Unyielding Love: Nick & Bee's Story Vol. 2

By DW Cee

Two strong, two independent, and two stubborn characters are bound to clash every step of the way. Keeping and maintaining a relationship for Nick and Bee hasn't been easy. Though the loving part came naturally, all the circumstances of life kept them from enjoying one another.

When we last saw Nick in volume one, he was still dating Lily, still unsure about his feelings for Bee, and contemplating a major career decision. When Bee injures herself and calls the only man who matters in her life, Nick morphs into the hero that we all knew lived deep within. Though dating one another is still no walk in the park, with Bee by his side, Nick finds direction and confidence in his actions.

When we last saw Bee, she was spending time with a wonderful Spaniard, had opened up a design warehouse, and was living out her life without the man she truly loved. Rather than lamenting what couldn't be, she strived to fulfill her professional dreams. When a freak accident forces Bee to admit her feelings to the only man she loves, her life and his life, finally merge into one.

Do they eventually find their happily ever after? Do they get married? How do the other Reids complicate and help their lives? It's all here in the final installment of Nick and Bee's Story. Written, once again, in blog format, this volume captures the dynamics of Nick and Bee as a couple and their interactions with the Reids, Taylors, and Davises.

Read what might be the final blog installment of the Indelible Love series. Between all the drama on the cul-de-sac, the epilogue that will only appear in this book, and the first chapter of Indelible Lovin' - Max & Jane's Wedding, you'll be entertained for hours!

• Language: English
• Publisher: DW Cee
• Release date: Jul 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310985133

DW Cee

I started writing back in Dec of 2009 after I saw an interview with Stephenie Meyers. She told Oprah that she always had stories in her head and that struck a chord with me. Whenever I drive, I have all kinds of stories circulating in my mind. Generally, I am the star of this story and many wacky things happen. Of course, I make the story quite complimentary and beneficial to me. I guess you could say Meyers channeled my head case into a novel. I am first a wife and a mother, as well as a restauranteur and a caterer. Writing is my last profession and a late-found one. I have a B.A. and an M.Ed from UCLA (yes, just like Emily from Indelible Love) and taught 1st grade for four years till I had my first child, a son. Two years later, I had my daughter and the two kids ran my life till they both started school. My husband and I opened a restaurant in LA when we first got married and have been in the food service industry for almost 17 years. I think I've always been a foodie at heart and though it sounds strange, loving food did not have anything to do with opening up a restaurant. That was all my husband's idea. I didn't even know I could cook till I got married. And then I discovered, I love cooking! I love everything related to food. Eating, first, cooking second, cleaning a definite last. I could do without the cleaning from the prep work and the mound of dishes created after a meal. But, that's a whole other blog in and of itself. Whenever we plan a family trip, and especially when my husband and I go on a couple's trip, it's based around what we want to eat, or which restaurants we want to visit. Hubby and I did a trip to Austin one summer just to eat BBQ. The trip to Rome was for pasta, Tokyo was for ramen and sushi, and in Paris, we gorged on treats from all the beautiful patisseries. The two best meals of my life were at Taillevent and Joel Robuchon in Paris. All of these places and restaurants sound familiar? :) NYC is our favorite city (and yes, Emily's favorite city as well) for dining. But… I digress. Even with the crazy schedule, I hope to keep writing. Indelible Love - Emily's Story and Indelible Love - Jake's Story were my first two attempts at writing. Entwined, my third novel, as well as Indelible Lovin' - Max & Jane's Story Vol. 1 & 2 have also been self-published on Amazon, Smashwords, iBooks, Nook, and Kobo. I am currently working on another story titled, Unlikely Attraction, as well as a new In...

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May 1, 2014 NICK: You Are My Sunshine…When Skies Are Gray ~Bing Crosby

Shit! I jumped off the sofa. I have to go.

What’s wrong? Doug asked. Was that Bee who just called?

She’s hurt. I have to go. I ran out of our roommate movie night, jumped in the car, and headed toward Bee’s loft. I knew her warehouse wasn’t far from there.

I was alarmed at her call, and even more alarmed that she hung up. Why she decided to hang up on me, I had no idea. Several times I’d called her back and there was no answer. She sounded winded and in pain, and I prayed she hadn’t somehow lost consciousness.

Donovan. What’s Bee’s warehouse address? I hoped she had called him too.

Um…hold on. I could tell he was scrolling through his phone. Why do you need it? He had placed me on speakerphone.

Bee’s been in an accident and she called for help, but somehow we got disconnected.

What? Donovan quickly got back on the phone. How is she hurt? Is she alone?

