Forgive Me (Clean and Wholesome Romance) Read online

  Forgive Me

  N.T. Smith

  PUBLISHED BY:

  N.T. Smith

  Copyright © 2017 All rights reserved.

  Copyright

  No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced in any format, by any means, electronic or otherwise, without prior consent from the copyright owner and publisher of this book.

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, names, places, events, brands and media are the product of the author's imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to real people, places, or events are purely coincidental.

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  They say love can occur in the strangest of places. Jenny could attest to that fact, since the first day in her new school, she rescues a runaway mascot and escapes with her life in a terrifying tornado. Saved by Mark, the boy behind the mask. Falling in love was easy. It was staying together that was hard.

  Years after distance there is them apart, Jenny is on the cusp of a major career move. Little did she expect to see Mark sitting across from her in the boardroom? How could two former lovers work together after so many years apart? Jenny tries her best to keep their relationship professional, but Mark as a way of getting under her skin and as the days go on, the reasons for staying away get harder to remember.

  What do you do when the love of your life returns? Do you close the door or let love in?

  Click Here To Join N.T. Smith's VIP reader club and receive this new stand-alone clean romance in your inbox for Free. You will also receive news about freebies, sales, giveaways and new releases!

  Chapter 1

  Peter and Joe played catch in the backyard, both of them engaged in the game that they’re playing. It was a normal sunny day, a weekend day where the two of them would relax and have fun, a break from the horrors of high school.

  “Did you hear about Mrs. Stevens? Apparently she’s really mad at Stella for cheating on that test.” Peter said.

  “Dang. That’s terrible. Say, do you know if we’re going to win that big game next week?” Joe asked.

  Peter caught the ball, looking at Joe. He shrugged, his brown hair whisping against his face.

  “I don’t know. To be honest, I’m not really sure if I care all that much. I’m more interested in school and stuff,” he told Joe.

  “Yeah. I try to be cool about it. I’m supposed to take Angela to the game, and then after that we’re supposed to go to dinner,” Joe replied.

  Peter looked at him with a wry glance. Didn’t Joe have another girlfriend?

  “Weren’t you dating some other girl?” he asked Joe.

  “Yeah, but we didn’t work out. I mean, it was for the best. Besides, Angela is so much hotter,” Joe said.

  Peter laughed. Joe was always dealing with too many girlfriends. It was kind of normal for him.

  The two of them continued to play catch, but then, Joe looked over at the front door of the house.

  “Looks like Cindy is home. We should go and say hi. This is the first time you’ve seen her, right? I’ll introduce you guys,” Joe said.

  Peter didn’t think much about it. She was probably some girl who was more interested in other guys than him. The two of them went inside, and when Peter saw Cindy, he stopped.

  She had flowing blonde hair, big green eyes, and a stature that was average, but beautiful. She did look like a princess in a sense, and for a moment, Peter wondered where his breath went. He felt the air escape his body, and for a second, he was lost in thought. Of course, that was until Joe playfully punched him in the arm.

  “Earth to Peter,” he said.

  Peter glanced back, blushing as he looked at her.

  “Hello there. I’m Peter,” he said.

  “Oh hi. I’m Cindy. You’re Joe’s friend right? I hope he’s not making you chase after girls,” she remarked.

  “Hey, I call them beautiful maidens,” Joe retorted.

  “Yeah, whatever. Anyways, how are you?” she asked him.

  “Fine. What about you?” he asked Cindy.

  “Great. Well I’m going to put my bag up, but I’ll come see you in a bit,” she said.

  She sauntered off, and for a moment, Peter was in awe.

  “Hey, you okay?” Joe asked Peter.

  “Yeah. Fine. She’s gorgeous though,” Peter said.

  “Well, I think she might be your type. She does have some weird princess complex though, so watch out. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Joe remarked.

  Cindy came back down in a shirt and shorts, highlighting her long legs. She sat with the two of them, and Joe started talking.

  “Man, it’s nice that Peter finally met you. The two of you seem to be the perfect type for one another. You’re a quiet girl, and he’s a quiet dude,” Joe said.

  “Yeah,” Peter breathed.

  “Oh yeah. So, did you just move here Peter? I’m surprised I haven’t seen you around,” she asked.

  Peter blushed. “That’s because I usually am at home studying. I’m working to get into one of the colleges outside of the area. It’s a prestigious engineering school,” he said.

  “Wow, that’s impressive. I don’t know what to do just yet,” Cindy replied.

  “Well don’t worry. We’re only in high school,” he told her.

  “Yeah but I should be getting ready. I’m a junior you know,” Cindy said with a pout.

  “I’m a senior. Just do what makes you happy,” Peter replied.

  Cindy smiled, and for a moment his heart lurched. He smiled back, and soon Joe left the area. Cindy and Peter talked for the rest of the night, both of them staring at one another and smiling. Peter did like Cindy, and Cindy did feel for Peter, but it was going to be hard for Peter to express his feelings to her.

  The two of them continued to hang out, and soon Peter was going over to Joe’s house to see Cindy.

