Chloe Read online

  “Chloe?” John broke my reverie and reached over grabbing my hand, encasing it in his warmth. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll be standing with you the entire time. I won’t let him get to you, okay?”

  I only nodded. I knew John would try his best, but he couldn’t control what came out of his father’s mouth, or what condemning thoughts he would have of me.

  “He’s going to love you for merely your gorgeous looks if nothing else. He always has been a ladies man.” John turned to me and our eyes locked. “I don’t care if he was nearly blind, it would be hard for him to miss your perfection.” He cleared his throat and looked back out the window. I knew then that he was nervous too. His sweaty palm was another dead giveaway.

  Pulling up to the curb at the center, his driver dropped us off with promises to wait and pick us back up when John called for him. I wanted to say ‘please wait right here in case I come running back’. Instead, I longingly looked at the car and let John lead the way for our visit. I was hoping that visit would be just a few minutes.

  After locating his father’s suite - not just a room, but a remarkable lavish, humongous, suite – we both took a moment to compose ourselves before walking in. John squeezed my hand tight when I tried to pull it free.

  “Now Chloe, Chloe. How quick you forget. We’re doing this together, remember? I’m not letting you go.” His eyes held mine for several beats, the depth of his gaze making my mind feel…hopeful? Don’t Chloe! But, I did. I think deep down I was hoping that saying had a double meaning.

  Walking in, I saw John let out a deep breath. Seeing his father for the first time in weeks had to be shocking. The man lying in the bed looked nothing like the strong, handsome, man I had seen in photos. His father opened his eyes and the familiarity hit me like a harsh wind. He had his son’s piercing blue eyes. The ones that seemed to look right into your soul.

  Clearing his throat and making an effort to sit up a little straighter, he beckoned for us to come closer as he leaned over to whisper something to his caregiver and dismissed her. This was usually when I would get fired up and be at a loss for words because of my fear and anger. I never let it sink over me with a grip like this was. I hadn’t really dealt with ‘fathers’ in so long. For some reason, the word even settled a taste of bitterness over my tongue. This father in particular was alive and present, but had never really known how to love his son, just his job.

  “Son, I’m so glad you came. How are you?” His father managed with a deep, scratchy voice. Strange. He sounded sincere and caring, not at all like I had imagined. He was checking out John from head to toe with a look of relief on his face. “You look well…and healthy.” He said squinting his eyes to make sure.

  I felt John flinch, and saw him cock his head to the side to further evaluate his dad’s words and actions. “I…I’m good d-dad.” He cleared his throat. “You wanted to see me, and well Chloe? What can we do for you dad?” His dad had this unusual look he gave John, then his eyes slid over to fall on me.

  “Chloe. It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you.” He reached out his hand to me bidding a handshake. “I have been so anxious to meet the woman that stole my sons’ heart.” He had a smirk on his face as he said the words. Now that’s what I had expected for him to do, only I expected more too. I stepped up closer, John squeezing my hand tighter, and I shook his father’s hand. When I tried to let go, he held on to it as well. “You are one beautiful lady Chloe Steele. One beautiful lady.”

  “It’s Rider dad. Chloe Steele Rider.” John said with a lot of firmness behind his words. His dad’s eyes flicked back to John. “I guess that’s so son, now isn’t it?” His eyes took the time to travel up and down my body. I felt nearly abused as his eyes made their way back to the top of my head. “Beau-ti-ful indeed” he said drawing out the words.

  “Dad. We’ve already established how beautiful you think my wife is. Now if there’s nothing else…”

  “I’m proud of your choice son, choosing for looks, now that’s a Rider for you.” He said with a little twinkle to his eyes followed by a tsk, tsk. My hand relaxed in John’s as I tried to pull it away and slink back but John wouldn’t let me.

  John assessed me quickly with a guarded expression. Then he said “Damn you dad. What gives you…”

  “Now calm down son.” Just then there was a loud noise in the kitchen and a small scream. John looked at his father quickly then his eyes landed on me. He had a question looming like, should he let go of my hand and go see or not?

