Hearts Will Beat

by E. L. Todd

  “Yeah?”

  “Oh yeah.”

  “Then I’d like to give it a try.”

  He grinned. “Consider it a deal.”

  I finished half my wrap then pushed it aside.

  “You aren’t going to finish that?”

  “I’m full.”

  Slade didn’t press me on it. “Skye and I have a plan for Cayson and Sean.”

  “Oh no…”

  “There’s not a very good chance it’ll work but we have to try.”

  “Maybe Cayson just needs time.” He went through a lot with Sean.

  “No,” Slade said. “Skye said he’s not going to change his mind, and she knows him better than I do.”

  “I don’t know about that…”

  “Their baby is almost here, and I want to make sure this drama is in the past.”

  Slade was the fixer in the group, and that thought was kind of funny. “What’s the plan?”

  He told me they were going to be locked in a room together. “They’ll be forced to work out their problems.”

  “Or rip each other apart.”

  Slade shrugged. “It might backfire but it’s worth a shot. Cayson doesn’t have an ounce of compassion within him.”

  “I’m sure they’ll work it out,” I said. “If not for them, then for Skye.”

  “Maybe….” He grabbed my wrap and ate it in a few bites.

  I tried not to smile. “I’ve been thinking…”

  “Yeah?” he asked with a mouthful of food.

  “The baby isn’t anywhere near arriving but it’s all I can think about. I want to be a part of everything. I want to be around to see everything. I want to be a mom…”

  Slade watched me silently.

  “I think I want to be a full-time mom.”

  Slade’s mouth stretched into a smile. “Yeah?”

  “I just can’t picture myself leaving my baby and going to work.”

  “You can have both, Trinity. Lots of moms do both.”

  “I know…I’m in love with both of them. Maybe I could take a step back from the company until our baby starts kindergarten.”

  “That’s an idea,” he said. “But I honestly think you need both to be happy. Maybe you can work part-time?”

  “But if I’m at work where will our baby be?”

  “He can come to work with me,” Slade said. “My dad used to take me to the shop with him all the time.”

  “You would do that?” Picturing Slade running the counter while our son sat in a crib behind him was adorable.

  “I wouldn’t mind in the least. I know your job is a lot more difficult than mine. You’re constantly all over the place. I pretty much stay in one place and never move. And if that doesn’t work out I know your parents would love to babysit.”

  “True…”

  “Whatever you want to do, I’ll support. But don’t make any hasty decisions.”

  “I guess….” Speaking of work reminded me of something. “I have a fashion show to go to this weekend. It’s in Manhattan.”

  “A fashion show?” he asked.

  “Yeah. My line is being featured.”

  “Wow, that’s really cool.”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty exciting.” My clothes would be featured alongside the top designers in the world. Sometimes it was hard to believe I made it this far. Only a few years ago I was getting a business degree and intending to run PIXEL. And now I was married to Slade, something even more unbelievable.

  “Can I come?”

  “You’d want to?” I raised an eyebrow.

  “Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

  “It’s just a bunch of clothes.”

  “Whatever you’re passionate about, I’m passionate about.” He held my gaze as he said it.

  Slade always did the sweetest things for me, and I knew I shouldn’t be surprised. “I would love it if you came with me.”

  “Great,” he said. “I have to keep all the pretty male models away from you anyway.”

  I rolled my eyes. “People don’t check me out as often as you think they do.”

  “Actually, they do. You’re just oblivious to it. So, what do I need to wear? Just jeans?”

  “Uh…you should wear a suit.”

  “A suit?” he asked in offense. “Like with a tie and everything?”

  “Yes.”

  “But…ugh.”

  I tried not to laugh. “You look so handsome in a suit.”

  “Who cares?” he asked. “It’s the stiffest outfit in the world.”

  “Well, you don’t have to come.”

  He sighed. “Fine. I’ll wear it.”

  I smiled. “Thank you.”

