Fates' Destiny Page 15

  He propped his elbows on his knees and laced his fingers together in front of him.

  “It is nice isn’t it?” He asked as he watched everyone. “I haven’t seen my kids have this much fun in a long time. Thank you.”

  She glanced over at him and locked his mesmerizing dark eyes.

  “I didn’t do anything.” She felt her cheeks flush.

  “Oh you have no idea what you’ve done Destiny.”

  She stared at him for a moment trying to figure out what he meant by that but his eyes gave nothing away.

  “Come here.” He said as he pushed off the steps and stood in front of her.

  “What?” Her brow drew together.

  He held out his hand to her with the sweetest smile she’d ever seen. “I want to show you something.”

  Ok. Curiosity pushed her to take his hand. Well, that and the fact that she just wanted to touch him… Any part of him.

  He led her to the middle of the shallow end and turned her to face the deep end.

  “Ok, stand right here.” He said from behind her, with his hands on her shoulders.

  “Why?” What in the world was he doing?

  “You’ll see.” He said gently. “Just don’t move.”

  His hands slid off her shoulders and softly down her arms. Her eyes almost closed at the miraculous sensation his touch sent through her.

  Then before she could take a breath she felt his hands grab her just above her knees and she was hoisted into the air.

  She barely got his name out before she landed in the deep in and went under. When she came back up laughter was echoing through the massive room.

  Once she cleared the water from her face she turned to see him standing in the shallow end, the water barely reaching the waist of his shorts.

  “Oh, you’re a jerk.”

  She swam to him and swatted the water at him. He laughed and splashed her back. Before she knew it they were in a full fledge water war.

  “Ok, ok.” She submitted once the assault had become blinding and exhausting. “Stop!”

  He did as commanded and stepped to her.

  “Awe, I’m sorry.”

  He surprised her when he wrapped his strong arms around her shoulders and held her against his bare chest. For a moment she’d stopped breathing altogether but then she relaxed against him, resting her head on his thick chest.

  Had she ever felt something so incredible in her life? She asked herself as she wrapped her arms around his waist, closed her eyes, and reveled in the beautiful feeling warming her heart. No, she hadn’t. She was almost certain of it.

  As he held her the world melted away. Nothing else existed. Not the pool, not the kids, not his brother and Kenna, not Dela and Richard. Nothing. Just him and her.

  She felt his head come to rest atop hers as his embrace tightened, his strong hands gently caressing the bare skin of her back. She, too, tightened around his waist, thinking how she never wanted to let him go.

  Suddenly his head lifted and his arms fell away from her. Her eyes popped open and her arms slacked at the sudden movement. She looked up at him as he backed away from her; multiple emotions marred his handsome face.

  “I, um,” He stuttered. “I gotta go.” And before anyone could say anything he was out of the pool and out the door.

  Destiny felt like she was standing in the middle of a crowded room naked. Embarrassed, exposed, bare. She wrapped her arms around her middle desperately trying to pull herself together and hide.

  “I’ll be back.” She heard Luke but couldn’t bring herself to look at him. She knew she’d probably burst into tears if she did. Either that or throw up.

  She heard the door close but no other sound. Not Anna’s giggle or water splashing. Nothing. The room was completely still but she could feel everyone’s eyes on her making her feel even worse.

  “Hey.” She heard Kenna at her side. Then she felt her hand rest gently on her back. “Why don’t we get out of here? I’d love to go for a walk in the backyard.”

  Destiny glanced at her to see her smile but her blue eyes were full of sympathy. She couldn’t hold back. She had to know what Kenna thought.

  “What just happened?” Her words barely a whisper.

  Her smile faltered ever so slightly as her hand ran down Destiny’s back and then up. “I’m not suppose to tell you but Luke told me that Adam is attracted to you but he’s having a lot of trouble letting go of his wife.”

  Destiny was rocked by her confession. She knew he was having problems letting go but she had no idea he was attracted to her.

  “Really?” She asked and Kenna nodded.

  Destiny’s eyes lowered to the water as the truth poured from her lips.

  “I like him too.” And his sudden reaction hurt her.

  “I know.” Kenna’s hand slid from her back around her waist as she said, “Come on. Let’s get some fresh air.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Adam paced the floor of his office frantically. He was completely freaked about what had just happened… About what could’ve happened… About what he wanted to happen.

  His body was tense, ridged, aching to feel her touch again. His mind was begging for him to strip her naked, bury himself in her, and make her scream his name over and over until they were both completely sated. But his heart… His heart reminded him of his faithfulness to his wife.

  He had to do something. Fire her or something. He couldn’t keep doing this to himself. He couldn’t have her no matter how much he wanted her. He was married and he loved his wife with everything in him. It didn’t matter that she was gone. He still loved her and he wouldn’t betray her. He wouldn’t.

  “What the fuck was that?” Luke stormed in, slamming the door behind him. His dark eyes furious, his face tight and flushed. He was pissed and Luke never got pissed.

  “Are you out of your fucking mind?” He continued his rant. “Do you have any idea how bad you just hurt her?”