  I told him to go and truly felt there was an urgency to the situation. I was hoping his caregiver wasn’t hurt. With one last look at me he squeezed my hand and said he would be right back.

  No longer than John had left the room, Mr. Rider looked up at me. “Whatever it is you both are doing Ms. Steele…keep it up.” He was waiting for my response but all I could do was stare at him, my heart racing. Then he continued. “I’ve not only heard from Mr. Rojas, I’ve also seen a difference in my son…a good difference. The boy is in love and I’m not sure he knows it.” He looked down briefly. When his eyes found mine again they were full of a glaze - tears? “John’s a good boy. Always has been. I was a terrible father. It took me getting sick and now dying before realizing that. I never…” He looked down again. “I never did for him what I should have…I was never his dad. So, I’ll say it again, keep it up. Your secret is safe with me. He’s happy. Really happy. He’s been so sad for the past year, and now he’s my little John again.” I knew he was talking about his lost love with Reese. But, what did he think we were doing? Did he really know it was a…scam?

  “Mr. Rider. I’m not sure what you mean but…”

  “Young lady. I know all about the boards’ requirement for the CEO to be married. In fact, the jackass I was, I approved it.” He gave a deep, sad chuckle. He looked back at the door probably hoping John wouldn’t be back too soon. “I…I shouldn’t have agreed Chloe. I have always been so worried about image. My business has been my life.”

  That was the first time he had called me by my first name. He continued. “Only, I don’t want John to know. I want him to keep trying to prove me wrong. It’s what keeps him motivated, unfortunately.” He paused for a second. “You really aren’t anything like what I would have chosen for John.” I swallowed hard and balled my fist by my sides, ready to retaliate. “You, my dear are strong-minded, opinionated, and damn beautiful. You’re just what he needs.” He winked at me and I thought I was floating. I released my clenched fists and started to relax. What all did he just say to me? It had to be a dream. No one had ever thought I was what someone else needed, much less a man of his stature. Before I could wrap my head around it John barged back in the room, obviously winded and flustered.

  If I didn’t know any better, I would say Mr. Rider and his caregiver had planned that little accident so he could talk with me apart from John. As I looked back at him, the twinkle in his eyes, and the knowing look from him, told me I was right. Even now on his death bed he emanated the need to be in control, and I could tell he would exercise that habit for as long as he was able.

  “Son, is everything okay?”

  John walked quickly over to me and grabbed my hand again. The sensation from that one touch was unbelievable and overall frightening. He was searching my face to make sure I was still okay after having to spend time alone with his father. He shook his head lightly leaving me to believe he felt the same feeling.

  “Uh, yeah, she was reaching for a dish in the cabinet and it slipped, crashing to the floor. A little bit of a mess, but we got it up. She was freaking out a little for some reason and not wanting to get it up on her own.” He looked towards me with a little confusion, and shrugged his shoulders. Yep, rigged. Just like I thought. That woman wasn’t afraid to clean anything up, she was told not to.

  I was worried John was getting ready to leave, but I got a little courage and had been rolling something around in my head that I wanted to ask his dad. So I went for it. “Mr. Rider, I h
ave a question for you about the oil rigs.”

  John squeezed my hand and looked at me with complete confusion. He spoke softly, “sweetheart, I can answer any questions you might have. Why don’t we let him rest, okay?”

  Mr. Rider pinched his brows together. “Let your wife talk John. She obviously has a question for me, not you, or she wouldn’t have blurted out.” He turned his eyes back to me. “Chloe?” His dad had a pleasant grin on his face while John looked from me to his dad and let out a long breath.

  “I was just curious if you had been receiving the same threats as John, or are they only contacting him because you are, er, sick?”

  “Chloe. That’s not something we need to talk - ”

  “Threats? John, what the hell does she mean by threats? I haven’t had any threats since - ” He paused to cough. He coughed so hard he got strangled and the caregiver had to come to his aid.

  “Dad, are you okay?” He only nodded and situated himself back down in the bed to rest. I could tell he was completely worn out.

  “I’m not through talking about this. You better have answers for me soon son.” He struggled to get the words out. “I...” He started coughing again, and we were ushered out to leave him to rest; his helper not taking no for an answer.

