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fantasies-fairytales-n-fics · 9 months

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Code Blue Ch. 32- Heartbeat

Summary: Lee refuses to give up. Jo and Megan clash, ending in a shocking twist. More shock ensues as Jo has another unpleasant encounter. Craig and Josie have another long talk over more wine. A trusting bond and friendship is created. Lee gets the wrong idea.

*Warnings* language, angst

Stories Stories Stories Masterlist

Chapter characters: Lee, Josie, Ethan, Megan, Craig, Cyrus,

Salem, Massachusetts

March 7, 2023

The Lake House

"Hey, Jo, it's me again. I wish you'd at least talk to me. It's been a week. I see your things here in the guest room that you left and....everyday...I...I stare at the note you wrote. Your presence is everywhere, especially in my heart where no one else will ever be...I mean that baby. It's only you, it's only ever been you. Did you find my letter yet? I put it in your purse the morning after we had first made love. I...I need you to read that. I meant every word. Please, call me back. Let me explain things like I know I should have long ago. I'm ready now because...I can't lose you. I won't. I love you so much miss Massachusetts. Forever....and god...I miss you." Lee softly whispered as he closed his watery eyes.

Just as Lee hung up, the phone rang. He picked it up so fast, thinking it was you that he forgot to check the caller ID.

"Jo baby!?"

"No, Sorry Lee, it's Britt."

"Oh....hey, have you talked to her? Is she alright? I..." Lee hopefully blurted out.

"Lee, no, that's not why I am calling...and of course she's not alright, but I a not going to talk to you about her. The conference has been set for the negligence case. It's next week."

"So, the results of Henrietta's autopsy are back? What did it say???"

"I cannot tell you that Lee, you know that."

"Jesus Britt, just tell me if she died because of something I did. You know how long I have been waiting for this. I need to know."

"I'm sorry, I can't. Just a head's up, Mr. Carpenter will be attending, which that was to be expected. It's at 10am on Monday the 13th."

"The 13th...great." he said sarcastically. "Well at least it's not a Friday. Alright...I will be there."

All because of you, Lee had become superstitious about things when he never used to be, for he had witnessed way too many things to not believe, such as all the crazy relevant signs regarding you and him and also the thing pertaining to his parents and Jacob.

"Hey, can you at least tell Jo? I really need her there...I..I understand if she declines but...could you at least tell her? She won't call me back and I don't know if she's even listening to my voicemails or reading my texts and she hasn't even been online."

"If I see her. I'm not going to just text her about it. This is all between you and Josie. A word of advice though, as I've told you before. Get your shit together Lee. She's the best thing that's ever happened to you and you definitely do not deserve her. I gotta go."

"Yeah I know she is. You don't have to remin.....hello?"

Britt had hung up which only pissed Lee off. He was still angry with her for blabbing her drunken mouth to you at his dad's funeral reception about his one night with her many years ago and also telling you about seeing him with Ethan and Jason once upon a time.

"Fucking Britch!" he shouted, slamming down the receiver. Lee owned an old corded land line phone and there was nothing quite like the satisfaction of hearing the ringing bang it made upon impact.

Lee sent you another text, then got dressed and headed out, for there was something special he wanted to do for you.

"I had you. Last night I had a dream that felt like a memory. A glimpse of what could have been. Crossed signals from another life, where instead of all of this, I had you....and life was exquisitely simple and we were desperately happy. It was no dream. It was real. We had all that. I had you....and it's all I still want. Tell me it's not too late."

You had stopped at your mom's to gather the rest of your things, realizing that some of the items you wanted were at Lee's lake house after listening to his most recent of many voicemails and he was the most valuable one there. Were your things that important to risk seeing him? It would completely derail your out of sight, out of mind tactic which you already knew would eventually fail because you just weren't strong enough to stay away from him. Every minute of everyday was pure hell and there was no way you could just get your things and go. You didn't even know how you had managed to make it an entire week. You weren't sleeping, you weren't eating, you weren't talking to anyone except Britt and your dreams were consumed of Lee's face in the few moments you actually able to drift off. Dreams that were just like the text he had just sent you and now...now he said he's ready to talk...but were you? If what he had to tell you scared him this bad, then honestly, you were also scared to death to know the truth that you so desperately wished for. Well, isn't that what Daughtry crammed into your head at least fifty times this week at random times? the song 'It's Not Over'. Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it all... and then some you don't want....

