The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set (63 page)

“Of course.”

“We’ll all be there to cheer you on,” Joel added, as his fingers stroked along the curve of my back, even through the fine material of the graduation gown his touch was electric. I could feel myself stirring, sinking into his fingers. This was not good especially in front of the parents. I quickly snapped out of it, moving away from him. He knew the power he had over me. I didn’t need to look at him to know he would be grinning.

“I can’t wait to see you up on stage. I will be the proudest dad ever.”

“Let’s not get carried away just yet.” It was my graduation day. I had worked hard for three years, dealing with pressure. I didn’t need my family piling it on before I’d even started looking for work. Today was about celebration.

“You will do it, Iz, and we will all be there to support you.”

“Thanks.” I knocked back the champagne so fast I almost choked myself.

Elijah walked over beaming with Sam. “Hey guys. Looking good, Joel.”

“Err I’m off to get some more drinks.” Joel nearly sprinted off in panic, and I slapped Elijah on the chest.

“Knock it off,” I warned.

“What? I was just admiring him all dressed up. God, he looks hot in a shirt and tie, and I bet those trousers fit him snug—”

“Don’t even finish that sentence.” I was about to strangle him with his own tie if he did.

“You know, Iz, I’d be okay if you admired Sam’s body. You’re far too uptight at times.”

“Not that I don’t think you have a hot body, Sam.”

“’Cause he does,” Elijah added.

“But you need to tone it down. I don’t mention things like that. You’re overstepping the mark yet again.” He was forever doing it, and I for one was tired of having to point out his inappropriate behavior.

He let out a loud breath. “Fine, I’ll just think it rather than say it in future, that okay for you?”

“I’d rather you didn’t do either to be honest,” I fumed.

“That’s impossible and you know it.” He threw his hands up in annoyance. Sam grabbed him and pulled him into him.

“He’ll behave in future, Iz, I promise.”

I smiled at Sam in appreciation, especially as Joel was heading back with drinks looking slightly hesitant.

“We need to get back to my mum anyway. She was chewing someone’s ear off about her herbal concoctions when we left. Plus B will be getting antsy especially as it’s getting towards lunchtime. There is no looking at her when she’s hungry.”

I grimaced at the mention of Brianne, she and Ryan were still happily together. I kept my distance, but we were civil when we had to be in the same room. I had no desire to see her today. I didn’t want her spiteful tongue ruining the day. I happily kissed Elijah and Sam as they headed back. Joel handed the drinks out to everyone looking around for any unwelcomed visitors.

“It’s fine, Joel, they’ve gone.”

He let out a sigh of relief, knocking back some wine.

“That Elijah is one character,” my dad added chuckling. He had been looking on in amusement during our conversation.

“Yeah. He’s definitely that.” He was one person he could never be labeled. He was unique character in every sense.

“He looks like he wants to devour me every time I see him.”

“He does.” There was no denying that he couldn’t make it any more obvious if he tried.

“Izzy, thanks for trying to put my mind at ease,” Joel chided, throwing back the rest of his drink.

“She can be a little too hard with the truth, try to cushion the blow a little, Iz.” My dad winked before turning and chatting to Mike.

He probably did have a point. “Sorry, baby, but Elijah knows you’re mine. He does it to get a rise, but he’s totally truthful about you being hot. You’ve had all the girls in my year staring all day, it’s not just Elijah.”

“The only person I want staring at me is you.”

“I do, it’s my favourite pastime.” I winked before kissing him.

“So you like to watch me?”

“I like to do more than that.” His lips found mine again, and we lost ourselves completely.

“Break it up, you two, parents are here,” my dad said, shaking his head.

“You are all mine later,” Joel whispered, and I smiled as a delicious tingle of delight flowed through my body.

“Can’t wait.”

“Right, are we all ready to leave? We have a table booked in thirty minutes, who’s ready for some food?”

“Now you’re talking,” Joel added, his eyes lighting up at the mention of it.

Somethings never changed.

“Oh and Iz,” he whispered in my ear. “Make sure you keep hold of the cap. I might have to do a little role play of my own later.”

My cheeks heated just at the thought. I for one couldn’t wait.

I woke to the warmth of sunlight streaming in through the window and sighed, peeping open an eye I caught Joel full on staring. He chuckled before he lips quickly met with mine, but he pulled away after a few moments much to my annoyance.

“Happy twenty-first, Iz,” Joel breathed. His lips brushed up against my cheek.

“Thanks,” I sighed.

“Hey, you don’t seem very happy about it being your big day?” His eyes scrutinized my face, looking concerned.

“I don’t know, it’s just another birthday to me.” I shrugged.

“But twenty-one is a big deal.”

“What did you do for yours?” I asked, shuffling ’round more to face him.

His face dropped at my question. “Do you really want to know?”

“Yes,” I hesitantly replied.

“Well, my dad got me zilch. My uncle didn’t post my card out in time. If it hadn’t of been for your family then, I would have got nothing. I can only remember certain parts. I spent most of the day getting slaughtered to escape it. That’s why I want you to enjoy yours, you only get to have this special birthday once, and I’m glad that I get to be a part of it.”

