Remember Me: Oakville Series:Book Two

Smashwords Edition

Remember Me (Oakville Series #2)

© 2014 Kathy-Jo Reinhart

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The purchaser of this book is subject to the condition that he/she shall in no way resell it, nor any part of it, nor make copies of it to distribute freely.

This book is a work of fiction. Any similarity between the characters and situations within its pages and places or persons, living or dead, is unintentional and co-incidental.

Table of Contents

Title Page

Books by Kathy-Jo Reinhart

Dedication

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Epilogue

Acknowledgments

Contact Author

Playlist

Copyright Notice

The Oakville Series

First Love - Kyle and Amber’s Story (Part 1)

Remember Me - Kyle and Amber’s Story (Part 2)

Coming Soon

Protect Me - Paul and Holly’s Story

Clark and Becky’s Story

Angel and Chelsie’s Story

I dedicate this book to my beautiful triplet angels and to any parent who has lost a child, no matter the circumstance. There hasn’t been a single day over the last thirteen years when my babies haven’t crossed my mind. It’s always a thought that makes me smile while at the same time causes an indescribable pain in my heart. Thank you for showing me that I am a hell of a lot stronger than I thought I was and to never give up. I wouldn’t have my son today if I hadn’t picked myself up and tried again.

THE MOST beautiful voice is singing. He sounds so sad. So heartbroken. Is he singing to me? Who is he? Where am I? Panic starts to rip through me. I try to open my eyes, but it feels like weights are holding them down. The song comes to an end and I hear another voice.

That was beautiful, Kyle. Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt, a female voice says.

It’s okay. I was hoping that maybe music would help. Nothing else seems to work. That voice...there’s something familiar about it.

I finally get my eyes to open. It takes a minute to focus on the two people standing in the room. A gorgeous man and a very beautiful redheaded woman. Neither of which look at all familiar to me. I can tell that I am in a hospital, but I have no idea how I got here or why.

I wouldn’t be too sure of that, the woman says with excitement before running out of the room to get a nurse.

The man darts to my side and holds my hand. When our skin touches, I feel a jolt shoot through my body. It is the strangest feeling. It alarms me. I grab for the tube in my mouth. I want to ask him who the hell he is. The way he tries to calm me tells me I should know him, that we are close, so why don’t I know him?

Amber, sweetie, calm down. That tube is there to help you breathe. The nurse will be in any minute. He’s still holding my hand. He called me Amber. My name is Amber? Too bad, it doesn’t ring any bells. This is so strange and scary at the same time. There’s something about this guy that... draws me to him. I hate that I don’t know him. The doctor comes in, followed by a couple of nurses.

Kyle, Holly, would you mind going to the waiting room so I can remove Amber’s tube and examine her? So, his name is Kyle, and she is Holly. At least I know their names now.

Princess, I’ll right outside if you need me. I love you, Kyle says as he kisses me on the head.

There is that jolt again as soon as his lips touch my skin. He turns and eyes me warily before walking out the door. The doctor begins removing the tube from my throat. As he slowly pulls the tube out, my eyes fill with tears. My throat burns as if someone has lit it on fire from the inside. Once he has it all the way out, I start to cough. I try to ask for some water, but my throat is so dry, only a squeak comes out. Luckily, the nurse knows what I want and hands me a cup of water. Taking a gulp, the cold liquid soothes the burning and rehydrates my vocal chords. I am able to get out a thank you.

I’m Dr. Michael Scarn, I have been looking after you for the last three weeks. How are you feeling, Mrs. Connor?

I have a slight headache. I also…well, the people who just left, I don’t know who they are. I feel like I should, though. I give him a pleading look, hoping he’ll tell me that the confusion will go away.

What is the last thing you remember? the doctor asks. With a look of worry on his face, he sits down in the chair next to me and writes on the chart in his hands.

I don’t remember anything. I don’t even know who I am.

Your name is Amber Connor. You were in a bad car accident. The man that just left is your husband, Kyle. Your father is also waiting outside.