You sat on your bed and began digging through your purse to find this letter he said he put in there. How did you not see it? You soon understood after rummaging through your pile of junk and finding it on the bottom. You swear you had everything but the kitchen sink in there. You had to roll your eyes and lightly smile in wondering how the hell he ever thought you would find it. Why didn't he just give it to you? Maybe it was intentional? Maybe he wanted you to find it at a time you needed it the most...like now.

As you reluctantly opened it, knowing how bad it was going to hurt, you could smell Lee's cologne which hurt the most of all. You brought it to your nose and inhaled him in deeply, then began reading..

"My Dearest Jo,

One day our eyes met and you smiled at me and I had to pause for a moment because I felt safe, and I had not recognized that feeling. It was as if I just knew you would be standing there when I looked up again, and you were, literally in my house. I don't even have the right words to describe this to you, but I just knew, somehow. Despite all of the odds that have worked so cruelly against me, I knew in my heart that I had finally found the one. I truly feel that you and I love with a love that is more than love. The first time I realized I was in love with you, it was a night I couldn't fall asleep, because I knew that my new and strange reality was better than my dreams. Our tight hugs, our late night conversations, our almost kisses, I remember it all, and sometimes...a tear falls while doing so. You gave me something that no one ever had before. You gave me peace. Like a river that had been rushing, pulled by the current for too long, you made my waters still. I found rest in your arms.

I love you to the moon and back and beyond all the stars in the sky."

Forever,

Lee

Now you were just ugly crying as you clutched the letter against your pounding chest. This man was for real and he had been all yours. No one had ever spoken such beautiful and heartfelt words to you. No one had ever touched you or looked at you the way he had. No one could ever ease your anxiety, no matter what they did and how hard they tried, but it all seemed to have disappeared when he was with you, for his arms made it all go away, just like on the elevator. This was where you were supposed to be. He was home to you. Was it too late like he asked? Could he truly forgive you for selfishly walking out on him?

You needed to try and be rational this time because your irrational decisions are what got you in this mess in the first place, so you decided to go take the things you had back to your apartment and think it all over with out the presence of your sinister sibling in your orbit. Down the stairs you went, trying to ignore Megan who sat in the kitchen, talking on the phone and smoking a cigarette. That part, you could not ignore.

"Put that out! Mom will have a shit fit and I don't need to worry about you burning the house down with her in it."

"I gotta go babe. See you soon." she told the anonymous person on the line, then hung up and turned to you.

"You don't get to tell me what to do. You don't live here." she cockily smiled and took another hit, audaciously blowing the smoke right at you as you angrily stood over her.

Every ounce of rage you had pent up inside of you as you ripped it from her hand and ran it under the kitchen faucet.

"What the fuck! That was my last one!"

"Damn right it was! Go outside and smoke, preferably down on the street corner, doing what you do best, where you could earn some money to buy more instead of mooching off mom!"

"Oh that's just great Josie, coming from the beloved daughter who has all of Daddy's and Jason's money and don't have to work!"

"Gee Megan, do you ever wonder why that is??? You've been gone for years and then just pop in here when Jason dies. Did you really think he would leave you anything after all you have done?? And Dad's money is controlled by mom per his wishes. And I DO work, remember?? Or did you forget the family businesses I help with that you abandoned??? I guess you'll have to keep whoring it up."

"You entitled little bitch! So special aren't you?? And mom has control over your precious little boat too that by the way, she's selling!"

"I am special Megan, because I don't use my family or do shitty things to them! The only reason you're even here is because of mom allowing it since you're her daughter but she still knows what you are. A fucking freeloader....and mom would never sell Jason's boat. She would have told me first of all so you can stop lying just to piss me off."

