Facing Redemption Read online

  Although she desperately missed her man, she wasn’t interested in rehashing the last few days with him. She wasn’t ready to discuss the letter and what it did to her. But she also knew she needed to hear his powerfully deep but smooth voice. It would give her the comfort she needed to move past the last three days … or so she hoped.

  She slipped on her robe, lounged in her chaise chair, and grabbed her cell to dial.

  “Hey you,” Timothy softly answered.

  “Hey,” she paused. “I bet you were ready catch an earlier flight to see where I was, huh?”

  “Well almost. I figured you had your reasons. Maybe you were running away from all those Italian men, who are mesmerized by those haunting green eyes of yours.”

  Chastity chuckled, “Nope, that’s one thing you don’t have to worry about. All these eyes care about is looking into yours. I can’t wait till you get here.”

  “Me neither. I leave tomorrow night. Did you get my flight info?”

  “Yup. Just remember … look for the vaparrio when you get off the train and ask the driver to take you to Hotel al Ponte dei Sospiri, near the San Marco Square. I’ll meet you there. Got it?”

  “Yup. I’ll remember. I guess we’re set. Sure you’re okay?”

  “Yeah,” Chastity sighed. “I’ve just had a lot going on. I’m sorry if I was out of touch for a couple days.”

  Relieved, Timothy said with a question in his voice, “As long as you’re alright, it doesn’t matter.”

  “I’m fine. I just miss you.”

  Fine? That’s a typical female response. “Me too Chaz. I will see you soon then. I’ve got to run. I’ve got to be in court first thing in the morning, before I pack and head to the airport … got a lot to take care of between now and then.”

  “See you soon,” Chastity said softly. “I miss you.”

  “Me too babe. Bye.”

  Timothy hung up extremely relieved, but still knew something was going on that Chastity wasn’t revealing. He didn’t pry though.

  She’d have told me if she wanted to.

  He knew her well enough by now to know that Chastity brought up what she wanted whether he expected it or not. And when she had a cordial conversation with no clues to why she flew off the radar for a few days, he didn’t push her too much.

  She’ll tell me when she’s ready.

  Initially part of him wondered if she was with another man, until he heard her voice. She missed him that much he knew. No, Chastity wasn’t the type to cheat. Whatever this was, it wasn’t someone else – at least not romantically. What Timothy would lay money on was the other man being John Mikale.

  I wonder if she opened his letter. Oh Chastity, Timothy breathed out shaking his head. What do you have in store for you now??

  Chapter 5

  Chastity plopped her bags down, on what was now her new bed in Terri’s apartment. It was small, but quaint and reflective of when it was built in the mid 1700’s. However it still had a few modern conveniences installed. The real plus was it was on the second level, so she wouldn’t have to endure the tiny cramped elevator for more than one floor. Although she liked the idea of being snuggled in close with Timothy. She smiled at the thought.

  “You’re sure you’re okay to stay in a hotel your last couple of nights in town?” Chastity asked.

  “Are you kidding?” Terri laughed. “You’re buying us out of our last three weeks and we’d pre-paid this thing before we flew over. Now we have a little extra cash…trust me, its fine.” Terri grabbed Chastity by the wrist. “Besides, you need some place special for your romantic weekend with Timothy. We can’t wait to meet him.”

  “You’ll love him. We’ll probably get a bite to eat when he gets in, so we won’t be here for a while.”

  “Okay, we’ll have all of our stuff out by then. Are we still meeting for the last night of Carnevale?”

  “Absolutely! That’s something Timothy needs to experience. It’ll be the one night he will experience a party. It’s usually so low-key here at night. Plus I’m not going to get to see you again since you’re flying back to Texas on Monday.”

  “Oh I’ve got you’re number. If you ever get back to Oklahoma, we’re only three hours away. And we’ve never been out to California, except when flying through LAX. So I’m sure one way or the other, we’ll get to see one another again sweetie,” Terri sweetly drawled. “Dave and I will swing by to get you guys tonight around eight o’clock – okay?”

