Dare to Dream: The Maxwell Series (26 page)
Read Dare to Dream: The Maxwell Series Online
Authors: S. B. Alexander
Tyler softened, and he returned the hug. “I’ll be following your stats at whichever college you go to. Have you decided on ASU or heard from the other colleges?”
I eased back, and looked from Kade to Tyler. I’d been leaning toward Colby College, for two reasons. I’d connected with the coach, who reminded me of Coach Dean, and I had to prove to myself that I could live without any loved ones around me. I didn’t want to rely on Kade or Dad being there if I blacked out or one of my PTSD symptoms surfaced. My stomach knotted at the thought of telling Kade. I didn’t know how he would take the news, but it was time to cut the cord. Besides, Colby College was in Maine, which wasn’t as far away as if I’d gone to ASU.
“Not yet. I’ll let you know when I do.”
Kade came up and draped an arm around me. “I wish you luck at Florida State,” he said to Tyler.
“Thanks, man,” Tyler said. “I better go.”
A fat raindrop splattered on the bill of my ball cap. The people who still remained scurried off the field with Tyler. The clouds opened up, and the rain poured down. I grabbed Kade’s hand, and we sprinted into the dugout. A jagged bolt of lightning split the sky in half, and as we both gazed out at the empty field, I was reminded of my recurring dream where Kade and I were sitting on the ball field in a thunderstorm. I shivered.
“Something wrong?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. I haven’t told you, but I’ve had the same dream over and over again where you and I are on the ball field in a thunderstorm.”
His face was pinched with worry.
“And in my dream, you say to me”—I swallowed—“‘Storms will roll in, the sky will grow darker, the clouds will release their tears, but through the thunder, the lightning, the rain, the sleet, and the snow, the world will right itself.’ I had no idea what that meant until this very moment.”
“Should I ask? Do I even want to know?” A gust of wind messed up his honey-brown hair.
Thunder boomed, followed by another lightning strike. Rain pelted the field, dinging the roof of the dugout.
“This may sound heavy. I interpret the dream to mean that my life has knitted back together, only with a new path, a new future, and a new dream that includes you and me.”
“It sounds perfect. Especially the part that includes you and me.”
“Have you decided what you’re going to do after graduation?” He’d told me college wasn’t for him, and his dad had suggested that he travel. I knew he wanted to spend time with his mom though.
“Actually, I have.” He threaded his fingers through his hair.
My heart stopped for a beat. Anytime he ran his hand through his hair he was either frustrated or worried.
“Baby, I would follow you to heaven or hell. I would die for you. You know that.” He closed the distance between us then tangled strong fingers through my hair. “But my dad told us last night that my mom will be home for at least the summer and maybe longer.” He searched my face. “My brothers are staying in the area. Kody is taking a year off. Kross will be concentrating on boxing and taking classes at Boston College, and Kelton is going to Harvard. This is my chance to spend time with my family, with my mom. We’ll all be together for the next year. I can’t pass up family. Not when I haven’t had my mom home in two years.” He blew out a breath.
I placed my hands on his jean-clad hips. “I would never take you away from family. I know how important it is to you, Kade. That’s what makes you you. That’s why I love you.” Tears threatened. “So, both Colby College and UMass offered me a baseball scholarship.”
“That’s awesome.” He lifted me up and twirled me around and planted his warm lips on me. “And?” He eased me down onto two feet.
“I’m going to accept Colby College’s offer.” I held my breath.
“You’re not taking a chance at ASU?”
“My mom always told me to follow my dreams, and baseball stands at the top of my list.”
“And why not UMass’s offer?” His eyes melded with mine.
“Mainly, I need to prove I can live on my own.” The thought of us apart sent a sharp pain through my heart. “You and my dad won’t be far. We can visit on weekends.” I pressed a hand to his sculpted chest.
His arms sucked me in, his mouth crashed to mine, and he kissed me like I was his next breath. My heart beat a wild cadence as I returned the kiss. Minutes had passed. The rain slowed.
We broke away.
“You are my hero, and I love the crap out of you,” he said.
“Ditto, Kade Maxwell.”
Kade
G
raduation came and went
. In fact, the ceremony and the graduation party were nice, especially with my mom present. I could’ve done without the pomp and circumstance though. I didn’t like all the hype of walking across the stage in front of tons of people. It didn’t matter anymore. My senior year was behind me and the future ahead of me, and I couldn’t be more stoked. Lacey had signed with Colby College. Deep down I wished she would’ve accepted the scholarship to UMass, but I understood her reasoning. She wanted to be on her own and prove to herself that she could take care of herself without her dad or me always around. I admired her and loved her even more for her determination and tenaciousness. My mom was living at home and had been since the beginning of July. I was still working at Rumors, helping out Mr. Robinson. My brothers were with me. My father was working from home more now. We had our family unit back together. I couldn’t help but think of my sister, Karen, as I sat down by the lake on a hot, muggy August day. She would’ve loved it here. She loved the water, and any chance she had, she’d been swimming either in our pool at our old Texas home or in the ocean when we went out on the boat my father had owned.
My heart lit up as I watched my mom. She giggled like a schoolgirl at something my father said. He was grilling burgers while she removed paper plates from the plastic wrap at the picnic table where Lacey was helping her set up the food. Lacey’s shorts rode up on her butt, exposing her pink bikini bottoms as she reached for a spoon.