"Ohhh no no no! No lies, you'll see. She wants no ties to his lifestyle and so you know, I do have a man now and he's quite rich thank you. A sugar daddy per se. How's that area going for you sis??"

Megan's grin was telling, as if she already knew about you and Lee's split and it distracted you from what she just said about the Haunted Star.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean??"

"Oh nothing. Just an observation. You just can't seem to keep a man's interest solely on you can you? First Gerry, now Lee. At least Gerry though, didn't screw you over for a guy."

"You need to shut your mouth before I shut it for you." you snarled though clenched teeth. "You don't know what the hell you are talking about!"

"Oh yes I do, and much more."

Just then, the rumble of a motorcycle pulled up and stupidly made you think for one second it was Jason until it began obnoxiously beeping.

"Gotta run! Ta Ta.." Megan jested and trotted out the door.

Out of sheer curiosity, you walked outside to see who the mystery man was and you soon wished you hadn't. There was Ethan on a Harley, black tee, no helmet, just like your brother would do.

He revved it up and smiled wide as you gaped at him.

"Ooooh she looks porangi." you heard him tell Megan who laughed hysterically and hopped on behind him, then off they went as Ethan winked at you.

After you collected your dropped jaw, you raced inside and called your mom, for she needed to be warned about Ethan. Even if she knew about him, she surely didn't know who he was.

"Mom! Call me back asap! You need to kick Megan out. Did you know about the guy she is hanging around??? He's bad news mom and I also need to talk to you about something she told me which better not be true. Call me! Love you."

You gathered your stuff and headed back to your apartment, completely mind blown over what you had just witnessed, so much so that you were trembling all over. Megan was a real tool and now it made sense pertaining to her not so subtle hints and knowing about Lee's sexuality. Ethan's been telling her things and surely, he was just using her to get to you and Lee, not that you cared about her one bit, for she deserved everything she would get by keeping company like Ethan.

"Stupid girl!!!" you shouted, wiping tears of anger from your eyes. You wanted to call Lee so bad, but first, you were going to go and calm down, then go from there.

In your frenzy of racing up the stairs of the apartment complex, you turned the corner and did what you did best, clumsily tripped over your own two feet and dropped your box of stuff, spilling it all over the hallway floor.

There, by the elevator gate stood Craig with some much older man that you had never seen before, sporting a pony tail of long silver hair, a matching goatee and a suit and tie. He looked at you, then Craig and back at you with surprise, then stepped forward.

Craig immediately rushed in front of him to help you pick up the scattered stuff.

"Hey there Jo, are you alright?"

"Uh...y...yeah.." you stuttered through your embarrassment as you knelt down to assist.

Craig looked up at you a few times, then quietly spoke. "Are you sure? You...you've been crying..."

"Oh, that. No. Bad allergies, that's all." you quickly responded, keeping your head lowered while piling the stuff back in the box.

"I hope I didn't startle you there miss...Jo is it?" the stranger asked with an attempt to know your name.

You stood up and Craig handed you the box. "No, no...I...I was just in a hurry and not paying attention....and...it's...just Josie."

Craig nervously chuckled, offering a cute smile. "Ahhh yes, that's right. Just Josie."

"Where are your manners Craig? Aren't you going to introduce me to your beautiful friend here?" the man smelling of old spice asked, gazing at you in a way that creeped you the fuck out.

Something in Craig's eyes and sudden change of demeanor told you that he did not want to and it was becoming clear to you that you had caught them both off guard. There were also these tiny beads of sweat forming on Craig's forehead.

"Uh...yeah. Sorry um, Josie, this is....my father...Cyrus."

Cyrus. Why did that name sound familiar? It certainly wasn't common....but somewhere, you've heard it.

He stretched his arm out, desiring you to shake his hand in which you reluctantly took, for bad vibes is all you got from him. His hand was large and clammy, pretty much how he looked in general.

