by E. L. Todd
“Am not,” Sean argued.
“Anyway,” I cut in before the fight could escalate. “That’s the story.”
“Do you have any details yet?” Flynn asked. “Where and when?”
“No, but we’re doing it at city hall,” I said.
“What?” they all said at the same time.
“Am I not paying you enough?” Sean asked.
I laughed. “We don’t want to have a big wedding. We just want to get married as soon as possible. We lost a lot of time.”
“Oh.” Ryan nodded then winked. “Shotgun wedding. Got it.”
“Monnique’s pregnant?” Mike blurted.
“No,” I said immediately. “Well, not that I know of. We just want to have our closest friends and family present. Something simple. But we’ll have a nice honeymoon.”
“Well, I’m happy for you guys,” Flynn said. “This happily ever after has been a long time coming.”
Hazel came over to me then hugged me tightly. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thanks.”
She held onto me, her face against my chest. If Flynn was jealous, he hid it. “So, when you two were getting it on at the beach, you were proposing?”
“Yep,” I said. “It’s perverted and romantic at the same time.”
She laughed. “It’s just romantic—only.”
“Thanks.”
Mike held up his glass. “To Cortland and Monnique.”
“I’ll drink to that.” Flynn clanked his glass against Mike’s then down the amber liquid.
Hazel clapped her hands. “I’m so glad that everyone found their special someone.”
Ryan sighed. “Looks like I’ll be the last one to get married even though I was the second one to propose.”
“See, you’re getting upset like a girl,” Sean jabbed.
Ryan’s eyes burned in annoyance. “No. We just didn’t have to rush a wedding because my baby isn’t pregnant, we’ve never broken up and gotten back together so we don’t feel rushed, and we’re planning a real wedding and taking our time. You guys are all just impatient.”
“Actually, you won’t be the last one.” Mike nodded to Hazel. “Don’t forget these two.”
“We’ll see about that…” Flynn gave Ryan a wink.
Hazel blushed.
“I wish Janice and I would just get married at city hall.” He rubbed his chin. “Maybe I can knock her up…”
“Dude, pregnant chicks are hot,” Mike said.
“Ditto,” Sean said in agreement.
Mike nodded to Sean. “How’d the operation system go?”
Sean suddenly paled. “We’ll talk about work stuff later.”
“That doesn’t sound good,” I said.
“I don’t want to talk about it.” Sean drank his glass.
“Well, it’s safe to say we didn’t get it,” Mike said with a sigh.
Sean glared at him. “I said let’s not talk about it.”
There was more going on in this conversation than just the operating system but I didn’t question. “I’ll get the next round.”
“No,” Mike said. “It’s your engagement party. Sean will pay for it.”
“What?” Sean said. “You volunteer to have me pay?”
He shrugged. “I have a son on the way.”
“You found out the sex of the baby?” Ryan asked.
‘No,” Mike said sadly. “Cassandra doesn’t want to know. But it’s a boy.”
“You know this how?” I asked.
“I just do,” Mike said.
Ryan laughed. “Boy, are you going to feel dumb when that isn’t true.”
“For the sake of Cassandra and the baby, I hope it isn’t girl. Believe me, they’re both going to hate me,” Mike said.
“They are still going to hate you even if it’s a boy.” He drank another glass then set it on the counter.
How many was that? I hadn’t seen him drink like this in years.
The girls finally broke apart after gawking at the ring I bought her and sat down. Food and drinks were passed around as we enjoyed each other’s company. I couldn’t deny the happiness on Monnique’s face. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if this day would ever come. Too much had happened between us. But I was glad I was wrong.
Ryan was quiet. He seemed happy for me, but he was fighting his own demons at the same time. The fact Janice didn’t question him made me realize something wasn’t right.
I leaned closer to him. “Everything alright, man?” I kept my voice low.
“I’m fine,” he barked.
I eyed all the empty glasses in front of him. “I doubt that. I haven’t seen you drink this much since before Janice was in the picture.”
He sighed. “I can’t tell you, alright?”
“What? I’m your best friend.”
“Even so, I can’t tell you about this one.”
“Why?” I asked.
He eyed everyone at the table, who were absorbed in their conversation. “Because it’s about my sister and I know how loyal you are to her. I don’t want her to know.”
“I am loyal to Scarlet, but I’m also loyal to you. You can tell me and I won’t say a word. When have I ever betrayed your secrets?”
He shook his head slightly. “Not now.”
I dropped it then sipped my beer.
An hour later, Cassandra looked exhausted. She leaned her head on Mike’s shoulder and closed her eyes.
“I hate to ruin the party, but my wife needs to get home,” Mike said.
“You didn’t ruin it,” I said.
“Please,” he said with a laugh. “Without me, there is no party.” He brushed his fingers through her hair then helped her get up.
I rolled my eyes.
Cassandra rested her hand on her stomach. “I’m sorry, you guys.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “You don’t exactly look comfortable.”
Mike placed his jacket over her shoulders then guided her outside.
Sean turned to his wife. “I need to get mine home too. I don’t want her out too late.”
“Don’t talk about me like I’m not right next to you,” Scarlet said.
Sean rolled his eyes then patted my shoulder. “Congratulations. Really.”
“Thanks,” I said.
Sean helped Scarlet up then took her by the hand, pulling her outside.
