A Healer's Touch Page 4

  Raising up just a bit on her knees her body slid over the head of his cock and slowly she pressed against him and he began to slide into her body. He groaned as she moved with slow excruciating precision. Phoebe moaned as she felt herself stretched and filled with him. Riding up and down on his cock his name slipped out from between her lips in a little moan. Their passion hued eyes locked for a moment, with a very intense look, she felt him twist them around, and she found herself soundly on her back. He began to pump inside of her with a force. Crying out his name her orgasm blinded her with the intensity of the pleasure. She was panting and coming and when she felt her body constricting against his in the aftermath of the mind-blowing-best-sex-of-her-life-orgasm he whispered her name like a prayer and gasped with his release. Panting, he fell down beside her and gathered her into his arms.

  Just as she was falling asleep, she heard his whispered words. “I love you, Phoebe. You must be a witch because I’m lost in your spell.”

  Sighing, she fell asleep with her check pressed against his hard chest and the spicy masculine sent of his skin soothed her.

  Chapter Six

  When she woke up, Fabian was gone. It felt empty and she worried maybe she shouldn’t have pressed for intimacy so soon. Rushing into her feelings and embracing her emotions was her MO and she hoped she hadn’t ruined a very good thing. No one had ever come to her aid, or cared about her well-being like Fabian. He was attractive, good with her child, and wealthy and she felt a connection to him was deep and more than sexual. If she wanted to make a list of the traits a perfect man should have she would just save time and write his name. Sliding off the plush mattress and out of the warm soft sheets, she realized she had no idea where the bathroom was. She had been asleep when he had brought her inside. To make her feel even more off kilter, her clothing was missing. Groaning, she wrapped the flat sheet around her pale naked body like a toga. Did he live alone? She really had no idea and it made her realize just how impetus their relationship was.

  She opened the door and looked out into a long hallway. There were many doors, but none shouted “bathroom” in her opinion. Creeping into the hallway, she began checking the doors, to her relief they looked empty, but unfortunately, none of them were bathrooms either. She’d never seen so many bedrooms in one house before. A sound behind her had her whirling around clutching her makeshift clothing to her naked body. To her relief it was Fabian. He was carrying a familiar object, her suitcase. Raising her eyebrow, she looked at him curiously.

  “I’m your landlord I have a key. I wanted to check things out and get some of your things so early this morning I went to your apartment and packed you a few things. I don’t know how long you will be staying here, but I called Ivory and she is bringing Simon over. I don’t think it is a good idea for him to go to his afternoon preschool class, she said she would take him but I told her not to. I’m worried for you Phoebe. There’s something at your place I need to take care of for you today. I want you to stay here where I can keep you safe.”

  Phoebe was annoyed. Last night she felt the fear of her public outing, but with the light of day, she realized how ridiculous it was to be afraid of people getting all superstitious on her. It was the twenty first century; no one was going to burn her at the stake for heaven sake.

  “I’m taking my son to school and I don’t need you to make decisions for me. I may be young, but I’ve been on my own since I was thirteen. I really don’t need you to tell me how to live my life.”

  He looked like he was going to explode catastrophically. She could tell he wanted to say something or shout by the way that his face twitched. It would’ve been funny if she hadn’t been so angry. She saw his outrage winning, and he looked ready to yell. Phoebe resisted the urge to cringe and she brought all five feet two inches of herself forward and faced him bravely. Scowling, he handed her the bag and said, “Two more doors down, you’ll find the bathroom”. He turned and she watched him stride down the hall and then down the stairs.

  Showered and changed, and feeling a little better, she decided they had all just over reacted. How many people really watched the ridiculous parody her neighbors called Tales of the Unexplained? It was on at one in the morning. She was sure no one besides crazy insomniacs had seen it. Secure in her decision, she refused to hide. Her phone rang. She hit the talk button. “Hello.”

  “It’s Jana, don’t freak out but someone spray painted all over your apartment door. I drove over there this morning just to see if things were all right. You can take a few days off if you want, as long as you need. This is bound to blow over sooner than later.” Now she knew what Fabian wanted to “take care of” at her place.

  “Thanks, what did they paint?” As much as she wanted to avoid it, she knew she needed to know.

