Judged By You (Judge Me Series) Page 11

  “Did you talk to Stan?” I asked whist sipping my coffee. Hmm this is good……

  “I did, and he knows He wanted to go to Vegas because of his parents and what they would say, but then I realised that if I did it….. I may never forgive myself. Not to mention my mother. Seriously can you imagine what that crazy woman would say and what she would do to Stan?” Nicole said matter-of-factly.

  “But he is going to support you right?”

  “He said he would. He wanted me to move in with him Sav……but I don’t want this baby to change my feelings. We are permanent, but I just need time you know.” Nicole said with a look on her face like she was trying to convince herself of her own words.

  “That’s great news, and you know you can stay as long as you want here.” I said waving my hands towards the house.

  “I know…. Thank you.” She gripped my hand and kissed it. God she can be sweet, when she wants to be.

  “So how was your night with Damon?” Nicole said turning her head to the side to give me that why-haven’t-you-told-me look.

  “It was good…… dinner was fantastic he can cook you know.” I said with a smile remembering the taste. But not looking at Nicole’s face.

  “And,” she said nudging me with her elbow.

  “And….. We…… you know.” I could feel my cheeks heat. shit, I’m blushing again!

  “Wow… look at you… no wonder you’re so tired. I hope you used protection.” Nicole said with a now serious face.

  I couldn’t help but laugh. Trust Nicole to come out with such things. I felt my pocket vibrate and fished my phone out. I saw a message from Damon.

  You’re very welcome. Dinner tonight? D

  Wow, he wants to have dinner again? I must have had a puzzled look on my face because Nicole grabbed my phone out of my hands.

  “Wow, you must have impressed.” She said cheerfully.

  “Get out of it Nicole.” I said trying to grab the phone out of her hand. Once I grabbed the phone I typed back.

  Sure, let me know the details ; -)

  He replied right away.

  I will pick you up at 5. D

  Hmmm, “that’s an early dinner.” I said out loud. Nicole was leaning into me reading the message. She just shrugged and smiled.

  Nicole and I sat and spoke about her plans for the next seven and a half months. She said she would see how things went, and work it out from there. Nicole didn’t know if she was going to move in with Stan before the baby was born, or wait until after. She still hasn’t told her parents, but she was planning a trip to visit them real soon. I told her in a little more detail about my night, Nicole told me the guilt I was feeling this morning was a common female intuition.

  “I just want to know what we are you know….wether we are going to have an exclusive relationship or whatever.” I trailed off. I’ve had very few one night stands, and most time I was extremely drunk and had no idea what I was doing.

  “The only way to know is to ask. Don’t be afraid Savannah; you want to know the answers just ask.” Nicole said before standing up and walking back inside.

  I stood and followed. It was two thirty, and I decided to take a rest for an hour or so. Nicole said she was going to her friend’s house for a bit, so I set my alarm and lay down on the couch. I closed my eyes and had thoughts of my parents and Stephen. God I missed them.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

  My eyelids were so heavy, I just couldn’t open them. I felt hands on me, under my knees and across my shoulders, then I was moving.

  “Mmmmm,” I moaned. I don’t want to wake up yet.

  “Ssshhh, I’ve got you.” A gruff voice spoke.

  I could hear footsteps and a door open then I was on a bed. I reached my hand out and felt lips on the back of my hand. Then they were gone. I reluctantly opened one eye and saw a shadow, then felt my boots come off my feet, followed by my jeans. I tried harder to open my eyes. They slowly opened, and I began to focus on the shadow.

  “Ssshhh…. Go to sleep Savannah.” The voice was familiar.

  I sat up slowly and rubbed my eyes. Damon was walking out the door.

  “Hey.” I called. He turned and come back into the room slowly.

  “Hey, close your eyes beautiful…..I will see you after you’ve slept.” He said coming to sit beside me. He reached up and tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

  “What time is it?” I grumbled. Still trying to figure out what is going on.