  “You like her don’t you?” Joe joked.

  “Well yeah. She’s very pretty,” he replied.

  Joe understood. “Well I’m going out with Sandra tonight. I’ll see you around,” he said.

  He was gone, and Peter rolled his eyes. He went to Cindy’s room, and after knocking on the door Cindy appeared.

  “Hey there,” he said.

  “Hey yourself. What you doing here?” she asked him. Her long blonde hair was in a ponytail, and Peter blushed at how beautiful he thought she looked.

  “Well I was just thinking we could head over to the park or something. Joe is going out with some girl,” he told her.

  “That’s fine. I mean I figured we would hang out alone anyways,” Peter said to her.

  They went outside, walking next to one another as they made their way to where the park was. When they got there, Peter moved towards the swing set, motioning for Cindy to come over.

  “Come here, I’ll push you on the swing,” he said.

  “How gentlemanly of you,” she remarked.

  She poised herself on the swing and Peter started to push her. Neither of them talked for a bit, a comfortable silence between them.

  “Hey Peter, do you ever think about getting a girlfriend?” she asked him.

  Peter blushed, knowing that he did have feelings for Cindy, but he was afraid to act on them.

  “Well there is one girl that I like right now, but I’m afraid to tell her,” he said.

  “Why do you feel that way? I mean, if you like her, you should just tell her how you feel, you know?”
Cindy retorted.

  Peter blushed, but he looked forward. “Maybe. I’m just worried that she won’t feel the same way. I feel like both of us are from two very different worlds at times. She’s a gorgeous girl from a rich family, and I’m just an ordinary guy,” Peter replied.

  Cindy stopped the swing, turning around and looking at Peter with a smile.

  “Well, don’t be so afraid to go for your dreams. I mean, if you want to tell her how you feel, you should,” Cindy said.

  Peter paused looking around the place in an attempt to figure out how to tell her how he felt.

  “Are you sure about this?” he asked.

  “Very sure. Just say who it is. We’ve been friends for a while, and I’ve noticed that you’ve preferred to hang out with me over Joe recently,” she said with a teasing smile.

  Peter knew he had to be honest with his feelings. He’s always been like that.

  “It’s you. I’ve liked you, and I would ask you out if you wanted to be with me. If you want to get together, that would be pretty amazing,” he said.

  Cindy smiled, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek.

  “Well the feeling is mutual, so yes I’ll be your girlfriend. But don’t freak Joe out when we spill the news,” she said.

  He laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll treat you right,” he said.

  They made their way back to the house, and after a moment Peter and Cindy sat on the couch together. He was nervous, but Cindy’s smile was radiant and beautiful. After a little bit, Joe appeared.

  “Well that date was lame,” he said.

  “You may have had a lame night, but we had a great one,” Cindy teased.

  He looked over, and Cindy immediately grasped Peter’s hand. Peter reddened, unsure of what to say.

  “Wait…you mean you two…,” he said.

  “Yeah, we admitted we liked one another and decided to date! He’s perfect. I’m glad you finally found a boy for me,” Cindy teased.

  “Well I’m glad for you two. Now don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” he teased.

  “Well that isn’t much but whatever,” Cindy retorted.

  The three of them hung out, and soon Cindy was looking at him with glassy eyes. This was the perfect man for her, and he was the Prince Charming that she had been destined to be with. She wanted to make him hers, and he would for sure be the perfect man to sweep her off her feet.

  News got out of the two of them dating, and soon Cindy and Peter started to hold hands in school. A couple of the girls d’awwed at the sight, while some of the guys got jealous that the blonde beauty was with an awkward guy like him. Peter wasn’t a bad person or anything though, so they silently approved of it.

  After everything was said and done, Cindy and Peter started to go out on dates. They went out for dinner, but Peter was slow to the draw when it came to romantic endeavors. On their third date, they went to the top of the hill in town, with Peter looking against it.

  “Sure is beautiful,” he said.

  “Yeah. So what do you think you’re going to do once you graduate?” she asked him.

  “Well, I will be going to a school designed for engineers. I hope to provide for you in the future if things work out. I just want to be successful,” he said.

  “What about marriage?” she asked. Cindy wanted to get married to a prince, and she could see herself marrying Peter.

  “Maybe. I don’t know. I haven’t thought of that,” he said with honesty.

  Cindy felt her head droop. Of course he hadn’t. He never thinks about marriage or any of those things. It’s strange, but he wasn’t a very romantic person. She expected him to cater to her every desire. To sweep her off her feet and to be around her all the time. She wanted that, and she hoped that one day he might change.

  “Well, I guess it is best that we take our time. I mean, it can’t be all that bad, right?” she asked Peter.

  “Yeah. I don’t want to run into anything foolishly. Let’s just keep going like this. I think it’s better for us anyways,” he said to her.

  Cindy nodded, but in the back of her mind she wished that he wasn’t so cold in terms of romance. It was strange, because he was a brilliant man that could talk with her about the most engaging of topics, but it seemed that in the romance department, he did fall short.

