Fates' Destiny (13 page)

Destiny almost laughed. He
r dad did laugh. And Adam…

“Jason!”

He scowled at the boy but it wasn’t his usual scowl. This one seemed to be masking humor.

“What?” He asked innocently. “I don’t like it so I asked her to stop. I was very polite about it.”

“Yeah Adam.” Destiny couldn’t help herself. “He could’ve just dyed her red or something.”

The room erupted into laughter. Even her dad laughed even though he had no idea what she was talking about. Her mother though… She didn’t find anything funny.

“Are you all laughing at me?” She huffed and folded her arms across her chest.

“Oh calm down Mom.” Destiny panted. “We’re just having a little fun.”

“Well, I’m not having fun at all. Dave,” She demanded. “I think we should go.”

“No, wait.” Adam stopped her. “I was planning to throw some steaks on the grill tonight…”

Destiny knew exactly where this was going and shook her head vigorously to try to stop him. She failed. 

“Why don’t you guys stay for dinner?” Then he turned his full attention to her mother. “And that way we can try to convince you that Destiny belongs here.”

“Well…” Her mother rolled the idea around in her head.

Please say no. Please say no.
Destiny silently pleaded.

“I do like a good steak.”

Damn it.

“Great! Just let me get Destiny and we can all go sit on the back porch.” He made his way to her as he continued. “I have a beautiful backyard Mrs. Reece. I think you’re going to love it.”

He slid his arms under her and once he had her safely in his arms she whispered,

“I’m going to kill you for this one.”

Her threat was responded with nothing but a grin and a wink.

Adam had to admit he really enjoyed meeting Destiny’s parents. Her mother was very inquisitive about everything pertaining to his family and his job and Adam learned real fast who Destiny inherited her mouth from. Her father was the complete opposite of his wife. He cracked jokes and even congratulated Jason on his little ‘dye prank’.

After meeting them Destiny’s
personality made a lot more sense.

Conversation was lively. Even Ali joined in. He would’ve thought Destiny was enjoying herself if she didn’t keep giving him dirty looks.

After everyone left Adam helped Destiny to her room. She bitched the entire way about how she could walk and how she wasn’t helpless. He ignored her. He liked caring for her. More than he thought he would.

Once she was rested in her bed she looked at him.

“I can’t believe you would voluntarily spend time with my mother.”

“Awe.”
He lowered onto the edge of the bed next to her. “She wasn’t that bad.”

“The hell.”
Destiny snorted. “She’s a nightmare. I just want to choke her sometimes.”

“Well don’t. I have friends in the judicial system but I don’t think I could convince them to overlook murder.” Adam teased and his effort got the response he was hoping for…
A smile.

“Thank
s Adam…” Her green eyes locked his. “… For everything.”

Her green stare held appreciation and dare he say, admiration. He found himself lost in the emerald depth
s and he didn’t want to be found.

“You’re welcome Destiny.” The
words were no more than a whisper because his mouth had suddenly gone dry.

All of a sudden a vision of Liz fluttered from the recess of his mind shattering the spell he was under. He had to get out of there. He had to get away from her before he did something that he wouldn’t be able to live with.

Without a word he rose from the bed and made his way out of the room, hoping like hell whatever he was feeling for Destiny would go away.

~              ~              ~

Destiny stared at the door for a moment after he was gone thinking that was odd. He just got up and left. No goodnight or anything.

Shrugging his strange behavior off, she snuggled into her pillows and grabbed her book.

As she opened it to the place she’d left off her cell phone blared from the nightstand.

She smiled when she seen Kenna smiling at her from the screen.

“Hey girl.” She answered.

“Hey. Are you ok? Luke told me you were viciously assaulted by a baseball and had to go to the hospital.”

Destiny laughed. “Yes I’m fine. Just a little bruised and sore.”

“Oh good.
I’m going to stop by tomorrow and check on you.”

“Ok.” Destiny scooted back against her pillows to sit up a little more. “So, you’ve talked to Luke today?”

“Several times.” Kenna answered cheerfully. “He misses me.”

That comment right there made Destiny turn serious. Luke was obviously the type of guy who enjoyed women, not one woman. She felt compelled to say something.
To warn her.

“
Kenna, I know you like him but you need to understand something. Luke doesn’t strike me as the settling down type. You may want to keep that in mind while you two are dating.”

“I know Destiny. I get the same vibe. I just like being around him. He makes me feel good.”

