Addy's Choice

Addy’s Choice

NAT HOBSON

Copyright © 2016

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other non-commercial uses permitted by copyright law

AUTHOR NOTE

Nat Hobson is the pen name I use for contemporary romance. Nathaniel Hobson was my great-grandfather. He was a proud, hard-working man who loved his family and married his best friend.

My fondest memories are of the stories he told, stories of ordinary people, stories of love.

Thank you for sharing this story with me.

Melissa Barker-Simpson

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Author Note

Table of Contents

Preface

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Epilogue

About the Author

Other books by Melissa Barker-Simpson

Connect with Melissa Barker-Simpson

Preface

It was the noise that alerted her. Adrienne was keenly aware of the changes in rhythm and sound, even as she slept.

Her eyes flew open when she registered the smell – smoke. She could see the fire in her mind; like a creature of the night, it crept forward in search of prey. Behind it, the heart of the beast and the cackle of dancing flames.

Her first thought was for her brothers’, Derek and James, her self-appointed guardians. The very fact they weren’t in her room, fighting over who was in charge, meant only one thing. They were still sleeping. She wondered fleetingly why the smoke alarm wasn’t singing like a canary. It was her job now to wake the others.

She made it halfway across the room before the coughing began. By the time she reached the hall, her eyes and throat were raw. It hurt just to breathe.

Covering her mouth with the cuff of her nightshirt, she turned left. It wasn’t a conscious decision - she didn’t make a choice. But later she would wonder if she’d sealed one of her brother’s fates by not turning right.

James, Jamie, wake up, she called, and would have tripped over a discarded trainer in the doorway if she hadn’t known him so well. It was fear that had her racing forward and yanking back the covers.

James woke slowly, disorientated by a dream. He’d dreamt of fire. It wasn’t until he saw Adrienne that his head began to clear. Addy…what?

She would have admired the way he jumped into action if she hadn’t been so scared.

Where’s Derek? He was out of bed and pulling her with him before she could blink.

In his room, I came here first. The house, oh, James, the house is on fire. We need to get Derek… please we need to help… oh god, what about Donna and Christopher, and Sam? I can’t believe I didn’t…

Stop it. His gaze shot to the hall. We’ll get to Derek and then figure it out. Stay here and phone for help. I’ll be right back. He rushed over to the window and flung it open. Get some air.

Adrienne watched him walk into the hall, fighting against the fear she would never see him again. She stamped down on it and moved to James’ desk. Amidst the mountain of paperwork, she spied his phone. Plucking it from beneath a tower of books, she didn’t wait around to see them fall. The sound of James’ favourite volumes hitting the carpeted floor followed her to the window.

It was deathly quiet outside. She had the sudden desire to fill that silence, to call out to their neighbours. How could they sleep when her whole world was falling apart? She made the important call instead, choking out the information as her lungs fought to draw in clean air.

Addy, I can’t wake him. I need you.

She looked to her left and saw James hanging out of Derek’s bedroom window. It took her only a moment to process what he was saying. Then she was moving.

On legs numb with fear she ran back into the hall, hell-bent on reaching her brothers’. She could see the fire now and though the dance of flames was mesmerising, she didn’t fall for it; she knew those flames would devour her in their deadly embrace.

The smoke was dense and stifling in Derek’s room. She slammed the door shut behind her, wanting to buy them as much time as she could. They didn’t have long.

James was holding Derek in his arms. He was shouting for her to climb onto the roof and help to get him outside.

She glanced briefly at Derek’s sleeping form; he looked like an angel. It was hard not to think of his parents’ at the other side of the hall. They were beyond the wall of flames – unreachable. She knew they would walk through fire if they could.

The house felt different. It was normally so light, so happy and alive with laughter. Now it was being destroyed by a monster so destructive it would take everything in its path.

As she climbed onto the flat roof and braced herself to pull Derek out, she struggled with the knowledge they were lost. Donna and Christopher may not have been her biological parents, but they were hers - pure and simple.