  “Garbage about the witch thing. I’m so sorry honey, you have a heart of gold and I wish people would just get over all that silly stuff about you having powers. The only magic you have is a pure heart. Call me when you’re ready to come back to work and stay safe. There was a long pause. She didn’t really know what to say.

  “I need the job, Jana.”

  “I know you do, I’m not firing you.” Phoebe wasn’t entirely convinced.

  “What if I want to come to work?” There was another long pause.

  “Take a few days off, at least the rest of the week.” Her words weren’t a request. Phoebe felt her lips tremble.

  “You’re the boss.” She couldn’t muster anything friendlier. She felt like she was being punished for the slanderous stupidity of her neighbors. For all she knew, they were the morons with the spray paint.

  Chapter Seven

  Fabian had been making calls all morning. Money had its advantages and he knew he could fix what those idiots had done with their show. He made a few more calls and then he found her lying back on his couch with a cool cloth on her head.

  His expert in video met him at the local television studio. For a hefty sum, the respected expert was willing to disavow the video and call it a well-done hoax. His friend at the television station was happy to give him the first five minutes of each of the day’s news broadcasts. He had picked up the expert and now they just had to film the clip and soon Phoebe’s vindication would happen.

  When the noon news was just about to start, he called Phoebe and told her to turn on the television, she did and he listened as she watched the segment. She was quiet, he was unsure if it was a good or a bad quiet. When she spoke, he was annoyed.

  “You did not have to do this Fabian. I would have figured something out.”

  “You are the most stubborn woman in the world, but I’m falling in love with you and I want you to move in with me, Phoebe. I really need you in my life. I’m a smart man and I know what I want when I find it, and I want you Phoebe.”

  It was quiet again, not a good sign. What was he going to do if she said no? He should never have rushed her. He should have used patience. Rushing her might have scared her away, and that was the last thing he wanted. What was it about the woman that made him lose his head?

  “Yes, Fabian. It’s so crazy but I feel it too. I’ve never considered moving in with a man before, I don’t want Simon to have an unstable environment, but I believe in us. I’m willing to give you something I’ve never given another man before, my trust.”

  He laughed relieved she’d consented.

  ****

  Weeks past and Christmas came. A perfect light snow covered everything in white freshness. Phoebe made a delicious holiday Diner and Ivory celebrated with them at Fabian’s big lavishly decorated house, a house that was just beginning to feel like home to Phoebe and Simon. Gifts were piled under the tree for Simon, Fabian had been very generous and she saw the bond forming between them. She was glad she’d decided to move in, their relationship deepened each day. She let herself daydream about a future with Fabian.

  The town always had a big nondenominational service with music and singing in the town square. Fabian wanted them to skip all
of it, but the town’s service had been her favorite part of Christmas all of her life so he gave in and they all went.

  Children sang, the town prayed. Everyone clapped when the star was placed on the tree, each year the order of the show remained the same, and after her parents died, it was the only thing about the holidays that resembled her happy memories of being part of a real family. She always felt as if her parents joined her for the town’s festivities. The day was lovely, perfect, until an older man walked past where they were sitting and out of nowhere; he slugged Fabian in the face. She watched, horrified. The old man hissed angrily, “Witch lover,” and then he walked off as if nothing had happened.

  Simon cried and they left. Phoebe realized she couldn’t draw Fabian into the terrible ostracism. Ivory knew her so well. She’d kept glancing at her during the drive home but hadn’t said a word until they were in the safety of Fabian’s large garage.

  “I want Simon to come have a slumber party at my house. I’ve missed him now that you haven’t been working.” Ivory spoke cheerfully and Simon hurried to his room for his pajamas.

  Fabian tried to embrace Phoebe the moment they were alone. She pushed him away.

  “I can’t do this anymore, Fabian. It’s been a fun diversion, but we both know this won’t work. We really have nothing in common. It’s been nice of you letting us stay, but I’m leaving tonight and I’m not coming back.” She tried to sound honest as she uttered the terrible lie.

  He looked stunned.

  “If this is about the old bastard at the service don’t worry about it. For all I know my bank foreclosed on his home and he was looking for an excuse. You don’t have a monopoly on random hatred.”

  “No Fabian, I’m done. You just have a hero complex. Eventually you’ll see I’m right and this is for the best.”

  Rushing around, Phoebe gathered her things and her son’s things, and before Fabian could stop her she loaded her car and left. He stood there watching her drive out of his life, his heart felt shredded.