Will this go away? Will I remember my life again? My chest tightens as panic sets in once more. This is all so overwhelming. The dull ache in my head increases and the more I try to remember, the worse it gets.

It’s hard to say. I have seen this type of amnesia go away within hours of waking up. I have also seen cases where the patient never regains their memory. Every person is different. Would you like me to stay and explain it to your family?

Yes, please. I barely get the words out. I have a family. My stomach twists painfully and I feel like throwing up. I have a family that I don’t remember. My nerves are frayed. Even though I don’t remember these people, I feel terrible. By the way Kyle was looking at me earlier, I know what the doctor is about to tell him is going to hurt him. I really don’t want to hurt him. I feel a connection to him even without remembering anything about him or us. It’s a strange feeling.

The nurse walks back in. Behind her is Kyle and a man that I assume is my father. When Kyle walks in, he smiles at me. I have to look away. I know that none of this is my fault, but I still feel so guilty. Worry and pain are etched into his features and I can’t help but feel like I somehow made this happen.

I have checked Amber over and physically, everything looks great, Dr. Scarn states. He takes a deep breath before continuing. There is one problem however, and at this point, we have no way of knowing whether it’s temporary or permanent. Amber has complete amnesia. She doesn’t remember anything or anyone. She doesn’t even know who she is.

I avert my gaze to my hands resting in my lap. I can’t bear to see the look in his eyes. It’s too quiet and I glance up, just in time to see Kyle run out the door. I drop my head into my hands and cry. I wish I could explain how I feel, but it all feels so foreign. I’m upset over a man I don’t know, yet feel so connected to. His pain is causing me pain.

Amber, I’ll be back in a few hours to check on you. If you need anything, the nurses will get me, Dr. Scarn tells me on his way out the door. I nod my head and try to smile.

I’m Lee Beasley, your dad. You can call me Beasley, everyone does. Do you mind if I sit with you for a while?

Not at all. Will Kyle be okay? I ask, wiping the tears from my face. Beasley sits in the chair next to my bed.

He’ll be fine. He’s been so worried about you, he hasn’t left this hospital in three weeks. I think he’s just overstressed and needs to clear his head.

How long have I been married to him?

Well, the accident happened on your wedding day. The two of you have known each other since you were both very young. He smiles, as if remembering something happy. Beasley seems like such a nice man. I must be very lucky to have a father like him. I wonder if we are close.

Can you tell me what happened?

Are you sure you’re up for it?

I nod and he begins to tell me about my wedding day. It sounds like it was so beautiful and perfect. From everything he describes, Kyle and I are very much in love. My heart warms, knowing that I cared so deeply for the man in here just moments ago. Then, he tells me about Beau. I can’t help but feel a slight relief at not remembering. Why would someone do such awful things? It doesn’t make sense to me. The slight pang in my heart returns as I realize how hard this must be for Kyle. I wish I could take his pain away. I feel something wet on my hand and look down. It’s a tear. I didn’t even realize I was crying.

Amber, are you okay? I can stop. I shouldn’t have told you this so soon.

No, I need to hear it. I’m hoping it will help me to remember something. I just... I feel so connected to Kyle even though I don’t remember him. I hate that he’s hurting.

That doesn’t surprise me. It’s going to take a lot more than amnesia to break the bond you and Kyle share.

Can you tell me more about my life with Kyle? Please?

I’ll tell you everything I know.

For the next hour, Beasley tells me all about my life. I learn of my grandparents, who sound amazing. He tells me about my mother and Charles and the terrible way they died. Then, he fills me in on the six-year separation between Kyle and me. Finally, he tells me about everything leading up to the accident. By the time he finishes, I’m exhausted. My eyelids flutter as I drift in and out of consciousness, trying my best to stay awake.

I will come by and see you again in the morning. As long as it’s okay with you? Beasley asks, obviously noticing how tired I am.

I would really like that. Thank you for staying and telling me all that you did.

Anytime. Everything is gonna be okay. I promise. We will get through this together. You’re not alone, Amber, he says as he kisses my forehead. I give him a smile before he walks out the door. I sure hope he’s right.