I don’t know. I was just as frustrated as Donovan was—more so since I was the one she reached out to—though, I failed to help her. She called and had a difficult time explaining that she was hurt. It sounded like she wasn’t breathing properly. When I offered to call 911, she suddenly apologized for calling, and then hung up. I’ve tried reaching her several times, and either she’s too hurt to answer or she’s avoiding my calls.

I heard my phone ding and saw an address come through. Delaney and I are at the beach house, but we can come home tonight if she needs us. Can you let me know as soon as you have some information? If it’s serious, I’ll wake Delaney up and we’ll head down immediately.

I will.

With that, I raced to Bee’s workplace and arrived quickly, but had no way of getting in. I tried opening, ringing, and banging on the door, but it stayed locked. I was so damn frustrated, I couldn’t think straight. I ran around the large building and found a smaller door off to the corner. This one gave me hope because inside there was a small light on. I tried every which way of opening the door and nothing worked. Finally, I pulled out my phone hoping Bee would answer.

In a weak voice, Bee called out, 67890.

Quickly punching in the numbers to the keyless entry, I ran to Bee, who was flat on her stomach, immobile.

Shit! I whispered. I felt sick with pain watching Bee on the floor, lifeless. What the hell happened? I carefully tried to turn her over, but she cried out in pain.

Turning on all the lights in the office, I walked over to the side Bee was facing and sat on the floor hoping for an explanation. I pushed away Bee’s bangs and saw the tears. Her pained expression killed me.

How? She was still so winded; she could barely speak.

I called Donovan and he gave me your address. She nodded carefully. Can you tell me where you are hurting so I can take a look at you?

Back…something fell…

I looked around and saw what looked like a kettle bell on the floor, and wondered if that had fallen on her. It didn’t make sense since there was no reason for this heavy object to fall from the sky.

Is this what fell? I brought it over for her to see.

She forced out a breath. …don’t know…

I decided to figure out what fell later and pulled up her shirt. What I saw made me wince. Her entire lower back was the color of the rainbow all jumbled up into an angry mass of pain. Realizing how much she must be hurting made my eyes tear. I tried to school my shock, and looked for ways to best help Bee.

Bee. I tried to explain calmly, though I didn’t feel one bit of calm inside. I wanted to holler in pain and frustration for her. Your back doesn’t look good. Let’s call 911.

No! For some damn reason, this was the second time she refused an ambulance. I could only crouch so low, and she couldn’t lift her head, so I laid on the ground with her, with my cheek to the cold floor and I asked her why. Shop opens…tomorrow… She struggled to get those words out. Don’t want inspector here. Finally, I understood. She was afraid of her warehouse being closed down because of a random accident.

Hold that thought. I stayed on the floor and called my dad to make sure he was still at the clinic. I explained the situation, and he told me to bring her in immediately.

What? She asked.

This is going to hurt, but I need to get you up. Once you feel stable enough, I’ll drive you to my dad’s clinic and he’s going to take a look at you.

OK, she barely let out. I could tell by the determined look on her face that she was expecting this to hurt.

After thinking through how best to pull her up, I flanked her body and placed her between my legs. As deftly as possible, I pulled her up as though I was picking up a 2x4 wooden board. Once she stood safely, I rounded her body and put my arms around her.

Did that hurt a lot? I whispered, and kissed the top of her head. Can you walk to my car?

I can walk.

I’d carry you, but I don’t think I can do it without hurting your back.

It’s OK. I’ll walk. I sensed Bee attempting to push away so I let her go somewhat, but still kept my arm around her shoulder. My purse… she asked.

We arrived at the clinic and Dad told us that though the bruise was bad, there was no permanent damage. He outfitted Bee in a back brace and gave her a prescription for the pain.

Once I picked up the medicine and had her take a dose, I drove back to my parents’ so I could take care of her.

Why are we here? By the sound of the strength in her voice, the painkiller was working.

You can sleep in Jake’s old room tonight. He has a large bed.

Please take me home. I’d feel more comfortable in my own bed.

She was right, but I wanted her on the cul-de-sac with three doctors at her disposal if she needed them. I would like for you to stay here where we have access to help if something should go wrong. I talked to Dad, and he agreed that you should stay here tonight. I could tell she wanted to disagree. Your brother is out of town visiting Becky, and Donovan and Laney are at the beach house. Do you want me to call Donovan and ask him to wake up Laney and come home at this hour? Would you prefer to stay there instead? I knew she wouldn’t inconvenience them.

But…

I cut her off. No buts. Let’s get up to the room, and let me see how I can get you comfortably settled.