“Ok.” Destiny hoped like hell she didn’t lose her heart to him. God knows Kenna’s been through enough hurt in her life. “I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I know Destiny and I appreciate it. Oh,” She went silent for a second. “This is him.” She announced excitedly. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Ok Hun.”              

After Destiny laid her phone on the nightstand she turned back to her book.

She wasn’t through the first paragraph when she felt her eyes close and not open back up.

Sunday w
ent by quietly. Destiny was a mixture of surprise, relief, and disappointment that Adam wasn’t there to baby her when she woke. Despite her protests she really did like his attention.

He’d spent most of his day barricade in his office. When he did come out he asked her how she was and that wa
s it. No barking orders. No conversation. Nothing. And she had to admit it kind of worried her. It was true she didn’t know him all that well but she did know that a mood swing like that was usually caused from worry or anger. The only thing that she could think of that would cause it was the issues he was having in Miami.

The kids came around periodically. Well, all but Ali. She
, too, had confined herself to her room. That really didn’t worry Destiny considering she’d only really seen the girl at meal times since she arrived.

Kenna
showed up early in the afternoon and stayed most of the day. She talked of nothing but the conversations her and Luke had been having and Destiny was happy for her. Still worried, but happy.

Richard and
Dela returned early in the evening. They were both shocked to learn of Destiny’s stupid helping method and asked her the same thing everyone else has. “What the hell were you thinking?”

Once Dela got done lecturing Destiny about taking care of
herself and not letting 13 year olds throw baseballs at her she told her all about their visit and how her daughter couldn’t wait to meet her.

“She can’t wait to have a conversation with someone who will know what the hell she’s talking about.” She told her.

After all the children were in bed Destiny decided to check on Adam before she turned in for the night.

She went to his office and asked if he was ok.

“Fine.” He replied without taking his eyes off a stack of papers in front of him.

He was far from fine but Destiny left him alone. Something had him troubled and she really wasn’t in the mood to be on the receiving end of his temper tonight.

Monday came and even though it was bright and beautiful outside in the Fates’ home the atmosphere was far from bright.

“I’ll get home as soon as I can.”

Destiny watched as Adam gently tucked a strand of Anna’s hair behind her ear in an attempt to stop the flow of tears that streamed down her face.

“I don’t want you to go Daddy.” She wrapped her arms around his neck.

“I know Baby.” He buried his head into her shoulder. “But I have to. I can’t leave your Uncle Luke alone for too long. There’s no telling what will happen.”

The little girl giggled but her tears still flowed. She pulled back and looked into his handsome face.

“Will you bring me back a present?”

He clearly forced his smile
. “Of course I will Baby.”

After another hug Adam rose to his full height and looked at his other two children.

“You guys be good for Destiny.”

“Ok Dad.” Jason smiled.

“Um.” Was the response he received from Ali as she tapped away on her phone.

His eyes turned to her and
she felt her heart leap. It quickly fell when he said, “Destiny.” With a polite nod and walked out the open front door.

Ok… Destiny followed him out and stopped at the steps of the porch.

Richard was waiting next to Adam’s midnight blue sports car. He’d offered to take him to the airport so Adam wouldn’t have to leave his favorite toy in a parking garage.

“Um, Adam?”
She called to him as he made his way across the stone drive.

He stopped as he reached the car and turned to her, his dark sunglasses blocking her view of his beautiful dark eyes.

“What is it Destiny?”

Damn! Did she do something wrong? Was she the reason he was so grumpy?

“I was just wondering,” She stepped down the steps and vigilantly took a step toward him. “if you would call me when you land so I’ll know you arrived safely.”

He stared at her for a moment and she wished like hell those glasses didn’t block her view of his eyes. She couldn’t tell if he was mad or what.

“I’ll try.” And with that he rounded the car, slid into the driver’s seat, and headed down the driveway.

She sighed as she watched the car until it was out of view. She should’ve asked him last night if there was something wrong. She should’ve asked him right then. But she didn’t and now she’d be curious while he’s gone.

Damn it! She cursed herself as she made her way back into the house. What could she have possibly done? She played the time since she noticed his change through her mind but she couldn’t pin point anything. They were getting along just fine. No arguing. No yelling. Nothing. They had been enjoying each other’s company. Or at least that’s what she thought…

After all the children left
Destiny sat her cup of coffee on the island bar and slid up on a barstool. The movement caused a sudden pain to shoot through her ribs. She winced with a hiss.