  In the hallway John turned to me. “What the hell was that about Chloe? Why would you ask him that? You had no right…”

  “I had no right?” I quickly shot back. “Are you crazy? Not only does this affect me because I’m your wife, but maybe I don’t want something to happen to you. I want answers and you aren’t giving them to me.”

  “You won’t have to deal with this forever, Chloe.” Tilting his head back he ran his hand through his hair. “I mean, I will make sure you’re protected. I’m watching out for both of us and my staff. He was looking at me now, intently.

  “Okay. I’m sorry. I just…I just wanted to make sure you were taking care of yourself.”

  John stepped closer to me. He lifted my chin and looked into my eyes. “Green. Your eyes are as green as emeralds Chloe. They capture me every time I look into them.”

  I gave him a sly grin. “Are you changing the subject John? Because, I can bring it up again with your father?” I made a move like I was going back into see him.

  John grabbed me forcefully, pulling me tight up against his body. “Hmmm. You are an independent little thing, aren’t you Mrs. Rider? I was so hoping you would let me be responsible for you for a while.” His smile dropped a bit when I realized he was serious. He had already told me he needed to take care of his woman. I just wasn’t that person. I had taken care of myself for far too long to let someone else do it.

  “I just haven’t…” I dropped my eyes to the floor and he quickly made a movement to raise my face up to his again “I haven’t allowed myself to lean on anyone else, at least not since I was a child.”

  “Well, you’re certainly not a child any longer Chloe, but I need to protect you just the same.” He spoke more softly. “I want to protect you.” John’s look was that of want and need. His mouth was slowly descending towards mine, his fingers still holding my chin tenderly. Within seconds his mouth was on mine. It was unlike anything I had ever felt. The seduction in his eyes sent chills down my spine. “Chloe.” He said slowly between gentle kisses on my lips. “I want you.” He leaned back and looked at me. “I need you.”

  Chapter 23

  Surreal. That’s how I felt each time I rubbed my hands along the high thread cotton sheets. Satiated. That’s how I felt when I woke up in John’s arms. His naked chest pressed up against my breasts; his warm breath bristling strands of my loose hair on my face. This gorgeous man was more than I could have ever imagined would fill my bed. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach at the thought of our intense time together. But, my heart raced to wonder what I was doing – what I was allowing myself to feel. I shook my head at the chill that ran up my spine when I thought of my future heartbreak. The movement causing a deep sigh from John as he squeezed his arms tighter around me.

  “Good morning my BB.” I heard a low rumble of a chuckle as I gave him a soft growl. I still didn’t like nicknames. After all, I had been given many over the years (bitch, cheap, wild, poor, and the list went on) that only served to make me…well, I guess bitter like John originally said. I closed my eyes at the thought of his accurate earlier description.

  John kissed my forehead. “Hey. Are you ready for today?” He asked lightly running his hands up and down my back.

  I let out long sigh. “Ready as I’m going to be, I guess. I wish I had a little longer before I had to see Reese and Elle. I wanted them to have more time to possibly forgive me, and well, to move past this.” I nudged his side. My eyes got a little misty thinking about what I had probably lost again.

  “Hey! It’s hard to move past this” he flicked his hand in the air over his body. I knew he was trying to lighten the mood.

  “Um, I would say one has and she did…move on.” John released the tight grip he had around me. Oops, what started out as funny, might have quickly just backfired. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean anything by...” I yelped as John quickly threw me flat on my back as he towered over me.

  “You want to be funny do you? Well, I can be really funny.” He started tickling me all over, under my arms, on my stomach, in the inside of my thigh. I couldn’t breathe. I was laughing so hard no noise was coming out of my mouth. I eventually caught a wave of air.

  “Stop! John Stop! Okay, I…”

  When he finally let up the torture, I let out a long breath, trying to breathe deeply again. When I opened my eyes John was still towering over me, this time with heat and desire filling his eyes. My smile dropped and was quickly replaced with parted lips as my chest rose and fell fast with each increased breath. My heart-rate accelerated and my eyes darted to his lips. His tongue flicked out and licked his gorgeous lips preparing for the impending kiss. As he leaned in toward my lips, I closed my eyes already tasting his lips in my head. However, he diverted midstream and kissed me soundly on my forehead.