For the first time, I encountered a scared and submissive Bee. She stopped arguing and she stood in the middle of Jake’s old room, watching me run around, trying to make this night easier on her.

Can I take a shower? She asked with much hesitation. I feel gross.

Can you manage that? Is the painkiller working?

Yeah. I’d like to wash up before the medicine wears off.

Let me get you something of mine to use as sleepwear before you hop in the shower. I ran to my room, took out a t-shirt and pajama bottoms, and quickly ran back into the room. This is going to sound highly inappropriate, but do you want me to hop in the shower and help you? I can wear my swim trunks.

Bee looked at me and started laughing. She held onto her back as she laughed hard. Shit, don’t make me laugh! She scolded, still with a guffaw. It hurts.

My high-strung body let go of every last ounce of tension as soon as I heard Bee laugh. Though she would be in pain for a while, I knew her spirit wasn’t broken.

It’s not as though I haven’t seen your body before. And you’ve definitely seen all of me. I, too, chuckled at the craziness of my own suggestion. Let me help you. I promise, I’ll wear swim trunks and I won’t touch any of the places you like to be touched. I kidded.

She shook her head and closed the bathroom door behind her.

This was going to be a long night, but I was happy she called me for help. I’d do anything to keep her safe.

May 5, 2014 BEE: How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) ~James Taylor

I made it to the shower, laughing at this entire night. What started as a scary night turned into a comical one where I was back in Nick’s arms. In the morning, I’d thank Dr. Reid for his hospitality, call Nick and thank him for all his help, and have either Donovan or Laney drive me home. For tonight, I’ll stay in the safety of the cul-de-sac.

Bee! I heard Nick hollering from outside.

Yeah? I hollered back over the water.

Your phone keeps ringing. Do you want me to answer it?

Who’s calling?

I don’t know. I didn’t think you’d appreciate me digging through your purse.

Can you check?

Finishing up my shower, I got out and draped a towel around myself, and Nick hollered again. The screen on your phone says Luke. Shall I just let it go?

Shoot! I’d forgotten Luke was supposed to call me after his meeting in New York. He’d worry if I didn’t answer, but with my hair sopping wet, I wasn’t in the position to pick up the phone.

Um…I need to talk to him, but I can’t right now… The phone continued to ring.

This isn’t Beatrice, this is Nick. Nick must have picked up the call, and Luke must have called out my name without knowing I wasn’t on the other line. Bee was injured today and I’m helping her out. Ah damn! I hoped there wasn’t any machismo attitude on Luke’s end, as Nick sounded a bit pissed on his end. She’s in the shower… I stepped out in a towel and grabbed the phone before this got unnecessarily ugly and stepped back in the bathroom.

Hey. Hi. I greeted Luke.

Beatrice! What happened?

Something fell on me at the warehouse and Nick was nice enough to help.

What the hell fell on you and why didn’t you call Donovan?

Was this conversation really happening? Luke and I were dating, but I didn’t think he thought anything too serious of us. Being another laid-back pick of mine, he never spoke of commitment, so I believed he was another Nicholas Reid in my life. I chose not to let my heart get carried away by his seductive ways. I figured a little fun was all we would have. What was with this attitude and why was he angry with me?

I’m unsure what fell on me, and Donovan and Laney are at the beach house. It pissed me off that Luke was more upset about who I called, rather than wondering how I felt. If that’s all, I’ll talk to you tomorrow. For some unknown reason, a sharp pain started from my chest and poured out through my eyes. Shit. What was wrong with me? Why was I always getting involved with men who only wanted something casual? Why couldn’t I find a Jake or a Donovan or a Max? Here I was in need of help and I had one man upset on the phone and another man probably waiting for me to get off the phone so he could get back to his girlfriend.

The tears fell so quickly and heavily, I hung up the phone. I felt so damn pathetic. I’d always relied on myself through any tough times, but since I’d gotten involved with Nick, nothing went the way I imagined.

Bee. Nick called out softly. I’m counting to three then coming in. Don’t blame me if I see parts of your body I shouldn’t see.

Nick found me sitting on the toilet bawling my eyes out. Could this night get any worse than having your ex find you in his brother’s bathroom, crying? If I weren’t so sad, I would’ve died of mortification.

Will you give me a minute? I stood up. I promise. I’ll be out soon.

He agreed, and gave me the space I desperately needed. Putting on my clothes, I hoped Nick would take me home. Calling him was a bad idea. The pity-party should be had in the privacy of my own home.

Why didn’t you change into pajamas? Are they too big? Shall I go to Emily’s and see if I can borrow something from her? Nick looked unhappy when I came back into the room ready to leave.

