Happily Ever After: A Contemporary Romance Boxed Set

by Piper Rayne

  “Go on your date and have fun. Worry about everything else another day. You have plenty to celebrate.” Jenna hugs me hard.

  I smile and think of my success. “Thanks. I’m gonna do just that.”

  There’s a bounce in my step as I grab my purse and leave. The bounce becomes a skip when I see Leo leaning against his car waiting for me. I skip into his arms and when he kisses me I get lost in him the way I do every time we’re together.

  It’s getting harder to pretend I’m not, and to act like I don’t fall a little more with every day that passes.

  It’s Sunday night, and we’re at my family’s home and pretending we’re not dating, and we won’t be going back to his place to make love.

  For no reason at all, tonight seems harder than the past two months.

  Dad starts talking about his upcoming fishing trip and that gets everyone talking.

  Every now and again though Leo casts a secret glance my way. Secret, oh so secret because every week we’ve come here Cory has been watching us like a hawk.

  There’s tension between him and Leo. Still tension. They talk and I can see them trying to be civil but something has changed between them. Me. I’ve come between them and it pains me. Cory and Leo are like brothers, and I don’t want their relationship to fall out because of me.

  Dinner finishes and I’m stacking the dishes in the dishwasher when Mom comes in.

  “Hey sweet girl, you okay?” she asks, coming up to the counter.

  “Yeah. I’m good. I’m nearly done.” I smile. “Dinner was really good, as usual.”

  “Thanks baby-girl. Everyone is watching TV so I thought I’d take the chance to talk to you.”

  “Oh.” My heart sinks. “Is everything okay? Are you and Dad okay?”

  She chuckles. “We’re fine but do you want to tell me what’s going on?”

  “What do you mean?” I ask doing my best to look nonchalant. My mother however, is very perceptive and intuitive. She’s no fool and she can’t be fooled.

  The corners of her lips turn down and she narrows her eyes. “Ivy, do you think I was born yesterday?”

  “No, you do look super young though. I’ve never been offended when people think we’re sisters.”

  She laughs and the ends of her razor sharp bob bounces. “Butter me up all you want.” She pauses. “I know what’s going on. I was hoping you’d tell me, and since you haven’t I want you to know that I’m here for you.”

  “Mom?”

  She catches a lock of my hair and smiles. “Leo has been looking at you the same way for the last fifteen years.”

  I stare back at her, completely surprised. “You know?”

  “Of course. But these things take time. You’re seeing each other, aren’t you?”

  I can’t lie to my mom. “Yeah. We are.”

  “That’s wonderful news. Sweetie, why isn’t this something we’re celebrating?” She looks genuinely happy and I’m so glad, and relieved, that she is. I hate to burst her bubble though.

  “Cory doesn’t want us to be together,” I answer and the smile falls from her face.

  “What? Sweetie no. He wouldn’t be that way.”

  I nod my head. “It’s true Mom. He doesn’t want us seeing each other, he told Leo. That’s why we’re dating in secret, just for now, till we can tell him.” I pause. “I don’t know what to do.”

  She reaches out and cups my face. “My baby-girl, in situations like these you sometimes have to think of yourself. No one has the right to prevent you from being with someone you love. If your relationship is love then it doesn’t matter what anyone thinks, or who you hurt.”

  She hugs me hard, and I melt into her warm embrace.

  I love Leo.

  I always have, always will.

  Chapter 13

  Leo

  I raise my glass and smile at the beautiful woman, whose smile makes me so happy, sitting across from me. “To your success. I hope you will have it all. All your hopes and dreams, everything.”

  “Thank you so much. Thanks for believing in me.” She blows me a kiss and I think that I actually love her more than I did yesterday. . .if that’s possible.

  We’re at my house, sitting by the poolside, enjoying a fine bottle of champagne toasting her interview that she had with the Chronicle today.

  We clink our glasses, and each take a sip.

  “So what’s it like to be Ivy Carson? Chicago’s most well sought after woman.” I tease.

  She snorts and then apologizes. “I’m not, I’m just me.”

  “You did such a good job today. I’m sure that soon, the only way I’ll be able to contact my girl, is through her agent.”

  She chuckles and swats at my shoulder. “You are so funny. That will never happen. I will always be contactable to you.”

  “Yeah?”

  “Yes. I promise.” She gazes up at the stars then back to me and we stare at each other. “Look at us, Leo. Two and a half months and we’re so happy.”

  “I know.” I also know that the deeper we fall for each other the greater the tension that has been brewing with Cory.

  I set my glass down and take her hand. My heart rate quickens, and I feel my throat clog with emotion.

  “You’ve got a funny look on your face, what are you thinking?” she asks.

  “You. Me. Us together.” I had a crazy idea the day after our second date. It was crazy when I first thought about it but now, it doesn’t seem crazy now. I run my finger over her knuckles and flick my gaze back up to her eyes.

  “I love you,” I tell her and her lips part. “I love you and I want to marry you.” That was my crazy idea. Two dates into a relationship and I want her to be my forever.

  Now she sucks in a sharp breath and her mouth falls open. “What did you say?”

