Inferno (A Harmony Love Story)

  Inferno

  A Harmony Love Story

  Inferno

  A Harmony Love Story

  Angela Graham

  Copyright © 2018 Angela Graham

  Cover Design—Perfect Pear

  Editor—Jen Juneau

  Formatter—Joni Wilson

  All Rights Reserved.

  This book may not be reproduced in any form,

  in whole or in part,

  without written permission from the author.

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-Six

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  Chapter Twenty-Eight

  Chapter Twenty-Nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Inevitable Sneak Peak-

  About the Author

  “You got a heart so big

  It could crush this town

  And I can’t hold out forever

  Even walls fall down.”

  —Tom Petty

  Prologue

  I’d always had a crush on Caleb Townsend, ever since the first time I spotted him tossing dice on his front porch across from my best friend Cassandra’s house. He looked up, appearing frustrated until our eyes locked, and at only twelve years old, I fell in love. Some might disagree with love at first sight, but not me, not anymore, because I have yet to figure out what else consumed me that day. My heart swelled and skin prickled, while ravenous fireflies coursed through the depths of my body.

  And then he smiled, the slightest twitch of his lips curving up, and my knees nearly buckled. I was claimed in that very moment. The trouble was, he had returned to his game of dice, oblivious to the fact that I was swooning. And, being a few years older than me, why would he have acted any different? In his eyes, I was just a child, which was all the more proven when Cassandra called out for me to come ride bikes.

  Still, I watched, my behavior at times bordering on stalking as the years passed, waiting for another look my way.

  I’d just turned fourteen and was awkward and bossy, wearing cutoff shorts and a black tank top as I stood on his front porch the night that would reinforce my belief that without a doubt, Caleb was meant for me.

  The house—or more like mansion, compared to my own—was loud, chaotic, and everything you'd want for your first party.

  “This is such a bad idea,” Cassandra croaked, gripping my hand as we weaved through the crowd of high-schoolers who were chugging beers and barking out dares.

  I felt alive with a heady mix of adrenaline and curiosity. No, this was a fantastic idea.

  “If your dad wakes up and finds us gone—”

  I shot her an incredulous glare, then laughed. “My dad doesn’t wake up till the sun rolls in. We’ll be fine. Come on.” I took her hand, dragging her toward the staircase.

  “What if there’s a disturbance call and my mom responds?” She stopped suddenly, frozen on the first step.

  I turned back and smiled. “Then we haul ass.”

  “Hey, up here!”

  We both peered up at the landing and spotted Luke, Caleb’s younger brother, waving for us to follow. It was his weekend there visiting his dad, a monthly thing—except this time, his dad was out of town. Last-minute trip, supposedly, and one that was taken greatly advantage of by his boys.

  “Come on,” I pleaded to Cassandra. “I promise, no drinking, no smoking, or any other toxic crap or silly drama. Just normal eighth-grade fun, yeah?”

  She appeared to contemplate it before nodding slowly. “Okay, yeah.”

  My grin grew wider. I felt eager and excited as we bounced up the steps and followed Luke down a long hallway, then through another door with a small staircase just inside.

  “The attic?” I questioned.

  Luke gazed back with a coy smile. “Yeah, that okay?” he asked Cassandra, his eyes trained on her while she stared down at her fidgeting hands.

  “Yeah,” she replied softly, and we followed him up the stairs to a massive, dimly lit room with one hanging light in the corner and the street posts glaring in from outside.

  In the center of the room were about twenty other kids from school, all rounded up in a circle, whispering and laughing.

  We approached gradually, spotting an empty wine bottle in the center that pointed at Mark, Cassandra’s crush. Her shoulders tensed, but her smile spread.

  “Come on, get in here!” Mark shouted, directing everyone to scoot over and make room.

  We sat next to each other, giddy with nervous anticipation for what the night held.

  Luke plopped down beside Mark as the bottle began to spin. The next ten minutes were full of giggles and screeching as half our class took turns swapping spit. Cassandra and I were lucky to just be spectators—so far.

  Mark kissed more than anyone, and I could’ve sworn he was doing all he could to direct that thing at Cassandra. But it was Luke who landed on her.

  She squeezed my knee so hard I nearly yelped. I shot my head her way to find her eyebrows had stretched up almost to her hairline.

  “Good luck,” I mouthed, smiling but completely nervous for her.

  Luke was already bent forward, more than meeting in the middle; the shyest, nicest boy in town was about to grant my best friend her first kiss. Things could’ve been a lot worse for her, judging from the other guys in the circle.

  Cassandra’s hands trembled as she leaned in, eyes closing, ready…

  The door burst open, smacking against the wall. “What the hell’s this?”

  Cassandra fell back onto her bottom, looking relieved, while everyone else, myself included, craned our necks toward the intruders.

  “Buncha little kids playing dolls,” teased Josh, a high-schooler and the town douchebag.

  Four guys entered before Caleb strolled in behind them, beer in hand.