"It's...n...nice to meet you." you softly said and quickly retracted your hand, cringing inside.

"Oh the pleasure is all mine...Josie. Do you...have a last name...just Josie?"

You glanced at Craig, who's eyes refrained from yours and rested on the box you were holding as his perspiring was becoming a bit more profuse. This man, his father, apparently made Craig feel the way you did...but why?

"Uh...it's....March."

Craig's hands went inside his pockets and his head lowered even more as Cyrus's eyes slightly widened, then swayed over to his son.

"Well...Miss March, again, it was a pleasure. I must be on my way now. I will speak with you later...Craig."

The tone of how he said your last name and the way he once again looked at Craig, had your skin crawling.

Cyrus then left, leaving an anxious Craig to try and avoid you.

"Well, I am sorry to have kept you. You said you were in a hurry so I will let you get back to whatever it was you were doing." he rambled out and attempted to quickly walk away.

"Hey, wait." you called to him, causing him to freeze at his door and slowly turn around.

"Maybe I should be asking if you are the one who is alright?" you then asked.

"Who me?"

You giggled. "Well, you are the only one out here aren't you?"

Craig's head dropped as he chuckled. "Yeahhh, I guess I am. No, I'm fine. Really."

Liar, you thought. "Well, ok...hey I um...well, you asked me once before if we could talk again and share some wine. Would you like to?"

His hands went to his hips as a befuddled look graced his face. "You mean...now?"

"No time like the present. I really could use a glass or two after the day I've had and try to relax a bit. Seems you could...too?"

"I uh, thought you were busy?"

"Yes, well, I was, to try and gather my thoughts and all. If you can't or don't wan to, it's alri.."

"No, no. Sure. Come on in."

Craig politely opened the door, allowing you to enter first and bee-lined straight for the wine.

"Make yourself at home. Red wine good for you?"

"Yes, that's fine, thank you."

You sat the box down and then walked over to him.

"Once again, where are my manners. Here, have a seat."

Craig handed you your wine and pulled a chair over for you, then he plopped down upon a stool, seemingly still very nervous as he drank down his glass in two gulps and poured another from the bottle he brought with him.

"Craig...are...you sure you're ok?"

"Huh? Oh...yep." he simply said as he nodded with a smile, also seemingly very distracted.

"Enough about me. How about you? Do you want to tell me why you lied about having allergies?"

"When you tell me why you're lying about being fine."

"Oooh. Touche'. Alright then. But ladies first. I insist."

"Ok fine. You're right. I had been crying. Seems to be all I do anymore. I don't know. It's a long story that would bore you to death."

"You hardly bore me. In fact, not even a little bit. I actually find you quite intriguing and I'd like to get to know you, so here's the deal. You tell me what you want to. No pressure, no judgment, just a set of ears and any advice if you ask for it."

Craig's face was sincere and patient, especially his kind and soft sky blue eyes that studied your pained deep gold ones, trying to figure you out. Amber, he thought, was the best description he could think of as he became a bit lost in them....and for some reason unbeknownst to you, you felt you could trust the man you'd only spoken to less than a handful of times.

"Well...I guess I could start with my sister, which I despise even calling her that. Mickey and Mallory would be a better fit since that's pretty much what I witnessed today as she took off with a complete psycho. A match made in hell."

"Ahhh, Natural Born Killers. Good flick. She's that bad eh?"

"Yeah, and much more. She's done so many terrible things to me and to people I care about and this creep, who's also caused me and those I love nothing but trouble, is suddenly in her life, well, probably has been for awhile and I know it's intentional, just to get to me and Lee."

"Lee...your boyfriend right?"

Your eyes drifted away in sadness, not knowing how to answer that now.

"Well....no, I mean, yes...or he was...oh my god, I don't even know right now." you stammered as your eyes began to sting. No way, you weren't going to cry in front of him. Nope. The more you told yourself that, the harder it became to stop it until you just broke down, immediately throwing your palms over your face.