  “It’s six thirty. I was held up, and I called but you didn’t answer….. So I came over, and you were asleep.” He said leaning down to kiss the corner of my mouth.

  “I’m so sorry…. I…. I set my alarm to get up, but it didn’t go off…… and I didn’t hear the phone, I was so tired….. I’m…. I’m so sorry.” I said grabbing his face in my hands than leaning in to kiss him. Our lips briefly met, before he pulled away.

  “That’s okay… I have to go now….. Get some rest and we will talk later.” He once again kissed me briefly then stood up to leave.

  I swung my feet off the edge of the bed and followed Damon down stairs.

  “I don’t want you to go.” I said, once downstairs. I wanted his company, among other things.

  “Savannah, you’re tired… and something has come up….. I’m sorry.” Damon said. He placed his hands on my shoulders and stepped closer. I tilted my head back to read his face. I had a feeling something wasn’t right.

  I started to pout. “Our plans are always disrupted…… your always very busy…..” I said looking away from him. This was upsetting. I was so disappointed in myself for not waking up and him for having to run off…… again.

  “I know, things are……. busy but they won’t be forever I promise I will make it up to you.” Damon said in almost a whisper. His lips brushed against mine, before kissing me. It was soft, and gentle, he tasted sweet. I could kiss him like this all day. I placed my hand in his hair and started fisting it. Pulling him closer, I needed to feel him closer. Both his hands went to my waist, and he held me tight.

  The front door opened, and Nicole walked in, immediately we pulled apart.

  “Oh, sorry……” Nicole said blushing.

  “That’s okay Nicole…. I was just leaving.” He kissed me once more and walked out.

  I walked over the couch and slumped down on it huffing like a school girl who had just been told off my parents. “Is this what it’s going to be like when I’m a lawyer.” I asked myself. Something just doesn’t feel right, Damon looked distracted.

  “What was that?” Nicole interrupted my thoughts.

  “You tell me…. Something’s come up….. Again.” I whined.

  “Don’t sweat it; you know how busy people can get….. Don’t over think it.” Nicole said to me with a stern voice. She knew me well. I over think everything in my life. I was still so tired. I didn’t want to over think this.

  “I’m going to bed Nic…. see you in the morning.” I said getting up from the couch and heading up the stairs.

  “Aren’t you going to eat something.” Nicole called out.

  I ignored her. I wasn’t in the mood for dinner nor was I in the mood to fight with her over it. She was all about keeping up nutrition. I showered and got into bed. Tomorrow was a new day, and I needed to find a job after my lectures. I closed my eyes and drifted. I didn’t need rocking tonight.

  Chapter 6

  I slept so well. I woke nice and early and was well rested. The sun was shining, and today was going to be a glorious day. I wandered down stairs and put the coffee machine on and made breakfast. I thought I would surprise Nicole with a cooked breakfast, I didn’t know how to cook much, but I knew how to cook pancakes. Yum.

  Nicole joined me in the kitchen about half hour later, and I hadn’t burnt a single one yet, but she made me nervous, the way she looked at my handy work with a smirk on her face. “You’re getting the hang of this aren’t you.” she said laughing. I remembered the first time she taught me to cook…�
�� it was horrible. I burnt every single one, and the fire department had to pay us a visit. The thought made me laugh. I cooked more than enough pancakes, I didn’t know what I was going to do with the left overs. Nicole ate more than I thought she would, apparently being pregnant makes you eat more………..

  After breakfast, I packed my books and grabbed my keys. My phone rang in my bag, and I struggled to find it, but I answered it just in time.

  “Hello,”

  “Savannah…. Carter Graham here.” a gruff voice answered.

  “Hi, Mr Graham.”

  “I’m wondering if you would have time to meet me this evening.” He asked. He sounded so much more professional than Rob.

  “Sure, what time?”

  “Say…… about five thirty? I’m sorry…….it’s So late and short notice.”

  Mentally I checked my calendar I had no appointments, and I wasn’t sure if I would hear from Damon….. So I agreed.