WHEN I get to the bar, I grab a bottle of whiskey and head to my office. I sit on the leather sofa in the corner. Opening the bottle, I lift it to my lips, and take a long swig. I welcome the burn of the whisky as it travels down my throat. I don’t care as long as it stops this ache in my heart for just a little while. Why does it seem like the universe is trying to keep Amber and me apart? Every time I think we are finally going to be together and happy, something comes along and fucks it up.

Over and over, I prayed that she would wake up. When she does, I think my prayers have been answered, but I knew by the way she looked at me that something was wrong. I always thought we could get through anything together, but how can we get through this if she doesn’t even know who I am? How the hell do I fix that? I take another swallow of the whiskey. It’s not helping, only clouding my thoughts. Like I wasn’t confused enough. Fuck it. I’m not going anywhere tonight anyway. I might as well drink until I’m numb.

I open my eyes when I hear the door open. Amber is standing there looking at me hungrily. My heart beats faster at the sight of her. She closes the door and slowly saunters over to me. I take in the beauty that is my wife. I just watch her, afraid that if I move or speak, she’ll disappear. My pulse quickens and I can feel myself harden. Damn, if I don’t calm myself I’ll be finished before she even touches me. When she reaches the couch, she smiles that breathtaking smile, and then lowers herself onto my lap. Her short denim skirt slides high up her thighs exposing her soft creamy skin. Drawn to them like a magnet, my shaky hands slowly caress her. Leaning down she begins trailing soft kisses along my neck as she runs her hands through my hair. I close my eyes and enjoy the feel of her body on mine and her warm breath on my skin. I want to tell her how much I’ve missed her, but before I can, something or someone is ripping her from my arms. I tighten my grip on her but it does no good. As soon as her body leaves mine, I feel empty. Amber! Don’t go! Please don’t leave me again, I cry out.

Snapping my eyes open, I realize my head is still foggy from all of the alcohol. Was I dreaming? I hear a screech, then a thud.

What the fuck? I shout as I look over and see Holly holding Leena against the wall by her throat. Please tell me that wasn’t her kissing my neck, I plead.

Oh, it was. Please tell me you had no idea what was going on so I don’t have to kick your ass next, Holly growls.

He knew what he was doing. He wants me just as much as want him, Leena taunts, struggling to remove herself from Holly’s grasp.

I was passed out. I was dreaming about Amber. I thought I was holding Amber. I’m starting to lose it. Reality is sinking in once again. Not only was Amber not in my arms, but Leena was trying to take advantage of the situation. I had no fucking idea she was in here doing that shit. Holly, you know I would never do that to Amber. I give her a pleading look, begging her to understand that I would never hurt Amber. Holly is hurting too; I can see the pain in her eyes. She loves Amber and it kills her to see Amber hurt in any way.

Before I can register what is about to happen, Holly’s fist connects with Leena’s face. Crack. Leena wails as blood sprays from her nose. Ouch. Holly let’s Leena out of her grip and she drops to the floor, crying and holding her nose. Holly grabs a towel out of the closet and throws it at Leena.

Don’t get any blood on the floor. I’m not cleaning it up and you no longer work here. I warned you not to fuck up again. There is so much venom in Holly’s voice, I’m afraid she is going to go after her again.

You can’t do that, you’re not my boss, Leena whines. Both girls look to me for confirmation.

Yes, she is. Even if she weren’t, I agree with her anyway. You have been asked to stop more than once. This went way over the line. Before she can start to protest, my office door opens and in walks Jax with a bewildered look on his face.

What the hell is going on? He looks at Leena and she looks down at her lap. What did you do now, Leena? His voice isn’t one of concern. He sounds plain pissed. It seems he’s used to his cousin’s antics. When Leena doesn’t answer his question, he looks at me. Great. Just what I need. He already thinks I’m no good for Amber; here is the perfect thing to twist around to make me look like the bad guy.

I was passed out on my couch and Leena decided to take advantage of the situation, I tell him truthfully. I didn’t do anything wrong, so there’s no reason to lie. Jax glares at Leena. If this were a cartoon, his face would be bright red and smoke would be coming out of his ears.