  “Shit, spin the bottle? Hell, I wanna play,” Josh said, kneeing Mark in the side to make room to sit. “These girls need to kiss some real men.”

  The other guys stood around, laughing—all but one, anyway. Caleb was perched against the wall, ankles crossed, sipping from the bottle full of amber liquid.

  Luke looked at his brother, obviously asking for help, desperation in his eyes, while Josh spun the bottle—and it landed on me, of all people.

  I scooted backward, completely out of the circle. No way was that happening. Josh had a grin so menacing I wanted to run and hide. I clenched my fists at my sides, ready to make it clear that his lips wouldn’t be going anywhere near mine when I heard that deep, rich voice that I wanted so badly to one day speak directly to me.

  “Come on, guys, let’s leave ’em to it,” Caleb said, pushing off the wall, and I nearly fell back from my relief. “No reason Luke can’t enjoy my dad’s absence too.”

  Josh groaned, snatching the bottle and tossing it around before throwing it to one of the other guys. “How about we teach ’em seven minutes in heaven?” he commented
, giving band geek Miranda a leering grin.

  “How about not.” Caleb yanked Josh up by his collar, shoving him toward the door. “Let’s get back downstairs before Mack finishes off the beer.”

  The bottle was tossed back in the middle. Luke seized it before it could break as Caleb made his way around us. He stopped at my back and my head twisted up, staring like a little child in awe. I rarely had the chance to appraise Caleb so closely; his eyes were a deeper green than I’d seen before and his clean, masculine odor annihilated my senses. He made my stomach do things I’d never felt and sent a current to a place I never knew existed.

  Caleb looked over at Luke. “Just for the record, lil’ bro: If you want to kiss a girl, no need to play games.”

  Suddenly there were strong hands on my forearms, pulling me smoothly to my feet. And before I could even process the how or why, my body was pressed firmly against Caleb’s, his mouth on mine.

  It was gentle yet rough, and over all too soon. There was no tongue or groping, just a single, lasting kiss, while his fingers gripped my hair—a moment that was being imprinted in my mind to relive every night thereafter for all of eternity.

  When he released me, his hands settled on my hips for a mere second, stabilizing me, and then his singular word hit deep in my soul. “Soft.”

  I stood there dumbfounded as he stepped away and looked at Luke. “Just do it.”

  As Caleb reached the door to leave us alone, he glanced my way and left me with a smoldering wink.

  And just like that, my knees melted, body sliding back down beside Cassandra.

  “Oh my God!” she whispered, giggling. “Caleb kissed you! Are you all right?”

  Gently, I touched my lips. “Perfect.”

  Chapter One

  My body felt alive with vigor at the image of Caleb, exactly as I remembered—only this time, his eyes were on mine. My stomach tensed, nerves piqued as I entered the old diner that was now part of his world in which I ached to belong. He sat in a tattered booth that barely held his muscular frame, wearing an easy smile.

  I couldn’t look away. “You’re really here?” I asked, a gnawing desperation edging my voice.

  His deep timbre broke the silence mounting between us, a slight tease turning his lips. “You miss me?”

  I nodded, peeking my tongue out just enough to skim my bottom lip. I burned for him in a way that I didn’t understand because I’d never even had him. My entire adolescence had been spent yearning for just one touch.

  His eyes blazed, jaw tensing. “Come here.”

  He didn’t need to repeat himself. My body was immediately in motion until I was at his side. His hand closed around mine, my eyes never swaying from the calculating look in his as he pulled me down onto his lap.

  Suddenly the booth disappeared and it was just me and him, my back to his front and his hand grazing down to my thigh, where he slowly parted my legs. My eyes fluttered shut as I allowed my body to melt against his broad chest. The warmth of his breath caressing my neck caused my own to hitch; anticipation rattled through my veins.

  “Hilary…” My name on his lips sent a surge of desire to my very core. “So perfect. All grown up and sweet as nectar.”

  The pads of his fingers traced the edge of my damp panties as his mouth pressed against my shoulder, and I nearly came undone. “Came back.”

  His hand dipped past the lace barrier. “For you. Always wanted this,” he murmured. “Still do.”

  My eyes opened languidly, heart swelling at the words I’d longed for years to hear now washing over me.

  “You did?” I whispered, my voice hoarse as I peeked sheepishly over my shoulder back at him.

  A wicked rumble rose in his chest, but my focus remained on that devious grin, just as enticing as I remembered it. “You ready?” he asked.

  “Yes.” It was barely a slip of breath as my ass grinded down against his lap. The stiffness of his erection elicited the promise of what tonight would hold. I maneuvered my body so I could face him…just as the shrill blare of an alarm pushed him away.

  I shot up in bed, my pulse thumping as I took in the sight of my blurry bedroom before falling right back against the headboard. Sunlight spilled through the open window.

  “Damn it!” I squeaked.

  It didn’t matter. Tonight was the night my dreams finally had a shot at reality.

  Just like every other morning for the last month, I was greeted with a cheerful text from my bestie that Saturday.

