FOREVER SERIES: COMPLETE BOX SET

by Lynn, Sandi

  Oh shit, he wasn’t going to let this go. I looked down and continued packing.

  “I don’t know. I wasn’t going to tell him I fainted. He would make a big deal about it and want me to get a bunch of tests done. That’s what doctors do.”

  “You said you took too hot of a bath.”

  I stopped and looked up at him, now seriously irritated.

  “I did, Connor. Now let it go, for fuck's sake. You talk about me asking a billion questions, but it’s different when it’s you, right?” My voice grew louder.

  He walked over to me and placed his hands on my shoulders. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  My first mistake was looking into his beautiful green eyes because before I knew it, I cupped his face in my hands as I so desperately wanted to kiss him, taste him, and feel him. I was vulnerable at that moment and, for one second, I didn’t care. All I knew was I needed him in ways every woman needs a man. Then, reality hit me.

  “I’m sorry that I raised my voice. I’m just tired.”

  I let go of his face and turned to zip up my suitcase. He grabbed my arm, turned me to face him, and wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into a warm embrace. This was the first real hug we ever shared. His arms were strong, and he made me feel safe. I closed my eyes as I took in his scent, which made me weak, but excited. He didn’t say a word, and it felt like we stayed in each other’s arms for eternity. He broke our embrace and turned away like he did something wrong.

  “We should get going,” he spoke.

  Suddenly, something hit me. I never made it to my work to give my notice. I shook my head and sighed.

  “What’s wrong?” Connor asked.

  “I was on my way to the recording studio to give my notice, and I just realized I never made it there.”

  “Give your notice? Why are you quitting?”

  Connor grabbed my suitcase, and we walked out into the living room. My face lit up as I was about to tell him the good news.

  “I completely forgot to tell you; my paintings sold, all three of them,” I excitedly spoke. “Now the owner wants to contract me and my paintings, and that’s a full-time job.”

  “That’s brilliant news, Ellery. Congratulations.” He smiled.

  As I grabbed the last of my things, my phone rang, and it was my cousin Debbie. I asked Connor to go in my desk drawer and grab a piece of paper and pen so that I could write down the name and address of the funeral home. I took down the information and hung up. I turned around as Connor was staring at my list that I kept in the drawer.

  “What’s this?” he casually asked.

  I walked over and took it from him.

  “Just a list of things I would like to do in my lifetime. I wrote it after Kyle moved out. It’s kind of a ‘new start on life’ list.”

  He looked at me only the way Connor could.

  “Okay, ready to go?”

  I locked up the apartment and headed to the limo. I called my boss at the record company and told him what happened and how I was on my way to give my notice. I explained to him how much I liked working there, but painting was now going to become a full-time job. He congratulated me and told me if I ever needed a job, he would take me back.

  * * *

  We arrived back at Connor’s penthouse, and he took my suitcase upstairs. I followed him and fell back onto the large comfy bed.

  “Do you like this bed?” He looked down at me.

  I smiled. “Yes, it’s the most comfortable bed that I’ve ever slept in.”

  He held out his hand to help me up.

  “Are you up for some Chinese food?”

  I smiled as my stomach growled. “That sounds delicious.”

  We walked down to the kitchen, where Connor opened the drawer, pulled out a menu, and sat on the barstool next to me.

  “What do you like?”

  I leaned closer as his scent filled me with excitement. I wanted to respond, “I like you,” but that wouldn’t be a cool move.

  “I like just about anything. Surprise me.”

  “Sweet and sour pork, chicken fried rice, Mongolian beef, and egg rolls?” he asked.

  “That’s a lot of food, Mr. Black. Is anyone joining us?”

  “No. I’m going to make sure you eat.”

  I rolled my eyes and then held my hand over my cut.

  “Ouch.”

  He smiled as he looked at me.

  “Stop rolling your eyes at me and it won’t hurt.”