  He hurt her? He stopped as the fact sent a sharp pain through his heart. Then he shook his head. He didn’t care. He couldn’t care.

  “I’m going to have to fire her.” He admitted as he started pacing again.

  “Fire her?” Luke raged incredulity. “Now I know you’ve lost your fucking mind. Tell me Adam. Do you honestly think that would work?”

  “Yes.” He answered without looking at him. It had to. It was his only option.

  “Ok. Then answer this. Do you think your children would ever forgive you? Do you honestly think you’ll ever forgive yourself?”

  He finally stopped and turned to his brother. “I don’t know what else to do.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Luke couldn’t hold back anymore. Adam needed to wake up before he completely destroyed his family and possibly his life.

  “Damn it Adam!” He slammed his fist into a stack of papers resting on the corner of Adam’s desk as all his frustration exploded out of him. “Liz is dead!” He hated being so blunt but he didn’t have it in him to tip toe around his brother’s misery anymore. “She’s dead Adam! She’s not coming back! She wanted you to be happy! She wanted you to move on! And you’re too stubborn to see that Destiny cares about you despite how much of an ass you are to her!”

  When Luke saw the muscle twitch under his brother’s eye he knew he’d struck a nerve but he wasn’t sorry for it. He needed to hear everything Luke had to say.

  With a couple of long strides Adam and Luke were nose to nose. Even though Luke had to look up at his brother he wasn’t intimidated. Adam could kick his ass with ease but Luke wasn’t backing down. Getting his ass handed to him by his big brother would be worth it as long as his message got through his thick skull.

  “I’m not an ass to her.” He growled through clinched teeth.

  That’s what he’s mad about? Luke was shocked. Of all the blunt things he said about Liz being dead and never coming back he was mad because he told him that he was an ass to Destiny?

  “Yes you are.” Luke retorted. “You afraid of
your own feelings and because of that you treat her like shit. You know what?” A thought occurred to him. “You’re right Adam. You should fire her. You should send her on her way and get her away from you. All you’re doing is playing with her emotions and screwing with her head. She’s better off without you. Now,” Luke was done with his brother. He just couldn’t look at him anymore. “I’m done. I’m sick of worrying about you and trying to help you. I got my own shit to worry about.” His own happiness to worry about.

  Without another word he stormed back out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

  A second after closing the door he heard his brother yell, “Fuck you Luke!”

  Luke just shook his head sadly with a sigh. That man needed help big time but Luke didn’t have it in him to try any longer. If Adam wanted to waste away then that was his choice.

  With that in mind, Luke walked back into the pool area.

  ~ ~ ~

  Kenna was right. The fresh air did help… A little… Very little… Ok, not at all but she’d make Kenna think that it did.

  The two of them relaxed on a couple of lounge chairs as the children played. Ali brought out her camera and was taking pictures of Anna and Jason in front of the fountain, in the gardens, all over the place. She’d even flashed a couple of her and Kenna; some with their knowledge, some without.

  They talked nothing of what had happened. Instead they chattered away about trivial things like movies that they wanted to see in theaters and going shopping next week. Apparently a new clothing boutique opened downtown and Kenna was positive Destiny would love it.

  “Here you guys are?”

  Luke strolled across the grass. He’d changed out of his swim shorts and into a pair of light tan cargo shorts that hung just below his knees and a red tee shirt.

  Destiny smiled as he approached and lowered onto the chair at Kenna’s feet.

  “Everything ok?” Destiny had to ask even though she wasn’t sure she wanted the answer.

  Luke studied her for a moment and then he spoke.

  “Destiny, I’ve never been one to interfere in someone’s life but I feel the need to suggest that you move out of here.”

  “What?” Destiny and Kenna both gasped in unison.

  “Is he planning to fire me?” Destiny couldn’t believe it. She could understand it considering his predicament but she couldn’t believe it.

  “I don’t know.” Luke answered honestly. “I don’t think so but I think it may be better for you if you move back into your apartment and just come here when you’re needed. Look,” He rested his elbows on his knees and locked his hands together in front of him. “I’m worried about you. My brother is stubborn and I’m worried that he’s just going to continue to hurt you. You don’t deserve that. I’m just thinking this may be in your best interest.”

  He made a lot of sense. Maybe she should. After all Adam did hurt her and probably would continue to.

  But then again, even though she’s only been there a short time she couldn’t imagine not being there 24/7. Who would help Jason when a girl problem kept him up at night? Or hold Anna when she had a bad dream?

  Their dad would. She told herself. You need to get away from here.

  “Yeah.” She agreed with a sigh as her eyes lowered, her heart twisting with desolates. “You may be right Luke.”

  “Hey.” He reached over and laid a comforting hand on her leg, pulling her attention back to him. She looked up to see his kindly smile. “It’s going to be ok. You’ll still get to see the kids.”

  She knew that but her heart foolishly wanted so much more.

  Chapter 29

  Night fell and things carried on normally. Luke and Kenna left shortly after the little talk Luke had with Destiny because they had a dinner date. The kids ate, bathed, and went to bed. And not once did Adam come out of his office. He didn’t even call Richard to bring him dinner.

