Forgiving You

by Melissa Bender

  This felt like my first time sharing a bed with him. I was nervous, my heart was racing faster. “Chris,” I whispered.

  “Hmm,” he replied as his fingertips ran gently through my hair.

  “Why did she answer the phone and say she was changing that day?” I asked, feeling the beat of my heart quicken even more. I had to ask, and more importantly, I needed to know.

  He shifted slightly, so he was now facing me, his hand wrapped around my waist as our bodies pressed together. “I left my phone in the office, and she was on it when I walked in. Nothing has ever happened between us,” he said seriously. “I swear.”

  I nodded. Usually, I could tell when he lied to me. But now, I wasn’t so sure. “Okay. You should go to sleep. Lucy might wake up soon,” I whispered quietly.

  “I don’t mind,” he said back quietly, placing his soft lips to my forehead again. “I never touched her. I would never fuck anyone else, Char. Believe that.”

  Leaning forward, I pressed my lips to his and kissed him for a longing second. Snuggling down against his chest as my eyes closed, sleep finally overtook me.

  ***

  Waking up with a startle, the sun beamed through the sheer curtains. I sat up in a panic. I was alone. Lucy was still in her bassinette, and it was morning. I had slept the entire night without her waking once? It was amazing.

  “Good morning.” I was greeted by Chris walking in, holding a tray of hot tea and toast.

  “When did you wake up?” I asked, propping the pillows up behind my back to sit up comfortably.

  He grinned, lying back on the bed. “Couple hours ago.”

  “Why? Why didn’t you wake me up?” I asked, noticing my heavy chest. “My boobs are very full.”

  With a laugh, he shook his head. “Because you were passed out cold. I tried waking you, but you didn’t budge. I just heated her a bottle and took her for a walk around the park instead. She’s a night owl, that’s for sure. It wasn’t worth going back to sleep, so I made you breakfast.”

  “Well, thank you. I must have needed sleep.” I then moaned, sipping on the tea. He knew how to make a damn good tea, that’s for sure.

  I was able to take a shower alone, dress and put some effort into my appearance while Lucy slept for another hour. Chris tended to her when she woke and passed her over when I came out to feed her.

  Adam was watching the morning news, raising a brow. “Did Mummy and Daddy behave last night with the baby in the room?”

  I rolled my eyes. “You’re disgusting. Nothing happened.”

  “I know. Ears like a hawk remember.” He winked back with a smirk. “We used to live in the same apartment. I’m not deaf.”

  Chris sat beside him with the paper, laughing. “Ahh, yes. Good old days, you being a peeping Tom while I slept over.”

  “Bullshit. You were just showing off” Adam defended.

  I glanced around, noting it was quiet. “Where’s Mum and Dad?” I asked, bringing that to a stop. “I thought they would be here this morning.”

  Adam’s head fell back against the sofa, and he yawned sleepily while Chris went to take a shower. “They went into town for a little bit, and I think they want to have another talk with both Chris and you. Mum’s hell-bent on having you go back with them this afternoon.”

  “Why would I leave when I’ve got this place? Chris also bought a home for us, he said.”

  “He told me. It’s a nice place, and the price was pretty good. Pays to be a rich lawyer, I guess.” Adam looked at me as his eyes studied my face.

  I scoffed, rolling my eyes. “Is there anything he hasn’t told you?” Adam seemed to know everything else.

  “Not really. But I do know he’s planning on moving here and quitting the firm if you don’t come back. He’s serious about making things work, and I kinda feel bad for the guy; he was tricked. To be honest, when I first saw the photos, I really thought it was you, but you’re my sister, and I know you wouldn’t do that to him. But with him, just remember his previous girlfriend constantly cheated on him, and that fucks with your mind a bit. I know what it’s like to come home and find the girl you’re dating being taken in ways she wouldn’t let you. Chris was fed bullshit, and as a lawyer, he just looked at the evidence and believed it. It all came back to you being guilty, and if I were him, I probably would have done the exact same thing.” He sighed. “I’ll tell mum and dad to back off, but don’t string Chris along if you don’t want to go back with him. He came here the day after you sent the photos, and that’s saying something,” Adam said in a slightly hushed voice as the water in the bathroom had now stopped. “I know you’re hurt. He’s never going to live this down; just don’t do something you might regret in years to come.”