It always seemed no matter how much I prepared myself, Joel’s recollection from the past always made my heart squeeze with sadness. “Maybe you could share yours today too, like a twenty-one part two,” I suggested, smiling.

“That’s a little weird.” He chuckled just at the thought of it.

“I just want you to share in my birthday, to make up for the one you should have had.” I frowned. I hated how each special occasion had been ruined by his cruel and sadistic dad.

“Don’t worry about me, that was a long tim
e
—
”

I grabbed his chin. “We never forget those kind of moments, we cherish them for years to come. So happy birthday, Joel.” I pressed my lips against his.

“This is way too weird now,” he mumbled between kisses.

“Just go with it.”

“Fine.” He sank deeper into the kiss, as I lost myself. I pulled back several minutes later.

“So what was your first surprise of the day?” I asked, slightly panting.

He stroked his nose against mine. “Well, it was to give you multiple orgasms. Are you up for that?”

“Oh most definitely.” I grinned with delight.

“Let’s not waste any more time talking, I have better use for my mouth.”

I couldn’t have agreed more.

* * *

“I swear you and your blindfolds, if you do this to me one more time I am going to scream.”

“Oh shush and enjoy the lovely surprise I’ve arranged,” Joel hissed in my ear.

I stumbled along beside him, now walking on grass. I gripped ahold of Joel tighter, and he soothingly stroked my back before pulling me to a halt. He kissed me softly on the lips, slowly taking off the scarf. When I turned, I could see a lovely white marquee had been erected in Elijah’s garden and there stood in front of me was my family and friends, all smiling back at me. But the biggest surprise of them all was the moment my dad came up behind me, pulling me into a hug from behind.

“Happy birthday, baby girl.” He pressed his lips against my cheek.

I spun around fast. “Oh my god, you never said you were coming, how?”

“See, she still doesn’t understand the concept of a surprise,” Joel chimed in, chuckling.

“Oh shush,” I silenced Joel turning back to my dad. “But you said you had a big meeting.”

“Again, the concept of a surprise,” Joel muttered.

My dad frowned. “Are you happy I’m here?”

My face split into a huge smile. “Of course, it’s made my birthday even more special. I’m just in shock. Please tell me you’re here for a while.”

“Only a week as my work schedule is manic, but we can pack a lot in that time. It will seem like a lot longer, you will be sick of me.”

“Never, I wish you were back here.” It was the one thing I hated—the distance between us.

“I know but my life is in Australia now, you just need to come over more.”

“That’s easier said than done.” Airfare was way out of my and Joel’s league. By the time we paid bills and bought food, there was not much leftover for expensive holidays.

“You could always move out there with us,” he suggested looking hopeful.

“Geoff,” my mother warned. I knew she wouldn’t be happy with that little comment, but my dad just laughed. I think he knew in his heart that that would never be a possibility. It just didn’t make sense for my career or my family to up sticks and move to the other side of the world, but the cheeky glint in my dad’s eyes told me it was more to wind up my mother more than anything else and as usual she took the bait every time.

“Okay, Helen,” he chuckled, shooting me a wink. Though if I’d said yes he would have me packed and boarded on the plane before I even had finished the sentence.

I hugged my dad harder, just happy to see him. I had missed him so much, it was such a heart-wrencher when he left, but to see him here now on my special birthday there was no words of gratitude to have him here for this occasion.

“I’ve missed you so much, Iz, and Mike too, it’s always good to see my kids.” He pressed a kiss on my hair and then leaned back, staring deep into my eyes. “I can’t believe my baby girl is twenty-one. Where did the time go? God, I feel so old.”

“That’s because you are old, man,” Mike chimed in, walking towards him. They hugged and laughed acting like typical men. They would have lots lined up this week, which no doubt included football. At least Joel would be happy. I’d just retreat into my Kindle world and enjoy my BBs instead.

“So we’re definitely on for the match on Saturday?” Mike asked.

Oh here we go.

I knew it wouldn’t take long.

“Are you coming, Joel? A guy at work dropped out so there’s a spare seat going.”

“Yeah I’m in, if that’s okay with you?” he turned to ask me.

Mike snorted. “You don’t have to ask permission to go to football. Bloody hell, Joel, you are whipped.”

Joel frowned looking embarrassed as my rage levels soared.

“I think you’ll find it’s called being considerate. We could have had something planned for all you know, so keep your opinions to yourself.” Mike still had the ability to rile me over the smallest of things.

“Oh whatever, Iz,” Mike huffed.

“It’s fine, Joel. Mike asks me as well after the last time he headed off to watch the match without even bothering to let me know after making him a Sunday lunch,” Kara piped up, smiling reassuringly at Joel.

“Seriously? You’re bringing up that again?” Mike groaned.

“I didn’t slave for hours on end to come ’round with lunch plated up to find you bloody awol.”

My dad and Joel sniggered in the background watching Mike cringe in front of them. He acted like the big man, but he was equally as whipped as the rest of them.