  Chapter Eight

  New Years Eve was always a busy night at Margie’s and it was the first night Phoebe was back to work. Time had let some of the rancor towards her settle down and she had to support herself so she was glad when Jana readily gave her the job back. Each night she lay in her bed crying and missing Fabian. She loved him with all her heart and soul. She refused to let him suffer because of what she was. She was still going to the nursing home and she had managed not to run into him when he visited his grandfather, but each time she went she had secretly hoped just to see him. She missed his face. She missed his voice. Doing the right thing sucked.

  Fireworks at midnight brought most of the town out. Phoebe thought about all the kissing couples she would envy. Having a broken heart was not the way she wanted to start the New Year. The choice she’d made ripped her heart to shreds. He’d been protecting her from the moment he entered her life, it was her turn to protect him.

  As the patrons started to pile out into the cold, she sighed. Everyone seemed to be in love. Following the crowd out, the countdown began and she looked up expectantly at the sky. Watching the fireworks would keep her from thinking about Fabian’s lips.

  “Three, two, one, Happy New Year everyone! Don’t forget to grab a New Year’s glass of the bubbly,” shouted one of the other waitresses. Noisemakers and fireworks erupted with sound and light.

  Phoebe looked up into the sky to see the bright beauty of the fireworks. Suddenly she was no longer looking up; instead, her face had been captured. She felt familiar arms holding her. Fabian kissed her passionately.

  When he finally stopped kissing her, he spoke. His voice was rough and raw with his emotion.

  “I refuse to start the New Year without you.” He stroked her cheek gently. “I love you and I want you in my life, Phoebe. You gave me a terrible Christmas present but I’ll forgive you if you give me a New Year’s Eve to remember. The day you left, I realized how empty my life is without you. I like having Simon around too. The boy needs a man in his life.” He paused and took a deep breath. His expression looked tormented. He had bags under his eyes as if he wasn’t sleeping. Seeing the look tore at her heart. “You are more precious to me than I can explain. It feels like I’ve known you forever. I…I’ve never felt like this about another woman. I know this is going to sound crazy, but marry me and the town can be damned.” His eyes searched hers, looking for her response. “They won’t suddenly forget you’re what you are and no expert on the news or amount of time will make those who hate stop hating you. I will always be from the Sterling family and right now, I make decisions, hard decisions, affecting almost every resident in this town, people will always want to slug me. For the brief time that you were mine, I finally belonged here. When you are in my arms, I feel real peace. I want to be your husband and I want to be the father Simon deserves. Will you let me belong to you, Phoebe? Will you be my wife?” His breath froze in little puffs as he spoke, and a glint in his eye awed her as she realized it was a tear. He hurt as much as she did because of her noble stupidity.

  Tears began rolling off her cheeks as the magnitude of her mistake overwhelmed her. She shouldn’t have walked away from him. Looking up into his eyes and seeing the genuine love, she only had one answer to give him.

  “I love you, Fabian Sterling, and I want to belong to you, too.”

  He gave a whoop of victory and picked her up kissing her and spinning her around. When he set her back on her feet, she looked up at him earnestly.

  “I don’t ever want you to suffer because of my love.” He wiped the tears from her face with his thumbs.

  “I have been suffering because of my love for you. Phoebe, I’m taking you to the alter as soon as possible; I’m not going to let you get away again. I’ve always been able to close the deal and this is one deal I’m definitely excited to make.”

  Phoebe rolled her eyes at his analogy, but laughed despite it. When he bent down to kiss her again, she felt something amazing sizzle between them and in her way she knew things, she felt sure everything was going to be all right and she’d found her true soul mate, and a place to belong—Fabian’s arms.

  The End

  Ashlynn Monroe has been dreaming up stories all her life. She started to put them on paper at thirteen, but it wasn’t until she was thirty that she decided to share them with others. She’s a busy mom with a full time job, fantastic friends, and a unique sense of humor. She’s just a regular girl who’s in love with the idea of happily-ever-after. She’s honored to be multi-published by some of the best electronic publishers in the industry. Ashlynn survives each day by dreaming up her next tale of romance. She loves her readers and can’t thank them enough for the wonderful support they give her. Visit her website at http://www.ashlynnmonroe.com to learn more about the worlds she imagines.