This Love, page 2
part #45 of Forever and Ever Series
“Then rip off the bandage and do it.” He patted my shoulder. “Trinity is going to stand by your side no matter what. You know that.”
I did know that. “Sorry if I barged in on your night.”
“Barged in?” he asked in surprise. “Slade, you could move in if you wanted to. You know that.”
“Yeah?” I asked.
“Yeah. You can be our nanny.” He gave me a playful shove.
“Shut the hell up, asshole.”
Chapter Two
Sean
“Back to work, huh?” Mike sat in the chair facing my desk and rested his feet on the edge.
I eyed his feet vehemently. “I have a gun in my drawer.” My meaning was implied.
“So?” Mike asked like a smartass. “You want me to polish it for you?”
“Shut up and put your feet down.”
He did as I asked. “You’re sure you should be here?”
“I’m fine,” I said. “Cedric is doing great and Skye is happy. Besides, if I’m here she can take more time off.”
“Well, if you need more time it’s fine,” Mike said. “I can hold down the fort.”
“You mean Conrad can hold down the fort,” I teased. “He does all the work around here.”
Mike ignored the jab. “He called in sick and said he isn’t sure when he’ll be back.”
“What’s he have?” I asked. “The flu? He shouldn’t go anywhere near Cedric if he’s ill.”
Mike grabbed a pen off my desk and spun it in his fingers. He usually did this when he was particularly tense and he needed something to do. “I don’t think he’s sick. Actually, I know he’s not sick.”
“Then why would he lie and say he was?” Conrad had a lot of luxuries working for PIXEL. If he wanted to take a vacation all he had to do was ask. You only called in sick when you didn’t have any more vacation days to do whatever you wanted. But that wasn’t the case for my nephew.
“I think it has something to do with Lexie. But I’m not sure what it is.”
“Why do you say that?” It was hard to imagine a time when we didn’t talk about our kids. Now that was all we ever talked about.
“He asked me to watch Apollo. He left his apartment unlocked and he was nowhere around. When I asked where he was going he didn’t say. He said he would call me back later and hung up.”
“I admit it’s strange but I don’t see what that has to do with Lexie.”
“He was really down last week. Lexie decided to move to California so Conrad would have the space he needs to get over her. It reminded me of the day he got his ass kicked on our sidewalk.”
I’d never forget that afternoon. I had to watch my nephew get his ass handed to him so he would learn a lesson. “Those kind of relationships are the worst, the ones where you break up over and over…it drags on forever.”
“Yeah.” Mike had a distant look in his eyes. “ I wonder if he went to California to see her.”
“Why would he let her go in the first place then?”
“I don’t know…maybe he changed his mind.”
“Ask him when you see him next.”
“I will.” The pen continued to spin in his fingers.
I knew there was still something bothering him. My brother and I hadn’t always been close, but I’d known him my whole life. I understood his moods and subtle body language. “What is it?”
The pen stopped. “I’m just worried…about Lexie.”
“That he’ll get back together with her?”
He nodded.
Nobody particularly liked Lexie anymore, not after what she did. That included me. “There’s nothing you can do, Mike. If that’s what he wants we have to accept it.”
“I know. I just don’t want him to get hurt again. Lexie seemed sincere when she apologized, but she’s still damaged goods. She can’t have children either.”
“She can’t?” I blurted. That was news to me.
“She had her tubes tied.”
Both of my eyebrows rose. “Why?”
“I’m not sure,” he said as he shook his head. “It had something to do with her divorce. It’s her decision and I don’t judge her for it, but I know Conrad wants a family. He’ll regret not having kids if that’s the route he decides to take.”
“And that’s why you don’t want them back together?”
He nodded. “Both reasons.”
I understood his need to intervene. I’d stuck my nose in my daughter’s life more times than I care to admit. I did the same to Roland, just in a different way. And in both instances, it wasn’t good. “Mike, you want my advice?”