  “Sure thing. Thanks again for letting me stay here.”

  “Honey we’re not letting you stay here, you’re helping us out. We’re the ones who thank you for bailing us out since we have to run off so quickly. My sister’s baby came six weeks too early. I’m sure she and the baby will be fine, but since I’m its godmother and all … well … we just need to git. Speaking of gitting and going, I’m out of here for now. See ya at eight o’clock Miss Chastity.”

  “See you later Terri.”

  As Terri quietly shut the door behind her, Chastity started to unpack her things in her new room. She turned and stared down at her new bed, wondering what tonight would hold for her and Timothy.

  She and Timothy had almost made love before she left for Venice, but she’d set ground rules for their relationship since it was so new. Timothy to this point had put the breaks on whenever things would get too heavy.

  Now that they were both about to spend their first night alone in one of the most romantic cities in the world, Chastity wasn’t sure what would come into play. She didn’t even know if they were ready yet…if she was either for that matter.

  In light of her father’s letter, she wasn’t sure if making any decision at the moment would be one she truly made with a clear head or heart. For that reason alone, she knew holding off might be the wise thing to do, but when ever she was around Timothy being wise wasn’t her first agenda.

  Especially when all Timothy had to do was look at her from under his long eyelashes. He could have her any way he’d wanted if he tried. She silently thanked God Timothy was a man of his word, or being wise would be out the window in a minute.

  Chastity checked her watch; Timothy’s flight had already landed. He would arrive soon, which left them little time to prepare for the night ahead. They’d all been invited to a private party for the last night at Carnevale, at her new favorite place in Venice. She’d become quite a regular at Frederico’s cafe, so much so that the owner extended an invite to an exclusive party, which was usually reserved for people who were more elite than she.

  Each time Chastity stopped by, the owner, Frederico, automatically brought out her favorite Panini with an espresso. With her minimal Italian and his broken English, the two to become fast friends. She knew he was married, but so far no bambinos, and he was madly in love with his bride, whom she’d yet to meet.

  Frederico asked about her love life…if there was an amatore, a lover. Chastity briefly told him about Timothy and his upcoming visit. With a nod, he made Chastity promise to bring him after he arrived in Venice.

  Chastity smiled and laughed out loud as she turned to leave the apartment. She couldn’t help it. Every time she remembered how Frederico rolled her name off his tongue, it made her laugh. Frederico made her feel like she was the most beautiful woman when he said her name, paired with bellisima.

  Venice so far, with the exception of the last few days, had been good for her, and knew it would be good for her and Timothy too.

  Chastity glanced at her watch once more, and her stomach dropped in anticipation. His vaporetti was set to arrive in 20 minutes, and then they had four long days to love each other in what was becoming one of her most favorite places in the world.

  Chapter 6

  As Timothy’s vaporetti sailed through the Grand Canal, he felt as if he was being transported into another world. Looking around to his travel mates, he imagined them in a different period, where the men should be in breeches and the women in low cut gowns and pearl necklaces, traditionally worn by the cou
rtesans in Venice.

  Timothy cocked his head as they entered the mouth of the Grand Canal. He swore he could hear a sonnet by Vivaldi floating across the water inviting them into the inner city.

  The power of it all hit him with full force, as the sun’s light reflected from the water and danced across the surface. He never would have believed it if he’d not seen this majestic view with his own eyes. Pictures just did not do this city justice.

  Timothy turned to his left to find the most amazing architecture he’d only seen in magazines. Now, in person, everything looked so much grander and colorful. Even the gondolas seemed more refined and graceful than anything he’d seen on television or in print.

