Love Lives On (Forever and Ever #24)

by E. L. Todd

  “I think he and I have finally found a good place.”

  “Clemy, he loves you so much. He’s been grinning like an idiot all day.”

  I laughed. “I noticed.”

  “But you’re grinning like an idiot too.”

  I shrugged in acknowledgement.

  “I wonder when he’ll propose.”

  “Whoa…we just got back together.”

  “Like you guys don’t love each other like crazy,” she said. “I’m surprised Cayson didn’t propose to me the second we got together.”

  “I’m sure he thought about it.” Skye was always the prize he had his eye on when we were growing up.

  “You’re already living together. I think it’s appropriate.”

  “Let’s just concentrate on Trinity and Slade,” I said. “It’s their time to shine.”

  Skye sighed. “Trinity is a wreck. She’s throwing everything together. I feel terrible for Slade.”

  “I always feel terrible for Slade,” I said with a laugh.

  “But their wedding will be so much fun,” Skye said. “And so beautiful. It’s obvious how much they love each other, even if they fight like cats and dogs.”

  “I see it too,” I agreed.

  “Well, I’ll let you get back to work—or daydreaming about Ward.”

  “You caught me.”

  Skye walked back to her office.

  I got back to work and tried not to do what she said—think about Ward.

  ***

  Ward approached my desk and laid a flower on the surface. “Can I take you out, darling?”

  I could get used to this. “You can take me out whenever you want.”

  His eyes lightened noticeably. “Good answer.”

  I grabbed my purse then came around the desk.

  His hand immediately moved around my waist and to my stomach. “What are you in the mood for?”

  “Being pounded on your desk.”

  He stopped in his tracks. “That answer was even better than the last. But my secretary is cleaning my office today—unfortunately. It’ll have to wait until we get home.”

  I sighed in disappointment.

  “But maybe we can sneak into an alleyway or something.”

  I laughed. “So romantic.”

  “As long as we’re together, it is.”

  We decided to have pizza for a lunch so we headed to a parlor. When we walked inside, Cayson and Skye were there.

  “You want to sit with us?” Skye offered.

  I could tell Ward wanted to be alone with me but he wouldn’t be rude to her. “Sure,” he said. “Great idea.” He pulled out the chair for me then helped me scoot it in before he sat beside me. His arm immediately went over the back of my chair, and his other hand grasped mine on my thigh. He leaned in and gave me a gentle kiss on the shell of my ear, sending chills down my spine.

  Cayson watched them and clearly looked uncomfortable.

  “I told you,” Skye said. “They are so happy.”

  “I noticed,” Cayson said.

  I rubbed my nose against Ward’s. “You’re all over Skye all the time. You can get used to this.”

  “I guess I’ve just never seen you with a man before,” Cayson noted.

  “Well, get used to Ward,” I said. “Because he’s the only man you’ll ever see.”

  Ward’s eyes softened when he looked at me. “I’m so damn lucky.”

  “Awe…” Skye held her hands to her chest.

  A slight smile spread over Cayson’s lips. “I’m happy for you guys. It looks like everything worked out.”

  “We’re a family,” Ward said. “And I can’t wait until our little one gets here.”

  “Me neither,” I said.

  “Got any names?” Skye asked.

  “Not really,” Ward said.

  “I like the idea of Ward Jr.,” I said.

  “Really?” he asked as he tilted his head.

  “Yeah, I know he’s going to look just like you.”

  “That’s not egotistical?” he asked.

  “If you came up with the idea, then yes,” I said. “But I’m the one that did.”

  “That would be so cute,” Skye said. “Little Ward running around…I can’t believe I’m going to be an aunt. Cayson, isn’t this amazing?”

  Cayson smiled at her enthusiasm. “It is amazing.”

  “I want one now,” she said as she pouted her lips.

  Cayson suddenly became serious. “Okay. Let’s go make one.”

