ROMANCE: Paranormal Romance: The Valley (Book One) (Fun, Sexy, Mature Young Adult Vampire Shape Shifter Romance) (63 page)

Owen

Owen checked himself as he marched to the change room. He couldn’t believe how angry he was; he credited his sensibility to his exhaustion. He had been correct in thinking that Karla would stay out all night; at least she’d had the decency to go home and change her clothes before coming to pick up the kids. He had also been correct in thinking that Marcelo and Marta would wake early and bring with them the start to Owen’s day.

Waking up half an hour earlier than normal wasn’t the issue. On any given morning, he’d get up and be out the door for his run before the sun had begun its lazy ascent; waking up half an hour earlier to a screaming four-year-old and wailing eight-month-old – that was out of his realm of experience. In his carefully perfected routine, he would wake, stretch, run, and return, all without so much as speaking a syllable. This morning, he had been dragged into not just speaking, but placating a screeching infant who had been antagonized by her brother. Throw in the fact that Karla had been late picking them up, causing him to miss his morning run; he was very out of sorts, indeed.

But his morning had picked up when he’d taken a quick lunch break between coronary angioplasties and, on a whim, decided to introduce himself to the woman that had consumed his dreams. On any other day, he wouldn’t have been so inclined to do so, but as he reminded himself, this was no ordinary day. And then that
guy
.

Owen had barely had any time to speak to Miss Evans – Jade – to get to know her before that Lewis guy showed up. Her fiancé. He must have a serious inferiority complex to speak the way he did; to loom over her like her owner. And that kiss! Owen stopped himself from making a face.

How could she agree to marry a guy like that?
he pondered.
I just met him, and already I can tell he’s an insecure, possessive asshole. She is so sweet; she deserves someone who will treat her properly. Someone like –

“Like who, you?” he asked, aloud. He shook his head; he was being ridiculous. He was just overtired, that’s all.

But when he climbed into the shower, he found his mind wandering again. The kids had woken him from such a pleasant dream that Owen was actually angry with Marcelo, however briefly. She’d been sitting on a wrought iron chair in a sunny, cobblestone square, her hair spilling down her shoulders in shimmering waves. The sundress she wore hugged all the right places, flattered her curves; she smiled up at him beneath big, dark sunglasses. All he could see was her, but he knew they were in Europe. Portugal. He’d always wanted to go. He reached his right arm forward, he wanted to touch her, and she raised her left to meet it. She wore a ring in the dream though, in retrospect, it was much grander than the one she wore in real life.

A wave of sadness washed over him like the shower of water he stood beneath. His dream, and his feelings, confused him. It had to be the mystery of it, of her. He noticed his erection and willed it to subside. Not this, again.

He dried himself off and dressed in fresh scrubs, swimming in thoughts. As he walked through the doors to the operating room, two things were on his mind: the upcoming osteotomy, and the pretty, tragic smile of one Jade Evans.

***

In the following months, Owen found himself feeling lost a good deal of the time; he was doing things out of character for him. He’d wake up and go through his normal routine, but stop and get a coffee on the way, delaying his arrival ever so slightly, and happen to run into Jade as they both walked through the hospital doors.

He found himself leaving the hospital for lunch more frequently, casually glancing at the reception desk to catch a glimpse of two grey-blue eyes above a quiet smile.

He found himself bumping into her in the copy room, exchanging quick sentences before carrying on with their day.

He found himself disappointed if he went the whole day without seeing her.

Until one day in December, he had been called in for an emergency heart transplantation surgery, wrought with complications. He’d walked out of the operating room in a daze, took his shower, and headed straight to the cafeteria. He didn’t even know what time it was.

After going through the queue and filling his tray, he turned to see a familiar face smiling and waving him over to join her. He felt a flutter in his stomach as he walked to her table.

“Hey stranger,” she laughed, covering her mouth to hide the meatloaf inside. “I’ve been seeing a lot of you lately. How are you?”

He sat across from her, setting his tray on the table, and looked around.

“I’ve been doing really well. Surgery today was very stressful. How come you’re eating by yourself?”

“Oh, I don’t mind eating alone. It gives me to time to sift through bridal magazines.” She gestured to the pile beside her. “Why was surgery so stressful?”

Ignoring the tightness in his chest at the sight of the magazines, he answered.