  “That’s perfect. Where am I going?”

  “I’m in the same office as Rob was…. do you remember where to go Savannah.” He asked.

  “Sure do…. See you then Mr Graham.”

  “Please…. call me Carter… and see you at five thirty.” I could sense his smile.

  I walked outside, and the barn door caught my eye. The dodge was sitting there, all lonely, and I could hear it calling my name. “Stuff it.” I walked back inside and grabbed the keys to the dodge. I was in a fantastic mood, and taking my beast for the day would make it even better.

  “Can you drop me at work Sav?” Nicole asked as I was walking out the door for the second time.

  “Sure. I’m taking the dodge today.” I said with a smile. Nicole loved that car just as much as everyone else. She had only been in it a handful of times though. Nicole was so independent; she hated relying on others just as much as I did.

  “Sweet. My car has a flat battery.” She said pouting.

  “You’re such a girl Nicole.” I said shaking my head.

  We set off to enjoy our days. I told Nicole that I wouldn’t be home until at least seven o’clock, and she had informed me that she would be staying at Stan’s tonight so not to expect her at all.

  “Why are you going to be home so late?” Nicole asked with an intrigued look.

  “I’m meeting with Mr Graham… the new lawyer. Rob is overseas for twelve months so……… he has handed Stephen’s case over to Mr Graham.” I had to fill Nicole in on the news from yesterday.

  I dropped Nicole at work and headed to college. I took my usual seat next to Sarah and listened to the professor talk about the ever changing laws in the country. I had been thinking a lot about my plans for the future and was beginning to feel the weight of all that is required to become a lawyer. I had stepped away from it once, and the aspiration to do it again was slowly creeping back. I wanted it, but wasn’t sure if I wanted it now…… or later. I only had a few weeks until the break so I would think about it than……hmmm break I actually wanted to go away and have some rest, and relaxation.

  “Are you listening?” Sarah whispered while poking me to get my attention.

  I pushed my thoughts aside and sat listening attentively for the next three hours. Everyone started packing up their belongings and exiting the room. Sarah and I drifted into conversation about upcoming exams and the college ball. I never went to the functions they held, it wasn’t my style, and no one who wasn’t from here could go so that left me with no one to go with. Sarah didn’t like them much either. She wasn’t the socialising-out-of-class type, apart from our study session turn into dinner we had last week. It was good to see her come out of her shell, and we had a lot more in common than I first thought. We walked across the lawn to the car park and a hot little convertible pulled up, stopping me in my tracks. The sleek Camaro convertible was silver with black pin stripping, the friction between the tires and the road base could be heard when the brakes were applied. “Nice.” I said nudging Sarah who was staring at the brunette as she exited the car. The tall, well groomed brunette got out and straightened up her tight…short….very short dress then clung to her skin. Her hair fell in waves around her face and down her breasts. She was stunning. Suddenly I got this feeling like I had been there before….. Had been thinking these thoughts…… a light went on and I remembered her to be the girl that was with Damon at the cafe that night I went out with Sarah. I stood frozen as I watched this women enter the administrations building. What on earth would she be doing here?

  “Hello…..Earth to Savannah.”

  “Were you talking to me?” I turned to Sarah; finally the penny dropped in the darkness my of skull.

  “Yes, you were off in your own little world than……just like you were in class.” Sarah said laughing.

  I explained I had a lot on my mind and that being in my own little world is a better place than here sometimes. Sarah nicely informed me I needed to seek medical advice; she thought I was going to commit suicide I swear The way she looked at me with her eyes wide and her face paled. I reassured her that I was perfectly fine, and I was going to do anything stupid, so little faith she has in me. After half an hour, Sarah felt it was safe to let me go, she talked about anything she could to keep me still long enough for her to suss me out. I had doctors and councillors do it to me long enough after my parents died and then again when Stephen went to jail. We said our good byes, and I headed towards my car. A group of guys had gathered around it, eyeing it with smiles. As I got closer, the group looked up at me and back to the car. My car sat alone under the shades of a tree, and they all knew I wasn’t there for them.