  She sighed. “We should wait…”

  “Clementine and Ward didn’t wait,” he argued. “Let’s go for it.”

  “I’m sure my father would love it if you knocked me up out of wedlock,” Skye said sarcastically.

  “He wouldn’t care,” Cayson said immediately.

  We all gave Cayson an incredulous look.

  “He gave me his permission to have you,” Cayson said. “Therefore, he knows I’ll take care of you—married or not.”

  “I still think it’s a dream we can’t have right now,” Skye said. “But we will.”

  Cayson released a quiet growl.

  Ward’s attention was on me. “What do you want to eat, baby?”

  “You want to split something?”

  “Sure.” He kissed me on the lips, his embrace sensual and soothing.

  Maybe we should call in sick tomorrow.

  ***

  As soon as Ward and I walked through the door, we were on the couch going at it like we hadn’t had each other in years. He was on top of me and thrust into me gently, giving me all of him with even strokes. “Clementine,” he breathed into my mouth. “Darling, I love you.”

  “I love you too,” I said as my heart ached. I gripped his ass and pulled him further into me. He pleased me so well down below and I started to convulse, loving the way he was loving me. “Ward…” My nails dug into his back.

  “I’m there…” He breathed hard then released inside me, hitting his climax the same moment I did. He kissed me hard as he filled me, giving me his seed. Then he rested his face on my chest as he caught his breath. “I could make love to you forever.”

  “And you should.” I ran my fingers through his slightly curly hair.

  “I intend to.” He sat up, his chest sweaty. He leaned against the back of the couch while he continued to breathe hard. He ran his fingers through his hair then rested his elbow on the armrest.

  He was the ideal definition of a man. His body was chiseled and hard, and he worked up a sweat pleasing me as much as possible. His long legs stretched before him, and his large feet were planted on the ground. Sometimes he reminded me of a Roman solider, big and strong.

  I grabbed his shirt from the floor then pulled it on. Then I buttoned it up.

  Ward watched me, affection moving into his eyes. “I like it when you wear my clothes.”

  “I do too. It smells like you.” I pulled my panties on so my bottoms were covered.

  He continued to stare at me. “I can’t believe this is real.”

  “Neither can I.”

  “I never thought I would have you again. I never thought I would get everything I wanted.” He didn’t drop his gaze. He didn’t even blink. “Do you believe in fate or destiny?”

  “I’d never given it much thought.”

  “Me neither,” he said. “But…I believe in it now.”

  “Why?”

  “We never would have gotten back together if our son hadn’t been conceived. I feel like it was meant to happen. I know that sounds weird and unbelievable but…I feel like someone pushed us back together when we couldn’t figure it out on our own.”

  “Maybe.”

  “I like knowing someone is looking out for me,” he whispered.

  “You always have me for that.”

  He shot me a smile. “I suppose I do.”

  I moved toward him then rested my head on his shoulder.

  He leaned his head against mine. “Now that we live together and we are toge
ther, there’s a conversation I’d like to revisit.”

  “Okay.”

  “I’d love it if you didn’t work.”

  I pulled my head from his shoulder and looked at him. “Why?”

  “You don’t need to work for a paycheck anymore. You have me for that.”

  “But—”

  “Wouldn’t you rather be home with our son? Wouldn’t you rather play your music? I’m sure PIXEL is fine but you obviously aren’t passionate about it. And after our son gets here I want to have another one soon.”

  “It’s just—”

  “I know you have a hard time relying on other people. They always let you down.” His voice was gentle, understanding. “But remember who I am. Let me take care of you. It’s what I want. I want to come home to my family every night and see the happiness in your eyes. I want you to be rested and ready to love me the second I walk through the door. I want a hot dinner on the table.”

  “It sounds like you want a house wife,” I noted.

  “That’s exactly what I want. And if you’re really against it, I understand. If it’s important to you to work, then that’s fine. But I can tell it’s not. You do jobs for the money. The only thing you care about is music. So, being a full-time mom and being a member of the symphony is perfect for you.”

