Always His Angel: Always Series, #1

By LW Michelle

Alexis “Lexi” Hunter loved Josh Spencer more than anything, but she knew they both had goals to work toward. She was about to embark on a traveling nurse's position to Seattle, Washington with her best friend, Alice Sutton. Josh Spencer was about to enter into the US Navy.

As a couple, there were no agreements between Lexi and Josh once they parted ways. Josh, desperate to keep Lexi in his life, meets Lexi at the airport to see her off. He kneels to one knee to propose right before Lexi walks through the gate. A shocked Lexi kisses him goodbye telling him,

“You are my always infinity”

Lexi leaves Virginia in tears, not knowing who awaits her in Seattle, Washington-Bradley Calhoun, owner of Calhoun Enterprises. Bradley has her totally mesmerized from the moment they meet.

Can she resist the irresistible Bradley Calhoun? Will she remain Josh's always infinity? Or will she become Always His Angel?

• Language: English
• Publisher: LW Michelle
• Release date: Feb 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781507074640

LW Michelle

LW Michelle grew up in a small town called Mathews, VA. Although she has lived in many states, she still calls Virginia home. She is married, has two children and many pets. She enjoys volunteering as often as she can. She always had a passion for helping others and pursued her education as a Nurse in 2004. She reads books of all kinds, but romance is her favorite genre. Her debut novel Always His Angel, published February 2015.  

Book preview

Copyright 2016 © LW Michelle

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the written permission of the author, except where permitted by law.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Edited by Kelly Hartigan of XterraWeb

Cover by Kari Ayasha of Cover to Cover Designs

Formatted by Athena Interior Book Design and Cover Me Darling

Cover models: Thomas A and Leigha Heverly

In memory of Patricia Thomas Humme, my mother, who left us way too soon. You are my guiding angel who follows me always.

A Voice of Clarity

Some steps in my life, are fast and breath taking; especially with love, when it leaves you lost and shaking.

I see in her eyes, the beat of my heart; she’s a Goddess of women, like a fine work of art.

Fate is a word, that describes my desire; envisioning her beauty, stirs my internal fire.

What can you say, about love at first sight; it’s a feeling of freedom, as your heart takes flight.

You try to move forward, to see what’s ahead; but she consumes all your thoughts, and the words left unsaid.

I’ve tried to ignore, this feeling inside; but the power of love, makes it hard to hide.

An aching I feel, as the miles grow greater; my heart is all shriveled, and my soul is a crater.

How will I know, if she’s the one for me; if I can’t spread my wings, and try out the sea.

With every new taste, I lose more of my soul; because only one that I know, can make me feel whole.

But what do I do, since I left her behind; with feelings and emotions, that were never defined.

I drop to my knees, and beg for a sign; for life without her, send a chill up my spine.

I sit in the dark, searching for what makes me stable; a voice I did hear, she’s Always His Angel.

The realization is clear, for I know what to do; this life has no meaning, if I can’t spend it with you.

( Ronnie H. Lee )

What had I gotten myself into? What was I thinking?

I am twenty-four years old, head strong, stubborn, and a determined young nurse. I was going to Seattle, Washington with my best friend, Alice Sutton, for a traveling nurse’s job. I knew I had to fulfill my lifelong dream.

I would miss my old job, the one that I had gotten right out of nursing school. I would also miss my fellow coworkers at the hospital and those who had loved and supported me throughout my life. The one that I would miss most of all would be Josh Spencer; he was my happily ever after.

Josh and I saw each other the night before I was leaving. He begged me not to go to Seattle. I won’t ever forget how his eyes swelled from crying and the sadness on his face knowing I was leaving the next day for two years. Josh’s eyes glistened with tears as they ran down his cheeks, and he begged me to stay home in Mathews, Virginia. Out of mere frustration, he ran his hands through his hair.

He wanted me to stay near those who loved me and be close to what I was familiar with while he was away in the US Navy. His words and our heated discussion crept into my mind like a broken record.

"Lexi, this is wrong. You can't do this to us." His voice cracked as he cleared his throat.

It’s only for a couple years, and besides, you’re going to be away doing the whole military experience. I rested my hand on his shoulder to reassure him.

It’s different what I’m going to be doing, baby doll, he answered as he tried to convince me not to go. He paced the floor back and forth, as he tried to get me to understand.

Different how, Josh? How is it that your life is going to be so much damn different than mine is? HUH? Please enlighten me, why don’t you? I threw my hands on my hips.

