I Am Yours (Heartbeat #3) (15 page)

“I told you, George is a romantic at heart. He only wants what’s best for his patients. He wants them to be happy.” It’s scary to see how much Kelly believes in this quack.

“Did he ever hear of free will? Obviously not if he thinks he can play matchmaker like some psychologically demented Cupid.” Disgusted, Adam pushes himself up off the floor and gets to his feet. “Call him now, Kelly, and get me the hell off his list.”

“So this is it? You’re just going to give up on Katie so easily? You’re not even going to try to make it work with her?” Clumsily, she hauls herself into a standing position, but he still towers over her. “You two could be so good together. I’ve seen the way you look at each other. Why don’t you at least give it some time? It’s worth giving your feelings a second chance.”

“Why, Kelly? To save your skin? Our entire relationship is built on a lie. There’s no moving forward from something like this. We’d always question whether what we have is real or if we were duped into believing someone else’s fantasy.” Getting angry, I’m grateful that Adam gives me his hand as he pulls me up to stand between them. “Whether you like it or not, it’s over. What we had never really existed in the first place. It was just a bunch of smoke and mirrors that clouded our judgment.”

“Kelly, it’s time for you to make it right. Quit horsing around and call him already. I’m not going to ask you again.” Adam tilts his head in the direction of her phone, indicating what he wants her to do.

Without another word, she picks it up, hitting the button.

“Put it on speaker,” Adam commands.

The number of rings begins to multiply as Adam clenches and unclenches his jaw.

“Hello?” I’m filled with longing when I hear the smoothness of Dr. Savoy’s voice on the other end of the line. It’s one I’m deeply familiar with, my unconscious responding warmly to hearing it in a wakeful state. I haven’t talked to him in weeks, but I’d know his voice anywhere. It’s the calm within the storm.

I look over at Adam and he’s holding on to the armrest of the couch, a tortured expression on his face. He recognizes it too and it’s throwing him for a loop. He doesn’t have pleasant associations with that voice—only pain.

“Honey, it’s me. We have a bit of a problem here.” Kelly speaks soothingly into the receiver.

“Where are you, love?” The rich timbre of Dr. Savoy’s reply fills the room.

“I’m with Katie and Adam actually.” She pauses, taking a deep breath. “They found out about the study, and they’re not too happy about it. They wanted me to call and see if you could let them drop out. I know how important their participation is to you—”

“Listen, Savoy. I’m through playing games. You’re going to stop spying on us. You’re going to stop calling us. You’re going to stop messing with our heads. This ends today. Do you understand?” Adam’s dander is up as he takes the phone out of Kelly’s hand.

“I’m afraid that’s not possible, Mr. O’Malley. You’re too deeply entrenched now. I’d fear for your psychological well-being, if we just stopped your treatments.” Dr. Savoy is so cool, so collected. It’s frightening, like we’re all children and he’s the adult.

“You never asked for our permission, Dr. Savoy, and that’s illegal. Do you really want us to go to the police with this?” Inspired by Adam’s courage, I take a stand in backing him up.

“That’s funny, Miss Turner. I thought you were a patient of mine.” Dr. Savoy chuckles softly. “I can’t help it if your paranoidal tendencies are getting in the way of your recovery.”

“So that’s how you’re gonna play it, huh?” Adam narrows his eyes, seething.

“Mr. O’Malley, do you really want to go there? What, with your alcoholism and marijuana addiction? And let’s not forget about that poor old man and his wife you injured while driving under the influence. I’m sure your boss wouldn’t want that getting out now, would he?” His threat is coated in politeness, making it sound even more sinister. “I have a lot of colleagues in the law school here at Penn who would be more than willing to back up my story. Besides, can you even afford an attorney to make these wild accusations on your behalf, Mr. O’Malley?”

“So you’re going to leave me hanging indefinitely?” The fight seeps out of him as he sinks onto the couch. “I’m just going to be your guinea pig until you’re done with me?”

“No, not at all,” Dr. Savoy responds. “But you’re going to stay away from Kelly. I just downloaded that video from your phone, and while it’s an impressive display, I’m not buying it.” A haughty undertone enters his voice. “She might have some sort of fixation with you, but I’m working to remove that. And having you in the picture isn’t helping her progress.”