  I sat there for a moment, unable to think of what to say. My brother had just defended Chris completely. I knew my brother wouldn’t say any of that if he didn’t believe him. Still, it made me rethink everything. I got up from the chair and passed Lucy to him. She was sleeping with her rosy cheeks and little plump lips puffed out as she breathed heavily.

  “Wait here,” I said, making my way down to the bedroom. When I opened the door, I was met with a very naked man in my full view. “Oh . . . uh, sorry.” I blushed slightly as I looked away, biting my lip as he dressed. Christ.

  “Charlotte, you’ve seen me naked before, but it’s nice to see you blushing again.” Chris chuckled. “I’m decent now,” he added a few moments later.

  I turned around, stepping closer towards him. I reached out to cup his face in both hands, his unshaven face rough in my hands, and I couldn’t help but wonder what it felt like elsewhere. “Chris.”

  “Yes?” His hands slid to my waist, pulling me hard against him.

  I leaned closer, my lips almost brushing against his, skimming as my words came out softly. “You don’t need to stay here.” I kissed him when he went to object. Pulling away all too quickly, I smiled, staring up into his eyes. “We will come back home with you.”

  Chapter Ten

  “What do I have to do again?” I asked, slightly nervous as everyone was looking at me.

  Chris let out a laugh and wrapped his arms around my waist tighter. “Shake the can, open it, and empty it as fast as you can.”

  We were at one of his old college friend’s place, Jordan. Unfortunately, his age was just a number, and he was proving that he could still be young and fun; that he knew how to do something other than work. It was only because I had told him he was a workaholic and boring.

  I rolled my eyes and cocked my head to the side. “What happens after I drink it all?”

  Jordan burst out into loud laughter. “Sweetheart, there is no way you could finish that can. You’re too innocent for these types of games.”

  “Let her have a go,” Chris answered before I could speak.

  “I might surprise you.” I smirked at Jordan, and he laughed.

  He quickly shook the can for a few seconds, and Chris stepped back, either not wanting to get thrown up on or soaked in beer. “You can try, darlin, but this is a man’s game.”

  “Oh, god. Don’t even start on what only men can do.” I stuck my tongue out and laughed.

  I had never done this before, but what the hell, it seemed pretty straightforward. I grabbed the drink and pulled the tab open. The foam from the beer started to spray up as I quickly placed my mouth over it and began to drink quickly.

  Squeezing the can until nothing came out, I dropped it in the bin and spun around to look at Chris who was grinning widely as he pulled me into his chest.

  “You. Me. Car. Now!” He throatily groaned and started pulling me along with him.

  Straddling him in the back seat of his car that was parked down a deserted road, we made out heavily like a couple of 16-year-old school kids, his hands hurrying to pull his jeans down as I moved up and pulled my underwear to the side.

  “God, I love you.” He groaned over my mouth.

  “Love you more,” I cried out, moving back down over him, his
hands roughly gripping my hips as he moved with me. I fucked him hard and fast, the need primal. It was a race to come with him; he always came second.

  The next morning, I had woken with a headache from hell. Chris sunk back in the bed and groaned loudly as he rubbed his own temples, turning to look at me with his half-closed eyes. “I feel sick,” he muttered.

  “Maybe you should listen to your body when it says you’re too old.” I lightly laughed, keeping my face into the pillow and away from any form of sunlight.

  He wrapped both arms around me, and I looked up as he raised a brow. His hair stuck up in all directions. “If I weren’t so tired, I’d have my cock down your throat for that.” I see the small smirk appearing across his face.

  “You know what the best cure for a headache is?” I sat up letting the black sheet fall to my naked waist. “What would that be?” he whispered with a yawn, eyes going straight to my breasts.

  “Lots and lots of sex!” I lazily moved over on top of him.

