Interlude

by D. Kelly

  “Thank you for making all my birthday wishes come true,” I whisper as I move off of her and jump down to get bar towels to freshen us up. I pass her my button-up shirt to put on until we can get into my office bathroom for a more thorough cleanup job.

  After I throw on my boxers, she’s still sitting on the edge of the bar staring at me with a smile on her face. “Come here, J. I want to talk to you for a minute.”

  Her perfect tits are on full display under the unbuttoned shirt as I step between her legs. “What’s on your mind, beautiful?”

  She wraps her arms around my neck and kisses me. “I had this big surprise planned for you at home, but after tonight, I think it’s right to do it here instead. This is the place we met, where our energy first sparked, where I looked at you and thought you were everything I didn’t need in my life but everything I wanted.”

  I chuckle at the last part; we both had similar reactions. “The best thing I ever did was accidentally answer your phone that night on my couch.”

  “We’ve had a good couple of years, haven’t we?”

  Her hair falls into her eyes, and I push it back for her. “We’ve had a great few years and are going to have many more to come.”

  “What you said before, about never loving anyone the way you love me …”

  “It’s true. Never, Allie. It’s you and me forever.”

  She bites her bottom lip and nods. “But what if it wasn’t?”

  My pulse begins to pound. She’s been spending a lot of time with Tyler lately … “You and Tyler haven’t been?”

  As I take a deep, breath her eyes grow wide. “No, Jordan, no. Oh God, I’m so sorry. I screwed that up. Tyler has been helping me with your surprise.”

  She reaches for my hand and pulls it to her stomach. “Could you have room in your heart for a piece of you and me combined?”

  Our eyes meet, and I blink away my tears. “A baby?”

  She smiles brightly. “Yes, a baby. I know it’s going to change everything, and we didn’t exactly plan it, but Jordan, we made something incredible, and I … Jesus, I don’t even know how you feel about kids. We’ve never really talked about them, and I know you’re great with your nieces and nephew, but—”

  She always rambles when she’s nervous, but I’m not about to tease her this time. Instead, I cover her mouth with mine and dip my tongue into her mouth. My heart feels like it’s going to explode from my chest. Stepping back, I lower my head to her belly and kiss it tenderly.

  “We’re having a baby.”

  “You’re okay with this?” she asks hesitantly.

  “Okay?” I pull her from the bar and spin her in a circle before carefully putting her down. She’s still in her heels and we don’t need another fall, especially not now. “Allie, this is the second-best thing to ever happen to me.”

  “What was the first?”

  “About an hour ago, the love of my life agreed to marry me. How far along are you?”

  “The doctor thinks about eight weeks. It’s still really early, J, so we might want to keep a lid on it for a bit.”

  She begins gathering her dress and panties, but I have so many more questions. “Wait a minute. Why does Tyler know before me? Does anyone else know?”

  Allie pauses in her tracks and turns around. “I was wondering if you were going to catch onto that. First, no one else knows, only Tyler and the doctor, and now you. Not even Sasha. Remember a couple weeks ago when Tyler was going over the new marketing materials with me and we went to the printer to pick them up?”

  They were gone a long time that day. “There wasn’t a mix-up at the printer?”

  “No, I passed out. I’m fine. Tyler caught me before I ever hit the ground, but he made me go get checked out right away. Then we started talking about you, and he was reassuring me you’d be okay with this.”

  “He was right, so why wait to tell me?”

  She sighs softly. “Because Ty mentioned that sometimes your birthday is a hard day for you. That it brings up mixed emotions because you lost your family and it’s a reminder of what you missed out on.”

  “That’s true, but it’s not always bad. My parents always do their best to make it a good day. I get emotional sometimes, that’s all.”

  “Well, I started thinking about it and was hoping if I gave you a new memory, a good one, maybe it would help.”

  A small laugh escapes me. “That’s partially why I asked you to marry me today. I’ve been waiting for the right time and thought it would be the best gift ever if you said yes. I wanted to flood this day with happy memories so I’d stop feeling so damn sorry for myself.”

