FOREVER SERIES: COMPLETE BOX SET

by Lynn, Sandi

  She was right. When I was with Connor, he did make me forget about everything bad, but the ironic thing was that he was the one who was bad for me. One of us would have our heart broken by the other, and I couldn’t have that in my life right now.

  Chapter 15

  I rolled over and opened my eyes as the sunlight peeked through the sheer curtains that hung perfectly from the windows. I threw on some yoga pants and a T-shirt and followed the aroma that led me straight to the kitchen where Connor was sitting at the table, typing away on his laptop.

  “Good morning, Ellery. I hope you slept well.”

  I smiled and headed to the cabinet for a coffee mug.

  “Good morning. I slept very well in that monstrous bed.”

  He chuckled. I poured some coffee and sat at the table across from him.

  “There are bagels over there; please have one.”

  “Thanks, but I’m not hungry.”

  He looked at me with his morning green eyes.

  “You have to eat, Ellery.”

  I sighed. “I never eat when I first get up, but don’t worry, Dad, I’ll have one in a little bit.”

  A slight, irritated smile graced his face.

  “You’re even a smart ass first thing in the morning.”

  I held up my cup and smiled.

  “What are you doing?” I asked as I pointed to his laptop.

  “Just sending some emails and rearranging some meetings.”

  “Did you over-schedule or something?”

  He looked at me and cocked his head. “You question everything, don’t you?”

  I looked up at the ceiling. “I guess I do.” I smiled.

  I sat and stared at him as he was looking at his computer screen. He was freshly showered, and his hair was still damp and perfectly sexy.

  “What are your plans today?” he curiously asked.

  I set my cup down and wrapped my hands around the mug.

  “I have to call work and tell my boss that I won’t be in because of the funeral. Then I think I’ll stop over at the soup kitchen and volunteer this afternoon.”

  Connor looked up from his laptop. “You really enjoy volunteering there, don’t you?”

  “Yes, I love it. Even though they are homeless and whatever problems they may have, they’re human beings, and they need help.”

  He looked at me for a second and then continued on his laptop. I took a sip of my coffee and looked out the enormous window at the view of New York City.

  “I rearranged my meetings because I’m taking you to Michigan.”

  “What?” I asked.

  He got up from the table and put his cup on the counter.

  “It’s not up for discussion, Elle. We’re leaving tomorrow morning, and we’re driving.”

  “Driving? That’s a ten-hour drive, Connor!”

  He turned around and faced me. “I know how long of a drive it is. Consider it a road trip.”

  I sighed. “A road trip? Flying will get us there in an hour and a half.”

  “Do you have a problem being in a car with me for ten hours?” he casually asked.

  “No, but…”

  He walked over to where I was sitting and stood over me as if he was going to touch or kiss me, but he didn’t.

  “No buts. We’ll go by car.”

  “I don’t think Denny wants to drive us to Michigan.”

  He laughed and walked away. “Denny isn’t driving; I am.”

  I let out a heavy sigh. Why was he going anyway? I was more than capable of going back home by myself, and that was the way I preferred it. Okay, maybe not. The thought of being in a car with him for ten hours was exciting. I smiled, got up from the table and grabbed a bagel.

  * * *

  I grabbed my bag and stepped into the elevator. Denny was waiting for me outside by the limo.

  “Morning, Denny. Where’s Connor?” I asked as I looked, and he wasn’t in the limo.

  “Good morning, Miss Lane. Mr. Black took the Range Rover to work today.”

  “Can I ask you a question, Denny?”

  “Sure, Miss Lane,” he said as he looked at me through the rearview mirror.

  “Did Mr. Black tell you why he’s driving me to Michigan?”

  “No, Miss Lane, he did not. He just told me to take the next few days off because he was going on a road trip. Miss Lane, can I tell you something?”

  “Of course?”

  “I’ve worked for the Black family for the past ten years. I was his father’s driver as well. I’ve never seen Mr. Black behave in such a way as he has since he's met you. Maybe I shouldn’t be telling you this.”