  “Then stop making me roll my eyes at you and I will.”

  He chuckled and grabbed his phone to call in the order. He poured us some wine and led me to the living room, where we sat on the couch. The fireplace was on and had warmed the room nicely. I sat with my leg under the other and faced him.

  “I want to know more about you, Connor Black.”

  He looked surprised as he responded, “What’s to tell?”

  I took in a deep breath.

  “We’re friends, right?”

  “Of course we are.”

  “Friends know things about each other. It doesn’t have to be intimate or deeply personal things, but I want to know about where you come from and about your family or even your business. Of all the time we’ve spent together hanging out, you’ve never told me anything about your family, other than I know you have a sister who’s an interior designer. You know a lot about me, and I know nothing about you. I feel like this friendship is one-sided, Connor.”

  He stared at me as he sipped his wine, being cautious as to what he was going to say to me. He ran one hand through his hair.

  “You’re right, and I’m sorry. I just don’t like to talk about my life with anyone. It’s not that it’s a bad life. I’m just a very private person, and I like it that way.”

  I looked down, disappointed, as he leaned over and cupped my chin in his hand. He lifted it so that I was looking into his eyes.

  “Give me some time. This friendship thing is new to me. You need to understand that I’ve never been just friends with a woman before.”

  The thought of the tall, beautiful woman entered my mind as he said that, and with me and my big mouth I spoke, “But you said you and that woman you’re always with are just friends, so you have other women that are friends, right?”

  He looked at me intently. “It’s different with Ashlyn, and I’d rather not discuss it now.”

  The doorbell rang, and he got up to answer it. I sat there, wondering what the hell I was doing. Was I playing a game? Was I his game? Was he using me to prove something? He came back with the cartons of Chinese food, plates, and silverware.

  “Can I have the chopsticks please?” I asked. He looked in the bag, pulled out a pair, and handed them to me.

  “What are you doing?” I asked him as he started to put food on our plates.

  “Um… serving dinner?” He looked at me with a “are you stupid?” look.

  I shook my finger from side to side.

  “Let me,” I said as I grabbed the cartons. “Grab your chopsticks,” I told him.

  “I don’t know how to use chopsticks. I could never get those things right.”

  “I will teach you, then.”

  “Ellery, let’s just eat.”

  “We’re going to eat, but my way.” I smiled.

  He sighed and took his set of chopsticks out of the bag. I took the sweet and sour pork container, inserted my chopsticks, and grabbed a piece of pork.

  “See? It’s easy.”

  I took his chopsticks and placed them properly between his fingers. The feel of his soft skin sent shivers down my spine. I guided his chopsticks inside the carton and helped him pull out a piece of pork. He looked at me and smirked.

  “See? It’s not hard with the proper training.”

  I took a piece of beef and held it to his mouth as he took it and smiled. He was enjoying this newfound way of eating Chinese food, even though he would never admit it. He still had some trouble but managed to get a piece of pork and brought it
to my mouth. He laughed when I grabbed the chopsticks between my teeth and refused to let go. This moment we were sharing felt so right and comfortable, and it scared the hell out of me.

  When we finished eating, he took his thumb and gently stroked the area above my cut.

  “Does it hurt?” he asked with sympathy.

  “Not anymore,” I answered as I looked down.

  His touching me like that was killing me. It stirred up heat in me that I never knew existed. Kyle never made me feel the way Connor did, and I was bothered by that. I shouldn’t have had these feelings for him; we were friends, and that was all we could ever be. I believed we met for a reason, but I had yet to find out why.

  “What are you thinking?” he softly asked.

  I took his hand and removed it from my head, holding it up to my face as I gently kissed it. I could feel him tighten as his breathing grew heavier, but I didn’t and wouldn’t let go.

  “I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have a friend like you.” I smiled.

  He smiled and pulled his hand away.

  “We need to leave early in the morning. We should get some rest.”

  I got up and started walking upstairs.