  This, even with all his travels, was by far the most beautiful city he’d ever experienced. The beauty surrounding him, however, paled in comparison to the sight of Chastity standing at the docks waiting for his boat. Seeing her in these surroundings was the most surreal experience he’d ever witnessed. With her tanned olive skin and long dark hair, he thought she fit the part of an Italian goddess. And seeing her there he knew she fit, with this city and its magical web that it had already woven on him.

  The sun’s light surrounded her, giving her the appearance of glowing. Timothy was almost afraid to dock and step into port. He was afraid when he got off and approached her, she wouldn’t be real…that she wasn’t really his. It was as if she was just a figment he’d created from deep within his utmost desire for the perfect woman. Seeing her stirred up more fear that he might lose her, it stirred his desire to have every part of her with him…forever. In that moment, he knew he couldn’t go any longer without Chastity in his life more permanently. He didn’t want this to be a summer romance with hopes for more. He wanted this to be a deep summer love with the promise of tomorrow.

  Chastity watched with excitement as Timothy exited the boat. It had only been a month since she’d seen him, but it felt like forever. If it all possible she’d forgotten how handsome he was. Her heart leapt with joy as he smiled in her direction. Her eyes held his, and she ran to meet him.

  Timothy dropped his bags, just in time to be tackled by the object of his desire. Normally he wouldn’t have such a grand show of affection, but in this moment…he didn’t care who saw. Chastity’s arms and legs were wrapped around him and she held him as if her life depended on it.

  He breathed her in and dipped his head for the kiss he’d been missing since the last time they were together. The sound of applause brought them both back to reality and they slowly pulled apart. His wide smile and dark passionate eyes held Chastity in awe that he was hers. When the applause subsided, Timothy chuckled.

  “Do they want an encore?” He asked before lightly kissing her on the forehead, and setting Chastity down.

  “No,” she giggled. “Beauty is extremely appreciated here. So much so that when Italians see something they like, they break out in song and clap.”

  “In song, really?”

  “No…” she teased, “not in song. But they do applaud and congratulate you on a job well done.” Chastity explained.

  “Then I guess you’re used to that sort of thing aren’t you?” He lovingly asked while tucking some hair behind her small ear. “Are you blushing Chaz?”

  Chastity tucked her head and leaned into Timothy’s broad chest. “No. You…” she sighed. “You just make me feel things…things I never thought I could.”

  “That makes two of us sweetie. I missed you so much. I never want to be apart for this long again.”

  Chastity smiled sweetly, unsure of what to say next. So she did what she did best. She changed the subject.

  “You must be hungry after your long flight over. We can grab a quick bite, but we need to hurry back. I’ve got something fun planned for us tonight.”

  “Really?” Timothy teased. “You’ve got my attention. Let’s skip the bite and get straight to whatever it is you’ve got planned. Are we staying here?” Timothy looked up to the Hotel al Pointe de Sospiri. Its highest point seemed to reach up to the heavens. He had to crane his head back to take it in.

  “No. This was just an easy place for you to tell the driver to drop you off. My apartment isn’t too far from here. Follow me.” Chastity smiled, and leaned up to lightly kiss him before leading the way.

  “You got it.” Timothy’s heart leapt.

  Timothy pulled his bags straps across his shoulders, and followed Chastity across the bridge. The struggle to carry his luggage wasn’t something he was going to remember in years to come. Watching his girlfriend saunter her way through the city was. With her elegant sway, she led the way down the alley to her apartment, and in that moment, he knew he’d be happy to follow her anywhere.

  Chapter 7

  Chastity unlocked her door, and noticed that David and Terri’s things were all moved out. The probability of them coming back was minimal. She relaxed knowing she had Timothy all to herself, with no threat of interruption.

  “You can set your things in here or in the bedroom … your choice.” She smiled sweetly while her stomach filled with butterflies.

  “Where do you want me?” he softly asked while staring into her eyes.

  “You don’t want me to answer that.”

  Timothy dropped his bags, pulled her close, and swept his hands up her back. “I think I do,” he said before lowering his lips onto hers.