I shook my head. I’d like to go home if that’s OK. I’m sorry to have kept you out this late. Could you do me one last favor and drop me off at the warehouse so I can get my car?

What’s the matter, Bee? Did your boyfriend say something to make you cry? Are you in pain? Nick came and gave me a semi-hug. How can I help you?

Will you take me home? I pulled myself together before the tears fell again. I hated looking this pathetic. I’m sure you’d like to get back home. I’m sorry I called you out tonight. This was a whole lot of trouble for nothing. I’ll keep taking the painkiller until the bruise heals. I should get home and get ready for the warehouse opening.

Nick didn’t listen to a word I’d said. Instead, he gently tugged at my dress and pulled it up and over my head. He then pulled his extra-large t-shirt over me. I’m not letting you go home tonight. I’ll drive you to the warehouse when you feel better. For now, sleep here. If anything should go wrong, you’ll have my dad, Jake, and Uncle Henry to help you. You’re family to the Reids, and everyone here cares about you. We don’t want to see you alone, especially not tonight. But I don’t want Jake or either Dr. Reids.

I didn’t think I could win this battle with Nick. I figured once he went home, I’d ask Nick’s parents to drive me to the warehouse or I’d call a cab. Being with Nick was making me feel even sorrier for myself so I encouraged him to go home. I’ll be all right, Nick. You go ahead and head home.

I wondered how I’d sleep tonight. I hated sleeping on my stomach, but I didn’t think I had enough drugs in me to attempt to sleep on my side or back.

To show Nick that I was fine, I pulled out my laptop and got into bed. The thought of laying down was daunting, so I pretended I needed to work.

You should get some rest. Do you want me to see if my dad can give you a sleeping pill?

No. I don’t want that. I need to be alert tomorrow. After I get some work done, I’ll go to sleep.

How will you sleep? You’re a side sleeper.

He remembered… I’ll figure something out.

Without any hesitation, he got into bed from the other side and very carefully laid me down with him. I was on my side with my weight more on his body than on my back. This position was perfect for the body, but fatal for the heart.

Does this work? Nick asked, but couldn’t look me in the eye.

It does, thank you. But…you don’t have to do this, Nick. I know you feel sorry for me right now and I really don’t want that. I hate having to rely on anyone for my well-being.

He turned his body more into mine and stroked my back with his other hand. It eats at me that you’re hurt and alone, but what I’m doing is not out of pity or sympathy. I wouldn’t bring just any woman to my parents’ home, and I would not lay here with just anyone. Truly, I had no words. You are special to me and to my family, and had we not been interrupted that pizza night at Laney’s, I was going to tell you what I didn’t get to say in Florence. Did I want to or need to hear this? Back on your birthday when you told me to take a hike, I was going to tell you the only woman I saw myself with ten years from now, was you. Those words have been sitting in my heart for months now. I’m glad I got to finally say them to you, although it appears to be too late.

I couldn’t control the pain coming from every part of the body. I sobbed uncontrollably.

May 8, 2014 NICK: Lean On Me ~Bill Withers

What the hell are you doing at work? I couldn’t believe Bee would be stupid enough to work the day after she hurt herself. The pain woke her up throughout the night, and I knew she didn’t fall asleep until early this morning.

I had to open the warehouse. I have all these employees showing up to work and I couldn’t not show up.

This woman was a pain in my ass! Let me see your back. I stepped behind her to assess the damage.

Nick. She had the gall to step away from me. No one here knows of the accident. I don’t want word to get out.

You should be resting. Your back looks worse today than it did last night. I didn’t give a shit that she didn’t want me to see her back. I still probed.

It’s not like I can lie down. I can’t even sit on anything but a stool. Standing and working help keep my mind off the pain. I sighed loudly so she would see my annoyance. I promise. I’ll continue with the painkillers and I’ll stop when I get tired.

My mind went back and forth on whether I should drag her back home. Last night after my heavy confession and the rainfall on my chest, Bee fell asleep. Though she was up constantly, I didn’t pursue our conversation. Part of me didn’t want to put myself out there any more than I had already done; Bee had not responded to my confession. Another part of me figured with her seeing Luke, there was nothing to be done. If this guy was offering her something I couldn’t, I had no right to step in the way of her happiness.

Hey Nick. Long time no see. Do you remember me?

Yeah, of course. You’re Bee’s designer friend, Missy, right? I was surprised to see her at the warehouse. Are you here to check out Bee’s new venture?

Bee’s my new boss. And boy, is she bossy! The two ladies laughed. Bee and I haven’t had lunch or dinner yet. Do you want to join us?

I glared at Bee.