“Well, I was called in early for an emergency procedure – heart transplant – and the patient had already received a new heart three weeks ago, but his body had begun to reject it. By some miracle, we found a new donor, and I successfully did the transplant, but he slipped into a coma immediately afterward. It’s a waiting game, now,” he sighed. Suddenly, he was ravenous.

He dove into his lasagna and Caesar salad, devouring them in what felt like seconds. He peered up at Jade above a wedge of garlic bread, abashed, but she just smiled.

They continued talking about all sorts of things. Music, art, history, medicine; he was astounded at the ease with which he spoke to her. Surprised at how funny she was, and by how much he enjoyed her hearty laugh. His cheeks hadn’t hurt so much from laughing in a very long time.

She talked about Lewis, and the wedding, and he did his best to screw on his smile; to feign interest, and hide an overwhelming wave of jealousy. The image of her, sitting in a sundress, floated in his memory.

“Is everything okay?” she asked. “You look like you’re lost in a dream or something.”

He smiled and answered, “Yes, I’m fine. Just remembered something I have to do.”

“Well, what is it? Share it with the class!” she giggled.

“Doctor Azevedo?” a heavy male nurse interjected. “Sorry to disturb you, but we need you in the O.R. There’s another emergency – we’ve been paging you --”

“Oh, Alvin, I’m so sorry! I didn’t hear it,” Owen exclaimed, astonished. “Jade --”

“No, no, go! Go save lives! I should be getting back, anyway – Alexa is going to be furious I took such a long lunch.”

As he was rushed away to the operating room, a pang of regret hit him in the gut; he didn’t want to leave. Cold realization stabbed through him like an icicle, and he resolved steal a glance. When he turned, he found her staring back, smiling, but something lay hiding behind her contented grin. Something clouded her stormy blue eyes, and he needed to know what it was. It took everything he had to keep walking.

Jade

Jade collapsed into her chair, her mind swimming in the warm tide that was her lunch hour. It felt so good to be engulfed in it; she wanted to stay there forever, though she knew it threatened to drag her out to sea. To very treacherous waters. 

She’d seen him the moment he wandered into the cafeteria, eyes focused on some distant thought. How could she not notice him? Everyone and their dead grandmother noticed him. She had been so nervous to wave him down, but they’d been interacting much more frequently the last few months, building a rapport – she had been nervous, yes, but she knew she’d regret it until her dying day if she didn’t.

What was surprising to her, though, was how well they got along. Normally men as handsome as him were jerks that knew how attractive they were. He seemed somewhere between humble and confident, and a little uncertain. Talking to him was like unwrapping the biggest present under the Christmas tree; she felt like the luckiest girl in the lunchroom. She knew all eyes were on them, knew all eyes would see her ring and judge, but she didn’t care. She’d felt more alive in that sixty-four minutes than she had since she’d gotten engaged.

Jade frowned at the thought. Since the day they’d gotten engaged, since the day he met Dr. Azevedo especially, Lewis had been – different. He’d become much more possessive than ever before, and much more easily agitated. He’d start fights over nothing, and once she was riled up, would brush them off and tell her she was overreacting. Then, when she had finally cooled down and they’d moved on to the making-up, he’d be so rough with her she could barely enjoy it. Not that it was all bad; she enjoyed the spanking and the scratching, but sometimes he’d just take it a smidgen too far.

He seemed distant, and disinterested – in her, and the wedding. Any time she spoke to him about plans or arrangements, he’d suddenly had an early morning the next day, or would suddenly remember a paper he had that was due. She’d tried to stifle her suspicions, convinced he was avoiding her. He wouldn’t have proposed if he didn’t love her; she reminded herself of the roses and the candles, and the chicken parmesan.

One night she started to confront him about it, asked him what was wrong, and he played it off as though he had just been tired. That he was stressed out about school. After that, everything seemed normal – he even made love to her like before – but the next morning, it was back to the silent treatment.

So when she tried to feel guilty about her unbelievable lunch, she couldn’t. It was innocent. Nothing happened beyond her getting to know her coworker better.

“That was quite the lengthy lunch,” Alexa smiled. “Was it –
stimulating
?”

“So you know I was sitting with Dr. Azevedo, then,” Jade said.

“Oh my god, yes, how was it?” she squealed. “What did you talk about?”

“We talked about all kinds of things,” she laughed. “So, wait, you’re not mad?”

“Jealous, yes. Mad, no,” Alexa grinned.

