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Finally Free: Book 1 Locked Up Lovers Series 36
Miranda POV I turned and watched Joel as he walked slowly into the ocean. I loved his thick, muscular body and even though I am not usually a fan of tattoos, I have to admit that Joel’s just added to his sexiness. I drank in the way he seemed to glide and strut at the same time, like he owned this beach, this ocean and he was finally coming home in a sense. I could tell that he was trying not to break down as we arrived at the beach. I can only imagine the feelings he may be experiencing after being locked up for over ten years. I know he doesn't want to show emotions in front of me; most men don't want to appear weak. But I would never think of him as weak for having emotions. I gave him several minutes to be alone in his thoughts while I pondered myself on the last few days. I know that we both genuinely care for each other but where does that leave us? Joel was right when he said it's not practical for me to leave Alaska. I have my family and my job there and I’m not even su
Finally Free: Book 1 Locked Up Lovers Series 37
Joel POV I awoke early this morning with a slight knot of fear in my gut. I propped up on my elbow, facing Miranda and watching her sleep. It's hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that in a few hours, I would be saying goodbye to her as it was time for her to fly back home.While I know I am completely capable of carrying out the next steps of my transition plan including securing my apartment, starting my new job, and continuing with my court ordered counseling and reentry classes, the thought of doing them with Miranda thousands of miles away does not sit well with me. Having her support and being able to talk to her every day on the phone simply does not compare to having her here with me when I come home from work or when I may need some physical affection. I'm not just talking about sex either, although that's great too. I'm talking about the little things that have made me feel safe in this essentially new world over the last week. If she only knew what those little g
Finally Free: Book 1 Locked Up Lovers Series 38
Miranda POV Arriving home and getting back on track with work and my normal daily schedule was much more challenging than I thought it would be. My trip to see Joel get released was more than I would have expected and now that I am home I feel an emptiness that I was not anticipating. I knew we were becoming so much more than friends even before he got out, but I did not expect to feel the level of connection that I had while I was there. I had wanted to be there for those first special moments of freedom and being there created an indescribable bond between us.I didn't really know how he was feeling until I broke down, just before getting on the plane. Joel was so tender with me and confirmed that what he said to his mom was what he was really feeling. He actually did want to continue our relationship and explore him moving to Alaska so we could really see what can come from this relationship. I couldn't be happier. Well, that's not true. Long distance relationships are no joke
Finally Free: Book 1 Locked Up Lovers Series 39
Joel POV I hung up the phone, gritting my teeth then pressing the phone roughly to my forehead while trying to keep my composure. But it was useless, my self-control was lost as my muscles tensed and I exploded, throwing the phone across the room leaving it shattered on the floor. "Fucking bitch!" I yelled at the empty air.I immediately regretted smashing my phone and it surely didn't make me feel any better. I did feel the need to let out more anger, though and remembered the punching bag that hung up in the makeshift weight pit in the backyard of my apartment building. Thank God for that neighbor who was training to be a mixed martial arts fighter. I look out the window and see him out there, moving what looks like a freestanding body opponent bag (BOB) into his circle of weights and punching bags. I left the room without so much as a glance at the phone to see the damage done, grabbing my ear buds on my way. I walk outside. The fall air hits my face and while it is still warm,
Finally Free: Book 1 Locked Up Lovers Series 40
Miranda POV It's been a couple weeks since our fight and I still miss Joel terribly. I have been keeping myself busy hanging out with Amanda, not at the bars, but we have been to a couple of wine and paint nights, and I am finally the proud owner of that giant dolphin painting that I always dreaded. I guess it could be worse. My brother has also been surprisingly supportive, calling to check on me daily and he's even hanging out at my house more too. He's been over four times in the last two weeks, cooking dinner and watching movies in the evenings. He doesn't say much, but his presence makes all the difference and helps distract me. In fact, he’s here right now, laying on the couch with Beebs, vegging out on some reality show where they leave a bunch of single people in the jungle for a month to fend for themselves. I’m thankful. The evenings are the hardest as these are the times Joel and I would have marathon phone conversations; lying in bed, laughing before drifting off to
Finally Free: Book 1 Locked Up Lovers Series 41
Joel POV"What the fuck Johnson!" I jerked my head up and looked into the red screaming face of my foreman. I had been mindlessly nailing studs up without listening or paying attention to my surroundings. This is a big construction no-no and for the second time today my boss had almost hit me with a load of two-by-fours. "Sorry boss. Just stuck in my head and can’t really focus.""Well, you've been stuck in your head all week. You’re becoming a danger to yourself and to me and I cannot have that on my worksite. Insurance and shit like that, you understand. Plus, I fucking like you. You are a damned hard worker. I like myself more though. So, take the rest of the fucking day off and get your shit together. Get your head cleared of whatever bullshit it is and come back Monday, but you fucking better be right in the head by then," He scolded. "Sorry boss. I'll get my shit together. Thanks." I say as I walk toward my truck. I was able to pick up a cheap beater with a heater for a f
Finally Free: Book 1 Locked Up Lovers Series 42
Miranda POV Amanda pulled her phone out and pulled up the article she had saved in her search history. I stared in shock as I read the newspaper headline “Boyfriend of Alecia Pike sentenced 22-years for Manslaughter.” Wait. What am I looking at? I’m confused at first but it becomes clearer as I continue to read, “Joel Johnson, boyfriend of slain woman received a sentence of twenty-two years in the murder of Alecia Pike in the First Judicial District Court of Virginia today after a week-long sentencing hearing. The extended hearing allowed the many victims and families of the victims in this case to testify for the court’s consideration. It was reported that the second victim, a minor in the case, who suffered a first-degree assault at the hands of the assailant was also present in the court….” I could not physically rad any longer as I felt bile begin to creep into my airway. “Where did you get this?” I asked Amanda, still hoping it was some sort of mistake. Or a joke, this had to
Finally Free: Book 1 Locked Up Lovers Series 43
Joel POV I sat in my truck breathing deeply. It was about ten minutes before my appointment and I was collecting my thoughts. I knew without a doubt that this is what I wanted but it could very well backfire. I had requested this appointment to request an out of state pass, but I knew even without it, one way or another, I would be going to talk to Miranda. Yeah, I know it’s risky and such behavior may get me locked up again, but I can't say I care much anymore. I’ve tried to call a few times but she has not accepted my calls or returned my texts. I need to talk to her, to apologize and if she doesn't forgive me then I will move on. I at least deserve a chance to say my piece. I pulled down the sun visor and looked at the backside, where I kept the picture of Miranda clipped. I never told her that I kept her with me and I wasn't sure why. Maybe because It was cheesy but more likely because it was difficult for me to open up, to care for someone and allow them to care for me. I
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