“Not really.”
“Well, you’re going to get it anyway. Conrad is a grown man and can make his own decisions. Just leave it alone.”
“You’re one to talk,” he snapped.
“That’s why I said that. Skye and I butted heads a lot because I kept sticking my nose where it didn’t belong. Don’t repeat my mistakes.”
“I made the same mistake with Trinity…a million times over.”
Then there was only one option. “Whatever he decides with Lexie we need to support. As long as he’s happy we can hold our tongue.”
“Cassandra will be a problem…she hates Lexie. And I mean really hates her.”
That didn’t surprise me. Cassandra was always a little hardheaded. “Give her time.”
“You know how she is…”
“Does she know about Conrad leaving for California?”
“No,” he said quickly. “And I’m not telling her until I know for sure. Then we’ll deal with it.”
I crossed my ankle at the knee. “You know, I messed up a lot with Scarlet and she gave me another chance. I haven’t let her down—”
“I know. I’ve heard this story a million times.”
“I’m just saying.”
“This is my little boy,” he said with a sigh. “I know he’s a man now. Shit, he’s taller than me and could probably kick my ass if he was really determined…don’t tell him I said that.” He met my gaze then looked away. “But he’s still my baby, you know?”
“I do know.” All too well.
“I want him to be happy. I want to know he’ll be okay when I’m gone.”
Those were the exact same thoughts I had. I knew Cayson would take care of Skye, and I knew Heath would do the same for Roland. I had my assurances. Mike didn’t. “He’ll find his way, Mike. Just give it time.”
He spun the pen again and fell silent.
The door to my office opened without preamble. That only happened when it was someone I knew well, except Scarlet. She still checked in with my secretary even though I told her a million times just to walk into my office. But she never listened to me.
“What’s up, bitches?” Flynn walked inside wearing his typical leather jacket and dark jeans.
“What a lovely surprise.” Mike’s voice was full of sarcasm.
Flynn fist-pounded him before he gave me a high-five. “What are you girls up to?”
“Running a company,” I said like a smartass.
“Really?” Flynn asked. “Because it looked like you were having girl talk.”
We both shot him a glare.
“Anyway.” Flynn pulled a pile of tickets out of the front pocket of his jacket. “I have some exciting news.”
“What?” I asked. “Your insurance approved that dick enlargement procedure?”
Flynn made a sarcastic laugh. “Nah. The doctors said if it was any bigger it wouldn’t fit in my pants.” He waved the tickets with his hand. “My play is premiering Friday night on Broadway. I’m pretty damn excited.”
“Cool,” Mike said. “Is this the one you’ve been working on all year?”
“Yep,” Flynn said. “And it would really help publicity if the Preston Brothers made an appearance.”
“How much are you paying us?” Mike came out of his sour mood the longer we joked around.
“Two dinners,” Flynn said. “Your wives can pay for themselves.”
I grabbed one of the tickets and examined the front. “We’ll be there.”
“Cassandra and I will too.” Mike took a few tickets.
“Sweet,” Flynn said. “Spielberg is coming.”
“He is?” I asked in surprise.
“Well, that’s the rumor I’ve been hearing,” Flynn said with a shrug. “But I hope it’s true.”
“Me too,” Mike said. “I’ve been meaning to bug him about making E. T. Two.”
I rolled my eyes. “Black tie?”
“Yeah.” Flynn stood up and straightened his jacket. “I’m going to let Cortland know.” He snapped his fingers then made two guns with his hands. “See you assholes later.”
Mike grabbed the stapler off my desk and threw it at him.
It hit the wall and missed Flynn by two feet.
Flynn smiled before he walked out. “Damn, you throw like a girl.”
***
I sorted through the mail at the kitchen counter. It was mostly junk mail and a few bills. I glanced at the time on my Rolex and realized we needed to head out. “Baby, we need to leave soon.”
Scarlet’s voice came from upstairs. “I’m almost done.”
