The Lost Seal: A Seal Romance

by Bell, Victoria

  "I would love to really," she said as she licked her dry lips. "But I would have to talk to my employer now. I'm afraid I have a contract to finish before I could start thinking about transferring to your company, Mrs. Smith."

  The older woman smiled kindly at her. Wrinkles appeared at the corner of her eyes, showing the years she had lived. "Don't worry too much about my offer, my dear. It will wait for you as soon as you are ready. Just as we would wait."

  "And I'd like to participate in the auction, too, if I can. I'd gladly offer up one of my pieces for you guys to auction. It's been a while since I've managed to give back to those in need."

  Their conversation was interrupted when the birthday celebrant descended the stairs. At the age of three, Daisy looked as if she was double her age. She had grown taller than she had last seen her. Nicole felt a rush of protectiveness and pride as the toddler came down with her princess costume. Just then, she realized that every kid here was wearing their best imitation of the Disney princesses’ costumes.

  "Doesn't she look gorgeous," Daisy's Grandma cooed.

  "She does," Michael chimed in from the back.

  Everyone watched as the father and daughter passed through the crowd. She was so focused on the two that she didn't realize that a shadow loomed behind them. Nicole squinted and stared intently at the familiar brunette. It was the woman who came at the penthouse, demanding where Max was. It was Cassidy Henderson. The mother of Daisy and Max's ex-lover.

  They were a complete family now. Surely, Daisy wouldn't be able to ask for more.

  Nicole blinked trying to clear up her vision. She was happy that they were together. The three of them. But there was still a small part of her that wished that she was the one holding onto Daisy and assisting Max. It should have been her and not the woman who had left her daughter as soon as she gave birth.

  After coaxing her brother to tell the story, she had finally found out that it had been Max who broke off their relationship. Michael even told her that Max had thought about proposing to her after Daisy was born. For the sake of their child, he would sacrifice his own happiness. But she had guessed that he must have felt love for the other woman, even if it was temporary.

  Cassidy had stayed behind for a couple of months before she finally got up and left. She had demanded money from Max, telling him that she couldn't take it anymore. Max gave her the money, and she ditched her family. Only to pursue a lifestyle that most women wanted. Fame, wealth, and men. She was rumored to have slept with a few of the Hollywood actors and got her face done numerous of times.

  But now she was back. Trying to cause havoc and probably demanding to be back again. Nicole could tell that Max had let her be here was probably because of his daughter. He wanted them to look like one small happy family.

  Their eyes met. That familiar eyes that had haunted her for months found hers. Nicole stifled the gasp that almost slipped out of her mouth. Max was staring directly at her as if no one was here but us. The connection broke when Cassidy slid between our gaze, pushing at his shoulder and mouthing something she couldn't hear. Nicole's hands fisted by her sides. Oh, how she wanted to give that woman a piece of her mind.

  The party went on and continued. There were games that were played, and it involved having a piñata that Daisy smashed after. Candies surrounded the garden, kids laughter lingering in the air. She was having fun, much to her surprise. Nicole would have guessed that everything would be tensed. But the only thing that was tense about her was her shoulders. She began to relax, enjoying herself and even participated with the other kids.

  Nicole wished that she hadn't pushed Max to tell her about Cassidy. She had now realized that some things were really better left unsaid. It was too late. At least that incident had taught her to keep her nose in her own business. She was happy for now and didn't want to think about so much drama.

  After the party was done, she told Michael to leave her behind to help out with the workload. There was a lot of cleaning up to do, and Nicole didn't want to let the Smiths do it alone.

  "You know you didn't have to be left behind to help out," Mr. Smith said. "But we really appreciate it, Nicole. I'm glad you're a part of our family."

  Her eyes almost welled up with tears again.

  As soon as everything was done and tidied up, she decided to have a seat on the patio and enjoy a cup of coffee their housekeeper offered. Nighttime had fallen, and stars surrounded the sky once more. The only thing she could hear in the night was the sounds coming from crickets. Everyone had mostly gone to bed.

  The sound of the door opening had her looking up from her quiet nest. She saw Max looking around until his eyes settled on her. Her heart began to pound against her chest, wondering what he was doing up still.

  "There you are," he said quietly before closing the door. "I've been looking for you."

  "I'm just trying to spend some quiet time alone," she heard herself say. "Why aren't you in bed yet?"

  His answer was automatic. "Couldn't sleep," was all he said before sitting beside her.

  His heat radiated off of him, calling out to her. Nicole ignored the goose bumps that was starting to spread along her arm. She felt him staring at her. "Thank you for coming to the party today."

  She smiled. "You're welcome. Thank you for inviting Michael and me. We really appreciate it."

  "Daisy loved the gifts. Especially yours," Max said, making small talks.

  "I'm glad she liked it. I try to do my best when it comes to giving gifts."

  She was fully aware of them making small talks. It felt weird, but at least they weren't shouting at each other anymore. The hurt was still there, buried deep underneath the facade she was putting on. At least Daisy was happy.

  "You two look great together, you know," she found herself saying.

