by Jude Ouvrard
"Oh man! I don't need to know that... Remember I'm alone here..." Kyle groaned.
"I'm sure there’s a porn channel available on that enormous TV," I replied and they both hooted with laughter.
We walked back to our room and as soon as the door was locked behind us, Levi rapidly undressed me and pushed me up against the wall. I loved it when he did that, so wild and hungry for me he was nearly crazed with lust. I undid his belt, intent on removing his jeans as quickly as possible.
"Wait... Star... wait..." Levi panted.
I stopped pulling down his jeans, leaving them hanging mid-thigh, wondering why he wanted to stop when he’d been so into it only three seconds ago. Levi stared down into my eyes, wrapping his hands in my hair. "I love you Phoenix. I really do. I want to marry you and I want to start our life together, buy a beautiful house and go grocery shopping together. I'll take care of the yard and you can decorate the house. I have this picture-perfect dream of having a family with you. It’s never happened to me before," he whispered. “I’ve never believed in any of this, until I met you."
I laid my forehead against his shoulder. "I want you, I want this life with you. This is us, Levi, us. We’re strong and our love is endless. Everything will happen in time. School, wedding, the house... maybe kids."
Levi shook his head, the movement definite. "Not maybe, Nix. I want kids with you. I want us to have a couple of kids."
"Really?" I asked.
"Yeah." He pulled me back against his chest, lifting me high enough to wrap my legs around his waist. “Let’s start practising now." Our lips met, each kiss becoming hotter and hungrier, our breathing erratic. I wanted him desperately, my entire body screaming for him.
He gave me everything I wanted and more. He pleased me until I fell apart, collapsed on the bed, out of breath and utterly sated. We cuddled, Levi held me close to him and we fell wrapped around one another.
The following morning, the guys were already down at the convention centre by the time I woke up, ready for another crazy day. Levi sent a text at about 8am, telling me I was in charge of organizing breakfast and coffee again. Kyle had requested pancakes, so I showered, dressed and headed across the road to the same diner, ordering a huge stack of food.
I showed my VIP pass to the security guard, who let me in to the centre. I handed the boys their breakfast and they settled down at the table to eat, while it was still nice and warm. My chair had gone missing since yesterday, and I glanced around at the nearby kiosks, catching sight of it at King B.’s kiosk. Levi offered to get the chair but as he was currently stuffing pancakes in his mouth as if he hadn’t eaten in a month, I assured him I could manage it myself.
I strolled across the aisle, casually studying King B. as I approached. Tattoos covered a huge amount of his skin, similar to many of the other guys working here. He was busy chatting with his partner, Pat, and a couple of other artists.
My body began to shake. My knees weakened and my heart was beating so hard, my entire ribcage ached.
We had spent the weekend next to each other and only now, I knew. The anchor tattoo, the hair color, the smile. The bits and pieces of his other tattoos which were revealed by his clothing. How could I have missed it up until now? There was a resemblance and as I stared at his face, I knew without a doubt.
My hands were sweaty and my breath was coming in quick pants. "Brian?" I called out. Both men turned and stared at me. "Brian Quinn?" I repeated.
He stared at me, his eyes identical to mine. I wasn't sure if he had guessed yet, but I knew for certain. I wasn’t sure if I was happy to see him, or hurt because he’d abandoned me so long ago. I wondered if I was going to pass out.
"Nix, are you okay?" Levi asked. He appeared beside me, gripping my arm.
I couldn't answer because I was too focused, staring into the baby blue eyes of this man, trying to sense any connection between us. There was nothing tangible. I couldn't recall him from my past, but I knew with certainty that I wasn’t wrong about this.
King B. still stared at me, his eyes grazing across me from head to toe, as if he were trying to place me.
"Phoenix, you’re pale and shaking, baby. Are you okay? Maybe you should sit down," Levi ordered. He tried to pull me towards a chair, but I resisted his efforts.
"Do I know you?" Brian questioned quietly.
Answers ran through my head, but remained unvoiced. Yes, you should know me but you don't. You should have been here all along but you weren't. Where were you? Why did you abandon me?
It took a minute before I could say anything. "Dad..." I blurted out. "I'm your daughter, Phoenix."
Silence descended in the immediate area, as people around us stared and Brian stood motionless, staring at me in disbelief.
"Hold my hand," Levi muttered against my ear, intertwining his fingers with mine.
-THE END-
Acknowledgement
I wrote this story a year ago and a lot of people helped me along the way.
Tracey, Tracy, Cara, Megan and Mavvy. THANK YOU!
If this story shines, it’s all because of Debbie Williams and her hard work. I’m sorry I put you through this but I promise it won’t always be so complicated. I’ll never be able to
thank you enough on this one.
Tracey Millen who helped me through the process and supported me as usual. A big thank you to you too. You are my rock!
Sandra Chevrier who used to listen to my blabbering after work on our way home. Merci and I miss you beaucoup!
Megan Noelle, your help and mental support mean so much to me. Thank you for everything you’ve done to help me with this story. I owe you one. Maybe more than one...
Kari March and her magnificent talent. She created the perfect cover. I’m sorry for all the edits I asked you. Peace?
And lastly, thanks to my family for their continual support.
Who is Jude?
Jude was born and raised in a small village named Lacolle. She now lives in Montreal, Canada. She is the proud mother of a beautiful five year old son, and has spent the last twelve years with her partner.
French is her native language, but she prefers to write in her second language, English.
Besides working full time and being a mother, Jude has a passion for books, both reading and writing them.
She is currently working on a novel called Safe with you. Coming soon!
Www.judeouvrard.com
www.facebook.com/judeouvrard
@JudeOuvrard
Join my street team on facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/judesbooks/
Also by Jude:
Under the Sun
Wonderland
Lost Dreams
