by JA Low
“Hey,” she calls from below. “I was going to surprise you with breakfast in bed.” She smiles up at me. I make my way down the stairs toward her. My heart ready to explode with joy, but we have some things to sort out before I start declaring things like I want to marry you and knock you up.
“Sit down at the table and let me serve you.” I do as I am told and take my seat. She puts down a full breakfast in front of me. “You didn’t have any black or white pudding, pork sausages or baked beans in your kitchen for me to cook you up a proper fry up, but this was close enough. She lays a kiss on my head as she saunters away bringing back the glass of orange juice. I slap her ass the second time she walks away which makes her giggle.
I dig in because I am starved from last night, but after a couple of mouthfuls I stop. “You know; we need to talk about things.”
She puts her knife and fork down and takes a sip of her juice. “Yeah, I owe you an apology.”
“No, you gave that to me last night. We are both to blame for what happened, but I don’t want to dwell on that. I want us to look forward, you came back, you didn’t marry another man, everything else doesn’t matter.” It was the truth, the blame game, well we were both to blame and it doesn’t matter now. She never married Eddie, she flew half way across the world to me. I think that is the line in the sand, but now we need to work out how a future is going to work.
“Penny is pregnant by Eddie.”
I drop my cutlery onto the table. “Pregnant?”
“Yes, I found the test in the bathroom. That was the straw that broke the camel’s back. I knew Penny was with Eddie while I was getting ready, especially after finding the test. It probably wasn’t the right thing to do, but I kind of wasn’t thinking.”
I let her continue.
“I surprised Penny and Eddie in bed together, with my parents.”
“What?”
Olivia giggles. “Yeah, I should maybe be a little sorrier about what I did, but I’m not.”
I high five her from across the table.
“Pretty much everything turned into chaos because not long after that his parents turned up to help him get ready and they found out about the baby, and well, they made Eddie marry Penny.”
“How was your father? How is his heart?” I’m pretty sure finding your daughter in bed with your other daughter’s fiancé on their wedding day is up there for heart attack material.
“He actually took it really well, he had double bypass surgery and I’m guessing that’s given him a new lease on life.”
I reach out and squeeze her hand, she gives me a smile.
“Then I told him that I was actually in love with someone else, he questioned me if it was the rock star that they saw in the papers and I said yes”
“Bet he’s not so happy about that.” I take a sip of juice.
“He struggled, I could see it, but he apologized for pushing Eddie and I together. He’s the one that told me to come after you.”
I raise my brows in shock. “Really?”
“Yeah, I know, crazy hey, but I think he realized how much of a mess the wedding became, plus there was no way in the world he was going to have a grandchild out of wedlock. I guess me running off to find my rock star was the least of his worries at the point.”
“Lucky me.” I smile.
“Yeah, lucky me.”
“So, you staying then?” I ask.
“If you will have me?” She looks at me nervously.
“If you cook me breakfast every morning, I could kind of get used to you being around,” I joke and she throws a slice of toast at me. “But you have to go back at some point, don’t you?”
Olivia takes a deep breath. “Yeah, I do. I kind of just left, and I’ve been gone on and off for a while now.” I nod, understanding she runs her own business. “But I can try and work from here for a while and see how it goes.”
“Yeah?” She nods enthusiastically.
“I will have to go back and find a replacement for me, but maybe…you could come too.” She looks at me nervously.
“I’d love to, maybe I might even have a look at office space in London while I’m there.”
“Yeah, you’d do that?” She looks at me excitedly.
“Come here.” I gesture to her, pushing my chair out from the table and asking for her to sit on my lap. “Yes, I want to make us work. Our lives are spread across two continents, and we are just going to have to get a little creative with them.” Her smile is wide.
“I don’t know how I got so lucky with you, Axel Taylor.” She gives me a lingering kiss. “But I plan on never letting you go, even if that means I have to tie you to something.”
“I think I can handle being bound to you for the rest of my life.”
And I couldn’t wait to start.
158
The End
Continue on for Suddenly Tied
Olivia and Axel’s Novella
159
Olivia
“Are you sure about this?” Axel asks me, concern written all over his face.
“Yes, you know we have kept them away for as long as possible. They are all just happy for us.”
Axel rolls his eyes. “But I kind of like having you to myself. I’ve only just got you back. I don’t want to share you with everyone yet.” I know what he’s saying. We have stayed in our love bubble for the past week, but our friends have been constantly calling and texting wanting to catch up.
“Come on, the sooner we get this over with the sooner I can get you home and do naughty things to you.”
Axel slaps my ass as we walk out his front door. “Damn right you will.”
Sammy, Axel’s bodyguard, opens the SUV’s door for us and we hop in. Christian and Vanessa wanted to put on a celebratory dinner for us at their home, welcoming me into the group officially. I am so excited to see everyone again, even if I have a grumbling rock star on my arm.
It’s funny how life works out sometimes. For so long I have been lonely, thinking that I had missed my chance at love, that there was no hope in finding someone. And now, I finally have it with the world’s hottest rock star, someone I never ever envisioned would be my one.