  He pulled back and glanced at me, I harbored a confused expression, and decided I needed to squirm out from under him and head to the bathroom.

  “Hey. What are you doing?” His laugh was more taunting.

  “Get off of me John.”

  “Chloe.”

  “Now John! I need to…”

  He grabbed both of my wrists and slammed them down on the bed to both of my sides low at my waist. “No!”

  I struggled to get out of his grasp. I suddenly felt his arousal pressing into my forgotten, naked hip. I gasped. We were both breathing hard as we lay skin to skin. He leaned down and pressed those luscious lips up against mine. I relaxed again in his hold. “You are such a confusing man John. And you are pissing me off.” I said between his kisses on my mouth.

  His mouth started a low, leisurely trail down my jawline, pausing briefly over my ear as he whispered “you only want me for my body. Isn’t that right Chloe?” I growled at his question. I kept telling myself that’s all it was. Deep down my head was not allowing it to be more, while my heart seemed to grow with each new beat for this man. I closed my eyes tight with thoughts of keeping it safe. Keeping me safe. “Cause, I’m not sure what’s happening, I don’t want you to hit me, but I’m feeling…”

  I sucked in a deep breath. Don’t say it. Don’t…

  John’s eyes shot to mine. He sensed my fear. I saw it in his eyes. I bit my lower lip to stifle the crude words my mouth wanted to spout out. John’s eyes flicked to my mouth. “God Chloe, I just want that lower lip in my mouth. It’s mine. He sucked in a deep breath and plunged for my mouth, our teeth clicking from the force. The possessiveness behind John’s actions caused a tightening in my lower region. I couldn’t let myself truly digest what that meant my mouth was his? I’m sure he just meant since we were married for the time being he could have it. I was working myself up, actually John was, and I wanted nothing more than to be making wild passionate l
ove to this man. I forgot about his earlier near confession I was sure was on the tip of his tongue and I fell deep into the trap of the crazy passion we experienced together.

  **

  After a long pep talk, I drove my beat up, but repaired car back home to Penderton. John had wanted me to drive one of his cars, but I’m stubborn, I know. I have always talked that big game about John’s money and living the good life. It’s just that sometimes I like to know I can stand on my own two feet. I don’t need anyone, especially a man, to provide my necessities, and a car is definitely one of those. It had been another argument for us in the last few weeks.

  Today was the wedding shower for Maura at Reese’s home. Her mom Liz was sure to have everything beautiful just like pictures from Pinterest. She always had that special touch, just like Reese. There would be about thirty people at the shower, including Elle’s mom, Tate’s mom, Harrison’s mom, aunts and so on. Needless to say, there would be little time for talk amongst myself and my best, old best friends. My heart sank at how I would react to them. Or more importantly, how they would react to me. I was silently praying God would give me courage to handle the disgusted looks from my once upon a time lifelines, without crumpling. I just hoped my heart would stay strong enough not to ruin Maura’s important day with an outburst of tears.

  On any other occasion, we would have stayed after the shower and had a girls’ night in the cozy cabin behind Reese’s house - after a long dip in the hot tub. No such case tonight, I was sure. I would leave here and head to my Aunt Ronnie’s house for the night so I wouldn’t have to drive back to Charlotte after dark. I longed now for those ‘girl talk’ nights in the cabin and sneaking wine coolers when we were younger. Years had passed and times had changed for all of us. My how quickly we go through our life stages.

  Walking up to the door I lifted my hand to knock and gasped when the door flung open. Reese was standing in front of me looking absolutely beautiful. “Chloe!” She walked up to me and hugged me, squeezing for all she was worth. It took a few seconds to realize what was happening as tears involuntarily sprung to my eyes. I never expected this type of welcome. She leaned back and looked at me, tears in her own eyes, and closed the distance again. Was I in the twilight zone? How could she have done such a 180.