  Her kiss was just as he remembered; filled with passion and promise … but this time he couldn’t hold himself back. After being without her for a whole month, he needed more of her. He needed her to be completely his in every way.

  Quickly he found his way under her sweater to unclasp her bra, and moved to lift her arms. Obediently she raised them, threw her sweater off, and moved to unbutton his shirt. The thought of where he was staying, couch or bed, was quickly answered, as they stumbled into the bedroom and began fumbling to undress one another.

  “Are you sure?” Timothy panted between kisses.

  Chastity stopped long enough to look him deep in the eyes, and pull him down on the bed. “I’m surer of you than anyone I’ve ever known in my entire life.”

  That was all he needed to hear, before starting to unbutton his jeans … that and the sound of the door opening in the next room.

  “What the …” Timothy asked before jumping up to pull his pants up. “Someone’s coming in your apartment!” He whispered excitedly.

  From the bedroom, Chastity could hear clearly who it was, and sunk down into the mattress with disappointment. She heard David’s voice coming from the other room, talking to whom she could only assume was his wife, Terri, on his cell phone.

  “Nope, she’s not here. I’m just going to leave her flowers on her kitchen table. Ok, so if you got the bottle than bring it on up. It will be a great surprise for her to get her favorite wine and a bouquet.”

  Timothy quickly jumped off Chastity’s bed in fit, fumbling with the zipper on his jeans.

  “Oh man…that’s David.” Chastity groaned, starting to explain. Before she could, Timothy mistook her horrified look as one of guilt.

  “You have some other guy in your apartment? Leaving you flowers?” Timothy said, just loud enough for David to realize he was not alone in Chastity’s new apartment.

  “No, let me explain.” Chastity tried to cut in, while clutching the sheets with one hand and frantically trying to find her bra with the other one. It was in that moment that it dawned on her.

  My sweater is in the other room …with David!

  It was also in that same moment that David saw her sweater, lying crumpled on the floor, and realized what he’d walked into.

  “Um, Chastity?” David called through the closed bedroom door. He hesitated, before calling out again; now knowing his friend must be topless. “Chastity…if Timothy wants to come out here and get your sweater for you, I can explain.”

  Timothy looked at Chastity. Everything hurt. She’d lied to him. She’d been seeing someone here this whole time.

  “I flew all
the way out here. How could you?” He asked in anger.

  He turned to leave the room to fetch her sweater, and so he could size up his competition, leaving Chastity fuming and half dressed.

  “How could I?” She asked herself, fuming over his reaction. “How could I?” She yelled a little louder. She pulled her dresser open, searching for a suitable top to storm out in the living room to give Timothy a piece of her own mind.

  “How dare he?” She continued talking to herself as she fumbled through her drawer. “I would never cheat and if I would – I certainly wouldn’t ask him to fly thousands of miles to catch me! That jerk!”

  Timothy entered the kitchen just in time to see a cute little blonde pop in the door with a bottle of wine.

  “I’ve got it David.” Terri turned to see Timothy coming from Chastity’s bedroom with a murderous look on his face. “What did I walk into here sweetie?” she whispered out the side of her mouth.

  “I’m not sure babe,” David answered. “I think from the looks of things, I thought Chastity and Timothy weren’t here, and what was supposed to be a romantic surprise for them – from us,” David stressed looking at Timothy, “has turned into a huge misunderstanding.”

  Timothy squinted at her with a look that would normally send shivers up anyone’s spine.

  “So you’re with him?” He asked the blonde.

  Terri laughed out loud until her eyes teared up. Timothy wasn’t amused. She finally nodded in answer before finally getting some assemblance of a sentence out without laughter involved.

  “Oh my goodness! Sweetie, Chastity must be mortified.” Terri said in David’s direction, before addressing the angriest man she’d seen since her daddy caught her in bed with David before they got hitched. “I assume you’re Timothy?” She waited until Timothy nodded his head.