“Oh no, George. You saw that?” Kelly covers her face with her hands, mortified. “Honey, I didn’t mean—”

“It’s all right, sweetheart. Relax. We’ll take care of it when you get back,” he reassures her, but it doesn’t sit well with me, having my cousin under his thumb again.

“And what if she refuses?” I say, striding up to the receiver.

“Katie, don’t,” Kelly warns, her eyes wide with fear.

“Seeing that Kelly wants to terminate Adam’s participation from my study and the fact that she’s carrying my child doesn’t put her in much of a bargaining position, now does it?” Dr. Savoy has the upper hand in all of this and he knows it.

“And if I come back, will you let Adam go?” Kelly asks quietly.

“I’m not too happy about having to start over, but I’m going to need your assistance in finding new test subjects, seeing how Miss Martin caused more damage than I initially believed.” A chill runs through me when he mentions Jada. I glance over at Adam and his jaw tightens.

“I’ll be home in two hours. We’ll talk then,” Kelly says as if she’s trying to placate a toddler ready to throw a tantrum.

“I’ll be waiting, sweetheart. Drive safe,” Dr. Savoy croons, making my skin crawl. He doesn’t love my cousin as a person. He only sees her as a possession, a plaything. Someone he can manipulate into doing whatever he wants. She can’t go back to him—she can’t.

“I will, darling. See you soon,” Kelly proclaims, a false cheerfulness echoing in her farewell.

“Kelly—” I start, but she doesn’t let me finish.

“What’s done is done, Katie.” She smiles at me sadly. “There’s no going back now. As they say, I made my bed and now I have to lie in it.”

“But he’s practically a criminal,” Adam grumbles. “He’ll lock you up in that fancy mansion of his and never let you out of his sight. You’ll be nothing more than a prisoner. Did he even offer to marry you?”

“No.” She shakes her head mournfully. “Only your brother had the decency to do that after I blackmailed him into it.”

“What a mess,” I moan, pulling my hair away from my face.

“But I created it. And it’s about time I took responsibility for cleaning it up. I thought I’d have everything I ever wanted. Trampling over anyone who got in my way.” She stares absently into space as if imagining a different outcome. “I was angry with Brian when, after five years of dating and living together, he never proposed. I wanted to hurt him.” She frowns deeply. “Yeah, I have a thing for you, Adam. I mean, who wouldn’t? Brian was always jealous of you, and I knew I could use that to get what I wanted from him. Too bad it blew up in my face, huh?”

“But how does Savoy factor into everything? He knew you were going to marry Brian, even if the baby was his.” Adam sits up, encouraging her to explain.

“George didn’t know the baby was his. He thought it was yours.” She looks at Adam guiltily. “I only submitted to a paternity test after Brian left me at the altar. That’s what I was doing after you left yesterday. I had to tell George the truth because I had nowhere else to turn. Adam, you’re unemployed, living hundreds of miles away. There was nothing you could do for me. Besides, I couldn’t hide it from George anymore. I was sick of lying.”

“Why were you trying to pin it on Adam, though? I don’t get it.” I stare at my cousin in disbelief. “Dr. Savoy is definitely the better prospect. He’s rich, successful, handsome. Why go after Adam?”

“Yeah, George is all of those things, but he’s not exactly available. He sleeps with all of his assistants—it’s practically a job requirement. I’m just one in a long line that he’s bedded. Everyone knows he’s not looking to get married. I was terrified he’d turn his back on me when he found out I was pregnant.” Kelly sniffs, dabbing her eyes with her sleeve. “I knew what he was doing was wrong, but I was so desperate to hold on to my job. I didn’t consider the consequences of the damage he was inflicting on you.”

“But you said he’s a romantic a heart. How does that compute? Shouldn’t he be showering you with roses and massaging your feet for bearing his child?” Adam furrows his brow, trying to get a better picture of the man.

“He doesn’t want children. He thinks raising a child will take valuable time away from his research.” Kelly sighs, closing her eyes. “He made it clear that he’s not interested in becoming a father.”

“And what? Now he is?” I watch her reaction carefully.

“I wouldn’t say that, but I know he’ll provide us with a comfortable home, even if he’s never there to share it.” The sadness etched on her face is painful to behold.

“Kelly, you can’t accept this as your fate. Leave him. Find another job. Raise the baby on your own. Do whatever it takes,” Adam pleads with her. “It’s not fair to either one of you.”