  His logic made sense.

  “So…?” He watched me carefully, gauging my reaction.

  “Can I think about it?” I already knew my answer but I wanted to mull it over.

  “Sure,” he said. “There’s no rush. I like seeing you at work anyway.” He wiggled his eyebrows at me.

  “I wonder if Sean would be irritated if I quit. He just hired me a few months ago.”

  “He wouldn’t care, Clementine,” he said. “I’m not even sure why he has an assistant most of the time. He’s such a control freak and doesn’t trust anyone to do anything. He wouldn’t even let his last assistant fetch him coffee.”

  “Yeah, I noticed that,” I said. “He’s the easiest boss in the world.”

  “I think he has one just to answer the phone—and that’s it. Because the only person he actually wants to talk to is his wife, and of course, she calls him directly.”

  “They’re really cute,” I said. “Whenever I see them together they’re always madly in love.”

  “There’s no doubt about that,” he said. “I can see us being that way too.”

  “Yeah?” I asked.

  “Yeah.”

  He eyed my legs for a moment before his cock came to life. “Round two?”

  “I feel like you’re trying to get me pregnant again.”

  “That would be really impressive if I did,” he said. “Let’s give it a try.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Cayson

  I entered Slade’s apartment then saw him sitting on the couch. A beer rested between his legs, and his hair was messy like he’d been running his fingers through it nonstop. Bags were under his eyes and he looked like hell. “Uh, everything okay, man?”

  He rubbed his palm against his entire face. “I’ve been better.”

  The wedding was in two weeks. And those words didn’t sound good. “You and Trinity had a fight?”

  “No, nothing like that.”

  “Then what’s up?” I grabbed a beer out of the refrigerator.

  “Trinity is fucking annoying. That’s what’s up.”

  I wasn’t following. I sat beside him on the couch. “Maybe you should be a little more specific.”

  “The stupid blonde doesn’t want to have sex until the wedding night. It’s only been two days and I’m already going through withdrawals.”

  I was about to take a sip of my beer when I changed my mind. “Man, that’s rough…” If Skye wanted to do the same thing it would be difficult to comply. I’d have to get her drunk or something.

  “It’s stupid,” he said. “So fucking stupid. And she said I can’t jerk off.”

  “That’s even worse…”

  He rubbed his temple. “I love her…so fucking much. But I also hate her.”

  “Well…two weeks isn’t that long.”

  He gave me the meanest glare I’d ever seen.

  “Okay, maybe it is.”

  “The whole reason why I’m monogamous with Trinity is so I can have sex at a drop of a hat. And now she’s taking that away?”

  “That isn’t the only reason, Slade.”

  “Well, it’s a big damn part of it.”

  “At least it’ll make the wedding night special.” I was running out of things to say to cheer him up.

  “Don’t be stupid,” he snapped. “I’ll last a minute at the most. She’s going to wear a beautiful gown and she’s going to look so damn gorgeous. I’m going to spend all evening with her telling her how much I love her. And then it’ll be the first time I’m making love to my wife. You really think I’m going to magically give her the best sex of her life? I need to fuck her on a regular basis to pull that off.”

  I understood where he was coming from. “Well, it sounds important to Trinity. So, you don’t have much of a choice, right?”

  He growled. “If I didn’t love that bitch like crazy…”

  “At least you have the rest of your lives.” I nudged him in the side. “And don’t forget about the honeymoon.”

  He smiled. “Yeah, that will be fun. I got Trinity a really skimpy bikini. Her ass is barely covered.”

  Sometimes Slade didn’t make any sense. He was extremely jealous and territorial but he wanted to show off his new bride in a skimpy swimsuit at the beach. I hated it when guys even glanced at Skye’s chest. Those beautiful tits were mine. “I’m sure you guys will have fun and spend a lot of time in the room.”