  He rolled, pinning me down. I could already feel his arousal pressing into me as he raised his hips and sunk in with a slow, deep thrust.

  ***

  “What are you thinking about?” Chris asked as he joined me outside on the balcony. I had been out here enjoying the sun and listening to the sound of the waves; it was very calming. The ocean was just magical.

  “That time we fell asleep in the middle of sex.” I shook my head as I laughed.

  A light laugh came out from his lips as he lay down on the lounge chair. “That was a hell of a night. I hadn’t drunk that much in years.”

  “I barely remember it. I know you were dancing and singing as we walked to the apartment,” I said as I grinned over at him.

  “You gave me a lap dance.” He winked, and I rolled my eyes. Of course, that’s what he remembered.

  It had only been a couple of hours since I told Chris I would come back home with him. He had pulled me into his chest and hugged me so tightly that I thought my ribs were going to crack.

  It felt like the right thing to do. I knew it was the right thing to do.

  “So, how do I get out of this lease then?” I asked hesitantly. I really liked being here. “I signed for it.”

  “We’ll buy it, come down when we want to get away, and relax.”

  “Chris, isn’t that a little much? I mean, it probably isn’t even up for sale and would you really take time off to relax?” I didn’t believe that.

  “Everything is for sale, Char. You just need to make the right offer for them to sell it.”

  I half scoffed. “Alright, money bags. I forgot you could talk your way into anything you want.”

  “No. I can just see how much you love being here, so I’ll buy it and we’ll come up at least once a month for a weekend or a few days.” He sat up and leaned over towards my chair, taking my hands in his and rubbing them softly, “I just want you to be happy.”

  “You don’t need to buy my happiness,” I reminded. “But you’re right, I do love it here. It’s calming, and I love being able to see Vanessa when I want. This place gave me comfort when you weren’t there. I just don’t think they’ll sell it.” I stopped talking when I heard a commotion coming from inside and grew worried.

  “Charlotte!” Mum called in a panic.

  I jumped up, worried something had happened. “What’s happened? I’m out here,” I called out. Chris went to stand up to leave, but I grabbed his hands and shook my head. “You don’t need to leave whenever they come out here. Stay,” I whispered.

  “Only if you’re sure.” He sat back when I nodded that I was sure.

  Mum came out, standing by the door in confusion. “Where is Lucy?”

  “She’s in the bedroom, asleep,” Chris answered, and I couldn’t help but grin as she hadn’t expected to see him out here.

  “Sorry, I thought you’d left, Christopher.” She took a seat beside me, looking anywhere but at him.

  “Actually, Chris is staying here for a couple more days,” I spoke up, and Chris eyed me as if to say “I am?”

  “Then back to the big city?” she asked suddenly, looking a little more than happy, which ground my gears big time. When Dad walked out, she took no time in filling him in. “Chris is heading back to the city in a couple of days.”

  “Oh, he is, isn’t he?” Dad grumbled, taking his seat beside Mum.

  “Yes, I am,” Chris answered.

  Dad then spoke as he and Mum nodded at each other, like having telepathic communication. “Well then Charlotte, we’ll stick around for a little while longer if you want us to.”

  “You can stay as long as you like, but you should know that Adam will be here too.” I smiled. “Umm, but I’m going back with Chris.”

  “For how long?” Dad asked gruffly.

  “For good. Lucy and I are going back with him,” I said with firmness, letting them know it was my decision, and was final.

  “I won’t allow it.” Dad stood, shaking his head. “I won’t.”

  This is what I wanted to avoid—the harsh conflict and confrontation. I bit my lip, sighing as I ran a hand through my long blonde hair. “Dad, are you seriously saying that you want me to divorce him?”

  “I do.” He nodded. “You’re making a big mistake.”

  Chris had stood up in a flash, towering over my father as he narrowed his eyes at him. “I don’t care if you don’t allow it. I never asked your permission to marry Charlotte, and I sure as hell don’t need your permission now. If you don’t like it, then I suggest you get your ass out of this house before I do it for.” It was easy to forget how sexy Chris could be when defending me.