Tonight was the opening of Flynn’s play. I wasn’t much of a theatre kind of guy and neither was Mike, but it seemed important to Flynn. He wouldn’t have asked, however comical, unless it was important to him. Besides, Scarlet loved the theatre.
She loved any excuse to go into the city. She was home most of the time, especially since Sky moved next door. She spent the day with our grandson, and when I came home from work she cooked dinner and took care of me. My wife was constantly putting out fires all over the place.
I eyed my watch again and feared we would be late. I turned around and headed to the staircase. Just when I was about to call up to her, she descended the stairs. “Baby, we should…” The words died in my mouth the second I saw her.
Scarlet wore a tight, black dress. It stopped at her thighs and hugged the curves of her waist. Her voluptuous tits provided even more curves in the tight material. The area around her shoulders was made of some kind of lace. It was see through, and I could see her beautiful skin. Silver pumps were on her heels, elongating her already long legs. Just by looking at her you wouldn’t know that she gave birth to two children. And you certainly wouldn’t know she was old enough to have two children.
Scarlet reached the floor then sauntered toward me. A light smile was on her lips, but the joy truly shined in her eyes. Dark make up was around her eyes, and her lips were ruby red. Instead of her usual straight hair, it was curled. My wife was beautiful on a daily basis, but right now she was extraordinary.
“I’m ready.”
The words fell on my ears but I didn’t process them. I stood there like an idiot, my jaw unhinged. I couldn’t find the right words to describe just how perfect she looked. I was going to walk into that theatre with the sexiest woman in the world. When I realized she said something I tried to remember what it was. “Hmm?”
“I’m ready to go.” She kept smiling at me.
“Oh…” I nodded like I really understood her. “Cool.” I wanted to smack myself in the forehead. Why was I talking like some blubbering idiot who had no game? I got her to marry me for crying out loud. Where was that man? I cleared my throat. “Good. We should hit the road.”
“Okay.” She grabbed her clutch from the table.
I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I wanted to lift up her dress and throw her on the nearest table. “You look…yeah.”
She looked up at me, amused. “Yeah?”
“I mean…wow.”
“Wow?”
Just shoot me. “You look sexy as hell.” That was better.
“Thank you.” She opened her clutch and made sure she had everything she needed.
For the past month, Scarlet had been depressed. She was worried her grandson wouldn’t make it, and she was constantly at the hospital to support Skye. Her natural buoyancy had disappeared, and the darkness took over. After Cedric came home and remained healthy, the sun in her eyes started to rise over the horizon. The woman who cheered me up and made my life light up like the morning sky came back to me.
Perhaps that was why I was caught off guard by her appearance. Even in pajamas and a bun she was beautiful. But seeing her doll herself up like this was a treat.
I eyed my watch and released an irritated sigh. If I threw Scarlet on the couch and made love to her the way I wanted, we would be late for sure. I could just wait until we got home but I really didn’t want to.
I wanted her now.
I came up behind her and pressed my chest to her back. My lips pressed into her hair and I ran my hands up her arms, touching her gently. My mouth moved closer until I found her ear. Then I kissed it and whispered, “Sometimes I can’t believe you’re all mine.” My hands gently pulled up her dress, revealing more skin until her ass started to show.
My cock was hard as stone.
Scarlet grabbed the material and quickly pulled it down. “We need to leave, Sean. We can’t be late.”
“They won’t even notice.”
She turned around and faced me, that determined look in her eyes. “This is important to Flynn, and he’s important to us.”
I tried not to roll my eyes. “I think a guy like Flynn would understand.”
“When we get back, I’m all yours.”
Those words sounded sexy coming from her perfect mouth. “I don’t want to wait that long.”
“You don’t always get what you want.” She gave me a gentle push in the chest before she walked to the garage.