  “Then you need to wear a slutty short dress.”

  “You want me to?”

  “Yeah. That’s the only thing that will make that night bearable.”

  ***

  I put the dark gray jacket over his shoulders then looked at his appearance in the mirror.

  He looked like a fine piece of man.

  Slade eyed his reflection with disappointment.

  “How do you not like it?” I asked incredulously.

  He lifted up his arms. “You can’t see any of my ink. You can’t see a single tattoo. This sucks.”

  I tried not to roll my eyes. “You can manage one night without being on display.”

  “But now I looked like a stuck up jackass.”

  “Do not.” I felt his black tie. “I think you look sexy as hell.”

  “Yeah?” That caught his attention.

  “Yeah.” I ran my hands up his chest. “Now I get to show you off.”

  His grin widened. “Well, when you put it like that…”

  “I don’t think I’ll b able to wait until the end of the night…I’ll have to climb on that hot body in the limo.”

  He was growing more intrigued by the second. He straightened himself and stared at me with desire. “Sex in a limo?”

  “Yep.” I pulled on my silver heels and grabbed my clutch.

  He eyed the heels and a glare came over his face.

  I struck proactively. “I have to wear heels to this. I’m sorry. It’s just a one-time thing.”

  He kept his mouth shut and didn’t say anything.

  “Now let’s go.”

  “We’re getting a limo?”

  “You think we’re going to walk?” I asked.

  “No, but a limo is pretty fancy.”

  “Well, I’m Trinity Preston,” I said. “I have to show up in style.”

  “Trinity Sisco,” he snapped. “Get it right.”

  “A lot of people know me by my old last name. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t change it, so don’t flip out if people get it wrong.”

  “Oh, I won’t flip out,” he said. “But I’ll correct them.”

  Maybe bringing him was a bad idea. “Be on your best behavior tonight. This night is a really big deal for me. I can’t afford to keep you on a leash and watch your every move. If you don’t think you can be charming and polite tonight, then don’t come.”

  Slade put his hands in his pockets and released a sigh. “Yes, I’ll be good.”

  “Then let’s go.”

  ***

  Once we were in the limo and on the go, Slade undid his belt and unzipped his slacks.

  “What are you doing?”

  “You said we were having sex in the limo.”

  “On the way home.”

  “No, I want to do it now.” He pulled down his boxers until his cock lay against his stomach.

  “I don’t want to mess up my hair.”

  “You won’t.” He yanked me into his lap then pulled my dress up. He positioned me on top of him, keeping my heels on. Then he pulled my underwear aside and guided me onto his length.

  I forgot about my reservations the moment I felt him. He stretched my lips wide apart and instantly made me feel full. Balancing on my heels I rode him up and down.

  Slade leaned back and grabbed my hips, helping me bounce
. He released quiet groans from the back of his throat as he slid in and out of me. He looked handsome in his suit, and he cleaned up really good. If I saw him on the street, I’d definitely ask him to buy me a drink. “I love your pussy, baby.” He thrust his hips from below. “It’s perfect.”

  I loved his cock but I refused to say that, taking the high road. I gripped his shoulders as I bounced up and down, taking his long length every time. My body tensed and the fire leapt inside me. I suddenly felt warm everywhere, and then the orgasm followed right behind me a moment later, burning me alive. My nails dug into his shoulders and I panted as every part of my body felt amazing.

  “I love watching you come.” He thrust into me from below and breathed hard. “My wife is so damn beautiful. What the hell did I do to land you?”

  My arousal disappeared because of the love in his words.

  Slade tensed and pulled me all the way down his length as he filled me. I was used to the large amounts he always deposited deep inside me. It was warm and oddly satisfying. He released a deep sigh before he gave me a quick kiss. “This is starting out to be a good night.”

  ***

  After we arrived, I greeted everyone that I knew. Other designers, editors, and magazine copy writers stopped by to say hello. I always introduced Slade, and Slade was charming and polite. He kept one arm around my waist but he wasn’t too possessive like usual. And he made jokes that immediately made everyone laugh.

