The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (106 page)

The sun shone brightly as we walked through the park. The sky was a perfect blue. It was the start of another beautiful summer’s day. We grabbed some ice creams as we flopped down on the bench, eagerly licking away at the creamy sweet goodness.

“I think I’ve died and gone to heaven,” I remarked, sighing, feeling the warm sun on my face.

“Can’t talk too busy eating,” Ollie replied and I didn’t blame him. After we finished up, I leaned over and wiped the little bit of ice cream from the corner of his mouth. “Missed a bit.” I smiled, licking my thumb.

My eyes widened when he moved near and kissed me.

“I think you missed a bit.” I could see the unmistakeable look of lust growing in his eyes.

“There might be some still left, maybe you need to check again.” Oh I was enjoying this far too much.

His lips brushed up against mine and I moaned. Was this totally happening? We were acting like your everyday normal couple and my chest puffed out with pride at the fact he was allowing me to do so. It quickly deflated hearing the shriek of his sister’s voice as she quickly gained on us.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” she yelled, practically alerting all the park.

“Err kissing, do you really need to ask?”

What a stupid question.

“Fuck off, Elijah, I wasn’t talking to you,” she snapped, glaring at us both.

“Charming,” I muttered but loud enough for her to hear.

“You are showing yourself up right now, do you know what it’s like for me at home? They argue even more now that you are suddenly fucking gay.”

“It’s not like I woke up and decided to be gay, Jessica. I’ve known for a long time.”

Was she actually using his sexuality as another reason to take a swipe at him?

“But to pick him of all people. Are you deliberately trying to piss me off?” Her evil little eyes fixed on Ollie’s waiting for a reply.

“Yeah, because everything revolves around you,” I retorted. God, she was a right selfish bitch that only thought about herself.

Her eyes snapped to mine. “I told you to shut it, Elijah, when I want your opinion I’ll ask for it.”

“Don’t speak to him like that,” Ollie warned, surprising me at taking a stand.

“Excuse me?” she asked, looking surprised by Ollie’s reply, she was obviously used to him remaining mute while she went off on her rants. He was becoming a braver person each day, and I for one could not have been any prouder.

“I think you heard him right,” I added, stirring the pot a little more.

“Unless you want to be bitch slapped, I would shut the fuck up.”

I stood up hovering over her. “Listen to me, if one filthy claw touches my face you will know about it.”

“Seems like Rick should have finished the job.” An evil smile touched her lips as I felt the air leave my lungs.

“You fucking bitch.” I lifted my hand, but Ollie grabbed me from behind.

“Just leave, Jessica, before I let him loose and he will give you exactly what you deserve.”

She pouted, throwing her bag over her shoulder. “Don’t worry I’m off. I hope you come to your senses soon cause all of this is just a phase, you will soon see it. And as for you, stay out of my way or else.” She pointed her perfect manicured finger my way, the mood I was in I was about to rip it off.

“Oh whatever bitch, bring it on cause I am fucking ready,” I yelled, eager to break away from Ollie and give her the slapping she deserved.

“Elijah, don’t—please. Just let her go. I don’t want this,” Ollie pleaded.

“Fine,” I conceded.

He gave me a look that I knew he was happy I’d relented. I could tell it was hard being stuck in the middle even if his sister was a complete cow, she was still his family. He pulled me into a kiss and I stiffened slightly.

“What’s wrong?” he immediately looked concerned by my reaction.

“Are you sure you want to kiss me here? You know in case anyone sees?”

“I don’t care about what anyone else thinks.”

“What about your sister?” I asked, she’d already ruined the moment of what should have been a perfect day.

He pulled me in closer. “I told you, I don’t care. You’re my priority now.”

“Really?” I asked surprised.

“Yes, now kiss me already.” He grinned and I couldn’t help but reciprocate.

“Yes, sir.” He didn’t have to ask twice.

There were many kisses that followed after that one. From that moment onwards everything changed. Over time Ollie grew to become more comfortable with his sexuality, he even surprised me at times and I thought I was unshockable. Each day I fell a little deeper, we experienced a lot of firsts together, it was the best first for me to finally fall in love. He had my heart, I was blessed to be in love with a guy so pure and selfless, but of course over time he learned to stand up against my persuasive ways, so I didn’t get my way all the time. I pouted when I didn’t, but that seemed to turn Ollie on more. Our relationship fast became physical and we felt the true bond as our bodies united and felt that moment of euphoria as we let ourselves get lost in the moment. Sex was something that had always been purely physical, but with Ollie, it was everything I ever thought it could be. We connected on a level I never expected and as we went at it like rabbits, I began to spend more and more time at Ollie’s much to my mother’s amusement. She was just overjoyed to see her son completely and helplessly in love, it was always her dream to see me so happy.

My dad kept to his word, making an effort. He bonded straight away with Ollie and welcomed him with open arms and they soon struck up a friendship which I found slightly weird, but for my dad to be this accepting I just went with it. He took me to meet his other family, which I was nervous about, but they were all warm and friendly, which was a surprise really. It made me realise that some people weren’t as judgemental as I presumed. B and Craig were still going strong and as planned she eventually moved in. They would tell me all about their escapades, which was always hilarious to hear. I still missed her badly, but the FaceTiming and the monthly visits helped to ease the separation. I was just happy to see her loved up, even though it was a tad too much, but that was B never fearless to take it to the next level. She was still annoyed that I’d banned any talk of the sex kind, but we were in relationships now and that part became private, no matter how many times she tried to insist on raising the subject.

School was over for the summer, just one more year, and I’d finally be able to apply to my dream college. I couldn’t wait to see what the future had in store, I was beyond excited at the prospect.

I just finished up sewing a costume I was putting together for a theatre production I was about to star in. It was only a bit part but I was also head of costume, so that in itself had me delirious with happiness.

“Are you nearly finished? Pizza’s here,” Ollie shouted through. My mouth watered at the prospect. Once I got going on the machine the hours just flew by.

“Coming,” I yelled back, hanging up the outfit. My stomach let out a loud grumble telling me it was more than ready to eat. I walked into the kitchen to meet Ollie half devouring his pizza. Some things never changed.

“What?” he asked, looking at me in wonder as I grinned and grabbed a slice.

“Nothing,” I shrugged. I had everything I needed standing in front of me. Ollie was my heart, he was my home. I needed nothing more.

Acknowledgements

Firstly I’d like to thank the readers for their support throughout writing this series. Writing can be a lonely business, but receiving messages helps to brighten up my day and lift my spirits when I need it the most. I can never thank you enough for taking the time to read my books.

To Tanya, my amazing and patient editor, thank you for polishing up my work, for weeding out all those surplus comma’s (trust me there were a lot) for commenting and smiling at my ‘British-isms’ it’s a pleasure to work with you.

To all the bloggers that spend their days working tirelessly to help authors spread the word, the book community would be nothing without you, we all appreciate everything you do.

To my brave and courageous friend Linda, you have been there with me from the start, the long conversations, the doubts and insecurities, you banished them all. I just wish you were still here with me, but I know you will still be supporting me from above, my cheerleader, my friend, I miss you x