My eyes immediately went to that gorgeous ass. Her dress was still slightly up from the way I pulled it just a moment ago. Her perfect skin was smooth and tight, and the curve of her ass was hypnotic. A deep growl came from my throat, the only way I could express just how frustrated I was.
Scarlet turned around. “I’ll make it up to you later.”
If only later was now.
***
My arm was hooked around Scarlet’s waist as we arrived at the theatre. My eyes constantly scanned the people around us, and if some stupid dumbass made the mistake of staring at my wife I’d kill them with a single look.
Cameras were down the red carpet, and the second I stepped out the they swarmed. I kept Scarlet close by my side and hated the fact she had to accept this annoying part of my life. I didn’t do a single thing to deserve this celebrity. I simply inherited a company that my father built out of his garage. Technically, I didn’t do a single thing to earn it.
Photographers kept trying to wave me down so they could get a good picture of Scarlet and I. I ignored them and steered my wife out of the way.
“Let’s just pose,” Scarlet said. “They’ll stop harassing you once they do.” She said this with a smile on her face, acting for the media around us.
“But we shouldn’t have to.”
“You know that isn’t how the world works.” Scarlet always saw the big picture of a situation. She didn’t focus on the small things like most people did.
“Fine.” I turned with Scarlet and smiled as the cameras took pictures of us. All I saw was a hundred bright lights. It was hard not to squint but I got used to it. When I gave them a full minute, I pulled Scarlet with me. “Glad that shit is over.”
“You did great.”
My wife was always my personal cheerleader. She sheathed my anger like no one else could. She understood me better than I understood myself. I steered her to the entrance then walked inside. The lobby contained the wine and appetizers for all the guests. I wasn’t hungry but I was relieved to be away from the public eye.
“About damn time.” Mike came over with Cassandra on his arm. She wore a full-length white gown with rhinestones. Her startling similarity to Trinity was apparent tonight, with her designer shoes and dress.
“Sorry,” I said with no emotion. “We got caught up.” I wish we were even later but Scarlet wouldn’t let me get my way. I turned to Cassandra. “You look very beautiful tonight.” I leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.
“Thank you,” she said. “Trinity designed everything.”
“She did a great job.” Mike stared at his wife affectionately then kissed her on the temple. It was clear he was just as in love with his wife as I was with mine.
“Dude, do I look like a douchebag or what?” Ryan came next, wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie. He looked down at himself with his arms raised on either side of his body.
Mike laughed and covered his mouth to keep it down.
I pressed my lips tightly together since we were in public.
Scarlet tried to hold it in but she couldn’t. A loud snort came from her nose.
Everyone turned our way because they heard it.
That just made Scarlet laugh harder.
That’s what I loved most about her. She could be sexy but goofy at the same time.
“You do not look like a douchebag,” Janice said in a hushed tone. “And stop staying douchebag so loud. We aren’t at your shop, Ryan.”
“You just said douchebag twice,” Ryan argued.
Janice put her forefinger against her lips. “Shh.”
Ryan put a forefinger to his lips and leaned toward her. “You shh.”
Janice wore a hold dress that was tight on her body. She was classy in every way except for the tattoo on her ring finger. “Do you want me to slap you?”
“Do you want people to think you’re married to a clown?” He pointed at his chest.
“You wore a suit to Slade’s wedding,” Janice argued.
“Yes,” Ryan snapped. “A suit. Not a damn tuxedo. And that was a very special occasion. This is just an aristocratic douche party.”
“We’re doing this for Flynn so shut the hell up.” Janice stomped her foot in a threatening way.
Scarlet leaned toward me. “Who needs HBO when you got them?”
I chuckled. “They are a hoot.”
Janice grabbed Cortland from the bar. “Tell your best friend to stop acting like a child.”
Cortland stared at us in confusion because he came into the conversation at the wrong time. “He’s been acting like a child since I met him. I’m not going to start fighting that now.”
Ryan clapped him on the shoulder. “Thanks, man.”