It’s not a long drive to Vanessa and Christian’s home. We haven’t even made it out of the car and Derrick and the girls are greeting us.
“You’re finally here.” Vanessa tries to wrap herself around me but her adorable belly is in the way.
“Princess, you finally made the right choice,” Derrick adds, giving me a big hug and a kiss.
“I know, took me a while.”
“Glad to see you again,” Sienna says, throwing me an air kiss.
“I’m so happy to see you.” Stacey pulls me into a big hug.
“Hey, move out of the way, I want to see my soon-to-be sister-in-law,” Christian calls out. Pushing through the mass of people, he picks me up in his arms and twirls me around. “I’ve always wanted a sister.” He smiles at me with kindness in his eyes.
“Thank you.” I’m not sure how to respond to it all, it’s a little overwhelming. I know Axel and I are heading down that forever path but it’s still all a bit too soon to be planning anything.
“Hey, I just got her back, Chris. I don’t need you scaring her away, man,” Axel chastises his brother. Christian holds up his hands in self-defense.
“I’m just happy that’s all,” Christian states as he puts his arm around Vanessa and rubs her belly, happily.
“Come on inside, grab some drinks and some food, I’m starving,” Vanessa adds, patting her ever expanding belly. We walk into their home and it is stunning. The large foyer opens into the living room then through to the back pool area where it is lit up with fairy lights. It is a similar city view to Axel’s home.
“Hey, man.” Oscar claps Axel on his back then gives me a kiss on the cheek, making me blush. “Good to see you guys together.”
Axel pulls me in under his arm. “I couldn’t be happier.” His whiskey eyes look down at me, makin
g my stomach flutter.
“Finn still in New York?” he asks Oscar as he turns his attention back him.
“Yeah, he’s with one of Nate’s friends, Sam. Some hotelier guy who knows New York real estate. He’s helping him find and narrow down some prospects,” Oscar explains.
“Great. Do you think he wants to be based out of that office?” Axel asks.
Oscar shrugs. “Not sure, he’s in a weird place at the moment. I know Isla leaving has hit him hard, they were close.”
Both Axel and I stay mute on that point, we believe Oscar is oblivious to Finn and Isla’s real relationship as he has never mentioned to anyone otherwise.
“How’s Isla doing? I didn’t get a chance to see her before she left.” I regret missing her, maybe we need a girls’ catch up next time I’m in London.
“She sounds happy, relaxed…I think it was the best thing for her honestly. But she’s my baby sister and I miss her.” The big Viking looks sad thinking about her, but his face soon lights up when Stacey joins us, even though he keeps his distance from her publically.
“I am so happy for you two.” Stacey gives us a big smile. “I’m glad it worked out in the end, you two were meant to be.”
“Me too. I still feel bad for putting Axel through everything.” And it’s the truth, he has the patience of a saint, not many men would have stuck around. Axel squeezes my hand and the look he gives me tells me that I don’t need to apologize anymore.
“I’m happy you came to your senses,” Axel jokes, kissing my forehead. I give him a light swat on the arm with my hand.
“So, are you two planning on going to The Paradise Club anytime soon?” Stacey asks, with a look of mischief in her eyes as she takes a sip from her champagne glass.
“Maybe, we haven’t had time to think of it,” I answer for us.
“Oh, okay. Well…Liv, if you ever want to…you know…” Stacey gives me a flirty wink and my cheeks turn an instant shade of pink, realizing what she is suggesting. It was fun last time we were all together at The Paradise Club.
“Interesting,” Axel smirks.
“Yes, it is, isn’t it,” Oscar adds, looking at Stacey with lust filled eyes. I know I am turning redder by the thought of what is being implied.
Axel leans into our little circle after checking no one is nearby; he lowers his voice, “Do you think that is something that might interest you, Olivia?” he says in a seductive tone.
I take a quick sip of my champagne, I feel like there is a giant spotlight on me. “Um…what…with Oscar and Stacey?” I ask nervously.
“Maybe, or just you and Stacey, something for Oscar and I to enjoy.”
I gulp down another hasty mouthful of champagne. Is it hot in here? I start fanning myself. I swear someone has turned the heating on.
“I think that sounds fun,” Stacey smiles.
“Maybe…” I let my answer hang as sexual tension swirls between us.
Axel whispers into my ear, “If it is something you feel comfortable with, I wouldn’t mind watching.” He presses his lips against my cheek; my body feeling like it is on fire with lust.
“Something to talk about another day,” Oscar says, breaking the tension within the circle. “We’ll leave you to it,” he gives me a wink as he walks away with Stacey.
“You look flustered,” Axel laughs.
“That’s because I am.” I swallow the rest of my champagne down trying to steady my nerves.
“No need to be flustered, darlin’.”
“Not all of us are as sexually liberated as you.” I smile up at him as he wraps his arms around me pulling me against his hard body.
“I know…that’s what I love about you. The fact that Stacey is asking for round two and it has you so worked up…it’s turning me on.” I can feel his semi hard length pushing against his jeans.