  "Who?" Max asked, and she saw a frown appear on his forehead.

  "Cassidy Henderson," she said matter of factly. "I'm glad that you both have gotten back together for Daisy."

  "Nicole..." he said.

  "It's a smart move, a brave one too. It's not easy to put up your own kid's happiness."

  "When you become a parent, you immediately sacrifice everything." Max answered. "But I didn't get back together with her, Nicole. Who said that?"

  "No one did," she said. "It was clear for everyone to know that you guys got back together. It's okay, Max. You don't have to hide it from me."

  He looked at her, as if speechless and didn't know what to say. As much as she wanted him to lie and say that they weren't together, Nicole knew that she was just lying to herself.

  He looked lost for words, so he decided to get up and leave. She watched him as he disappeared inside the house, leaving her wishing that they hadn't spoken again tonight. The anger and the pain were gone. But the love and hurt she had for him wouldn't go away so quickly. Not when Cassidy would be a living evidence to show her that they could do so much better without her.

  She finally stood up from the bench she was sitting on and headed to bed. There was a spare bedroom upstairs that the Smiths was offering to her. Since it was late already, Nicole decided to take them on their offer and slipped into the guest bedroom. It had gone chilly tonight, so burrowed beneath the covers. Wishing that it was Max who she laid with instead of that other woman.

  But one could only wish and hope.

  Chapter Ten

  Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months. Fall had started much to Nicole's delight. As the time passed by, she was falling back to the happiness she had once been in. She had decided to quit her previous job and worked for Mrs. Smith as she had offered. The auction went well, and the amount that was paid for her painting went toward the charity of her choice. The thought of feeding those hungry children in Africa had her smiling for days.

  Things between her and Max was starting to get well. They were finally talking. Max had even apologized to her for the way he had acted. She was able to see Daisy as much as she pleased without him getting angry or
whatnot. And as for Cassidy, the woman hadn't appeared against after her daughter's party. Mrs. Smith told her that the other woman had left as soon as the party was over. Max didn't even pay any attention to her, causing her to walk out after.

  It made her feel happy as she knew that Max had finally come back to his senses. She recalled that time when they were outside his parents’ house on the patio. He had looked as if he wanted to say something to her then. But as stubborn and hard-headed as she was, she hadn't believed him then.

  They were at Michael's house, cooking lunch and spending time together like before. While her brother was in the kitchen, Max was helping her out with setting the table. Daisy was fast asleep upstairs in Michael's room. They would be able to monitor her with the baby monitor set up on the coffee table.

  "It's been a long time since we did this," Max said abruptly.

  Nicole looked up at him, surprised. "Yeah, I guess so."

  They never spent a long time being alone in each other's company. As much as she wanted to, Nicole had to remember the rules she had set for herself. She was still attracted to him, very much so. If she let the attraction lead her on then how would she move on? She was still hung up on him, but she had long accepted that he would offer nothing but friendship. And she would have to be content with that.

  They ate as soon as everything was ready. Michael cooked a delicious meal that they all enjoyed.

  "So, how's work going for you, Nicole?" her brother asked as she ate a mouthful of food.

  "It's great. Mrs. Smith has shown me around the company the other day since I haven't got the chance to look around just yet."

  She said this matter of factly that had Max frowning. "You haven't had the chance to look around?" he asked. She nodded, confirming his question. A look crossed his face. "That's odd. We normally give our new staff the tour before they started."

  "It's fine," she waved her hand in midair. "I guess I'm more focused on getting the work done."

  "But are you liking it so far though?" Max asked, staring at her intently.

  The look her gave her had her swallowing; her tongue felt like it was glued on the rooftop of her mouth. The expression on his face was the same as that time he spread her legs apart, finding pleasure between her legs. Heat spread throughout her belly, wetness starting to pool between her thighs. She tried to focus on her food, but her mind had gone back to sinful thoughts that she shouldn't be having right now.

  Her brother was here, and Max wasn't ashamed of making a move on her. She had forgiven him, but she wasn't a fool to lose her heart again. She might still be in love with Max, but that also didn't mean that she would give up herself so easily. She had let no man touch her even though she had been asked on a date a few times. All of those men had been rejected. For the same reason, why she had saved up her virginity. Because she was still hung-over the one man, she could not have.

  "Well, I got to get going." Michael said before he stood up and took his own plate to the sink.

  "Where are you going?" they both asked in unison.

  Her brother smiled knowingly. "I've got some business to do. You guys have fun. Don't forget about Daisy upstairs, huh." With that, her brother left. The sound of the door slamming shut behind him rang throughout the whole house. Now they were alone once again.

  She made a move to get up, but Max stopped her. She glanced at him, surprised to find him making a move. "I need to talk to you, Nicole. Please, sit down."

  She did as she was told and sat back down. "What is it about?"

  "Look, I know I haven't been the best person to be around with for the last couple of months. I've acted like the biggest jerk, and there's no excuse to that. I am so sorry, Nicole. You don't know how sorry I am from how I've acted."