My girl in a bikini was something I couldn’t look at around people, not if I didn’t want everyone to see my dick getting hard. Water splashed and Becca squealed, diverting my gaze away, thankfully. Kross chased her around the edge of the lake then tackled her into the water. Kody was tuning his guitar on a blanket next to Mr. Robinson, who was lounging in a chair. Mr. Robinson had offered to let Kody play one night a week at Rumors. Today, Kody had promised my mom he’d play her a song he’d written after we ate.
“Kody seems happier,” Hunt said.
He and I sat on my tailgate behind everyone.
“He does.” I wasn’t sure if he’d come to terms with what Sullivan had said the night of the party or if his happier mood stemmed from my mom being home. Either way, a weight had lifted off my shoulders.
“So, are you going to take Pitt up on his offer?” Hunt asked.
Since Hunt had guarded Lacey, he’d found that he liked the job. So Pitt had offered him a spot at the Guardian working for Wes, and he’d extended the same position to me. “I’m going to give it a shot on a temporary basis until Mr. Robinson opens up his new club.” Lacey’s dad had finalized the sale of Eko Records and Zepplins in LA and had purchased another new club in Boston. I’d agreed to work there when it opened.
“I thought you hated the club scene.” Hunt took a swig from his soda can.
“It’s not so bad as long as I’m not cleaning up puke.”
Chloe squealed. She and Kelton were playing horseshoes in a small sandy area off to our left. We’d invited Jeremy and Gloria, but they’d left town for the weekend.
“I’m surprised Pitt hasn’t severed any of Kelton’s limbs yet.” Hunt chuckled.
“Her old man is cool with Kelton.” Although I was worried that Jeremy Pitt, mob boss, would fry my brother in a vat of turkey grease if he did anything to harm or upset the blond beauty. “I don’t think it will last.”
“I agree. Kelton and love don’t mix well,” Hunt said.
He and I laughed as Lacey swayed her sexy hips toward us, her pink swim top covering her ball-squeezing breasts that bounced with each step.
“I’m going to talk to Kody.” Hunt hopped off the truck.
Lacey climbed up beside me. “The last time we sat on your truck like this was at your party back in April.”
“Yeah, but this is better. We’re among family and friends, and I get to see you prance around in that bikini.”
Her luscious green eyes lasered in on Mr. Steel. “He’s awake, isn’t he?”
I lifted a shoulder. “Only one way to find out.” My gaze swept over the swell of her breasts, and Mr. Steel hardened. “So, when does Becca leave?” Becca had gotten accepted into the NYU Nursing Program, and Lacey and Becca had spent more time together since baseball season had ended. It was good to see them hanging and giggling. Hell, it was great to see Lacey with a smile on her face most of the time now.
“Next week. I wanted to help her move into her dorm, but I’m leaving for Maine.”
At that moment, I wanted to hold her and never let go. My dreams had always been nightmares until Lacey had come into my life. I hated that I wouldn’t see her every day or spend every night with her. I hated that I wouldn’t be there if any of her PTSD symptoms surfaced or if she woke from a bad dream. Most of all, I hated that my heart would split in two the moment she drove away. I knew we loved the crap out of each other. I knew without a doubt I would marry her someday. I also knew that as long as we had each other, the world would right itself.
T
his book is dedicated
to you. I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to read Dare to Dream and all my other books. Hugs and kisses go out to each of you!! If you have a dream follow it. One step forward is the key to unlock a world of possibilities.
When you have a moment, I’d love if you would leave a short review from the e-book/book vendor you purchased the book from. Your help in sharing your excitement and spreading the word is greatly appreciated.
I hope you enjoyed Kade and Lacey’s story. You’ll see them again when Dare to Love (Kelton’s story) is released. I’m working on Dare to Love. However, I don’t have a timeline of its release yet.
S
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I
’ve written
several books and none have been as emotional as Dare to Dream. Not only in writing the story, but from the circle of people who have been with me every step of the way.
First and foremost, I want to thank my fans and readers. Without you guys I wouldn’t be writing. You motivate me, you support me, and you encourage me. I’m humbled by all the reviews and messages I’ve received along the way. Hugs and kisses to each and every one of you for taking the time to take this journey with me. This book is dedicated to you.
I love, love the team at Red Adept Publishing. Without a doubt, I am a better writer because of the team of editors who have helped to bring The Maxwell Series to life.
I can’t say enough about Streetlight Graphics and for my amazing covers. Love you guys.
Marketing a book is one of the hardest aspects for an author, and I’m so lucky and glad I met Marissa at JKS Communications. She had a vision for Dare to Kiss, and she has an even bigger vision for the future of my books. To Marissa and the entire team at JKS, thank you for your insight, creativity and dedication in helping me get the word out to readers around the world.
The publishing industry changes constantly, and without Katey Coffing’s inspiration and coaching I wouldn’t have come this far without her in the two years since my first book was published. Love you, girl.
Wendy, Kylie, Kari, Julie, Heidy and Sontae, you gals are the best. Thank you for all your love and support.
Tracy Hope, thank you for everything! You are my super fan. You’ve read my drafts and every line I’ve ever written, even when it was rewritten fifteen times. And, you’ve brought my books to life with your creative vision and superb producing skills of my book trailers. Love you!
Finally, to my main squeeze, Bill, for his love and support in everything I do!
T
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The Maxwell Series – Dare to Kiss
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