverent.
Rory finally pulled away and I was terrified of what I might see. He’d kissed me, so I was pretty sure that was a good sign, but with Rory I never knew.
“Hindley, did you honestly think I would be mad to find out you’re going to have our baby?”
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Was he okay with this? “Well, yeah.”
“Why?”
“You don’t remember our conversation the day after you proposed?”
“I remember it,” he said.
“You said you were scared shitless to be a father, remember? You said you hadn’t even thought about kids.”
“What I remember is you explaining the fact that I would love anything that was a part of you.” He put his hand over my stomach that was already beginning to protrude. “Yes, I’ll fuck it up sometimes.” He smiled. “We both will. But I think love will overcome it all, don’t you?”
Tears streamed down my face. I wasn’t sure if it was the hormones, his loving words, or just the intensity of the moment.
“Hindley,” he whispered in my ear. “I love you. I’ll always love you, no matter what. I’m never letting you go again. I’ll love our baby just as much.”
“Probably more.” I laughed.
“Never.” He backed away so I could see his beautiful face. “I could never love anything or anyone as much as I love you, Drunk Girl.”
“Me either, Skater Boy. My Skater Boy.” I smiled. “I love you so much, Rory.”
“I know, baby. And we’ll love our little nugget even more.”
“Maybe it’s a Baby Skater Boy.” I placed my hand on my stomach. “Or a Baby Drunk Girl.”
His eyes flew open. “Oh, shit. What if it’s a girl, Hindley?”
“What?”
“Oh my God. I won’t be able to sleep ever again.”
I laughed at the protective nature he’d already discovered for his unborn baby. He was so amazing.
“I think this baby will be loved and protected its entire life, whether it’s a boy or girl, or both.”
“Both!” His hands flew up to his head. “Are you having fucking twins, Hindley?”
“No.” I laughed. “The doctor only heard one heartbeat.”
“That shit’s not funny, at all.”
“Actually, it was pretty funny.” I giggled.
“God, I love the sound of your laughter,” he sighed.
“What about me? Do you love me?”
“Always.” His blue eyes focused on mine. “I’ll always love you, Hindley.”
“Forever?” I asked.
He leaned in and pressed his mouth to my ear. “F-O-R-E-V-E-R,” he spelled out.
I nodded. “Forever.”
Thank you for reading Extreme Devotion.
The first two books in the X-Treme Love Series deal with serious real-life issues. If you or someone you know needs help, please click the Resources section of this book to find additional information.
Be sure to turn the page for a sneak peek at
Extreme Sacrifice: X-Treme Love Series, Book 3
Dana and Peter’s love story
Dana Di Grazio is fearless and feisty, but struggling to find her purpose in life. Hiding behind a hardened exterior, she’s erected walls to protect herself from the devastating losses of her past. When thrust into the role of caretaker for pro motocross rider, Peter Fontenot, she must sacrifice her own boundaries in order to care for him. Fear soon sets in when Dana realizes Peter may be the first man capable of breaking down her walls.
When a motorcycle accident forces extreme sports champion, Peter Fontenot to rely on a foul-mouthed, Italian spitfire, he’s surprised to find himself drawn to someone so crass and ill-suited. Suddenly, Peter must rethink the expectations of his well-planned life. Dana is the one thing he doesn’t want, but the only thing he can’t live without.
Can the spark between two opposites create a lasting fire? Or will it detonate an explosion that leaves them both alone…forever.
Available now!
Or...
You’ll receive Hindley and Rory’s complete story in:
Book 1: Extreme Risk
Book 2: Extreme Devotion
PLUS, you’ll also receive Dana’s story in:
Book 3: Extreme Sacrifice
Book 4: Extreme Trust