  “Do you want a pain pill?” he shouted from the kitchen.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  I slipped into my nightshirt and got under the absurdly warm covers. I was looking through my phone when Connor knocked on the door.

  “Come in.”

  He walked into the room, wearing dark gray silk pajama bottoms that hung off his hips. His muscular frame stared at me as my butterflies awoke, and the fire ignited in my blood. He sat down in the chair by the bed and reclined it back.

  “What are you doing?” I asked.

  “Getting some rest.”

  “Here?”

  “Yes, do you have a problem with that?”

  The only problem I had was trying to keep my hands off him and having my way with him.

  “As a matter of fact, I do mind, Mr. Black.”

  He sat up and looked at me.

  “Why? The doctor said you need to be watched for a concussion. How am I supposed to do that if I’m in the room down the hall?”

  “I’m fine, and besides, you can’t sleep all night in that chair. You’ll be hurting in the morning, and we have a ten-hour drive to Michigan.”

  “I’m following the doctor’s orders, Miss Lane, so deal with it. You’re not getting your way with this one.”

  “Now you’re making me feel bad.” I took in a sharp breath and wanted to crucify myself for what I was about to say. “At least come sleep in the bed.”

  His eyes widened. “I don’t think that is a good idea, Ellery.”

  “Why not? We’re friends. Peyton and I sleep in the same bed when we have sleepovers, and my bed is tiny compared to this one. You have your own side way over there.” I pointed. “If you don’t, then I’m leaving, and you know I will.”

  “You’re not going anywhere, and I’m not sleeping in that bed.”

  I threw the covers back, got out of bed, and started to put on my yoga pants. Connor jumped up from the chair and grabbed my arm.

  “Stop it, Ellery. You need your rest.” His voice was angry, and his face was irritated. He took in a long, sharp breath. “Fine. I’ll sleep in the bed. Just please get back in it and leave those pants on.”

  I smiled at him and climbed back into bed. He walked to the other side, climbed in, and turned the other way.

  “You are the most stubborn and defiant person that I’ve ever known, Ellery Lane.”

  I smiled as I closed my eyes. “So I’ve been told, Mr. Black. Good night.”

  Even though I couldn’t see him, I could feel him smile. “Good night, Ellery.”

  Chapter 18

  I awoke the next morning, and I was alone. When I got up and headed to the bathroom, I heard yelling coming from downstairs. I stepped a little closer to the top of the step when I heard Connor’s raised voice.

  “That’s too bad, Ashlyn. I have to go out of town for a few days on business. No, you can’t. I don’t have time. Don’t you dare come over here. I’m leaving. I’ll call you as soon as I get back. I know it’s been a while, but I can’t help that. I’ve been busy. No, she has nothing to do with it. I’ve been working. Ashlyn, I promise we’ll get together as soon as I get back. I’m going to send an envelope over with Denny. I’ll talk to you soon.”

  My stomach felt sick, and my heart ached after I heard that conversation. I leaned my head against the wall and felt the sting of tears fill my eyes. My inner voice started to yell at me.

  “Stop it, Elle—just stop it. He’s your friend. You knew from the beginning it could never be more than friendship. You knew what you were getting into, and I warned you.” I looked up at the ceiling to stop the tears from falling.

  I heard footsteps coming up the stairs, so I ran into the bathroom and started the shower. There was a knock at the door.

  “Elle, make sure the water isn’t too hot,” Connor said.

  “No worries. It’s not.”

  I stood in the shower and let the warm water fall on me. I was going to have to put an end or distance to this friendship when I got back from Michigan. I silently cried as I buried my face in the water, drowning my sorrows. After I showered, I wrapped a towel around me and noticed I didn’t bring any clothes except my nightshirt that was lying wet on the floor. I opened the door and jumped when I saw Connor leaning against the wall across from where I was standing.

  “Shit, Connor, you scared me.”