Craig's expression instantly turned sympathetic and he quietly got up to get you a tissue, then he sweetly kneeled before you.

"Here sweetheart."

You couldn't move. Mostly because of humiliation.

"I..I never do this!" you loudly muttered through your hands in frustration. "I never cry in front of complete strangers."

His soft fingers, sprinkled with a rainbow of paint, gently took your wrist and coaxed you out of hiding.

"I'm not exactly a complete stranger and as I said, there's no judgment here. Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell if you don't." Craig assured you as he offered you the tissue with a warm comforting smile.

He actually managed to bring a light smile to your lips and you humbly took the tissue, then quickly wiped your mascara streaked tears away.

"I..I am so sorry. This is so embarrassing."

"Hey, no. Don't do that. Don't apologize for being human. A person can only take so much and sometimes, a good cry is needed, or even hurling a smurf against the wall in a bout of rage and watching it splatter can also suffice."

You hadn't laughed so hard all week as you remembered him throwing the can of blue paint against the wall and telling him it looked like he murdered a smurf. In fact, you hadn't even laughed at all, or even smiled, yet Craig managed to bring both out of you in a matter of 2 minutes.

"There...there we go." he chuckled. "That's better. We can stop talking if you want."

"Oh no, you're not getting out of it that easy mister." you giggled. "But...to finish up, this asshat my twisted sister is hanging around, he's the entire reason my relationship is in shambles. He's a manipulator, a liar and he's dangerous. He put his own brother in the hospital and got away with it because everyone is scared of him, rightfully so of course, but yeah, he uh, he is jealous of me and wants Lee all to himself, but Lee...he don't want anything to do with him...or at least he claims he don't..."

"But you...don't believe him?"

"I want to...I...I don't know Craig. What I do know is Ethan will stop at nothing to get what he wants."

"E..Ethan?" he asked, seemingly stunned.

"Yeah, do...you know who I am talking about?"

"He wouldn't happen to have long dark hair, usually in one of those man bun things, British accent?"

"Jesus...yeah that would be him. How...how do you know him??"

Craig stood up and went to get more wine. He knew him alright, because of Jason.

"You're right Josie...he's very bad news. Have you ever heard of the Zacchara's?"

"Well yeah, my uh, my brother knew them, Johnny in particular and I know Ethan hung around him...but...how do you know this?"

Craig gulped down his wine, then nonchalantly turned with a forced smile.

"Most do. Massachusetts is crawling with mafia. So, is this Ethan terrorizing you as well?" he asked, swirling the wine around in his glass, almost as if he were becoming angered.

"I suppose that would be an appropriate term. I mean, he definitely harasses me and Lee. As I said, he had the audacity to show up today at my own mother's house to get Megan."

"Well...if he comes around here or bothers you again, let me know. I'll handle him."

"That's...very kind of you, but really, you don't want to get involved with this dude and I really don't want you to be...I mean...he stabbed his own brother..."

"His kind don't scare me, but thank you, for...caring. Don't get much of that in my life."

Craig went and poured another glass, then sat down, looking a bit glum.

"Here Jo...or just Josie I mean, have another glass yourself." he offered, holding the bottle out to you with his arm a bit wobbly, clearly feeling the effects of the red vintage he had been drinking rather quickly.

"Thank you. Soooo....are you speaking about your...father possibly? You just...seem a little nervous around him and even a little anxious."

"Well, I guess that's my cue to talk now." he chuckled. "But, I'd rather not speak about him if that's alright. I didn't even expect to see him here today. Just like the other dude, he just showed up after being...away...for a few years and well...he's also...kind of an asshole." he said with a grin.

"Oh, well of course you don't have to to talk about him or anything you don't want, just as you told me. May I ask then...about your little girl? Have you seen her yet?"

"Blaise...no. She's my heart. I seemed to have lost all inspiration in my art since she's been gone. I know there's a possibility she's not even mine, but it doesn't change how I feel about her." he said as he took out his phone, looking so defeated that it broke your heart.