So Jade told her everything. Every syllable uttered, every nuance and every lilt. She was adamant about leaving out how any of this made her feel. By the end, Alexa was swooning.

“So you’re going to the Christmas party tomorrow, right?” Alexa demanded. “It’s only the most amazing party of the year! Black-tie and everything!”

“I was thinking about it, but I don’t know if Lewis would want to come,” Jade sighed.

“Have you even asked him?” Alexa asked. She made a good point.

“No, I guess I just assumed he wouldn’t want to go. He’s been acting really strangely the last couple of months.” She frowned again.
I guess it couldn’t hurt to ask.

***

The next day, Jade counted every second until she could rush home and get ready for the party. When she’d heard about the party the month before, she immediately sought to find a dress. After hours of searching, she finally found one. Someone was selling their barely-worn prom dress for dirt cheap, and Jade knew she’d regret it if she didn’t jump at the opportunity. It needed minor adjustments, but she knew she would rock it; a strapless, midnight blue gown with a sweetheart neckline and a slit up the left thigh. She could hardly contain her excitement.

Lewis had been less than enthused when she mentioned it to him the night before, but now that the dress was back from alterations, she was convinced that it would be enough to tip the scales in her favor. He didn’t often like to dress up, which is why a degree in Political Science confused her to no end, but when he did dress up, he dressed up well. Besides, it would be good practice for their wedding.

When she got home, garment bag in hand, Lewis was sitting on the couch, pants off and Xbox controller in hand, and barely uttered a distracted “Hey.” She sighed, and headed straight for the bedroom. She was going to knock his socks off.

The entire time she marched behind him from bedroom to the bathroom and back, his eyes remained glued to the screen.
Good
she thought.
No sneak peeks to ruin the grand reveal
.

When she strutted into the living room, her smoky-eye and Old-Hollywood curls perfectly accenting the gown, she gave a light yet deliberate “Ahem.”

Lewis turned to look and dropped his jaw. He took her in from bottom to top. Her vintage pearl-colored satin pumps, the little glimmers of beading on the gown, the way the mermaid cut hugged her curves and accentuated her ample bosom. Amidst voluminous curls, her mother’s teardrop pearl earrings poked through.

“Still think this Christmas party isn’t ‘your kind of thing’?” she smirked.

His jaw worked soundlessly for a moment before finally uttering a “Whoa.”

“Babe, you know it’s finals time – I’m just taking a quick study break and then I’m charging right back to it. But you should definitely go. Looking like that, you have to. Holy shit. I hope you don’t like that dress too much, because when you get back, I’m going to tear it off of you.”

Despite her disappointment, she beamed. He still wanted her.

“Okay, well don’t fall asleep too early. It’ll be going until around two or three, but I’ll probably be home before that.”

“I’ll see you then,” he smirked, turning back to the T.V.

She sighed as she shut the door behind her.

***

As she walked into the party, she took a quick look around, and Jade was overwhelmed by the glamour. The hospital had rented out the ballroom at one of the fancier hotels downtown, complete with crystal chandeliers and butlers with trays of hors d’oeurves. She felt beyond outside her element here. If she was going to get through this, she needed a drink.

As she made her way to the bar, she spied the person she’d been hoping to see. Owen stood in a cluster beneath a wide arched window, looking as though he’d walked right out of a black and white film. His black tuxedo fit him perfectly, his black curls tied back to showcase his flawless jaw.

She ordered a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and meandered through the crowd. As she approached the group, she was dismayed to discover that the person to which he was speaking was none other than her skinny and perky coworker Alexa.

Of course she was dressed to the nines; where everyone else was wearing black, or white, or some combination thereof, Alexa wore a stunning floor-length number in rose-colored crushed velvet that clung to her like a glove. Her blonde hair was swept up in an elaborate up-do, accentuating the back of the dress that plunged nearly too deep. As Jade approached, she threw back a good two-thirds of her wine.
Fuck
, she thought.

“Good evening everyone,” Jade announced, as confidently as she could. Unexpectedly, the heads of all in the group swung to see her, and all had looks of surprised admiration or plain shock painting their faces. Alexa was one of those who wore a look of shock, tinged lightly with jealousy. But the only look that mattered was that of Owen.

His face read nothing but intense approval, his eyes glazed as they took her in, unconsciously licking his lips.

“Hello Doctor Azevedo,” she grinned. “You’re looking well.”