  The way his whole demeanour changed, becoming the strong and dominant man that I adored.

  He never once raised his voice at my father, always showing respect towards my parents. Hell, right now, even Dad was clearly shocked; his mouth was half-open and half-closing. It was definitely a nice sight to see him stunned.

  “Chris, there is no need to get angry.” Mum tried to cut in, but it only made him angrier.

  “No need?” he spat, shifting his attention, “You’re filling Charlotte’s head with nothing but negativity. I know I fucked up, but so have you both. You’re coming in here and treating her like a child; you’re telling her she needs to come back and live with you both. Why? So you can raise Lucy the way you see fit?”

  “And you honestly think you’re a better parent than we are?” Dad shoved a finger against Chris’s chest, and I felt my heart pounding faster by the second.

  “I know I fucked up!” Chris retorted and stepped closer to dad, his breathing heavy and fists clenched at his side. “I fucking know this.”

  “Chris,” Adam’s deep voice cut in placing a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t. It’s not worth it.”

  “You’re right, because Charlotte and Lucy are coming back home with me, and that’s final. I don’t give a flying fuck what you both think!” Chris shouted at my parents, and I felt my insides melting, smiling at him taking control, not backing down.

  This was the Chris I knew; this was him being possessive and caring.

  I could hear a faint scream coming from the bedroom, and Chris immediately pushed past Adam and stalked inside. I couldn’t believe Dad had dropped that low to make remarks about his parenting skills. To call Chris unfit to be a parent was uncalled for, not even I would call him that.

  “What happened?” Adam stepped in and took Chris’s place. “I don’t understand why you can’t just talk without yelling.”

  Mum scoffed, sitting down and sighing. “He thinks Charlotte and Lucy are going back with him. He can’t come gallivanting back and make everything fine again.”

  “God, just shut up!” I exclaimed, standing up. I was horrified at myself, speaking to her like that. But I can’t just sit here and listen to her bitch and moan about Chris again. “Ever since you both came back, you’ve been nothing but a headache. Chris is my husband and Lucy’s father; nothing is going to change that. We might
divorce, but we will still be connected for the rest of our lives.”

  “You could go through with the divorce. Leave him and come with us,” Mum spoke softly, trying to convince me. I snapped my head to her. “Ask for full custody. I know you asked him for that.”

  I shot a glance at Adam. Had he told her that? “Excuse me?” Adam spoke, looking completely and utterly stunned. “Don’t try and use my words against me.”

  I didn’t even hear what they had to say. I was pissed off, and I just walked out of the room. This was getting us nowhere. I knew that Chris had screwed up and asked for the divorce in the first place, but I wasn’t going to just give up. If he never bothered to come here and try to make things right, then yes, I would easily have left. But he was here, and he was begging for a chance to fix everything.

  I was going to give him that, at the very least.

  “Chris?” I called out when I walked into the bedroom. Looking around, I couldn’t see him or Lucy anywhere. I went to the other room down from mine where her little nursery was to see if he was in there. They were there; Chris sat on the rocking chair with Lucy against his chest as he read her a story.

  “I’m sorry.” He sighed, putting the book down. “I shouldn’t have gotten so angry.”

  “It’s okay. I would have hit someone if they spoke to me that way.”

  “Stop it, Charlotte.” He sighed heavily. “Just stop.”

  Already fired up, this was not the time to tell me to be quiet. I walked closer, both hands on my hips. “No, you stop it. Stop putting yourself down. You fucked up; I get it, okay? So, if you want us to try and move on and be a family, then I suggest you start acting like that man I just saw out there. I know you’re kicking yourself for what happened, but you’re here now, so let’s just try and get back to the same old us. The couple who stayed in and ate take out most nights because I can’t cook anything other than pizza, or how we would spend all day Sunday’s in bed doing nothing but talking about our future. That’s the man I need you to be. Otherwise, they’re right; we’re not going to work.” I stopped talking and took a breath, groaning. “I need you to be the man I fell in love with because this version really sucks.”