  Cassandra, 7 a.m.: Wake up, sleepy head, and get those running shoes on. Meet you in 30!

  Me, 7 a.m.: Too early!

  I rolled back over, taking my phone with me.

  Cassandra, 7:01 a.m.: 29 minutes … see you soon. XO

  As much as I wanted to curl deeper into the blankets and drift back into my dreamy Caleb-filled imagination, I’d asked—no, begged—for her to keep me committed to working out. I’d always been healthy for the most part, but my college days had added a few new curves to my tall frame. Luckily the guys seemed to approve, even though I still coveted Cassandra’s athletic build.

  Plus, I didn’t want to leave her to run solo yet again since I’d missed the last couple mornings, which was a damn shame seeing as her mysterious and gorgeous new neighbor had kept her company. And I was eager for more details—which was why I replied.

  Me, 7:03 a.m.: Be there in 15. XO

  With a heavy head, I dragged my sleepy, horny self to the bathroom and shoved my toothbrush in my mouth. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and winced, my knotted hair that was once in a messy bun now hanging from the side of my head.

  I’d always been the confident one who gave no fucks, with the belief that men weren’t worth killing yourself over, yet I’d been forcing myself on these morning runs for just that: a man. Watching all the renovations being done to the old diner in town amid rumors of a new mystery owner who was actually Caleb fueled me to tone my abs and strengthen my legs more than anything else. What was it about him?

  I rinsed my mouth out, washed my face, and reminded myself that insecurities were for the weak. And I would never be weak.

  I’d never had a problem finding guys to distract myself with, but I also never kept any of them around for long. At twenty-two and fresh out of college, my life was just beginning, and I had to live it up. There was no way in hell I’d let Caleb, a guy I’d barely spoken to, cause me to revert to a bumbling child.

  With a refreshed sense of confidence, I tugged on my sneakers and grabbed my hoodie, opening the front door and nearly knocking over a woman standing on the other side.

  “Crap, sorry,” I said, steadying myself. “Can I help you?”

  She bit her lip, eyes everywhere but on me…which added instantly to my concern.

  “Um, you okay?” I asked gently.

  The woman stood silently, finally looking at me, intently, as if trying to figure something out. She didn’t look familiar—early forties, I would’ve guessed—and with Harmony being such a small town, if she was a local, I would’ve at least recognized her.

  The woman finally spoke. “Do you love him?”

  Stunned, I released an awkward laugh, realizing she’d obviously mistaken me for someone else. “Excuse me? I don’t—”

  “We have a family.” She reached quickly into her purse, pulling out her phone and holding it up. The background was lit with three smiling faces. “Married over twenty years. Please, you have to stop seeing my husband.”

  I blinked multiple times, unsure what to say. “Look, your kids are really cute, but you definitely have the wrong girl.”

  My heart tightened with sorrow at the pain written in her expression when she lifted her head to stare directly at me, eyes red and puffy and expression dire.

  To have a family with a trusted partner who could betray your bond at any moment was the reason I never let guilt stop me from taking what I needed from a man before he got too close. It was something I constantly reminded myself of whenever I thought of Ca
leb lately. Why did I want so badly to believe he would be any different?

  Without even knowing her name, I wanted to invite her inside, offer her a drink, and convince her they could work things out, at least for the kids’ sake.

  “I’m so sorry for what you’re going through. Maybe I can help you find—”

  “You’re young,” she cut me off, a single tear falling that she swiped away quickly. “Younger than the last. I guess he has a type.”

  “No.” I shook my head and reached over to comfort her with a rub on the shoulder. She jolted back, her features twisting into something new: disgust.

  “Listen.” I held up my hands in defense. “I can see how much you’re hurting and I can’t even imagine how you must feel, but I’m not whoever you’re looking for. I don’t even have a boyfriend, and honestly, you just reminded me why I probably don’t need one.”

  When she didn’t speak, I continued after a regretful sigh. “I know men can be pigs, but with two decades together and those adorable kids, maybe you should try talking to your husband.”

  “You’re not her?” she asked, disbelieving.

  “No,” I replied, never wanting it even implied that I’d destroy a family. I’d watched Cassandra’s entire world fall apart around her when we were young because her dad was nothing but a cheat.

  “This isn’t you?” She held up a screenshot of my name and phone number.

  Stunned, I just stood there. Sure, guys had my number, but if they were wearing a ring I never let it get that far. I met a lot of guys while waitressing, but other than a few dinners and overnighters here and there, only one guy was ever a constant: Rafe, and he was more of a business partner than anything else. No way was he married.

  Rafe was my shameful little secret—not because I thought he was married, but because I knew using each other the way we did was wrong. He helped me financially, and I showed up when he needed a pretty girl on his arm. He lived an hour away, in the city, so it was easy to keep him hidden. It sounded a little too Pretty Woman-esque, which was why I’d never even told Cassandra, but as a struggling coed with no real family to lean on aside from my dad, it was better than stripping or working three jobs.