  "Where is this coming from, Max?" she whispered, afraid that this was just a dream and he would fade away.

  "I've been meaning to tell you this since you walked away," he continued as if she hadn't spoken. He reached out for her, captivating her hands with his. He stared into her eyes. "I'm in love with you, Nicole. I've been in love with you for a long time, and I didn't realize it then. I can't even remember the time when I didn't love you at all."

  Tears welled up in her eyes, unable to hold them back as they rolled down her cheeks. "And you're just saying this now?" she asked, unable to believe what she was hearing.

  "Well, I didn't have enough courage then until now." He was caressing the back of her hand absently. He smiled at her, wiping away the tears that were streaming down her face. "Stop crying. It breaks my heart."

  She laughed.

  "And there's one more thing," he said as he shifted in his seat.

  "What is it?" she asked.

  She watched in awe as he pulled up a velvet box and opened it, showing a diamond ring that was so perfect, she didn't know whether to cry or laugh. "Nicole Mae Gerard, will you marry me?"

  She didn't hesitate. "Yes, I will."

  He grinned before cupping her face, pressing kisses all over her face before finally reaching her mouth. The kiss they shared was hot and made her toes curled from the passion. Before she knew it, he was pulling her to her bedroom in her brother's house. They rushed inside, making sure to set the baby monitor on the drawer before proceeding.

  They were so hot for each other, taking each other's clothes off, shredding it away. They fell on the bed, legs tangled and mouths sliding against each other. Sweat trickled down her breasts as Max came on top of her. He licked the dribble of sweat from the valley between her chest, making her quiver under him.

  "Max, please." She begged hoping that he would just get in between her legs and thrust. "I need you."

  "Wait up a minute, babe. I'll get you there in a minute." She opened her legs apart before he could get to where she needed him most. Nicole was more than ready. All she wanted right then was to feel his stubble grazing the inside part of her thighs, making her clit throb from need.

  She combed her fingers through his hair, guiding his head into her wetness. When his mouth came close and pressed against her, her hips buckled. Her shout muffled by her own hand. She didn't want to wake up Daisy from the other room. But the way he was eating her up had her writhing, moving from the delicious licks Max was making with his mouth.

  "Ahh!" she cried out, pressing his mouth deeper into her sex. "Lick me more, Max. Please, ohh. I'm so close."

  He grinded his face that had her whimpering and moaning. Her inner muscles contracted, her legs quivering from the pleasure coursing through her body. She was ready to fall apart in his arms, hoping that he would make her come already.

  Without warning, he took her clit into his mouth and sucked. She held onto the headboard, her voice loud as she came. Max hadn't let her go. Instead, he continued to prolong the pleasure by kissing her. Licking her from the entrance to her clit.

  She fell back on the bed, gasping for air. After her world went back to place, she felt him sliding up against her body. Her bones had melted, her hair sticking in all direction but she didn't care. She was here with Max, the love of her life. She would be his very soon. And he would be hers. Her engagement ring twinkled against the sunlight that shone through the window surface, making her realize that she was buck naked.

  He made her forget about their surroundings. Choosing to take pleasure from him as he took his own pleasure from her. By the time they were connected, his cock buried deep into her pussy, Nicole could only hold on and let him thrust inside of her. She was so wet, making loud noises as their flesh met against flesh.

  "Please, fuck me harder!" she gushed out before wrapping her legs around his waist.

  "Fuck!" he screamed before losing his control.

  He pounded into her without a care in the world. The bed shook under their weight; her arms stretched out before her. They had changed positions, her ass in the air while he jacked off into her pussy. She took him in, biting hard on her bottom lip as she threw her head back. Her inner walls contracted continuously, and she felt the rush
of wetness between her legs. He came inside of her without wearing a condom, making her realize that they had ridden each other bare.

  It didn't matter now. They were about to get married and live a happy life. This was what she had wanted in life, and right now it was almost close to perfection. She smiled as he pulled out, and wrapped his arm around her. They stayed like that for a couple more minutes before they broke away from each other.

  Once they have cleaned up and had another session in the bathroom, she got dressed and took Daisy from Michael's room. She was already awake, all pretty and smiles. She must have woken up in a good mood. She took her to where her dad was sitting on the bed; arms stretched out to her father.

  Nicole stared at the doorway with a look of hope and love on her face. She was happy and contented. She had fought hard for these two, and now that she finally had them both, it suddenly felt surreal. Like they would just disappear from her as soon as she came closer.

  She shook her head, being ridiculous once more. Max noticed her and waved her to come over, patting the spot beside him. Nicole headed over to their direction and sat beside her future husband, feeling secure and safe when he wrapped his arm around her. They stayed like that in silence, merely appreciating the moment and each other's company.

  "I don't know how I got so lucky," Max said to her. "I've got a perfect daughter here and soon to be wife. Life is good."

  "Well, I guess this is just the start, isn't it?" she asked him. "The start of our life together, and I can't wait to see where it would lead us."

  "I don't care where it takes us as long as you two are with me," was all he had said before he kissed her.

  "I love you," he said.

  "And I love you."