“Thank you, Jade,” he coughed. “You are as well. That is a stunning dress.”

“What, this old thing?” she giggled, and downed the rest of her wine. Her cheeks colored at the realization of what she just said.
What are you doing? Are you seriously flirting with Owen – Doctor Azevedo – in front of everyone!?
The band began to play a smooth jazz number, and Jade was relieved for the distraction.

“A beautiful song,” she mentioned, changing the subject.

“Cole Porter is one of my favorites,” Owen agreed. “It would be a shame to let him go to waste.”

He bowed in front of her, offering his hand. “Dance with me?”

The calm smile that spread across her face belied the cartwheels she was doing in her mind.

“I’d love to,” she replied.

As he led her to the dance floor, she was glad for the music; her heartbeat would surely cause a panic. Once arrived, he took her right hand in his left, and placed his right tenderly on the small of her back. Even with her slight heel, it was difficult to look up at him without craning her neck. They found the rhythm and began their modified waltz. Over the band, nobody could hear him whisper besides her.

“You are breathtaking,” he breathed, and she giggled politely in thanks. “No, I mean it. You took my breath away.”

He looked at her intently, driving his point home, and she flushed. They moved in silence for a moment, swaying to the croon of the saxophone.

“I’m happy you came,” he spoke so softly even she had to strain to hear him. “Alexa said you might not make it.”

“It was up in the air for a little while, but I’m glad I came. I’m having a lovely time,” she agreed.

“Where is your fiancé tonight?”

“He --”
didn’t want to come
, she finished in her head. “He had some last minute studying to do for finals tonight.”

“That’s too bad,” he murmured. “Did he see the way you look tonight? I can hardly believe he did; if I were him I wouldn’t have let you out of my sight.”

Maybe the wine had gone to her head, or maybe she was drunk on his cologne, but she leaned her head against his shoulder as a tidal wave of goosebumps erupted throughout her body. The song ended, and the dancers clapped, and it was physically painful to tear herself away from him.
I’m sure there are dozens of other girls waiting in line to dance with him
, she thought.
Better make way
.

“Another?” he asked, sheepishly. She needn’t even speak; she just nodded her head and grinned. They danced all night, song after song and, even though there were other women who plainly wanted to dance with him, when they asked, he’d politely decline and use the restroom.

She ignored the furious stares from Alexa all night, too busy enjoying herself to be bothered. Before she knew it, it was half past midnight. She’d intended to be home by now.

“Doctor Azevedo,” she began.

“You can call me Owen,” he smiled. Such a dazzling smile.

“Owen,” Jade grinned. “I’ve been having such a wonderful night, but I regret that I have to leave after this dance.”

He cleared his throat slightly, and swallowed.

“Yes, I suppose your fiancé is at home waiting for you.”

“Yes, he is,” her confirmation dripped with sorrow.

The dancers clapped once more as the song concluded. They looked at one another hesitantly.

“One more dance?” Owen smirked. Good God, was he handsome.

“Okay, one more dance,” she agreed. “But then I really have to go.”

“Deal,” he grinned, and took her by the hand. He led her from the dancefloor out beyond the ballroom into the lobby, and pushed the elevator call button.

“What’s going on?” Jade stammered. “Where are we going?”

“You agreed to another dance, but had no specifications as to where that dance took place.” He gave her a mischievous grin. “Just trust me.”

They only climbed two floors, but when they got out, they strode into an unseen balcony above the ballroom they’d just left. It was less glamorous, but still grand, the hardwood floor recently swept. The music still sounded from two floors below, and he took her hand and led her to the center. As they danced, her mind raced.

“By now it’s no surprise,” Owen began. “That I have feelings for you.” Jade thought her heart would stop.

“From your first day at the hospital, I had this feeling about you; like you were going to change my world. And I was right. I knew I was right, yesterday, when I realized that I didn’t ever want to be away from you. And I think I saw it in your eyes, that you feel the same way.”

Speechless, she stared up at him.

“I know this is insane. I know you’re engaged, and you love your fiancé, and he could very well be the one you’re supposed to end up with, but I would live the rest of my life in regret if I didn’t tell you how I felt.”

They stopped dancing, she was beginning to feel very dizzy. Confused, she looked him in the eyes.

“There are so many women down there,” she gestured to the ballroom below. “There are so many women who are better for you than I am; taller than me, thinner than me, more attractive. Why me? Is it just because I am unavailable?”