  She steps toward me and wraps me in her arms. “Happy birthday, Jordan. May this be the first of many to come that remind you there are more good things in life than bad.”

  As we reach my office, I lean against the doorjamb and watch as she drops my shirt on the floor and heads toward the bathroom. “Aren’t you coming?”

  “I have one more surprise for you.” I point toward the monitors in my office, and she looks from me to them with wide eyes.

  “You didn’t!”

  “Oh baby, I did. We’re taking the tape home with us. It’s for our eyes only, but I thought maybe we could have some fun with it tonight.”

  She flashes me a devious grin. “Whatever you want, J. After all, it’s your birthday.”

  There are so many reasons I love this woman, but the fact she doesn’t flinch at the idea of a sex tape is definitely in the top ten.

  Eighteen Months Later

  “Allie, are you sure you don’t want me to stay?” I’ve got my ten-month-old son Sebastian in my arms and my poor wife is as sick as a dog in bed.

  “Jordan, don’t be silly. Your brother only gets married once.”

  “Well, it is Sawyer. Don’t be so sure about that,” I tease, but I know better. Sawyer is like me when he settles down—it’s for life.

  “Stop it. He adores her as much as she does him. It’s only the rehearsal dinner. If I stay in bed and rest, I’m hopeful I can make it to the wedding tomorrow. It’s you I’m worried about. I know you have two important speeches to give tonight. Are you going to be okay?”

  The concern in her eyes grounds me. She’s miserable and still worried about me. “As long as you or Sasha will text me updates and let me know you’re okay, I’ll be fine. I was looking forward to dancing with you under the stars and recreating our wedding night in more ways than one though.”

  “Well, you can have a rain check tomorrow if this fever goes away.” She sighs and looks at us adoringly. “He looks so cute tucked into his daddy’s arms. He’s the best of both of us. I still have a hard time believing we made something so perfect.”

  Sebastian has my gray eyes and Allie’s blond hair. At times he has my temper, but mostly he’s pretty sweet like his mom. I took a step back and hired an assistant manager at the bar to work side by side with Sasha. Allie and I take Sebastian to the bar during the day—my office is now more of a daycare center. Allie takes care of everything business related, and I make sure the rest of the bar is running the way it should be. At night, we leave together at a decent time and come home for dinner and family time.

  Our lives have changed drastically, but I’ve never been happier.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” she asks, pulling me back to reality.

  “Like what? Actually, hold that thought.” I duck out of the room and tuck Sebastian into his crib and kiss him goodnight before popping back into our room. “You were saying?”

  “Like you love me,” she says dreamily.

  “That’s because I do, more than anything.” I take a seat next to her on the bed and lean down to kiss her forehead.

  “Jordan, stop. You’re going to get sick too.”

  “Totally worth it to kiss my beautiful wife. Besides, you feel cooler. I think your fever is breaking.”

  She laces her fingers with mine and stroke
s my wedding band as the doorbell rings. “Have fun tonight, okay?”

  “As much fun as I can without you. I love you.”

  “Love you too.”

  Sasha lets out a whistle when I open the door. “You look smoking hot. Almost as good as your wedding day.”

  “Thanks. Allie is in the bedroom and Sebastian is sleeping in his crib. He’ll probably wake up once before I get home and—”

  Sasha holds up her hand. “You act like I’ve never watched my nephew before. I’ve got this, go to the rehearsal. Tomorrow is going to be a sad day. I’m going to officially lose my Sawyer Weston booty call.”

  I laugh as I grab my keys. “Sash, you lost that a couple of years ago.”

  “True, but he officially becomes off limits tomorrow. This girl doesn’t do married peen.”

  “Fuck, I love you. I’ll see you when I get back. You’re staying over, right?”