  I smiled. “Nah, it’s okay, Denny. We’re friends, and maybe all Connor needs is a really good friend.”

  It saddened me that it was the only way things could be.

  I stepped into my apartment and headed to the bathroom to take a hot bath. I needed to think about everything before I headed back to Michigan. I climbed into the hot, bubbly water and closed my eyes, taking in the lavender-scented bubbles. My phone rang just as I was starting to relax.

  “Hey, Peyton,” I answered. There was a screech from the other end.

  “OMG, Elle, I have the best news!”

  Even though I couldn’t see her, I knew she was jumping up and down.

  “Elle, all three of your paintings sold!”

  I sat up. “What? Are you kidding?”

  “No, I wouldn’t kid about a thing like that. The best part is the same person bought all three paintings and paid triple the amount for them. They said your paintings are the most beautiful they’ve ever seen. Elle, Sal wants to talk to you about becoming a regular artist for the gallery. He wants to contract you for more paintings. Listen, the money you made off those three alone, you can quit your job to paint full-time.”

  “Who was the buyer?” I asked.

  “I don’t know. Sal said it was some woman. I have your check. Can you meet for lunch later?”

  “Lunch sounds great. I’m going to volunteer at the soup kitchen for a couple of hours, then we can meet after that. I’ll text you.”

  I hung up the phone and lay back against the tub, reveling in my good news. I never dreamed any of my paintings would sell, especially all three of them. I couldn’t wait to tell Connor. I wanted to text him, but he was at work, and I was sure he was busy, so I figured I shouldn’t bother him. I got out of the tub, pruned skin and all, and threw on a pair of skinny jeans and a long sweater. I walked across the hallway as a wave of dizziness came over me. Suddenly, everything turned black.

  I awoke lying on the floor and my head hurting. I lay there dazed and confused, trying to focus and remember what happened. I was pretty sure I fainted. I sat up as I felt something dripping down my face. I took my fingers and swiped them across the drips and looked in horror at the blood all over them. I took a deep breath and got up to look in the mirror. I had a deep cut above my eye, and it was bleeding pretty badly. I opened the medicine cabinet, took out some gauze, and applied pressure to the wound. I kept begging God to make it stop and not have to go get stitches. I reached back inside the medicine cabinet. I took out the box of butterfly bandages that I had left over from when Kyle cut his finger with a knife. I applied the bandage and hoped for the best. Why now? Why did this have to happen now? Just an hour ago, I was basking in the glory of the sale of my paintings, and now I was standing in front of the mirror with a gash above my eye that might or might not require stitches.

  I went to the cupboard and pulled out the bottle of Motrin. I took two caplets and headed over to the record company to give my notice. Peyton was right; if Sal wanted to contract me, then painting would become my full-time job. I just hoped I would make enough money to live on.

  Chapter 16

  I was walking down the street as I felt the wetness through the bandage. Shit, I knew I was going to need stitches. I reached in my bag for my cell phone and dialed Peyton.

  “Peyton, I fell and cut my head. It won’t stop bleed
ing, so I’m heading over to the hospital to have it looked at.”

  “Elle, are you okay? I’ll meet you there, don’t worry.”

  Before I could tell her not to go, she hung up. I was nowhere near the hospital, so I tried to catch a cab. Of course, when I desperately needed one, they wouldn’t stop. As I was standing on the curb with my hand on my head, a limo driving by pulled up and rolled down the passenger side window.

  “Miss Lane, are you okay?” Denny asked with concern.

  I couldn’t believe he was here at this moment.

  “Denny, thank God. Can you drive me to the hospital? I had a little accident and I need to get it checked out.”

  “Of course. Get in the front seat and let me take a look.”

  I opened the door and climbed in. Denny removed my hand, and his eyes widened. He opened the glove box and took out a small, white towel and folded it. “Here, keep this over that cut and apply pressure,” he said as he pulled into traffic and drove me to the hospital.