“You ok?” Dela asked as she finished wiping down the counter by the stove.

“Oh yeah.” Destiny eased onto the stool. “It’s not as bad as it was. Now it only hurts if I move a certain way.”

“I still can’t believe you did that.” Dela said on a soft laugh as she focused on her chore.

“Yeah, well,” Destiny wrapped her hand around the white mug. “I helped Jason and that’s all that matters.”

“I guess you did. What else happened while we were gone?”

Destiny told her all about the girls’ competition and the nightmare that was dinner with her parents.

“Other than that, not too much.”

“And you and Adam are getting along well?”

Destiny let out a sigh as she looked down at her cup. “We were but something’s not right. I think he’s mad at me.”

Dela
tossed her paper towel in the trash and turned to her, the lines on her forehead deepened by curiosity.

“Why would he be mad at you?”

Destiny shrugged, her fingers warming around the cup. “Saturday everything was fine but yesterday he barely spoke to me. And this morning he was very…” She paused searching for the right word. “…curt with me.” Yeah, that’s a good way to describe the way he spoke to her outside.

“Destiny,” Dela leaned over the bar, propped up on her elbows, and laced her fingers together in front of her. “Adam has a lot on his mind. It probably has nothing to do with you.”

“Yeah.” Destiny agreed on a sigh but she wasn’t so sure. Something was telling her that whatever it was that was bothering him had everything to do with her.

Maybe unpacking wasn’t such a good idea. She
thought as the worst case scenario ran through her mind.

Just then her cell phone vibrated on the granite counter. Instantly hope it was him sparked within her even though she knew there was no way in hell he was already in Miami.

It quickly diminished when she saw Kenna smiling at her on the screen. She tamped down her worry with a deep breath and put on her best ‘happy’ expression.

“Hey girl.”
She answered seeming cheerful.

“Hey.” Kenna returned the cheerful greeting. “I don’t have to be at work till 10. You want to meet for breakfast?”

“Yes.” She answered without hesitation. She didn’t want to be here, alone, thinking.

“Cool. Meet me at Shell’s D
iner.”

“K.”

~
              ~              ~

10 minutes later Destiny was sitting on a red booth seat across from her best friend. The waitress came as soon as they sat down. They both ordered coffee and the woman who had to have been in her late 50’s was back in no time. The two ordered and once she was gone Kenna had a question.

“How you holding up?”

Destiny’s brow drew together. “Holding up?” What is she talking about?

“Don’t play dumb Destiny.” Kenna laughed as she poured sugar into her steamy cup. “I know you miss him.”

“No I don’t.” Destiny argued. “I barely know him.”

Again Kenna laughed. “Don’t lie. I can tell.”

“Ok.” Destiny let out a sigh. “Maybe I miss him a little.” She
propped her elbow on the table, dropped her head into her hand, and used her free hand to stir her coffee… again.

“I think he’s mad at me.”

“Really?” Kenna gasped. “Why? Luke told me that Adam said you two were getting along pretty good now.”

Destiny shrugged without lifting her head. “Don’t know.”

“Well, what did he say?”

Destiny lifted her head and dropped her arm on the table in frustration. “That’s the problem. He didn’t say anything. He barely spoke to me yesterday and this morning he was short with me. It’s bugging the hell out of me that I can’t figure out what I did.”

Just then their waitress showed up with their breakfast. After she made sure they didn’t need anything else she scurried away.

“You probably didn’t do anything.” Kenna continued with the conversation as she seasoned her eggs. “It’s no secret that he has issues. He’s probably just going through something.”

“Yeah probably.”

The sound of her cell phone vibrating across the table pulled Destiny’s attention from her pancakes.
The moment she spotted ‘Mr. Fates’ on the screen her heart jumped into her throat.

“It’s him.” She couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice.

“Hey. You made it?” She answered and was surprised (and disappointed) when she heard Luke’s voice.

“
And good morning to you too Destiny.” He said cheerfully. “Yeah. He’s here.”

Destiny looked at her friend in confusion as she asked Luke,

“Well, where is he?”

“Getting his luggage.
He asked me to call you. Why? You don’t like talking to me?”

She could hear the pout in his voice and it made her laugh.

“No Luke. I love talking to you. I was just curious.”

She saw
Kenna’s face light up.

“Tell him I said ‘Hi’.” She mouthed.

“Kenna says ‘Hi’ by the way.” She did as asked.

