Wildest Dreams (Dreamers Series Book 1) (4 page)

“You guys have a good night.” He headed out of the elevator toward the parking garage.

Ridge had a curious expression when she finally stepped out and turned to look at him.

“What was the gasp for?” He said.

“I just remembered that I fell asleep before I had a chance to call the hospital.” It wasn’t a lie. She was going to have to call them first thing tomorrow. She was okay today, but she was on the schedule to work tomorrow night. The thought made her feel ill.

“It’s okay, Ember. After a good night’s sleep, you will feel more like calling and getting it all taken care of.”

She knew he was probably right, so they continued walking to the parking garage.

When they got to her car Ridge suggested they ride together and leave his Lexus in the garage for the night since she was going to have to come back and work on her resume in the morning.

They were in the middle of a conversation about her schooling and work when her phone rang. She looked at it and sighed.

“Reece?”

“Why doesn’t he stop calling? He knows that I caught him with that woman. I don’t understand how someone who obviously doesn’t love you won't let go and move on. I’m giving him a chance for a clean break.”

“Maybe you should tell him that. He may think you’re going to try to make his life miserable.” Ridge offered.

“I guess, but somehow that doesn’t sound right to say over the phone.”

“You’re kidding, right? You’re telling him that he can start with a clean slate, and you’re afraid he’ll be upset because you say it over the phone? Sis, you amaze me.”

She shrugged. “I guess you’re right. I just never really thought about ever having to say or do any of this.”

“I suppose you will have to adopt my way of thinking.”

“Which is?” She raised an eyebrow at him.

“Avoid attachments at all costs and you'll never get hurt.”

Ember rolled her eyes. “Never feel any emotion at all? What a sad and lonely life. Ridge, you have the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met. Please tell me when the right one comes along you won’t be opposed to taking a risk. I don’t regret loving Reece. In fact, I still do, just not the same as before.”

Ridge glanced at her with panic in his eyes, and she laughed.

“I know you don’t want to hear that, but it’s true, and I'd be lying if I said otherwise. Being in love only sucks when it's one-sided. If you find the right person, though, it won’t be like that. If you don’t at least try, you’ll never know.”

“I hate to point this out, but wasn’t your love a little one-sided?”

She frowned at him then shrugged looking back out the window. "I still have faith."

“I don't want to mess with going through all the wrong ones before finding the right one. Being a billionaire tends to make people pretend a lot more. Just because they act like they're in love with you doesn’t necessarily mean they are.”

“You’re too young to be so bitter.” She smiled at him.

“You’re too young to be so wise.” He grinned back at her.

They had about fifteen more minutes before they would arrive at their parents’, and they both became quiet and immersed in their thoughts.

Ember tried not to think about Blake, but it was hard. Why had he carried her to the couch and not mentioned it? She was sure that if Blake had said something to Ridge, then he would have moved her himself. That’s probably what most people would have done, so why didn’t he? She remembered the look on Ridge’s face when she told him that she hadn’t walked to the couch. Did he assume it was Blake?

She let her mind wander for a while since it was pretty harmless at this time. She was going to avoid Blake as much as possible since she had already embarrassed herself to the point of no return. However, while her thoughts were her own, she was going to enjoy looking into those dark eyes and maybe even tasting those sweet lips. She smiled slightly at the thought and closed her eyes for a few minutes to daydream.

CHAPTER 5

When they turned into the drive of their parents’ house, Ember remembered that her sister was going to be there too. Jade was three years older than her, but she had never been as close to her as she was with Ridge. Jade had always had a superiority complex, and when she started dating Tanner in high school, she had gotten worse. Jade never said she agreed with their father and grandfather for ostracizing Ember after she got pregnant, but she would never go out of her way to be there for her either. Jade had always been more concerned with herself than anyone else. A few years ago though Jade had begun calling to check on her.

“I forgot Jade was going to be here, too.” She sighed.

“I don’t think it will be that bad. She’s changed since she had the kids. She’s afraid that you blame her. Jade was always grandpa’s favorite after all.” Ridge shrugged as if it were no big deal.

“Why would she think that? She didn’t throw me out of the family.” Ember said as she watched the house grow closer.

Having her grandpa and dad turn on her had broken her heart. Although the rest of the family would have still supported her, she felt it was best to avoid family gatherings as much as possible to keep the peace. Now that her grandparents were gone she felt like she might at least be able to see them occasionally.

They walked up to the door, and before they could even knock, Kamella opened it. Ember could see the excitement on her face reminding Ember of a ray of sunshine. Instantly the tension she felt melted away.

“Perfect timing! Come in and get ready for dinner. We’re having Ember’s favorite, homemade enchiladas.” Her enthusiasm was contagious.

“All right!” they both exclaimed in unison as they walked into the dining room.

Max was just finishing placing the food in the center of the table. He was about to leave the room when Kamella called him back.

“Max, sit at the table with us. It’s a special occasion, and you’ve been with us long enough to be family. Sit.” She had a way of being in control and yet sounding as sweet as honey at the same time. Ember figured it was her southern charm.

Ember pulled out the chair beside her. “Sit beside me, Max.” She smiled at him warmly.

He was a little hesitant but did as they asked.

Jade sat staring for a few moments while Ember helped Kaylen with her plate. Finally, she spoke, “Are you still going to school, Ember?” She didn’t have a condescending tone but sounded like she was interested.

“I am.” Then she caught herself and amended her statement, “well, I was, until last night.” She wasn't surprised to see the confused looks.

When she was content Kaylen was preoccupied with her cousin, Hunter, Ember continued, “Kaylen and I are moving back.”