  “Well let’s focus on there here and now. It was a great date. I would love to do that again,” she said.

  “Maybe we will in the future. I’m a bit busy with school, but I think we’ll work something out,” Peter replied.

  He was always busy with school these days, and although Cindy was happy with the time that they had together, it did put a strain on her sometimes.

  “Do you think about me when you’re alone? Do you care about being together?” she asked him.

  He looked at her, nodding in assent.

  “Of course. You’re a great woman, and this last month has been one of the best,” he said. It was true, for he did have a great month with her.

  “Well I’m glad you do. Here’s to hoping for more together,” Cindy replied.

  Peter smiled, but Cindy took this opportunity to press her lips to his. His eyes widened, a bit shocked by this, but he kissed her back, and the two of them shared their first kiss. Peter was awkward about it, mainly because he didn’t know what to do. He pulled away, reddening in front of the woman he liked.

  “Well, we should probably head on back,” he replied.

  Cindy nodded, noticing that Peter was a bit uncomfortable with the gesture. She hoped that one day he would become a bit more romantic about things. Maybe in due time.

  They continued to date, and a month later was the school dance. It would be their last one with Peter being in school, so they decided to go. Peter picked her up, and he noticed that Cindy was in a beautiful blue dress. His eyes widened as he looked at her.

  “You look beautiful,” he told her.

  “Thank you. You’re looking great as well,” she replied.

  They went to the dance, and the two of them spent most of the night talking and dancing. It was small talk, and Cindy wondered if he would ever express his love to her. She did want to take things further. They had been dating for about two months now and neither of them had gone past that first kiss. It seemed strange. Maybe he wasn’t comfortable with it, she didn’t really know.

  They danced, and when Peter looked at Cindy he felt a flash of happiness. To him it seemed like the perfect night, the right moment, and that Cindy was the ideal woman for him. Cindy was thinking about how much emotion he didn’t show, and in a sense it did bother her a tiny bit.

  After the dance, they went to the hill once again, overlooking the area below.

  “Did you have a great night?” he asked.

  “Yeah, it was great. What about you?” she asked.

  “It was good. I’m glad I got to spend it with you. Sorry I’ve been so busy lately. I’ve been working on a couple of scholarship essays. I’m going to need all the help I can get with this,” he told her.

  She nodded. Cindy didn’t need to sign up for scholarships. She had her father who agreed to pay for whatever school she decided to go to when she was ready. She had another year of planning, and once she got accepted, he would pay for it all.

  “Well I hope you get the scholarships,” she said weakly.

  “Yeah. So what about you, any plans on what you want to do yet?” he asked her.

  She wanted to tell him that she wanted to marry a man and have the perfect life. That’s all she wanted at the moment, but she decided against that.

  “I don’t know still. Maybe I’m just destined to be indecisive about this,” she admitted.

  “I mean, it’ll be okay. Just have a feeling for what you want to do soon, and the rest will fall into place,” he admitted.

  She nodded, but there was something else on her mind, and Peter could see it from a mile away. He placed his hand tentatively on her thigh, looking up at her with a concerned look.

  “Are you
okay?” he asked.

  She paused, wondering if she should tell him how she felt. However, this was going to eat away at her if she didn’t do anything about it soon. She shook her head.

  “Do you love me?” she asked him.

  He paused, wondering why she would ask that.

  “Why do you ask?” he replied.

  “Well, you’ve been acting really quiet, and you rarely show affection. I was just wondering if you really liked me, or if this was just some sort of fleeting relationship. I’m worried. I just want to know,” she admitted.

  Peter looked at her with a small smile before he responded.

  “I do love you Cindy. I’m trying to get better about showing it, but I do love you. I mean, it’s strange to be saying that and I don’t want you to think less of me. You’re just the first relationship I’ve ever had, and I don’t know how to articulate things effectively.” Peter replied.

  She looked at him, trying to see if there was anything else attached to it. He seemed honest though, and after a moment she nodded.

  “Fine. I’m just hoping that you’ll be more comfortable with that later on. I’m not going to get mad if you tell me that you love me and show your love. I would love that actually,” Cindy replied.

  Peter moved in, smiling at her with a smile.

  “I’ll try, I will for you,” he replied.

  Cindy looked at him, expecting to get a kiss from him, but he didn’t do anything. However, she gave him a kiss on the lips, a chaste and brief one, before pulling away.

  “Don’t worry about it. I’m just glad that you love me,” she replied.

  “I’m glad too,” he said. Peter gave her another smile attempting to reassure her, and Cindy tried to feign happiness as well. However, deep down she felt like something was wrong. She didn’t know what it was, but it bothered her immensely when she thought about it. She thought they would’ve been further by this point, but it seems almost as if he’s afraid of being romantic. Cindy didn’t want to force it on him, and for the rest of the night the two of them made small talk while she cuddled up to him, hoping that one day, maybe in the future, that they would be able to express their love. She hoped that one day she would be able to be swept off her feet by him, because she knew that he did love her, but he was afraid to show emotion for whatever reason.