Stay with Derek, James said, climbing out of the window.

He didn’t wait for a response. He was already climbing the trellis so he could swing across to Sam’s room.

Adrienne glanced at Derek and felt her heart clutch. He looked so pale in the moonlight, so still. Part of her wanted him to go on sleeping so he wouldn’t have to face the reality of the fire. The other part, the part with the loudest voice, wanted to shake him until he opened his eyes. She was afraid of what it meant – the fact he was still unconscious.

I can’t see anything, James said from somewhere above her. All I can make out is the bed. It’s empty.

There was an explosion somewhere in the house. They both felt it and braced themselves against another blow.

After a moment or two of silence James began to hitch himself onto the window ledge.

No, Jamie, stay there. Adrienne felt the hysteria building.

He turned to look at her briefly and then down at the street where the first fire engine was pulling into view. Okay, I’m okay, Addy.

She nodded, letting the tears fall. There was nothing she could do to stop him. But that didn’t mean she could watch him go back inside their dying house.

The reality of what they had already lost made her heart ache. If it hadn’t been for Derek, and the fact he needed her, she would have slipped quietly into shock.

It helped to concentrate on the action below them. She stared as two fire fighters climbed onto the ledge and moved towards them.

The younger of the two knelt in front of her. He had eyes so vast and blue that she was reminded of better, sunny days. The very thought made her want to laugh and cry at the same time.

Somehow, she made it to the ground. She couldn’t remember how; everything was hazy. It was as if the smoke had entered her body and sent her system into turmoil.

James joined her at some point. He swung a supportive arm around her shoulders, leaning in a way that made her wonder who it was supporting – him or her. He looked exhausted.

What do we do now, Jamie? she asked, resting her head against his.

What we’ve always done – survive. We have each other, Addy. We’ll always have each other.

But Derek…

Hush now. He turned to kiss the top of her head. Everything’s going to be okay.

Adrienne shut her eyes, wishing she could believe him. It was so easy to pretend, to imagine it was all just a dream and she was still safe in her room.

James was doing the same thing. It didn’t fool either of them for long.

Chapter 1

Seven years later

The studio was a hive of activity as producers hurried in and out, preparing for the show. Adrienne Baxter sat amongst it all, oblivious to the chaos.

She had been with the station for five years, and the host of the breakfast show for two. They were a family, a slightly dysfunctional one, but a family nonetheless. She resented the fact it was all about to change.

Come on, sugar-puff, snap out of it. You can’t sulk forever.

She looked across at her co-presenter with narrowed eyes. I’m not a three-year old child, Digger.

He grinned at the name – a label she’d given him because of his ability to dig for information in the unlikeliest of places. Were you ever three-years old? he asked, no longer intimidated by her.

She was taller than him without heels, bordering on 6ft and every inch of her lithe and full of energy. She was an Amazon who hid her power behind baggy clothes and colourful accessories. But it was there, that raw sexuality she couldn’t escape from.

Adrienne flicked her hair over her shoulder. It hung down her back in soft waves of gold, almost reaching her waist. When she looked back at him her deep brown eyes were full of self-deprecating humour. Maybe I’ve regressed.

He choked off a laugh when he heard his cue and leant into the mic. Okay, lovely listeners, you’ve been patient long enough. Your morning ray of sunshine, Addy Baxter, will blast away the shadows right after this record. Here’s Hope Springs Eternal by the lovely Donna Ray. I’m Jim Digger Johnson and this is Music 101.

Very smooth, Adrienne said as she adjusted the height of her microphone. She preferred to stand - it gave her the freedom to move around. How will I get through the next two weeks without you?

Don’t pretend you won’t have fun. You’re the perfect choice to cover the late show.

He had her there and Adrienne knew it. Okay, that’s true. I’m not sure Daniel can say the same, flying off to the Himalayas.

Digger grinned at her lack of tact. I don’t think Dan’s in it for the fun. He’s trying to raise money for a good cause.