  Looks like I didn’t need to worry about him after all.

  We walked further inside and headed to our seats.

  “This place is nice,” Slade said into my ear. There was an open bar, and everyone mingled near the stage. A crystal chandelier hung from above, twinkling under the dim lighting.

  “It is.”

  “Can I get you a drink?” Slade asked. “They might have some apple juice or something.”

  “I’ll take a water.”

  “Alright.” He leaned down and kissed me. “I’ll meet you by our seats.”

  “Okay.”

  He walked away, carrying himself like a respectable man. He didn’t slouch or walk with an attitude. He wore the suit like he’d done it a hundred times. He really was making an effort to be perfect for my big night.

  Again, why was I surprised?

  I sat down in our seats in the front row and made small talk with the editor of Vogue. My pieces were becoming more popular, and people I’d never met were coming up to me like we’d already crossed paths. The social aspect of the job was a little disconcerting. It was difficult to tell who was befriending you because they were nice or because they wanted something.

  Twenty minutes came and went, and Slade hadn’t returned. What was he doing? Did he decide to stop by the restroom? I was getting worried so I left my seat in search of him.

  I finally found him by the bar, talking to a man in a suit. Flanked on either side of him were two beautiful blondes. They wore short dresses and sky-high heels. I tried not to get jealous because there was no reason to be jealous. When I came closer I got a whiff of their conversation.

  “Have you ever considered modeling?” the man asked.

  “Uh…no.” Slade was trying not to laugh. “I may have a pretty face but I’m covered in ink everywhere.”

  “Ooh…” One of the blondes loved hearing that.

  “Of what?” the other girl asked.

  Slade shrugged. “I have a tiger along my stomach, a bear on my back, um…there’s too many for me to keep track.”

  One of me.

  “Oh, and I have an awesome one of my wife right on my chest.” His hand moved over the area on top of his jacket. “It’s a picture of her looking off into the distance. It’s pretty cool.”

  “You’re married?” one of the girls asked, clearly disappointed.

  “Yep. I’ve been married for over a year now,” Slade said proudly. “And she’s superwoman—without a cape.”

  Why was I ever worried about him? I came to his side and slipped my arm through his. “There you are.”

  “Oh, sorry,” Slade said quickly. “I got sidetracked.”

  “I can see that.” I shot both of the girls a glare. How dare they look at my husband.

  “Jim from Cutler.” Jim shook my hand. “I approached your husband because he has the right look.”

  “The right look?” Slade asked.

  “Yeah, you’d sell a lot of clothing,” Jim said.

  “But I have ink everywhere,” Slade said. “I’m sure that’s distracting.”

  “No, that’s perfect,” Jim said. “Tattoos are really popular in the media nowadays.”

  “That’s interesting.” Slade shrugged like he didn’t know what else to say.

  Jim handed him a card. “Think about it. There’s a lot of money in this.”

  “I already run a tattoo parlor.” Slade didn’t take it. “But thank you.”

  “Come on.” Jim continued to hold it out. “You might change your mind.”

  Slade pocketed it. “It was nice meeting you.”

  I dragged Slade away before those two bitches could look at him any longer. “You’re popular tonight…”

  “Hey, he came onto me,” Slade said. “I was just trying to get a drink.”

  “I’m not mad, Slade.”

  “Yeah?” He put his arm around my waist.

  “But I hate those two bitches.”

  “Yeah, they were a bunch of skanks.” He leaned down and kissed me on the cheek. “But you’re a skank too so I guess it’s not that insulting.”

  “Shut up,” I said playfully.

  He pressed his lips to my ear. “You just rode my dick in the car. If that doesn’t make you a skank, what does?”

  “I’m not a skank,” I whispered.

  “You’re my skank.” He kissed me on the cheek before he guided me to our seats. Once we were settled the lights dimmed and the show began.