“Dad, stop laughing and you too, Joel,” he groaned, glaring at them both.

“Hey, I hold my hands up and say I’m whipped. I married two strong women that have always taken the lead and I’m fine with that. Trust me, when I say, Mike, it’s far easier to let things slide, to ask permission, then you will be in the good books.”

“Here, here,” Kara replied smugly, sticking her tongue out at Mike. He glared at her, but he couldn’t keep up the pretense for long, he was too in love. In truth, she had him wrapped around her little finger. Mike just wasn’t ready to admit it and would deny it just to save face.

“Just wait till I get you back to yours, and we’ll soon see who’s boss.” He smirked shooting her a wink.

“Ewww, there are some things in life you don’t want to hear.” I winced at the thought of it.

My dad looked equally as queasy too. I think we were all in agreement no discussing each other’s sex lives. I shuddered at the thought of it.

“He likes to act like he’s in charge, but really we know who really takes charge in the bedroom.”

“And on that note.” We all quickly headed off before she even finished that sentence.

* * *

“Make a wish, Iz,” Joel whispered from behind. He was stood with his arms around me as I blew out the candle before everyone cheered. The cake was actually an array of beautiful cupcakes, in pink and lilac icing decorated with flowers. I knew this was Elijah’s doing, no way would Joel come up with this. My eyes wandered over to Elijah’s and he winked, only confirming it. I smiled and mouthed thank you. They looked far too pretty to eat, but once the photos were taken we would be devouring the lot.

Everyone snapped away taking photos, we had a lot of family pictures taken. My dad insisting he needed plenty of the proud day. He really was overly sentimental but I smiled away, even though I secretly wanted to shy away from the camera.

Once the pictures were taken Joel swiped the top of the icing from the strawberry cupcake, positioning his finger for me to lick off the delicious goodness. I groaned the moment the sweet icing hit my taste buds. I was in heaven. I guess we kind of forgot we were on show, not realizing everyone was watching our little.

“Okay, you two, keep it PG. Parents and guests here, remember?” My dad shook his head in disbelief.

I blushed and Joel chuckled. I playfully dug him in the ribs with my elbow to which he groaned. He grabbed me, placing a quick kiss on my lips before diving into the strawberry cupcakes. I made a mental note to hide some for later. Tonight would be a lot of fun once we had some privacy, I was certain things were about to get very sticky.

* * *

“Can I have this dance?” Joel asked, offering his hand. I smiled as I took it, and he pulled me in close as we reached the dance floor. There were several couples already there, but I never noticed anyone except Joel. The music was a soft slow ballad as we fell into a rhythm, melting into each other. It was heaven.

“Have you had a good day, baby?” Joel asked, his eyes staring deep into mine.

“I’ve had the best day.” It really had exceeded all my wishes, to be surrounded on my special day by all my loved ones.

“So turning twenty-one wasn’t that bad then?” Joel smirked.

“Well, there was cake and my fiancé and best friend arranged this amazing party for me and seeing my dad on my big day was something I’ll always treasure.”

“So we did good then?” he asked needing more confirmation, but I would more than thank him later.

“You all did amazing.”

“You know it’s not over yet …”

“Present time,” Elijah shrieked, frightening the life out of everyone around us.

“I swear he has the most inappropriate timing, let’s pretend we didn’t hear him.”

“Oh but I want to open the presents,” I murmured against his lips as he tried to distract me with a kiss.

He sighed. “Fine, but you are mine later. I’m going to enjoy unwrapping you by myself.”

“I think I might enjoy that too.”

“Just you wait till I get you home.”  His look was enough, I had to walk away before I pounced on him and did it there and then. When we were in the moment everyone else just ceased to exist, there was just us.

“Okay, Izzy, sit in the middle, and we’ll pass the presents along.”

I just smiled and conformed to Elijah. He was in party planner mode so it was best to just follow his instructions. I sat down, Joel followed suit squeezing my hand. The first present was from my dad. He handed it over smiling but there was a look of hesitancy in his eyes, which made me question his gift.

I unwrapped it to find it was a set of vintage Jane Austen books that were in beautiful hand bound covers. I stroked my finger along the material, the pages inside were like silk, making the words appear more beautiful on the page.

“I’m friends with a book dealer; you know my love for all thing books.”

I smiled remembering how we would spend hours traipsing around fairs in the hopes to find something worthy of our collections. I now had an impressive book collection thanks to my dad persistence. I had gotten my bookworm gene from him and had read books non-stop ever since. So to hold this rare collection in my hands was beyond words.

“There are only ten in the world. When Ted showed me them I knew they would be the perfect gift to give you to make your birthday even more special.”

He was right they would be something I would treasure and admire on my shelf for the rest of my days.

He smiled and I could see the emotion building. He was trying to make up for the past, to make amendments for those years we had been apart. I felt sad he still felt like he had to prove himself. He was my dad and I loved him, that was all I needed but the present he bought me today was priceless, as much as the thought that went into it. I loved how he still embraced my inner bookworm. Books to me were everything and to have such a collection on my shelf that maybe one day I could eventually hand down to my own children was priceless.