  “I said, I love you and I want to marry you.”

  Her mouth forms an ‘O’ but nothing comes out. I’ve either shocked her or lost her.

  Her eyelashes flutter. “Marriage? You want to marry me?”

  “Yeah. I know how I feel about you. I don’t need time to tell me anything more. I know it’s crazy, but that’s what I want. I want you. I want you to be my wife and –”

  Before I can get the next word out she jumps in my arms and kisses me.

  “Yes,” she says between kisses. “Yes. I want to. I love you Leo Haller.”

  “You do?”

  “I truly do.”

  “I didn’t mean to blurt it out. I wanted to write you a poem or some words of love, give you a ring and do it properly.”

  “Oh Leo. I’m so excited. I can’t wait to tell everyone.” She releases me and brings her hands together, then up to her cheeks.

  I feel like a jerk to say this to her and put a damper on her excitement but I have to.

  “Babe, I also want to speak to your family first. It may be old fashioned but your family is my family. I want to do it right, not just by you, but them too.” I pause. “Can you give me time before we tell people?”

  I shouldn’t be surprised by the disappointed look in her eyes that she tries to cover.

  “Yes, of course. I understand. Of course.”

  “You okay?” I cup her face.

  “Yes. I get it.” There is a tinge of disillusionment in her voice.

  “And I should talk to Cory first.”

  “When will you?”

  The muscles in my belly knot with the angst. “Soon, I’ll talk to him soon.”

  “Soon? Oh…how soon?” Her head tilts to the side.

  It’s going to be difficult to put a time on that. “The first chance I get.” I know that doesn’t really give her an answer because there could still be some time to wait.

  “Okay…”

  I pull her in for a kiss and promise myself I will talk to Cory.

  I’m not sure if today counts as a chance if I didn’t plan to see him. It’s been a week since I told Ivy I want to marry her, and I still haven’t found the time to speak to my best frien
d.

  I find Cory in my office, unexpectedly.

  I’m on the phone, and wave him in before I finish my call.

  I shake his hand and gesture to the couch.

  “Hey, man” he says with a smile.

  The smile is good. It means he’s not mad. It means he’s himself.

  “What’s up?”

  We sit opposite each other. While he slouches on the sofa, I’m seated ramrod straight.

  “I was in the area and wanted to see you before things get hectic.”

  We have a month before the new football season starts. Hectic is a mild version of what will happen.

  “Oh yeah?”

  “Yeah. I wanted to apologize and thank you at the same time.” He nods. “I know we’ve been cool over the last few months and acted like I didn’t have that difficult conversation with you, but I didn’t want to pretend it didn’t happen. Thank you for respecting my wishes and our friendship. I’m sorry I had to be so blunt with you.”

  Now what do I say here?

  Waiting this long to tell the truth has done this to me. It’s clearly made things worse than they already were.

  Damn it.

  I don’t actually know what to tell him.

  The answer to come clean hits me in my gut but I can’t do it. Somehow I think it would be worse if I said anything right now. The fact that he’s here and I haven’t been the one to go to him and talk about it is one thing. Add the fact that I’m not just dating his sister but I’m sleeping with her and we’re engaged and that’s a whole conundrum of disaster.

  “I hope we can move past it,” he says looking like he’s taken my silence and hesitation to mean I’m still not happy about his warning.

  “Yeah,” I answer.

  “Well. That’s all. I know you’re busy. See you Sunday?”

  “Always.” I give him a forced smile.

  He stands and leaves. As the door clicks shut I shake my head at myself. This is not good. I’m gonna have to talk to him properly and tell him the truth.

  It’s just a matter of when. When am I going to do it?

  I really think I’m gonna lose him.

  Losing a friend who feels like family to me will cut me deep.

  I know it will hurt Ivy too. Cory told me he’d be finished with me if I pursued Ivy. There was no room for discussion. So I can’t see any other ending to this debacle than losing my best friend.

  Chapter 14

  Ivy

  It’s been weeks since Leo and I got engaged.

  Soon Cory will be flying out to LA to start the new football season.

  Leo’s so busy worrying about upsetting Cory that he’s not thinking of me. It’s upsetting to be engaged to a man and I have to keep it a secret from those I love. People I know who would celebrate with me.

  It’s bad enough that I don’t have a ring but being a secret wasn’t what I wanted.

  It’s Sunday again and everything is as it always is. We all sit down to dinner at my family’s house like nothing has happened.

  There was a moment toward the end when Leo went out to the garden with Cory and I thought maybe he’d talk to him then. But they both came back in smiling talking about the wood for the garden shed.

  I was so furious I couldn’t hide my annoyance and Leo noticed. He noticed but didn’t ask me anything about it.

  We continued going through the motions of the day like everything was fine.

  I stayed up all night upset about the whole thing and the feeling stayed with me through the day. I couldn’t even shake it when he made a surprise visit to the office to see me.

  He doesn’t usually come by unless we’re meeting up for dinner. So I know today’s appearance is because he could see how yesterday affected me.

  He walks into my office with a tentative expression on his handsome face. I hate being mad at him. This is the first time he’s given me cause and it’s a new feeling for me.