“But don’t you see?” she asks, looking at both of us. “Now that he knows the baby is his, he’ll never let me go. He’s extremely possessive when it comes to whatever belongs to him. Can’t you see? He won’t even let you out of his study, Adam. It’s just how he is.”

“But you shouldn’t have to put up with it, Kelly. I’ll protect you. Hell, I’m sure Brian would even protect you if he knew the whole story. We’re not just going to let you hand yourself over to this creep.” Irritated, Adam kicks the edge of the couch.

“I’ve made my peace with it. You don’t love me. Brian doesn’t love me. Well, not anymore. I’m tired of forcing myself on other people.” Convinced of her decision, she moves toward the door. “At least my child will know who his father is. And really, that’s all I could ask for. George is willing to acknowledge our baby and that has to count for something.”

“Kelly, please. That’s not enough and you know it,” I urge, swallowing past the lump forming in my throat. “What if I never see you again?”

“Oh, please. Don’t be so dramatic, Katie. George isn’t going to keep me under lock and key. I’ll be free to come and go as I please,” she says, exasperated. “I might not have a lot of free time to put my Ph.D. to use, but what working mother does?”

“So you’re going to give it all up? Your education, your credentials, everything you worked so hard for?” Adam interrogates her.

“Well, maybe George will let me help him once our son is in school. But by then, he’ll probably have a new assistant. Our shelf life isn’t too long.” She makes an attempt to smile, even though it’s tough. “I’d better go. No need to draw this out. My mind is made up.”

“Will you call me after you have the baby?” I rush to her side, throwing my arms around her neck.

“Of course I will. I’d love for you to come and see him.” She pats my back, reassuring me. “Goodbye, Adam.” She releases me then nods at him.

“Kelly, I’m sorry about what happened on the couch” he starts, but she cuts him off.

“Don’t be. I rather enjoyed it.” She winks at him before walking out the door.

Her heels click down the steps, and Adam and I look at the ground, at the wall, anywhere but at each other. The engine comes to life in her car, and soon the gravel crunches beneath her tires as she drives away. Back to Philadelphia. Back to the man who invaded our dreams. Back to a life where she’ll be nothing more than a trophy in a rich man’s display case.

I shudder, trying to keep my tears at bay when Adam finally speaks. “Come here.”

He opens his arms and I run into them. For now, we’ll seek comfort in each other. Because who knows what tomorrow will bring?

Chapter Twenty-Two
Jada

“We’re going to be late!” I yell upstairs to Brian.

“I can’t believe he’s still here,” Simone whispers loudly to me from across the room. “He must really like your brand of hospitality.”

“Shut it, Simone,” I warn, fidgeting with my keys while holding the front door open.

“What is it with these O’Malley brothers, huh?” Simone proceeds, ignoring my death glare. “They’re so freaking hot.”

“I know, right?” Brian chuckles, jogging down the steps.

“Listen, honey. You can crash in my room anytime. No need to be sleeping on the couch.” Simone flirts shamelessly with him even though I’m standing right there.

“Thanks for the invitation, but I don’t think I’ll be around much longer.” He straightens the collar of his shirt, examining his reflection in the hallway mirror.

“Oh, why’s that?” I raise an eyebrow in his direction.

“Well, depending on how this meeting with Adam and Katie goes, I’ll probably be heading back to Philly when it’s over,” he admits, not meeting my eyes.

“So that’s it, then? Partnership dissolved?” I don’t why, but I’m annoyed. I didn’t think he’d be leaving so soon.

“If Adam’s free to resume his life, then so am I. There’s no reason for me to stick around. I did what I came here to do, thanks to you.” He marches over to my side, gesturing for me to exit ahead of him.

“I didn’t even get to do your hair!” Simone shrieks from inside.

“Next time, I promise.” Brian laughs, closing the door behind him.

“You really don’t want to promise her that,” I deadpan.

“Why not?” Brian smirks, nudging me.

“Because it’s hard for her to focus when it comes to her male clientele,” I mutter, dodging his glance.

“Clientele, hmm? Sounds pretty naughty.” He’s keeping up with my banter, and I kind of like it.

“Yeah, most dudes get up from her chair completely bald.” I try to keep a straight face, but I can’t. I don’t know what brought on this bout of levity, if it’s the thought of seeing Adam again or what, but I haven’t felt this good in a long time.