“I’m just shocked that you would want to share me with another man.” Axel tenses for a moment.
“Oh no, darlin’. I’m not sharing you with another man, don’t think I could handle that. But with another woman, hmm…I think that would be kind of hot.”
“Maybe we should talk about this later?” I look around the room filled with Axel friends.
“Good Idea.” He leans down and kisses me softly. “I want to explore so many new experiences with you, Olivia. We have all the time in the world.” This makes me happy.
160
Axel
“Hey, y’all.” A voice calls from the foyer.
“Mom?” I look up and see my parents walking into Christian and Vanessa’s home. I jump up from where I am sitting at the dinner table and head straight over to them, pulling them both into my arms. “It’s so good to see you both. What are you doing here?”
“We heard the good news and we just had to come and celebrate.” Mom smiles as she looks over my shoulder.
“Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, so nice to see you again,” Olivia greets them from behind me.
“Her accent is just so adorable; it’s like talking to the Queen.” Mom pushes me out of the way and cuddles Olivia. “You need to call me Viv, and that hunk over there is Frank. You’re family now.” Tears well in Olivia’s eyes as she is strangled to death by Mom.
“Good to see everything worked out, son.” Dad slaps me on the back. “Now, I need a beer,” he states, walking off to where everyone else is seated.
“I’m so happy you two found each other again.” Mom squishes us together. “Just so happy. Now where are my grandbabies? Ness, show me your belly, I want to feel them moving,” she hollers through the house.
“Wow, that was pretty amazing.” Olivia smiles at me.
“Yeah, I know. They told me they couldn’t come. But they are known for just showing up unannounced, so be prepared,” I warn her. “Poor Christian and Vanessa got a fright when my parents surprised them in their home after they got married in Vegas. They were half naked when they noticed my parents sitting on the couch.” She giggles at the image.
“I would have died,” Olivia laughs. “But I like it, they are so much warmer than my parents,” she says, sounding a little sad.
“I’m sure we can smooth things over with your parents. I know you have to go back soon to sort things out with the estate.”
She sighs, “Guess reality is hitting. You and me stretched between two continents...I hate the sound of that.”
“Hey,” I soothe her fears, grabbing her face. “You and me, no matter what, we will work it out. We just need to communicate with each other.” She smiles at me. “We are going to have growing pains adjusting to a new normal, but I have faith we can do this.” Honestly, we are lucky that we do have the money to be able to travel back and forth between the UK and America, otherwise it would make our relationship much more difficult.
“I will need to get back soon, I left so abruptly. I have nothing with me.”
“I know darlin’, we can leave whenever you want. I probably need to meet your parents as well.” She makes a face at that comment. “They’ll love me, look at me, I’m so pretty.” This makes her laugh.
“True, I’m sure you have had many mothers falling at your feet.”
“Well, I am the lead singer in a band, it’s only right that everyone swoons over me.” There’s that giggle again. I will do pretty much anything to hear it.
“Okay, well I guess a couple more days and we should head back.”
“Not a problem. I’ll organize everything.” Giving her another kiss, I want to make sure she is happy.
“I’m so happy for you.” Mom gives me a kiss on the cheek. Olivia is sitting chatting with the girls, touching Sienna and Vanessa’s stomachs as the babies kick. My heart is expanding at the thought that I want Olivia to be in the same situation as them sooner rather than later.
“Thanks, it’s so good to see you,” I reply, taking a sip from my beer.
“I knew she would be the one.” Mom smiles at me and I roll my eyes.
“We weren’t in that place then, except I knew she was
different to all the other women.”
“I’m glad she finally came around.” Mom squeezes my knee.
“You aren’t going to hold what happened against her are you?” Mom was upset when it was revealed Olivia had a fiancé but she had faith that deep down Olivia would work it out and realize I was the better man for her.
“Of course not, sweetheart, she was in a tough position. Olivia thought she was doing the right thing. I can’t fault the girl’s loyalty to her family even if it was misplaced a little. It means she is going to be loyal to you and your family when the time comes.”
“I’m going to propose to her, just don’t know when.” Mom gives me a big, squishy hug and showers kisses all over my face.
“All I want is for my boys to be happy, and they are. I am one happy momma.”
“Might be a while before we have kids.”
“There’s no rush, sweetheart. You and Olivia have so much to work out in regards to your living situation, adding kids into the mix at the moment might be a little much.” I raise my brows at her, she’s been begging for grandkids for years. “You’re off the hook for a while as Christian is giving me those little girls, so I will be fine for a year or so and then you need to get on it,” she laughs.
“You and Dad thought about our offer?” Christian wanted to buy our parents a home near us. He and Vanessa are going to need their help with twin girls arriving in the next couple of months.
“We love our home, but…” Pausing, she gives me a smile. “Now that you are settling down as well and will probably have kids soon, I’m thinking we just might.” Christian is going to be ecstatic over this news, I know he’s been worried about being a dad to twins.
“Christian will be happy. They are going to need the help.”
“Oh boy, will they! Two little girls, I’m sure the lungs on them are going to be very good.”