  We arrived at the hospital, and he helped me out of the car. I thanked him as I saw Peyton waiting in the lobby for me. He walked me into the ER, and I introduced him to her.

  “Thank you for all your help, Denny.”

  He smiled. “Not a problem, Miss Lane. Take care of that and feel better.”

  A nurse named Carla sat me in a wheelchair and pushed me through the corridor to a room. She helped me out of the chair and onto the bed, where she made me lie down to prevent any more injuries. Peyton sat down in the chair next to my bed and cursed at me for not coming to the hospital sooner. I hated hospitals; I had seen and been in enough of them to last me a lifetime.

  Carla was a larger woman, and by the looks of her, she wasn’t one who played around. She was funny. She had me and Peyton laughing our asses off with the way she talked about the nursing staff and some of the doctors.

  Not too long after she took my vitals, Dr. Beckett came in. Peyton was in the middle of a sentence, and when she saw him, she fell silent. He was a hot young resident with short black hair, baby blue eyes, and suntanned skin.

  “Hi, I’m Dr. Beckett.” He smiled as he held out his hand.

  Peyton jumped up and held out her hand.

  “Hi, I’m Peyton Bennett.” She flirtatiously smiled.

  “So, Ellery, tell me how this happened,” he spoke as he examined the wound.

  “I’m not sure. I took a bath and got dressed. I started to feel a little dizzy as I was walking down the hallway, and I think I passed out. I must have hit my head on the corner of the wall or molding.”

  “Is it normal for you to get dizzy suddenly?”

  I looked straight into his baby blues. “No.”

  “Okay, well I’m going to get the suture kit, put in a few stitches, and get you out of here.”

  I smiled and nodded my head as Peyton drooled over him.

  “OMG, he’s gorgeous! I’m obviously getting his number. Did you see a ring on his finger? Elle, did you?”

  Just as I was about to answer, the curtain opened, and there stood Connor looking as sexy as when I left him this morning. Peyton’s eyes widened.

  “Oh God, another one. I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

  I frowned at her and lightly smacked her on the arm. Connor stood there, holding the curtain in his hand.

  “Elle, my God, what happened?” He walked over to me and put his hand on my head. “Are you okay?”

  The look on his face told me that he genuinely seemed worried. It was a look that I hadn’t seen before.

  “Connor,” I placed my hand on his arm, “I’m fine.”

  “So, you’re Connor Black?” Peyton asked.

  “I’m sorry. Connor, this is Peyton. Peyton, this is Connor.”

  “Nice to finally meet you, Peyton. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

  “I’ve heard a lot about you too.” Peyton smiled.

  Twenty shades of red covered my face as he responded, “Is that so?”

  Just before Peyton could embarrass me any further, Dr. Beckett walked in with a small silver tray.

  “Let’s get that nasty cut sewn up. I promise to stitch it well so the scar will barely be noticeable, if at all.”

  Connor took my hand and began to lightly stroke it. Dr. Beckett worked his magic and put four perfect stitches above my eye. The only feeling I felt was the warmth from Connor’s touch and the rapid beating of my heart.

  “Okay, all fixed, Miss Lane. Do you live with someone?”

  “No, I live alone. Why?”

  He cleared his throat. “You’ll have to get someone to stay with you tonight. You’ll need to be monitored for a concussion. Sometimes, with head injuries, even minor cuts, a concussion can settle in after the brain and the trauma settle down. I’m going to write you a prescription for some pain medication. Take it only if you need to. Take care, Miss Lane, and call if you have any questions.”

  He glanced over at Peyton and gave her a wide smile before walking out of the room. I thought she was going to die.

  “I’m staying with you tonight,” Peyton said.

  Connor looked over at her. “Ellery will be staying with me tonight, Peyton,” he spoke as he gave my hand a gentle squeeze.

  She started to pout. “Elle, is that true? We can have a girls’ night.”

  I looked at Connor, then back at Peyton, and couldn’t believe these two were fighting over who I was staying with.