Because … He stared at me with tears streaming down his face. His hazel-green eyes rapidly deepened in color.

Well, if you can’t come up with a good reason that things are different, then this conversation is over, I snapped and stomped my foot. My blonde hair whipped into my face. I never want to see you again. I slammed the door to his house and left.

The discussion never saw reason, and we didn’t come to an agreement. I went home and cried myself to sleep. I awoke the next morning to Momma sitting on my bed.

Momma. My voice squeaked as I cleared my throat. You’re not going to convince me to stay. I’m leaving for Seattle and that’s final. You promised me you wouldn’t tear up. I got up to finish packing my bag.

My heart pounded against my chest and my lips trembled as I thought of leaving Josh in the condition he was in and now faced my momma on my last day here. Momma watched me closely while I headed to my dresser and pulled out clothes. Momma was a small-statured woman, five feet four inches tall, with dark brown hair and green eyes.

You know I have to experience life. You said it yourself ever since I was young. I don’t understand why you don’t want me to go now. I stumbled through the room scratching my head remembering last-minute stuff.

I think it’s a big mistake to leave everything behind, including a young fireman who also is a paramedic, Momma said.

I came to a halt in the middle of the room and let out a sigh.

Momma began to help me pack last minute items. He’s a decent man, Lexi, with a decent income, and he loves you very much.

Her guilt trip needed improvement. I stopped and placed my right hand on my hip.

Momma’s lips pursed. Fine! Alexis, you win. I’ll wish you a safe flight and … She sobbed and wiped at a tear. Just saying, I am going to miss my baby girl. Momma then laid her hand on top of mine as she placed my shirts in the suitcase. I just never thought the day would come. She continued to sniffle. I love you, Lexi, please use your brain out there. Seattle is such a different place from Mathews.

My motto above my momma’s and Josh’s thoughts:

I think sometimes in your life you have to spread your wings and fly.

It seemed like a good idea while I was young, and I had a good plan.

The Ford car, driven by Alice’s mom, stopped short at the curb. I wiped away unwanted tears. The everyday hustle and bustle of the Norfolk airport, with horns beeping and families saying goodbye to one another, hit my heart. Once I was on that plane, I wouldn’t step back into this airport for two years.

Mrs. Sutton, a red-haired lady like Alice, helped us unload our suitcases and hugged us both goodbye. The two of us young enthusiastic nurses headed up to the desk to check in our bags and make it through security.

My cell rang. Momma, tearing up again. My heart pounded against my chest and my lips trembled as I tried to fight back tears. My hand shook as I held the phone. I got to go. I’m going to be okay, please don’t worry. I’ll call you soon. Love you, Momma.

Love you too, Lexi. She ended the call.

Lexi? Alice asked. Are you sure you want to go through with this?

Hell yes. I snapped my head up. And nothing is going to change my mind.

We finally made our way upstairs. There he stood staring me in my face. Mr. Josh Spencer, my one and only true love—my always, my infinity.

I’ll give you two sometime alone. I’m going to grab some breakfast. Alice patted me on the shoulder and walked away, her long, red hair swinging.

Speechless, we gazed into each other’s eyes. With dark circles under his gorgeous hazel eyes, his black hair a mess, and unshaved, he looked like he had just rolled out of bed. Quite frankly, he looked sexy as hell in his half-buttoned, striped blue shirt and blue jeans that brought out his physique.

What the hell? He did it on purpose just to drive me nuts.

Well shit, Josh, did you sleep at all? I gawked over his muscles bulging through his shirt.

With a shake of his head, he said, Don’t go, without saying any words. I wrapped my arms around him realizing this would be the last time I felt his warming touch. My heart ached from deep inside and began to race rapidly. My eyes filled with tears. Emotionally, I felt that I was going to lose it, but I knew I had to remain strong.

We both had made these choices long before we ever committed to our relationship. I inhaled his musky woodland scent as he embraced me in his arms. The lingering effect of his cologne was still on his collar, the scent of Drakkar making me feel safe and harbored.

I captured every detail to memory because soon I would be in a strange city far away from Josh. It felt like an eternity before I finally released his neck. He gently placed my chin in his hands and lifted my face. He kissed me softly.

I pulled backward from him and turned my head to hide my emotions. I was fighting back my tears. He was desperate, and he was not letting me go. He brushed his lips to mine and then deepened his kiss.