"Of course it doesn't change how you feel. She'll always be your little girl, even if she possibly don't share your blood. I know someone who is going through that and he loves his son just the same. I look around here at all your work and honestly, I think it's amazing. You're very talented Craig. Much better than my artwork." you chuckled. "Maybe...I don't know, what if you put everything that you're feeling about your daughter into your work, you know, do it for her?"

"Pretty words." he softly said as he picked up his glass. "But...thank you. I appreciate you trying to cheer me up. You're sweet, you know that?"

"So you're an artist too huh?" Craig continued, seemingly not wanting to talk about Blaise anymore.

"I wouldn't exactly call it that. You...you're an artist. Me? not so much. My work is nowhere as good as all this."

"Well, I'll tell you what. How about if I come over to your apartment tomorrow and I'll take a look at it...I mean, if that's is alright with you?"

"You...want to see my work? Really? Uh, well, ok. But just don't laugh because...I warned you." you giggled again.

"Yes, I really want to see it. And...if you ever want to use my studio, just ask. I don't have a problem with that. Also, so you know, I would never laugh at you. You're far too beautiful, especially on the inside. You're a rare gem just Josie."

"I uh..."

Your phone beeped, saving you from the words you couldn't find. It was Lee, which made your butterflies go flutter happy.

"Hey...I am sorry to keep texting and calling but...can I please see you? I...I have something for you and I just...I just really want to see your face. I am down at the pay and park garage by your place. I'll wait for about an hour. Jo...I love you so much. Please come."

Craig observed your reaction as you read the text and could tell you were going to leave when you quickly drank down your wine.

"Saved by the bell...again." he softly laughed.

Not really, you thought as your anxiety jumped into high gear knowing Lee was just down the block. You weren't prepared to see him and hear the dreadful truth he said he was ready to tell you. The truth that you knew would back up Ethan's claims. If Lee felt nothing for him, then why did he hide it from you?

Releasing a heavy sigh, you clutched your chest and closed your eyes, attempting to breathe in through your nose and out your mouth, for if you didn't try to control it, Craig was about to witness a full on panic attack.

"Whoa hey there sweetheart, what's happening?" he asked and swiftly came right to you, cupping your face in his hands.

You don't know what happened at that moment as you found yourself pressing your body against his, your cheek against his chest and wrapping your arms tightly around his waist. Craig's heartbeat was what you were in need of, the soothing sound of something steady and stable, just like you did with Lee.

After the initial shock wore off, Craig's gaping mouth closed, then he slowly and hesitantly let his arms embrace your tiny trembling body. He didn't know what else to do, so he quietly stood still, keeping you in your safe zone until you were ready to release him.

Craig's body was firm and muscular, but the way he held you was as if you were a fragile flower. He reminded you somewhat of Jason. Not in how he acted or in his looks, although he also had blue eyes like your brother, but in his height, build and clothing of the typical black tee and jeans. And what in the world was the cologne you were inhaling?? It was heavenly and intoxicating...possibly Dolce Gabbana? Whatever it was, it was calming, just as the thumping of his heart was and it took your shakes away.

"You ok?" Craig softly whispered, afraid to move as his chin rested lightly on your head while listening carefully to your breaths that were now beginning to relax.

Once you came out of your state of panic, you panicked again at what you had done and flew back out of his arms.

"Oh god, Craig, I...I am SOOO sorry. I...I...I...I sometimes...get these attacks....anxiety and all and...and....heartbeats...I go for heartbeats...they're peaceful and soothing and...and...."

"Heyyyy, try to relax so you don't have another one." he calmly said, placing his hand on your cheek. "I don't know what happened, but...you're safe here, I'll make sure of that. As far as heartbeats, well, you did listen to your mother's for nine months so it makes sense why you would subconsciously seek that out."

Or maybe it was just him that you found peaceful and soothing.

"Yeah, I suppose that makes sense...I just feel so ridiculous, jumping on you like that. I can only imagine what you must be thinking of me, some hot mess that you now regret befriending."