  I put my key in the door to unlock it when I heard one of them approaching.

  “Is this your car sweetheart?” he asked in a devilish tone.

  “Yes…..honey. It sure is.” I returned with the same tone.

  He smiled and shook his head in approval. I opened the door and got in. “Boys and their fascination with toys,” I said to myself closing the door. I hit the ignition, and the engine roared to life, the crowed stood to the side as I backed out and then went towards the exit. I was in desperate need of coffee and food, so I went to a bake house across the road from the office I was to be meeting Mr Graham at in an hour. I found a park right outside the front door of the office building after driving around the block for fifteen minutes. I parked and darted across the road to the cafe. The smells coming from it were incredible; they made your mouth water just smelling them. I grabbed my coffee and a chocolate muffin and took a seat outside. The temperature was starting to cool so outside was the place to be.

  I found a table in the corner of the outside sitting area and enjoyed my delights. My purse started to vibrate on the table, I fished my phone out, and Damon’s name displayed on the screen. An instant smile appeared on my lips, I had been secretly hoping he was going to call.

  “Why hello.” I said with a grin.

  “Why hello to you too.” He said with a sexy tone.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Follow ups….. All the boring jobs…… what are you doing Savannah.” He sounded so sexy. Sex flowed from his voice with the last words spoken.

  “Well…. I am enjoying a coffee…. Alone. I have an appointment at five thirty so…….im wasting time.” I took another welcoming sip of coffee. Ah it was good.

  “Will you have time for dinner after your appointment?” He asked. I could hear someone in the back ground talking, and he answered “I have plans… I’m not going,” he said in a harsh tone to whoever had spoken to him.

  “I could find time……yes.” I said with a smile. I was looking forward to seeing Damon.

  “Great. Let me know when you’re done, and we will go from there.”

  “Sure… looking forward to it…. good bye Damon.”

  “Good bye Savannah.”

  I hung up with a smile on my face. I decided to check my emails and look for jobs online while I waited. I found a few office jobs that took my interest and applied for them, one w
as four afternoons a week, and the other two were fulltime. I applied for them to keep my options open. I was still undecided as to what I was going to do after spring break. I closed down my application and saw it was five twenty. I got up and walked across the road. The building was old fashioned, and made of brick, but it was ultra-modern inside. The office was on the seventh floor, I waited at the elevators with a group of people. I wondered if Damon made appointments with his clients late in the afternoon. My mind fluttered back to the busty brunette I saw earlier today, I was curious as to why she was at the college………. Pushing that thought aside, the elevator arrived, and I stepped in and went straight to the back.

  The elevator starting to ascend I counted in my mind as we passed levels. The doors pinged open on the seventh floor, and I pushed thru to the front and exited. The office felt ghostly. The front desk displayed a closed sign, but I could hear someone talking. I rang the bell on the front desk and stood back waiting. I noticed several large paintings hanging on the wall of women with children and landscapes. They were breath taking, I didn’t know a lot about art, but I had several paintings hanging on my walls at home. I believe they put life into the house.

  “Miss James.” I jumped as I heard my name and turned quickly.

  “Hi, I’m Carter Graham.” He extended his hand.

  Carter was tall and handsome. He had sandy blonde hair and green eyes. He didn’t look all that old, maybe thirty. He was slim build, but you could tell he worked out. His arms were muscular. He had beautiful teeth when he smiled, I could picture him in a tooth paste ad. He wore black suit pants and white shirt with a black tie. Very professional looking. Stephen would have a field day with him. Being all “professional and all” as he calls it.

  “I’m terribly sorry; I was admiring your art work……. Please call me Savannah.” I said extending my hand to greet his and shake. He had extremely soft hands….. They made me relax immediately.

  “Savannah…. please come this way.” Carter gestured towards an open door.