Good morning, cowboy, I said as we broke our romantic kiss.

He grinned and placed his forehead on mine the way he always did.

There's my smile. I knew you had that smile in you somewhere. I nudged him with my arm trying so hard to stay strong and be nonchalant about the whole situation.

He laughed and looked over at the window inside the terminal. He then turned his head back to look at me. Lexi, I have decided I’m not going into the US Navy.

What the hell are you talking about, Josh? You can't just decide that. You’re under contract with the Navy. I laid my hand on his chest and pushed him back slightly.

I spoke to my recruiter last night and told him I want out. I don't want this anymore if it means losing the love of my life. He grasped my hands on his chest. For the record, I’m not under contract yet, Ms. Hunter, I don't swear in until later today.

Speechless with a lump swelling in my throat, I choked for air. I wanted to run a marathon at that moment. I tried to process what he was telling me. It was as if a light came on, and I realized he was putting me in the position to choose between him or going to Seattle. Damn it. I was leaving so he could go into the military. I had planned for this part of my life before I met him. Why couldn't he see that? Why was he doing this to me? To us?

Josh, don't you see? I want you to go into the military. I know how much you have wanted this. I’m not stopping my plans of going to Seattle to be with you. And I don't expect you to stop your plans just to be with me. Quivering, a tear rolled down my cheek, and he took me in his arms. Nestling in Josh’s arms made me realize I would be leaving my safety net.

I am desperate, Lexi. I don’t want you to leave me. He lifted my face. "Can’t you see how much I love you?"

I gazed into his glossy hazel eyes as they turned forest green and glowed like stars in the sky on the clearest of winter nights. A tear drifted slowly down his cheek. Josh was the most genuine real man I had ever been with. He was a real down to earth cowboy, a country boy. He truly loved his country girl more than life itself. But one thing had to be said.

Josh, it isn't just about our love. It's about doing what we both have had planned. Our love is the strongest there is. My voice shook.

What if you get out there and meet someone else … and never come back to me or never come back home? Josh uttered. Tears swelled in the corner of his eyes again.

"Josh, you are my always, my infinity, and there will never be another you, ever. Numbness invaded my chest. I make you this promise right here, right now today. I love you, Josh Spencer, and one day we will be back together." I put my arms around his neck.

He kissed me passionately, and our tongues entwined as my body tingled with joy. A part of me wanted so badly to change my mind, but I knew I couldn't.

Josh knew when we met two years ago that leaving was in my plan. He was cool with it, and it made me love him that much more. In his arms, I reflected over the two years of our relationship and how wonderful it had been. The days playing at the beach when I had a break from studying and how romantic he was by leaving me flowers on my nursing books had been perfect. We were perfect together.

My only thought was how I could be so stupid to walk away from what completed me perfectly in my life. Why am I doing this? Why is he doing this? The thoughts crept back into my mind. What if what Josh feared came true and we both met someone else and moved?

I lived only in the moment, wrapped in his arms and lost in the gaze of his tear-stricken eyes. We embraced as people passed by staring at us. As I listened to his heartbeat, my eyes filled with tears.

Alice came back up to the two of us with coffee in her hands. Josh, here you go, buddy. You look like you may need some stronger brew this morning. You look like hell. What’s up?

Josh didn't engage that question with Alice. He put his best smile forth and thanked her for the coffee. The three of us sat down until Alice and I knew we had to head to the gate.

Josh walked us to the checkpoint. My intentions were to give him a quick kiss and leave since he couldn’t go any farther. Josh snagged my left hand and knelt down on one knee with a box in his right hand. I didn't want a scene. Hell, we were at an airport, and everyone was either happy or sad.

Now, every passenger in the airport halted to see this magnificent moment in our lives. My heart raced rapidly as I screamed, Josh, what are you doing? I reached down, pecked him on the cheek, and said "You are my always and I am your infinity, but I have to go, and you do too, Josh. Now go to MEPS today to swear in. Go into the Navy as you planned. I love you, and I’ll call you when we arrive safely in Seattle."

I turned and ran through the security checkpoint without giving him a chance to ask me. Weeping softly to myself, I wiped my eyes and quickly proceeded through the gate. I never looked back at Josh Spencer again.

What I didn't know was who waited for me on the other side of the United States in Seattle, Washington—Bradley Calhoun, CEO and owner of Calhoun Enterprises. My life was getting ready to change!