"Well, I won't lie, you're definitely hot, but I don't see you as some mess. I am actually thinking, what could have happened to this sweet girl to cause her defenses to come out in such a way? and also, you...think of me as a friend now?"

Was he for real? Like, a good real? He seemed to say and do all the right things and to genuinely care. Maybe it was because he had been through what you had, being cheated on and made to feel worthless....and having to question how someone feels about you.

"Yeah, uh, I guess I do. You've been so kind to me, which a lot of people just aren't anymore. Annnd, you didn't freak out on me when I freaked out, which I've had my share of that over the years from people who were closest to me. So..yeah, I'd like to call you my friend. I...I trust you and that says a lot in itself, cause that certainly don't come easy for me."

Craig looked quite befuddled and even a bit bashful as he smiled and lowered his head before bringing his baby blues back to you.

"Well now, it would seem I was correct about you being a rare gem. I totally get everything you just said and well, I didn't freak out because you needed comfort, not panic. Thank you Josie. I am honored to be called your friend and to BE your friend.

"Alright, it is settled then...friend." you smiled. "But..."

"Ohh, there's the but.." he chuckled.

"No." you laughed. "Seriously though, I hate to do this, sorry....BUT...I gotta go. I will see you tomorrow then?"

"Sure. Just shoot me a text when you want me to stop by. Thank you Josie...for spending time with me. It was really nice to have someone to talk to."

"Thank you as well, for what you did for me. It was nice to see you and talk to you again. Try to have a good rest of your day ok? You can always text me if you need anything, I don't mind."

Craig then walked you out like a gentleman, checking all of your surroundings. "I'll do that. See you later little lady."

Your heart was racing again as you walked into the car garage, which was full of cars but you didn't see Lee's or him as you walked around. Surely he wouldn't have left already?

Quickly, you texted him, simply stating you were there. The beep of his phone had you spinning around to see him approaching you with a humble smile.

"Jo...you came..." he said, slightly out of breath from hurrying to get to you.

"I...yeah...where's your car?"

"I drove my dad's old truck today."

"Oh...well, why did you park here instead of at my place?"

"I came to see Gordon, he works upstairs. Hoping to come to some arrangement with him over the farm."

"I see, well, how's that going?"

"I don't know, he's out right now, so I figured I'd just wait around and....are we really going to share small talk here like we are old friends catching up Jo?"

"I uh, well I don't know what you want me to say?"

"Maybe that you miss me and still love me? That you want to try and work this out, because I know I sure do."

"Do you? Really?"

"Jo please. Baby you know I do."

"Honestly Lee, I don't know anything, which became quite clear last week."

"Yes, last week when you just....left me, not giving me the chance to explain. You won't even talk to me."

"I gave you every chance to explain for how long now Lee, and you didn't and that alone tells me all I need to know."

Lee stepped up to you with his hands in his pockets and sad eyes.

"What you need to know is I love you, only you. Did you get my letter? Did you read it?"

"Yes, I did. It was very beautiful. Said all the right things."

"So you don't believe any of it? Jo, my god. I wrote that to you after we first made love. I wrote that from my heart Jo."

"Lee, I know you did. I'm not saying that you don't feel something for me, I'm..."

"FEEL something? You really don't believe I love you do you? Ethan wins again and you're letting him."

"No, YOU'RE letting him...and speaking of Ethan, he was at my mom's fucking house today, picking up Megan."

"What???"

"Yeah...you heard that right. He was on a motorcycle and gave me the smuggest look when they left, and why? because he can. He can do whatever the hell he wants because NO one will stand up to him and now he's using my naive idiot sister to get under my skin even more."

"Jo...I am so sorry. I know, it's all my fault and.."

"You think??"

"Can we...go inside and talk about this...please?"

"Lead the way." you softly snapped and followed him up the stairs.

Lee took you into a small office room and closed the door, then he somewhat sat upon the desk and gazed at you with his sparkling sapphires. A gaze that made you just want to run into his arms and madly make out with him

"Jo...I really am truly so sorry, for everything that I have put you through and still am. I never meant for any of this to happen. Please tell me you believe that at least?"