  “You’re upset with me aren’t you?” he asks, cutting past any pleasantries.

  “What do you think Leo?”

  “I’m sorry.” He raises his shoulders into a shrug. “It’s difficult to talk to him. Difficult to find the right time.”

  “Leo we’ve been seeing each other secretly for over three months and now we’re engaged and no one knows. How much longer do you think we can go on like this? This isn’t how I want to live my life.”

  “I know, and I don’t mean for things to be this way. I don’t. I promise you I don’t.”

  “This is supposed to be about you and me.”

  “I know but it isn’t just about us. Cory matters to me too Ivy and I went behind his back and did the one thing he asked me not to do.”

  I blow out a ragged breath and shake my head. He’s more worried about his friendship with Cory than me.

  “I understand you don’t want to hurt him, but this isn’t okay. I’m not okay with being a secret. I know you don’t want to hurt me, but it’s me who’s hurt. I was already with a guy who treated me like I was nothing. Ben did everything to make me feel like I was second best. How do you think this is making me feel?”

  I can’t hold back the emotions. I’ve kept everything bottled up for weeks. First being excited that he asked me to marry him then being disappointed I couldn’t share the news.

  “Ivy I’m sorry. I’m really sorry. That’s not how I want you to feel. Cory thinks I’m not worthy of you, and honestly I guess I’ve found it hard to talk to him because I don’t feel like I’m worthy of you myself. I just want him to see that I’m not a complete loss.”

  “The only person who you should be focused on is me. Cory isn’t part of our relationship. No one else is.”

  I understand exactly what the problem is but it’s been going on for too long and if I don’t say something, or continue to act like it’s okay this saga will continue.

  “Yeah… I hear you.”

  I fold my arms and stare back at him.

  “Are we still going out later?” he asks.

  “I think I should pass on tonight.” I need a little break. We’ve been seeing each other nearly every night, taking turns to spend time at each other’s homes. I need some time to cool off.

  “Can I call you?”

  “Okay.”

  He comes closer and plants a kiss on my forehead. One last look and he leaves.

  I head home a little while later and soak in the bath for a few hours. There are two missed calls from him when I get out.

  I don’t return either of them, but I speak to him briefly much later when he calls again to say goodnight.

  I spend the night wondering if we’re doing the right thing and I can’t believe I’m even thinking those thoughts. I love Leo. That’s the answer that comes to me. I love him and I do want to be with him. I can’t think past that part.

  The next morning comes and he sends me a message to meet him at his place tonight.

  We stroll to the poolside and there is a feast laid out waiting for us.

  “This is sensational,” I say, unable to get over the beauty of the table with the exquisite silverware and crockery, and scented pink garden roses in a crystal vase. It’s perfect.

  He kisses me. “It’s a dinner of forgiveness, and something else.”

  “What’s the something else?”

  He reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a little navy velvet box. When I see it my heart stills.

  I look from him to the box but as he flicks it open, revealing a beautiful princess cut diamond I bring my hand to my chest.

  “Leo,” I whisper his name, as he goes down on one knee.

  “I spoke to your parents. Your father and mother both gave me their blessing.”

  I suck in a sharp breath. “Oh my gosh. You did that? You spoke to my parents?”

  “Yes. My first mistake with you was that I didn’t do this part properly. So… I spoke to them then I bought your ring. I’m sorry I kept us a secret. I haven’t spoken to Cory yet but I will. That doesn’t sto
p us from doing what we need to do right now.”

  Joy bubbles within me when he lowers to one knee and reaches for my hand.

  “Ivy Marie Carson, I’ve loved you for so long that I don’t remember a time that I didn’t. I would be honored if you’d agree to be my wife. With this ring I ask you to be forever mine.”

  A tear slides down my cheek. I smile down at him loving him even more than I already do.

  “Yes,” I answer. “Yes. I would love to marry you.”

  The brightest smile touches his face and he takes out the ring to slip it on my finger.

  As the cool platinum slides over my skin it feels like it should have always been there. Like I’ve always worn it. Like I was always his.

  “Thank you so much.” I lean down to kiss his lips.

  “What the hell?”

  We turn around to see where the angry voice is coming from. But I already know whose voice it is.

  Cory’s.

  Leo stands up but he doesn’t let go of my hand. My hand that Cory is looking at, through narrowed eyes, as he takes in the diamond ring on my finger.

  “Are you for real?” He glares at Leo.

  Chapter 15

  Leo

  God… I had no idea he’d be coming here tonight. None whatsoever. I wanted to meet up tomorrow and talk. I didn’t want to do all that today and spoil the vibe I got when I spoke to Ivy’s parents. That was why I messaged him after I saw them. I simply asked if we could meet up in the week to talk about something important.

  It’s been ages since he’s just turned up at my house, and I never expected him to do so after the warning he gave me to leave his sister alone. Weeks ago he might have come to apologize but things were not okay between us. Not by a long shot.

  That’s why I definitely never expected Cory to come here at this hour and ruin everything I had planned for Ivy.

  Damn it.

  “This is absolutely unbelievable.” Cory shakes his head and his nostrils flare.