  She holds up her overnight bag. “Yup, I’m Sebastian’s roomie for the night. Let me tell you, I can’t wait until your new house is finished. I love the little guy, but he cramps my masturbatory style in a big way.”

  “You and I both.” I kiss her on the cheek and head toward the beach.

  “Thanks for driving me home, Mac.”

  He laughs. “For the fifth time, you’re welcome.”

  I might have had a few too many drinks tonight. Giving best man speeches isn’t an easy thing to do—I’m not the most extroverted person in the world. That would be Sawyer.

  “So … how are things with you and Tyler?” He’s turning onto my street now, so I need to get the questions out while I can.

  “Things are good as usual.”

  “He’s a catch, Mac. You’re pretty lucky.”

  I catch his grin in the rearview mirror. He thinks I don’t know he put me back here in case I throw up, but I know all his tricks—he’s been in the family long enough.

  “I’m lucky, but Tyler might be luckier.” He winks at me, and I bust up laughing. Mac is the best when he drops the bodyguard act and shows his true self. But since he protects my family at the risk of his life, I’ll let his bodyguard demeanor slide.

  “Who knows? Maybe you two will tie the knot next.”

  “Oh no, don’t go marrying me off just yet, Weston. I think Cadence needs a new mama long before I need a husband.”

  “Do you think Darren will ever be ready to find someone else? He’s carried that torch for a long time. I’m not sure it’s going anywhere.”

  Mac is silent for a beat as he ponders my question. “We all know what it’s like to lose someone we love deeply. Darren is still grieving, but that man is filled with a love for the world, and for his daughter, of course. I think when he meets his person, the right one may be able to break down his walls. He’s one of the most outgoing people I know, but he’s been stifling his creativity since the accident. Once the new studio is open and he starts exposing himself to what he loves again, I wouldn’t be surprised if his heart opens too.”

  Mac pulls into my driveway, and I pat his shoulder. “You’re a profound man, Mac. Tell Ty to give me a call.”

  “Will do. I’ll come get you guys in the early afternoon so you can come get ready for the wedding.”

  “Thanks, Mac.”

  Mac stays and waits until I’m inside the house. There is never a time Tyler won’t feel safe and protected with Mac by his side. I’m glad they hit it off, even if it did take them forever to finally go out.

  “Well, well, well … someone’s a bit tipsy on his feet.” Sasha grins up at me from the couch.

  “Maybe, but it was a good night.”

  “Your speeches went well?”

  “Yeah, they meant a lot to Sawyer, both of them.”

  “Good. I’m off to bed. Allie was fever free before she fell asleep. As long as she can keep that nasty cough under control, you both should be good for the wedding tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, Sasha.”

  After grabbing a bottle of water, I double-check all the doors and windows and turn off the lights. Normally, I’d check on Sebastian, but if I open that door and wake him up, Sasha will ride my ass till the end of time.

  I enter my room as quietly as I can and get undressed.

  “You could at least turn on the light and let me watch. It would be the highlight of my night.”

  Damn, I love my wife. I walk over to the bathroom and turn that light on instead so I don’t blind her with the bright light in our room. “Better?”

  “Much. I missed you tonight.”

  “I missed you too. Everyone sends their love and well wishes. Sawyer says put on a hazmat suit if you have to tomorrow. He wants you at his wedding.”

  She laughs, and a deep rattling rumbles in her chest. “Sorry,” she gasps as she reaches for her water.

  I crawl into bed with her and snuggle in close when she finishes drinking. “What are you apologizing for? You’re sick, Allie Cat.” As I finally work my way under the blanket, a thump followed by a pissed-off meow sounds out. “Shit. Sorry, Fatty. I didn’t know he was in here.”

  Allie giggles and pats the bed in front of her where FB promptly plants himself. “I couldn’t bear to make him sleep alone in the garage. You know how much Sasha hates him.”

  “You make a good point.”

  “How was it? Tell me everything. Was it completely romantic?”

  “Not as romantic as our rehearsal, but it was pretty good. I was lonely without you.”