Why? You promised me you would stop going after Kyle. When will you learn to leave people who don’t belong to you alone? He shakes his head. I think it’s time you go back home to Atlanta. You have caused more than enough trouble here. She starts to protest, but Jax shoots her a look and she stops. Let’s get that nose looked at, I’m pretty sure it’s broken, Jax says as he helps her off the floor.

Sorry, Jax. I didn’t mean to hit her that hard. She just...

Don’t worry about it, Holly. I know my cousin, I’m sure she deserved worse than this. I should be apologizing for bringing her here in the first place. You don’t need this shit right now, Kyle. Not with everything else you have to deal with. I’ll make sure she gets back to Atlanta, he says as he helps Leena out the door. When the door closes behind them, Holly marches up to me.

I know you’re hurting and I get it, but drinking is only going to make it worse. Next time, I may not be around to keep you from making a mistake that can’t be taken back. Go upstairs to the apartment, sleep it off, and in the morning, go see your wife. She walks out the door before I can respond.

Holly is right. Drinking is only going to bring me trouble. I am just so fucking lost right now. I’m so fucking happy and relieved that Amber is awake and doing okay, but the fact that she doesn’t know who I am is killing me. It’s like being an alcoholic in a room full of booze, but it’s just out of reach. You want it so badly, but you just can’t seem to get it.

First thing tomorrow, I’ll go see Amber. Nothing is going to keep us apart. If I have to, I’ll make her fall in love with me all over again. She may not remember all of the things we’ve shared, but I do. I have to fight for her. I can’t give up. Not yet.

I STARTLE awake. My legs are tangled in the hospital sheets and my skin is drenched in sweat. My heart is racing, feeling as though it will beat right out of my chest. Flashes of broken glass and twisted metal play behind my eyes. It feels so real. The sounds of glass shattering and metal crunching. The smell of gasoline, burning rubber, and blood. So much blood. This isn’t a nightmare, I’m remembering the accident. I want my memory back, but why couldn’t it have been the happy times Beasley mentioned? I sit up and take in mouthfuls of air. Deep breathe, in and out. Trying to calm down, I remind myself that I’m okay. It’s over. The accident has already happened and I’m alive.

Good morning! Becky beams as she begins to check my vitals. Becky has become one of my favorite nurses. She always has a smile on her face.

Morning.

You look tired. Did you sleep well?

Not really. I had nightmares about my accident all night. I think they were actually memories; bits and pieces of it anyway.

That’s a good sign. Hey, I know what will cheer you up. That handsome husband of yours is waiting in the hall to see you, if you’re up for it. The thought of Kyle being here instantly puts a smile on my face.

I do want to see him, but can you help me clean up first? I don’t want him seeing me like this.

Of course. It doesn’t surprise me that the mention of his name brings a smile like that to your face. He is one fine looking man, she says, giving me a wink as she helps me into the bathroom to clean up. Maybe the bond my dad was talking about yesterday is so strong that nothing will break it. I have no idea. I just know that hearing he is here makes me happy.

Becky helps fix me up as best as she can with the limited resources we have. It will have to do for now. Slowly, I make my way back into bed.

Ready for me to send in Mr. Hottie? Becky asks with a giggle. I can’t help but laugh with her. Mr. Hottie. She’s not wrong.

Yeah, you can send him in, I say in between my laughter.

When Kyle walks through the door, my heart skips a beat. I can feel my pulse speed up and a smile starts to form on my lips. He looks uneasy. When he notices me smiling, his face lights up.

Hi. I brought you some breakfast. It’s your favorite, an egg white omelet with bacon and cheddar. I made it myself, he says proudly.

That sounds really good. It’s my favorite?

Yeah. It has been ever since I can remember, he says as he takes the food out of the bag. When he opens the container, the aroma makes its way to my nose and my stomach instantly responds by growling loudly. I can feel the heat rising in my cheeks from embarrassment. Kyle smiles at me as he hands me my omelet and fork. As I bring the first