“So what you’re trying to say is stay away from Simone?” He gives me a sidelong glance.

“No, do what you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I mean it as a joke, but he doesn’t laugh. “Why are you so uptight all of a sudden?”

“I’m not. I just thought you were staking your claim or something.” His eyes twinkle at me.

“On you? Don’t flatter yourself.” I play it off but feel a little ruffled. What’s he getting at anyway?

“Because you’re too good for me, is that it?” There’s a playful edge to his voice, but an edge nonetheless.

“Brian, I didn’t…” The last thing I want to do is get in a fight with him, even though he’s trying his best to goad me into one.

“It’s all right. I get it. You’re not attracted to me. You wouldn’t be the first to turn me down.” He grips the back of his neck, examining his feet as he shuffles down the sidewalk.

“You can’t be serious. You’re ready to start dating again?” I stop as we get to the car, peering up at him.

“The thought has crossed my mind.” He shrugs, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“And you want to date me? The girl who’s in love with your brother?” I’m not cutting any corners. He has to know where I stand.

“I can make you forget about him, Jada. We can both start over. Try something new. You can’t deny how we’ve bonded over all of this. We make one hell of a team, don’t you think?” He searches my face imploringly.

“But how could you make me forget about him? He’s your brother. He’ll always be a part of your life.” I’m getting mad now. He’s not being rational.

“Like this.” And before I can even move, he steps forward, capturing my lips. I try to pull away, but his hands find their way into my hair as he deepens the kiss. I whimper against his mouth as his tongue traces the inner curve of my lip, making me grab his shoulders for support. He backs me up against the hood of the car before hoisting me on top of it, his body resting on mine.

I’m filled with mixed emotions as he nuzzles my ear with his nose before trailing a line of kisses down my neck. I’m left gasping for air when his lips find the v-neckline of my top. I’m sprawled out beneath him in broad daylight and I don’t even care. He feels that good.

“Jada!” Simone calls from the doorway. Damn that girl and her impeccable timing.

Sighing, Brian stops what he’s doing and helps me down. His eyes are like molten lava as he stares at me. He doesn’t like the fact that we got interrupted, and I don’t know if I’m upset or relieved.

“Adam just called. He was wondering where you were,” Simone yells loudly from the porch. “I thought you’d already left, but when I looked outside…”

“You didn’t say anything, did you?” There’s no way I can hide the sense of panic rising in my throat as Brian gazes at me anxiously.

“No, of course not. I was practically rendered speechless by your public display of affection.” She eyes the two of us up and down, and my cheeks are on fire.

“We gotta go,” I mumble to Brian, brushing past him to get in the passenger seat.

“Bye, guys,” Simone says sweetly, waving from the top step. I know I’m in for a marathon girl talk session when I get back.

Brian doesn’t say a word as he slides behind the wheel. My lipstick is smeared all over his mouth. Digging through my purse, I pull out a tissue.

“Look at me,” I urge, and when he turns his head, his eyes are so sad. I wipe the red stains away gently, his freshly shaven face smooth beneath my fingertips. He looks nice all cleaned up. His hair is gelled and styled, and the crisp scent of his aftershave smells go good. He raises his hand to mine, causing the sunlight to reflect off his gold watch. He’s making an effort for me. I swallow hard.

“Jada,” he begs, his voice so low and deep. Hearing him say my name like that does something to me. His fingers caress my cheek, and I feel myself giving in to his touch, wanting him to kiss me again. His lips are gliding across mine, teasing me, when his phone rings ruining the moment.

Sighing heavily, he reaches for it. Never breaking eye contact with me, he answers it, running one of my curls through his fingers. I breathe in, savoring what he’s doing to me. But my heart stops when he says, “Adam, we’ll be right there. We’re on our way now.”

I don’t know how, but it’s like Adam knows. He’s never so relentless with his phone calls. He’s usually the one who’s always running late.

Brian hangs up and looks at me mournfully. “Should we go and get this over with?”

“That depends,” I respond, playing with one of the buttons on his shirt.

“On what?” He’s amused as I unbutton two more, granting my hand free access to his chest.

“On how badly you want to kiss me again.” I laugh, grabbing his collar and pulling him into me.

Yeah, it looks like we’re going to be a little late after all.

Let’s see how Adam reacts to thinking I’m with his big brother. It’s about time he knows what it’s like to feel second best.