  “You bet your ass we will.” He took a drink of his beer and seemed to be in a slightly better mood. “So, what brings you here?”

  “Where is Trinity anyway?”

  He rolled his eyes. “Working. Which is probably best for me because I’m constantly trying to get her drunk or seduce her.”

  “I wanted to talk about your bachelor party.”

  “Oh yeah,” he said. “That’ll be fun. No alcohol though. Man, I’m still hung over and I still got scars on my wrists from the handcuffs.”

  “I found this place at the coast,” I said. “They have great waves for surfing and the hotel is all inclusive. Everyone is down for the trip.”

  “Sweet,” he said. “Let me know how much to pitch in.”

  “We got you covered, man,” I said.

  “That’s right. You’re rich. I forgot.”

  “I never said that.”

  “But we both know it’s true.”

  “So, we leave in a few days,” I said. “Don’t forget to pack everything.”

  “I won’t,” he said. “It’s good I’ll be away from Trinity. Whenever I’m here I’m just trying to rape her all the time.”

  “Romantic,” I said sarcastically.

  “Don’t judge me,” Slade said. “You’d be just as desperate if Skye wouldn’t let you fuck her titties.”

  That sounded extremely appetizing at the moment. “Well, I’ll see you later.”

  Slade laughed. “I put the idea in your head, didn’t I?”

  I shrugged in guilt.

  “Lucky bastard,” he said. “I wish I could have sex with my fiancé.”

  “Just be patient, man.” I headed to the door.

  He sunk into the couch. “Go have fun fooling around. But I hate you.”

  I laughed as I walked out. “I hate you too.”

  ***

  Skye was sitting on the couch wearing one of my t-shirts with no bottoms on. “Hey, handsome.”

  “Hey, gorgeous.” I leaned over the couch and kissed her.

  “Had fun with Slade?”

  “Not really,” I said. “He’s in a bad mood.”

  “Why?” she asked.

  “Trinity is withholding sex until the wedding.”

  “Ouch.” She cringed. “That’s a long t
ime not to get laid…especially for a guy.”

  “I feel his pain.” I gave her a significant look. “Don’t you dare pull that on me.”

  She laughed. “Don’t worry. I won’t.”

  “Oh, thank god.”

  “I’m not sure why she made that decision,” she said. “I’ll have to ask her about it.”

  “She’s off her rocker.”

  She chuckled. “Leave her alone. She probably wants their first time as husband and wife to be romantic.”

  “Well, it won’t be if he blows his load in thirty seconds.”

  “You want me to talk to her? On behalf of Slade?”

  “It wouldn’t hurt.”

  “Okay.” She went back to watching the TV.

  “So…you want to fool around?”

  She turned to me with a smile on her face. “You’re actually asking me?”

  “Don’t get used to it.”

  “When have I ever not wanted to?”

  “Well…I had something in mind that doesn’t quite benefit you…”

  Her eyes contained a knowing look. “I think I know what it is.”

  “Don’t judge me alright? You can’t have an awesome rack and not get me hard all the time.”

  “Who said I was judging?” she said. “But I want something in return.”

  “Name it.”

  “You know what I like, Cayson.” She gave me a significant look.

  Yep, I did. She loved it when I went down on her. “That’s a very fair compromise.”

  “Then let’s get to it.”

  “I’m so glad I’m not Slade right now.”

  She cringed. “That makes two of us.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Slade

  Trinity walked inside and put her bag down. “One of my shipments got lost today. And no one has any clue where it went.”

  I didn’t listen to a word she said. All I saw was a gorgeous woman with a beautiful body that needed to be pounded. My cock was hard instantly and my thoughts wouldn’t stop being dirty.

  She sighed. “No one can do anything right, apparently.”

  “Uh-huh.” I kept staring at her, noting her pretty blonde hair.

  She tilted her head to the side and put her hands on her hips. “Are you even listening to me?”

  My eyes took her in. “You look really pretty today…”