  Not to mention the fact that I was half-naked, standing in front of him, and the towel was barely covering my ass.

  He looked at me with a hunger in his eyes as he blushed.

  “I’m sorry. I just wanted to make sure you didn’t take too hot of a shower. I didn’t want you getting dizzy and passing out again. You do have a habit of not listening to anybody.”

  I rolled my eyes and headed to the bedroom. “Ouch.”

  “See? I told you not to roll your eyes at me and you didn’t listen!”

  I smiled as I shut the door and got dressed. When I came out, he was downstairs in the kitchen. He set a cup of coffee on the counter and a plate with scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and potatoes.

  “Did you make all this?” I asked with surprise.

  “I sure did. You sound surprised.”

  I took a bite of the eggs. “To be honest, I am. I didn’t think you knew how to cook.”

  He sat down next to me at the island and started eating.

  “How hard is it to cook eggs? Plus, I can cook a little.” He smiled.

  I wanted to bring up the conversation that I heard earlier, but we were heading out in a little while, and I didn’t want to upset him.

  “So, did I harm you in any way last night?” I asked.

  He looked at me and frowned.

  “No, in fact, you put your arms around me, started rubbing my chest, and calling me Peyton. I was quite turned on.”

  My mouth dropped until he smiled and then I knew he was joking. I went to smack him as he laughed and he grabbed my wrists, holding them, rubbing my scars, and looking straight into my eyes. The atmosphere was no longer playful as it turned serious.

  “My scars really bother you, don’t they?”

  He let go of my hands and stood up, taking his plate to the dishwasher.

  “They sadden me. That’s all.”

  “Why, Connor? I didn’t even know you when this happened. Why would my scars sadden you so much?”

  He kept his back turned to me. “It saddens me that someone could think so little of their life to want to do such a thing.”

  That comment hurt me deep down to my core, and I wanted to break down and cry. He stood, staring out the window with his hands on the counter.

  “I told you why I did it, and it wasn’t because I thought so little of my life. I did it to lessen the pain for my father, and how dare you, Connor Black.”

  It
was too late. The tears started falling, so I left the kitchen. He came after me and grabbed me, pulling me into him as he held me.

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it. I swear I didn’t. I just get sad when I see them because it reminds me of what you went through.”

  His voice was sincere, and I could tell he regretted saying what he did.

  “It’s okay. Let’s just forget about it and head out.”

  He gently wiped away my tears and placed his forehead on mine.

  “I’m an insensitive bastard,” he softly spoke.

  Those words were from pain, and I wanted to know what happened in his life to make him this way.

  I put my hand on his firm chest.

  “You’re in luck as I’m quite fond of insensitive bastards.”

  He smiled and kissed me on the head. “Let’s go.”

  We took the elevator to the garage and set out on our road trip to Michigan.

  * * *

  The Range Rover was comfortable, and I had an easy time settling into my seat with my iPod in hand. I looked over at Connor. His seat was slightly leaning back. He had one hand on the steering wheel, and his other arm was resting on the console in the middle. The way he drove was sexy, and I couldn’t help staring at him. Everything this man did was sexy, even when he tried to control me.

  He glanced over at me. “Why are you staring at me?”

  “I was just wondering about Connor Black.”

  He sighed and looked back at the road. I looked out the window and put my headphones on. I pressed play and started singing as we merged onto the U.S. Route 1-9. Connor tapped me on the arm. I took out my headphones and looked at him.

  “Are you going to ignore me the whole way there?” he asked.

  “Are you going to tell me a little bit about Connor Black?” I smiled in a cocky way.

  He sighed and shook his head. I could tell I was pissing him off, so I put my headphones back on. He yanked the headphone out of my ear.

  “Hey! What the hell, Connor?”

  He laughed. “Take those things out, you stubborn girl, and I’ll talk.”

  I knew I’d win. I always do. But if it got to be too much for him, I would tell him to stop.