  ***

  “That was a freak show,” Slade said.

  “Was not.”

  “I’ve never seen a girl wear any of those things. And if they did, they wouldn’t get the attention of any guy.”

  “You don’t understand fashion.”

  “I guess I don’t.”

  We mingled with everyone again, and a lot of people came my way and asked me about the fashion line. My line of clothes seemed to be the talk of the evening. But the second someone approached me, their eyes were glued to Slade.

  “And who is this?” The editor of Vanity Faire stared at Slade openly, like he was a work of art. “One of your models?”

  Slade released an involuntary snort. “No, just her husband.” He shook her hand. “I’m Slade. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “The pleasure is all mine,” she said. She thoroughly ignored me and only had eyes for him. “Trinity keeps the nicer things to herself, I see…”

  Slade didn’t know how to respond to that. “I guess…”

  Why was everyone obsessed with my husband? It was ticking me off but I couldn’t afford to do anything about it.

  “You know, we have an opening for the spring collection,” she said.

  Did she not see me?

  Slade had no idea what that meant. “Oh…cool.”

  She handed him her card. “If you’re ever interested in a modeling career, give me a call.” She sipped her drink and walked away.

  Slade pulled out his wallet and took all the business cards out. “Dude, I’ve gotten this same offer from ten people.”

  I glared at him.

  “What?” he asked. “I’m just saying…”

  I crossed my arms over my chest.

  A woman approached him from the left. “Hi, you’re Slade, right?”

  How the hell did she know him?

  “Uh, yeah.” He turned to her and his eyes were wide. “Aren’t you Georgia Price?”

  “I am,” she said proudly. “You’ve been the talk of the night.”

  Okay…I was going to scratch her face off.

 
; “You want to get a drink?” Georgia asked.

  Fucking cunt.

  Slade looked even more uncomfortable. “I’m busy—”

  “Maybe you cheat on your husband but my husband doesn’t cheat on me, skank.” I grabbed Slade and yanked him away. I wasn’t going to stand there while she eye-fucked the shit out of my husband.

  Slade walked beside me and gave me a concerned look. “Do you think that was smart to insult the most famous model in the world?”

  “The question is, do you think it was smart of her to insult the greatest designer in the world?”

  ***

  I was grateful the night was finally over. Slade was the talking point the entire time, and the only attention I got occurred when he wasn’t around. I wanted to show him off tonight, but I didn’t want people to drool all over him. My plan totally backfired.

  Slade tried making small talk in the limo but I was too pissy to cooperate. He complimented my clothes and said I looked pretty. But I still didn’t give him anything. After we returned to the penthouse I headed straight for the bedroom. I didn’t want to be anywhere near him.

  “Hold on,” he snapped. “Now you’re just pissing me off.”

  I turned around and put my hands on my hips.

  “I’m sorry everyone was so fascinated with me, but you’re the one who wanted me to come. I didn’t do anything or accept any offer so you have no right to be mad at me. So instead of acting like a bitch you better be nice to me.”

  I knew he was right but I wouldn’t admit it.

  “It’s not my fault Sandra Humbleton hit on me outside the bathroom—”

  “What?” I snapped. “She hit on you too?” Why were all the gorgeous models adamant about taking him away from me?

  Slade continued on. “And it’s not my fault Georgia was into me. So stop punishing me for something I didn’t do. It’s really unfair for you to be jealous over this. I’m married to you and we’re starting a family. How could you possibly be threatened by them?”

  “Because they’re supermodels!” I stomped my foot. “The sexiest women on the planet. Of course I’m threatened.”

  He shook his head in disappointment. “Trinity, they’ve got nothing on you.”

  “Slade, they’re drop-dead gorgeous and you know it. I know you think they’re hot, and if you tell me you don’t I know you’re lying.”

  Slade clenched his jaw in irritation. “What does it matter if I think it or not?”