  Destiny tried not to care. She tried and failed. It didn’t matter what he did or how much he hurt her she still cared about him. He wasn’t acting this way because he was a mean person. He was acting this way because he was man in love with his wife.

  Destiny understood. It stung but she understood. And that’s why she’s decided to do as Luke suggested.

  Once everyone was settled she walked down to his office. She hesitated at the door and readied herself to tell him of her decision. It was going to be better this way. She’d arrive in time to get the kids off to school. Then she’d go home and a little before it was time for them to get home she’d head back over there. After they were settled in their beds and Anna read to she’d head home and spend the rest of the night alone.

  She sniffed back her sadness and knocked. When she didn’t get a reply she turned the knob, eased the door open, and poked her head in.

  He sat at his desk, the back of his chair facing her, his sneakered feet anchored on the window frame. The blinds were open allowing the light of the full moon to beam in.

  “Adam?” She asked softly and got no acknowledgment.

  Fine. Maybe it was better this way. She’d be able to tell him her plan easier without his dark eyes staring at her anyway.

  “Look, I know you’re going through some pretty tough issues and I get it. I understand. But I don’t like the way you make me feel. I don’t like the sudden mood swings and confusion you cause me. One minute you’re hot and the next you’re cold. And I just can’t take it anymore.” She paused for a breath. “So I’ve decided that I’m going to continue to work for you if you want but I’m going to move back into my apartment.”

  The sudden drop of his feet made her jump. He snapped around and she almost gasped at the sight. Gone was the man who was enjoying himself earlier and in his place was a man tormented. He looked as though he’d aged 10 years over the time he’d been in his office. His dark eyes were blood shot and his dark hair was in shambles.

  “You’re leaving?” There was a slight crack to his question.

  She shook her head, holding herself together. “I’m not quitting. I’m just not going to live here anymore. I think this would be better for both of us.”

  “No Destiny.” He pushed out of his chair and rounded his desk. “It won’t be better for me.” He stood in front of her, looking down into her eyes. “I don’t want you to leave.”

  His soft confession caused tears to form in her throat.

  “I can’t stay here anymore Adam. I’m a physiatrist so I know when someone is messing with my head. I’ve studied human behavior for years.”

  “I don’t want to mess with your head.” He gently took her hands in his. “I just want you. That’s it.”

  That was all she could take. The tears she’d been holding back broke free and rolled down her cheeks. He wants her now but what about later? Would he want her and then push her away? She shook her head. She couldn’t allow him to hurt her.

  “I’m sorry.” She pulled her hands from his. “I need to go.”

  She turned on wobbly legs and started for the door.

  “No!” He grabbed her hand and with a hard jerk pulled her back to him and enclosed his arms around her.

  “Let me go Adam.” She pushed against his chest only to have him tighten his grip around her.

  “No Destiny. I don’t want to let you go. I don’t want to ever let you go.”

  The next thing she knew his lips were pressed against hers. She froze as red flags went up in her head. The rational part of her screamed for her to stop this. To get away from him before he hurt her again. But she found herself falling into his kiss.

  His kiss became hard… deep… passionate and that was it. What little control she had snapped. All rational thought was shot.

  She returned his kiss, her fingers digging into his biceps.

  His hand thread into her hair at the base of her skull and he tipped her head back to sink deeper into her.

  Then he took a step into her forcing her to step back. He pushed her until she felt the cool wall against her back
. His fingers then left her hair, slid down her body till they came to rest on her thighs, and in one quick motion he lifted her. She instinctively wrapped her legs around him and locked them in place.

  His lips left hers and traveled across her cheek to just below her ear.

  “I want you so bad.” He whispered as he made his way down her neck, his rough kiss igniting her everywhere his lips touched.

  “I want you too.” She whispered, laying her head back on the wall to give him full access to the sensitive area, one arm around his shoulders, the other gripping his hair.

  “I don’t want to be gentle.” He bit down on the skin at her neck and shoulder. The pleasurable pain almost made her come apart right then.

  “Not gentle.” She panted. She didn’t want him to be gentle either. She wanted him wild, rough, passionate. She wanted it more than her next breath.

  His hands gave her thighs a hard squeeze and slid upward. She tensed and then relaxed as his hands went under her shirt and slid up the bare skin of her sides. In one quick motion her shirt was jerked over her head and thrown to the floor. He locked her in another kiss as his fingers yanked her bra straps from her shoulders and shoved her bra down, uncovering her breasts.

  “Oh hell yeah.” He growled against her lips as one hand went back to her thigh and the other palmed a breast.

  She didn’t hesitate to release him and grip the back of his shirt. She needed to touch him. She needed to feel his skin against hers. With one tug his shirt was on the floor with hers.

  He pressed harder against her with a deep growl when her nails dug into his back. Then his hand released her breast and traveled down her belly. He tugged at the button of her jeans until it popped free. She dropped her legs. He didn’t break their kiss as he shoved her jeans and panties down. She held him tight as she worked her clothes the rest of the way off.

  He gripped her thighs again and hauled her back up, pinning her to the wall. She could feel him under her and absently wondered when he’d removed his shorts.