  I took Peyton’s hand. “Listen, you’re my best friend, and I love you, but I think it’s best if I stay at Connor’s tonight anyway; we’re leaving in the morning for Michigan.”

  Her mouth dropped. “What? The two of you are going to Michigan together. Why?”

  “Connor and I are taking a road trip.” I looked at him and winked.

  “Fine, but as soon as you get back, we’re having a girls’ night.”

  I smiled and hugged her. “We will. Now, go find Dr. Beckett. I didn’t see a ring on his finger, and I could tell he liked you.”

  A gigantic smile grew across her face. “Do you think?”

  “I know so. Now go.”

  As Peyton started to walk out of the room, she turned and looked at Connor.

  “You better take care of her and make sure she’s all right. She’s like a sister to me.”

  “You don’t have to worry.” He smiled at her.

  Connor helped me from the bed and handed me my purse.

  “Why would you pass out like that? Is there something wrong?” he asked.

  “I just took too hot of a bath.”

  “You need to be more careful.”

  He lightly took hold of my arm as we walked down the corridor. My eyes widened as I saw Dr. Taub walking in the opposite direction towards us. My heart started racing, as I didn’t want to talk to him, especially in front of Connor.

  “Miss Lane?” he said as he looked at the bandage above my eye.

  “Dr. Taub, it’s lovely to see you again.” I faked a grin.

  “Miss Lane, what happened to you?”

  “Oh, it’s no big deal. I tripped in the hallway, fell and hit my head.”

  “How have you been feeling?” he curiously asked.

  “I’ve been feeling great, Dr. Taub. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get this prescription filled and get home.”

  “Yes, of course,” he spoke as he glanced at Connor.

  “Have a good day, Dr. Taub.” I smiled as I couldn’t get away from him fast enough.

  “How do you know him, Ellery?” Connor asked.

  I knew that brief encounter would trigger questions. I looked straight ahead as we exited through the sliding doors.

  “He’s my family doctor. I’ve seen him a couple of times since I’ve moved here.”

  “A couple of times and he knows you like that? Why would he ask you how you’re feeling?”

  Shit, why did he have to ask so many questions? He didn’t explain anything to me when I asked him questions.

  “I saw him a couple
of months ago for a bad cold I had. He’s a good doctor and truly concerned for all of his patients.”

  We slid into the back of the limo and Denny turned and looked at me.

  “I’m glad to see you’re doing better, Miss Lane.”

  I gave him a heartfelt smile. “Thank you, Denny. I appreciate it.”

  “Denny almost got fired today.” Connor smirked as he glanced over at me.

  “What! Why?”

  “He didn’t pick me up for my meeting. It wasn’t until he called and told me that he drove you to the hospital because you cut your head.”

  “Didn’t you drive yourself to work this morning?” I asked in confusion.

  “Yes—yes, I did,” he answered.

  I ran my tongue across my lips to moisten them.

  “Then why didn’t you just drive yourself to the meeting, especially if he was running late?”

  I heard Denny chuckle from the front seat, and I think Connor did too by the irritated look on his face.

  “I suppose I could have, but…”

  “There’s no but. You were going to fire him for not picking you up when you had a vehicle the whole time? I’m sorry he couldn’t call you, but he was concerned about me, Connor Black, and for that, you should be grateful. I could have bled to death on the streets of New York.” I was silently grinning.

  “Now you’re being a drama queen.”

  “I know, and I’m good at it too.” I grinned.

  Connor chuckled as he took my hand and gently squeezed it. I laid my head on his shoulder as my body warmed from his touch, and my heart started beating faster.

  Chapter 17

  We walked into my cold apartment and I headed straight to my room to pack my bags.

  “Help yourself in the kitchen. There’s not much, but if you can find something, it’s yours.!” I yelled.

  I grabbed what clothes I needed from my closet and drawers and folded them neatly into my suitcase. I looked up and saw Connor standing in the doorway with his arm up on the frame of the door.

  “Why did you lie to that doctor and told him you tripped over something in the hallway?”