She made a face. Yeah, yeah, he’s a regular hero.

You’re positively bitchy this morning, and it has nothing to do with Merryweather. You could cover for him in your sleep.

Adrienne snapped her headphones into place. How is it you can insult and compliment me in equal measure?

He shrugged. It’s a gift, kind of like your evasion skills.

Speaking of which... She wiggled her brows at him. Good morning, fine and feisty listeners. This is the breakfast show with Addy Baxter and Jim Johnson. We’re here to entertain, and let’s be honest, delight, until 10am.

She can delight. I’ll entertain. We have a very special guest for you this morning. He cued up the next link for her.

Ah yes, our Valentine treat. Let’s play a few records before it’s time for the big reveal. We’ll start as we mean to go on – here’s Bring It, by the Harvesters. You’re listening to Music 101.

So, I take it you’ve heard the new boss man’s in town? Digger said, certain by her face he’d hit the jackpot.

With all the commotion around here I’m surprised the whole world doesn’t know.

He thumped the air in triumph. Bingo. I knew we’d get there eventually.

Don’t be smug, Digger...though I admit it suits you. Adrienne spared a thought to the temporary manager. I’m worried about Simon. I thought he’d be back by now.

Simon Davies was the founder of 101, and the glue that kept it together. His heart attack had rocked them all. The mighty Davies wasn’t invincible after all.

Sebastian, the eldest of his four children had stepped into the breach. He’d spent several years building his own empire overseas, but now the prodigal son had returned.

He was something of a celebrity, especially in Hampshire. Known for a chain of restaurants that began in his home town of Winchester, Sebastian Davies frequently made headline news. The press enjoyed playing on his playboy reputation.

It’s not the same around here without him, Adrienne said, giving in to Digger’s cool-eyed stare.

It’s not forever, Addy. Sebastian clearly felt the need to do this for his father. Who are we to argue?

She sighed. I understand why he wants to help. But I don’t know why he can’t leave things in Greg’s capable hands. He is the station manager for god’s sake… we’ve got management coming out of our ears.

Digger knew there was more to it. He just didn’t want to push. Because Simon runs the station as he sees fit. He follows his own rules. It’s one of the things you love about him.

Okay, okay. Adrienne raised her hands in defeat. You got me there. I can’t explain it, Dig, not in a way that makes sense. Let’s chalk it up to a distrust of strangers and leave it at that.

He wasn’t letting her off that easily. He’s hardly a stranger, he’s Simon’s son.

He’s a stranger to me. She waved the rest away because she didn’t know how to rationally explain her fears. Never mind, it’s unlikely I’ll see him for a while yet so it’s not an issue.

Digger struggled to keep the grin from his face. Don’t count on it, sunshine. He’s heading the production meeting this afternoon.

And my day just keeps getting better.

He chuckled because there was no weight to her words. If he’s anything like Tyler we’re in for an interesting few weeks.

Her expression softened at the mention of Simon’s youngest son. Tyler was her hero. He’d saved her life seven years ago when she might have perished in a house fire. It had been his first day on the job and perhaps the reason they shared such a profound connection. Tyler had been unable to walk away when the fire was out and she was grateful for that too. They had been friends ever since.

A smile lingered as she turned to the mic. How’s that for a wake-up call, folks? If you’ve beaten the alarm clock this morning, then kick back and relax to the sound of Carnival. Those of you queuing in early morning traffic or chained to the proverbial desk, never fear, our mystery guest will be on after this.

Right on cue, James Colby walked into the studio. His roguish good lucks were a household name. With his dark brown hair and honey coloured eyes, he made for an exciting package. But to Adrienne, James Colby was her dearest friend; the brother fate had tossed her way.

Hi, Jamie, Adrienne said, leaning over to give him a quick hug.

How’s my favourite girl? he asked, turning to shake hands with Digger. How’s it going, Digster?

Good to see you, James.