Concern was etched on Kamella’s face as she asked, “Are you okay?”

Ember noticed that Jade also looked worried, but her father sat showing no emotion while he ate. She figured that he was probably relieved she wasn’t asking him for a place to stay or money.

“I will be.” She gave her mom a small smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I’m going to stay with Ridge while I get a job. He’s letting me use an office at TTO to put my resume together, which I’m going to do tomorrow. Hopefully, I will be ready to start school again next semester.” She began chewing her bottom lip while she thought about her plan. It sounded solid to her, and she really felt it would work out, but she looked at her mother and sister for validation.

Kamella beamed, “There are certainly more opportunities for jobs in the city, and at least you'll be much closer to home. I’ll be able to visit from time to time, or you’ll be able to come here.” From the corner of her eye, Ember caught the glare her father shot her mother.
Won’t that be lovely?
she thought as she picked at her food.

“Well, the kids are getting along great, and I’m sure they would love to spend some more time together. Hunter was saying the other day she wished that Kaylen lived closer so they could play together. They have been inseparable since we got here.” Jade added.

Ember felt a tugging on her arm and looked down at Kaylen. Her big green eyes were wide with excitement. “Momma! Momma! Guess what Grandpa said.” Ember was a bit shocked that her dad had said anything to Kaylen, especially something that would have her this excited.

“I don’t know, Bug, what did grandpa say?”

“He told me and Hunter that we can have a pony!” She was barely able to sit still and was patting Ember on the arm the whole time she was talking to her.

Ember glanced quizzically at her dad who continued to eat and ignore her so she moved her gaze to her mom who just shrugged and stated, “I just mentioned earlier that it would be nice to get the grand babies some ponies. Jade and I left the kids with him while we ran to the store and when we came back he said that he agreed.” Ember looked over at Jade and Tanner, who were as surprised by this announcement as she was.

Ember shook her head in disbelief at the news and began to pick at her food again. Maybe this division between her father and herself would not affect his relationship with Kaylen now that he had met her. Not that she was surprised, Kaylen had that effect on people.

Just as dinner was drawing to a close, the doorbell rang. Max dismissed himself to answer it, and after a few moments, he came back into the dining area.

“Miss Ember, there is someone at the door for you.” The look of concern on his face meant it could be only one person.

“Ridge, can you take Kaylen upstairs and help her pack a few toys to take with us, so she has something to play with.” Ember knew he wouldn’t want to leave her with Reece, but he couldn’t say no now that Kaylen was excited to pick out toys to take. She wasn’t sure how in control Ridge would be with Reece there, so she needed him to leave. She also knew that Ridge was aware of why she did it.

“Thank you,” she said, knowing she was going to get a tongue-lashing for it later. Taking a deep breath, she walked to the front door.

As soon as she opened the door, Reece spun around glaring at her. She watched his anger change to pain. She couldn’t help thinking something was wrong though like it was a forced emotion. He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.

“Ember, baby, I’m so sorry. I’ve been stupid. I was so scared something had happened to you. Afraid I wouldn’t get the chance to tell you how much I love you.” He had started crying before he could finish the last sentence. She was confused by what she had just heard. For the last couple of years, he had been so distant and never said that he loved her anymore. After last night, she thought that his extracurricular activity must have been going on for a while.

He pulled back and put his hands on both sides of her face and looked her in the eyes. “Did you hear me? Please tell me you believe me. I love you,” he begged and tried to pull her into a kiss.

Pushing back from him, she got out of his grip and stayed back just enough that he couldn’t reach her.

“Reece, you can’t just come over here and pretend everything is okay just because you want it to be. What you did is inexcusable, and I can’t tell you that I believe you, because I’m pretty sure I don’t.” She was trying to keep her voice down so that everyone inside wouldn’t hear her.

“I said I’m sorry.” He stood there with a hurt look on his face. Ember knew if she didn’t get him to leave soon she was going to end up forgiving him for everything just because she was feeling sorry for him.

“Sorry isn’t always good enough, Reece,” she said quietly.

“Who is he?” His tone changed immediately, catching her off guard and he was glaring at her again.

“Who is who? What are you talking about?” She was confused.

“Who’s the guy?” he said through clenched teeth.

What the hell? There is no way he’s serious! Is he?
She stood staring at him for a moment in shock.

“I’m not here for any man, Reece! You were the one who was in bed with a strange woman and our daughter in the next room. If you want to be with us again, you are going to have to do a lot more than just say you’re sorry.” She was trying hard not to cry.

“What do I have to do? I’ll do anything. I don’t want to lose you, Ember.”

“You don’t want to lose me? Just me? What about Kaylen, Reece? She’s a part of us too.” She was not about to let him forget that.

“I don’t want to lose Kaylen either. I want my family back. I want us to go home and have everything be normal again. I’ll do whatever I have to do to make that happen.” The frustration was evident in his voice.

“Kaylen and I aren’t going back to Dallas. We’re not leaving my family again. If you want to be with us, you're going to have to accept that.” She wiped her eyes on the sleeve of her t-shirt.

He was apparently wrestling with this decision, but it wasn’t an option. That was just how it was going to have to be.

He shrugged. “I’ll talk to work and tell them I need a transfer back. If that’s what you want, then I’ll do it.”

She wasn’t expecting that answer. “It’s not going to be that easy, Reece. Maybe you should wait and see how things work out before you change your location. Right now I’m not ready to be anywhere near you. You broke my heart, and you're going to have to earn that trust back.” She turned her head so he wouldn’t see the tears. She did not want to be doing this—not now, not ever.