“Really?”
He said slyly. “Is my Kenna with you right now?”

His
Kenna?
His phrasing surprised her a little but she didn’t comment on it. Instead she said, “Yep. We’re having breakfast.”

“That sounds nice. Tell her to call me when you guys get done. I’ll let you two get back to gossiping about me now.”

“Ok Luke.” She laughed. “Ask Adam to call me if he gets a chance today.”

“I will. You ladies have fun.”

“We will.”

She told him ‘goodbye’, hung up, and dropped her phone on the table.
The moment she ended the call her cheerfulness died. It was very obvious he didn’t want to talk to her.

“He had Luke call.” She announced to her friend as she jabbed the stack of pancakes with her fork.

“Yeah,” Kenna snorted a laugh as she loaded her fork with hash browns. “I kind of figured that out.”

“I don’t know what I did Kenna.” Destiny couldn’t remember the last time she was this frustrated.

“Destiny,” Kenna looked her in the eyes. “Just ask him. If he calls you today ask him. If he doesn’t then when he gets back corner him in his office. But don’t beat yourself up over it. I’m sure it’s nothing you guys can’t work out.”

“Yeah.”
Destiny agreed on a sigh and now determined to find out what the hell his problem is.

~              ~              ~

Adam sat in the passenger seat of the car Luke had rented when he first arrived, eyes on his hand that rested on his thigh. Actually, not his hand but the gold wedding band circling his ring finger.

He could hear her voice faintly as Luke talked to her and damn it, the sound made his blood run hot.
Now even the sound of her voice excited him. Oh god. What was he going to do?

“So,
are you going to tell me what that was all about?” Luke asked as he handed him back his phone.

“Nothing.”
Adam mumbled as he took the phone from him.

“Nothing?”
Luke snorted. “You asked me to call Destiny to let her know you made it safely when you’re perfectly capable of doing it yourself. And you didn’t want me to tell her you were sitting right next to me. Something’s going on. You two didn’t get into another argument did you?”

“No.” God help him if they did.

“Ok then. Tell me what’s up. You know I’m not going to shut up until you do.”

Damn it. He had him there. Luke w
ould hound him for eternity. So he gave in before it even started.

“I’m attracted to her.” His voice was barely audible to his own ears.

“I’m sorry.” Luke leaned closer to him but kept his eyes on the road. “What was that?” 

“I’m attracted to her, damn it!
” All his frustration came bubbling out of him.  “It’s so fucked up. The times that we’ve argued I wanted to strangle her but yesterday when I was thinking of those moments all I wanted to do was rip her clothes off, pin her to a wall, and have my way with her until she begged for mercy. Then when I thought about the moments we were getting along and she looked at me with those pretty green eyes I wanted to make love to her over and over until neither one of us could go anymore. I don’t know what to do.” He ran his hands into his hair and fisted two handfuls. This was a nightmare come to life.

“Do about what Adam?
So what. You’ve got the hots for her. Act on it.”

Adam tugged at his hair in frustration. “I can’t.”

“Why not?” Luke glanced over at him. “And don’t give me that ‘she’s my employee’ bullshit.”

“I’m married Luke.” He released his hair and held up his hand to show his brother his ring.
“Married!”

“Adam,” Luke
went serious. “you’re not married anymore. Liz is gone and she wanted you to move on with your life. You’ve got to let go.”

“I can’t.” The guilt damn near choked him. “I feel so guilt
y. I feel like I’m betraying her.”

“You’re not betraying her. She wanted you to move on. She’s gone and there’s nothing you can do to change it. You can’t sit here and waste away. She wanted you to be happy.”

Happy.
He wanted to be happy again. Destiny made him happy. She made him feel things he’s never felt before. She lit a passionate fire in him he didn’t think he possessed.

But he just could
n’t push himself to act on his impulsions. He thought about it yesterday and the moment he’d convinced himself to talk to her Liz entered his mind and shattered his plan… Shattered him.

This was torture. The battle was pulling him apart…
Slowly, painfully. 

“What am I going to do?” He didn’t mean to ask that aloud.

“You’ll figure it out.” Luke answered. “But for now,” He slowed the car and turned into a dark parking garage next to the building that housed the law firm he’d hired. “you need to put it all aside because we’re here.”

Adam nodded and took a deep breath, regaining control of
himself.

“I’m solid
.” He told his brother as he pulled the car into a parking place.

“Good. Now let’s go to work.”