  She sighs as I kiss the back of her head. “I’m sure Rory kept you company.”

  “She did, and I wonder if she’s ever going to realize Eli looks at her the way she looks at Darren. It’s pretty sad. Darren will never date my sister, but Eli could be good for her.”

  Allie gasps and flips over in my arms, but she’s at least successful in not knocking the poor cat off the bed when she does. “You know?”

  “About Rory’s crush on Darren? We’ve all known since she was … I don’t know … twelve?”

  “Um, I was actually talking about how Eli looks at her. I thought I was the only one who noticed that. No one has ever said anything.”

  I kiss the top of her head. “Fever free. That’s great, Allie. Maybe no one else notices, but I think it’s pretty obvious. Then again, I probably just recognize what it’s like to be in love with someone you’re not sure you can have.”

  “You had me from the instant I saw you, Jordan. It was never a question of if, only when.”

  “Forever and always, Allie.”

  “Always and forever, Jordan.”

  Thank you for reading Interlude. If you’d like to read Noah and Sawyer’s story and learn more about Bastards and Dangerous, you can start with Just an Illusion—Side A.

  Next up in the Illusion world is Darren’s story. Broken Beats will release this spring. To keep up with release information, updates, pre-orders, and more, please consider joining my mailing list.

  http://www.dkellyauthor.com/mailing-list/

  Keep reading for a sneak peek of Just an Illusion – Side A

  Amelia

  Present Day – Two Years After The Tour

  Stories are meant to be told. I firmly believe that, or I wouldn’t have pursued a career in writing. And yet, some stories should never be told for a variety of reasons. My story—OUR story—is on the cusp of both of those beliefs. When I first met them, it was quickly decided I would write their story. And their story is a great story, one I want to tell with all my heart and soul. One their fans truly deserve after all this time. The only problem is, in order to tell their story, I have to tell mine, too, since they’ve become so intricately entwined. I’m not sure I’m ready to share my story yet. My heart may not survive if I do.

  As I release an exhausted sigh, I pause momentarily and deeply inhale the scent of the Pacific Ocean. The beautiful sunset’s reflection shines on the waves, looking like a million shimmering suns. The silence in the house is all encompassin
g and allows me to take a few moments to appreciate life. It’s funny how so many things can change over the course of a few years. How one person’s life can go from private to public in the blink of an eye. How easily we transition beyond our humble beginnings, instead winding up in the lap of luxury. How fate always seems to find a way to intervene.

  When I started this journey, I lived in a small, one-bedroom apartment in Encino, California. And now, I’m living most people’s dream. My home—well, technically it’s their home—is a beautiful beachfront house with every amenity I could have ever dreamed of. But at the end of the day, it’s just a house, and a house isn’t a home until you make it one. Even though it’s been over two years since I officially moved in, making this house my home is still a feat I haven’t quite yet mastered. If I accept this house, I have to accept the realities that come with it—realities I’m not ready to acknowledge.

  Realities I should have long ago accepted.

  His ultimatum tonight threw me into a tailspin. He knows he’s making me relive the best and worst days of my life. It’s not his fault; they’re his, too, and he’s waited long enough. He genuinely wants to make this a home for us, but he’s worried my heart may not completely be his.

  Is it?

  I love him. I’ve always loved him, but being in love with someone is different than loving them. The only way to figure it out for sure is to write THE story—his, mine, theirs, and ours.

  I turn away from the window, fire up my laptop, and uncork a bottle of my favorite Pinot Grigio, filling the largest wine glass I own. It’s cool, and the alcohol warms me going down. If I’m going to do this, I need something to soothe me. Especially when I have to read his notes and pull all of Belle’s articles. I need those most of all for this story to be truly complete.

  It’s just a story, Amelia, you write them all the time. It doesn’t have to be published; you’re just purging it from your system and getting it on paper. But if anyone ever got their hands on it … If they find out you finally wrote it, there’s no coming back.