His pleading eyes made you soften towards him. "Of course I know you never meant for any of this to happen...but...it did. Why Lee, why couldn't you just tell me the truth, ALL of it? That's what gets to me the most. It makes me feel, no, it makes me believe that you have unresolved feelings for Ethan and I can't do it Lee...be second choice again or some stand in until you get bored. I need your heart to beat only for me."

"God no Jo, that is not what you are, nor have you ever been. Can't you see it? Can't you even try to? I'm here Jo. I've always been here...for you. Not him. I'm here, begging you to believe me. Why would I do this if my heart did not beat only for you? Sometimes, I swear it's going to stop without you by my side. An entire week Jo, you've been gone and it felt like a year and...my heartbeat right now...it's racing, it's alive again because you're here, feel it..."

Lee reached out and took your hand, pulling you to him and placing your palm on his chest as he held his hand over yours, gazing up at you with eyes of a lost little boy.

He was right, his heartbeat was rapid and strong and god, so was yours in that moment, being that close to him, feeling him, smelling him. Every ounce of control that you had possessed for that entire week was now gone as your hands went to his face, pulling him into a passionate kiss.

His supple lips, his tantalizing taste of mint gum and Drakkar aftershave rocked your core and if you culd have made love to him right there on that desk, you would have....but he suddenly stopped the kiss as he stood up, pulling your hands away.

"No, Jo, I can't do this."

"What? Why?" you asked in disbelief as you studied the look upon his face. A look of confusion in which you then sarcastically laughed. "Oh...it's him, that's why. Just as I thought."

"What? No Jo...it's another man's cologne that I smell all over you."

That just threw you for a loop as you had forgotten you were innocently just in Craig's arms.

"Oh god no Lee, I can explain that..."

"No, it's ok. I get it now. That's why you haven't spoken to me all week. So who is it? Gerry I assume since he follows you around like a damn police dog."

"Lee no, god no, stop it. There is no man, only you and you know it. The cologne, it's my landlord's and..."

"Your landlord's??? Wow, well that's a new one. So here you are, thinking I want someone else when it appears that you are the one who does. Is that it?"

"Oh my god, Lee stop. We were only talking and..."

"Talking? Over wine too? I thought I tasted it on your breath."

"For fuck's sake, if you would just let me talk. That's not how it was. Yes, I had some wine. I was having a bad day after seeing Ethan and reading your letter and I ran into him. I just needed someone to talk to and he was there. That was all Lee."

"I was there Jo! I'm here, always have been. You could have talked to me! But instead, you chose your landlord that you barely know to speak to about your personal problems?? Was I part of that conversation too?"

"Briefly yes, but I didn't tell him anything personal about us, just about Ethan. I wouldn't do that Lee."

"Sounds pretty personal to me, especially when his cologne is embedded in your clothes. How do explain that one Jo?"

"Because, after you texted, telling me you were here, everything snuck up on me, you know, like when it did to you at your lake house? I had a panic attack and I...I hugged him, just to try and work through it. If I hadn't, I probably would have passed out as it progressed. That's all it was Lee. I swear it."

"So...I caused you to have an attack is pretty much what you're saying. You could called me Jo, right when you felt it start and I would have raced down there, but you chose a man who don't even know you instead."

"Lee! Craig was right there and he's not a stranger. He's very kind and understanding."

"Which is exactly what you need huh, because I don't give that to you right?...and Craig huh. You're on a first name basis with him too. Well, don't let me keep you. I'm going to go see if Gordon is back."

"That's it?? Seriously?? Running away again. Imagine that. I thought you had something for me and were going to tell me everything???"

"Yeah that, well...my hearing is next Monday at 10, but you don't need to worry about that or anything else now because it don't even matter. It never did. Maybe I'll see ya around."

"Lee wait! Come on. Don't do this!"

"Do what Jo? Walk away like you did?" he calmly said and then did just that, walked away.

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