Flynn rubbed the back of Hazel’s neck. “You ready to go, baby?”
“I guess. I’m in the mood for pancakes.”
He smiled then pulled her to a stand. “We’ll see you guys later.” They walked out and left us alone.
I turned to Ryan, desperate to know what was on his mind. “Now tell me.”
He eyed Janice and Monnique, who seemed to be deep in conversation and not listening to us. “You know that I’m not close with my family and my mom isn’t exactly my favorite person. There’s more to the story, but there are details I’d rather not say. It’s safe to say I hate the woman.”
That wasn’t news to me. I knew Ryan and Scarlet didn’t have the best childhood. I wasn’t exactly sure what happened but it seemed pretty bad.
“Anyway, she came to me and demanded money—twice. The first time was over the phone, and the second time she came to my shop.”
Now it was all making sense. “Did you give it to her?”
“Fuck no. But now I feel like she’s going to jump out from behind every corner. I just wish she would die already.”
That was a cold thing to say, but Ryan never said mean things like that. I’m sure she deserved it. “Maybe you should tell Scarlet. She might hit her up next. After all, she’s rich.”
He shook his head. “Sean already gave her a bunch of money. She probably understands bothering them again would get her nowhere. Besides, I don’t want to stress her out right now, not when she’s pregnant. Until it’s absolutely necessary, I’m not going to tell her.” He gave me a firm look. “And neither are you.”
“You have my word.”
�
��Good.” He sighed. “I just don’t want this to affect Janice.”
“Janice could take on a cougar and a bear—with one hand.”
He laughed. “You got that right. But I still don’t want to drag her into this. It’s embarrassing, you know.”
“I wouldn’t worry about that. Janice loves you for you.”
“Nah. I think she loves me for other reasons.” He winked.
“What does your mom need the money for anyway?”
He turned serious. “She claims it’s for medical bills.”
“Do you believe her?”
“No. I can’t believe a word that comes out of her mouth.”
“Then I wonder what the real reason is,” I said.
He shrugged. “Cigarettes, drugs—I don’t know.”
It was hard to believe that Scarlet and Ryan came from such a horrible place. It was amazing they turned out so well. “I’m here if you ever need to talk.”
“I know.” He clapped my shoulder. “Thanks, man. But Janice does a pretty good job.”
“I always had the impression you didn’t talk much,” I teased.
He chuckled. “We do sometimes.”
Janice and Monnique were still talking excitedly.
Ryan clanked his glass against mine. “Congratulations, man. You guys beat all odds.”
“It took us a while to get here, but I’m glad we finally did.”
He winked at me. “All good things are worth fighting for.”
“When are you and Janice going to go through hell?”
He laughed. “Never. She and I were practically married the moment we met. We fight, but not like the rest of you do. She’s my forever. There isn’t a doubt in my mind about that.”
“I’m sure you’re right.”
Chapter 5
Hazel
Cade had been living with us for a while, and he still hadn’t told us what hard times he’d fallen on. He and I still didn’t get along but we didn’t fight either. That was probably because we didn’t speak to each other.
“When is your brother going to tell us what his problem is?” I asked while we were in bed.
“I don’t know.” Flynn had his computer on his lap and he was going through a script. “I brought it up again but he wouldn’t answer me.”
“I guess he’s going to live with us forever,” I said sadly.
He eyed me. “I’ll kick him out if you want to get rid of him.”
“No,” I said immediately. “I’m just curious to know what’s going on.”
“That makes two of us.”
“I mean, it’s been months. What could have possibly happened? Did he lose his job?”
“I don’t know,” he answered. “But he seems adamant about keeping it as a secret.”
I fluffed my pillows then lay down. “Maybe if I teach him how to clean he can be our nanny.”
Flynn laughed. “He doesn’t know the difference between a broom and a plunger.”
“And you do?” I jabbed.
“Hey, my apartment was pretty clean before you came along.”
“It smelled like man.”
“Well, I’m a man. So is that a bad thing?”
“Yes.” I smiled at him then cuddled into his side, my face moving into his neck.
Flynn’s voice turned serious. “Baby, I need to talk to you about something.”
I sat up, recognizing his tone. “Yeah?”
“I need to go to LA for a few days to work on the show.”
His script was going to be on HBO. He was still working with that slut Carly and I didn’t like it one bit, but I kept my reservations to myself. I trusted him and I intended to prove it. “Oh. How long will you be gone for?”
“Almost a week.”
A whole week? God, that sounded shitty. “Okay.”
He caught my sadness. “I’d invite you to come along but I know you have to work. Since you never quit…”
I felt bad for leaving the job Sean gave me. He was really generous and I didn’t want to burn him for helping me. Flynn wasn’t happy about it but he stopped pestering me after a while. And having money was nice. “I’m sure the time will go by fast.”
“I don’t want to leave you. Honestly.”
I saw the sincerity in his eyes. “I know, Flynn. Where are you staying?”
“At a hotel down the street.”
And where would that bitch be staying? I held my tongue and didn’t ask.
“Carly has a house in Burbank. She’ll be staying there.” He read my mind. Did he know me that well or was my heart on my sleeve?
“Okay.”
He kissed my forehead. “It’ll only be for a week, baby.”
“I know. Are you going to be making trips often?”
He shrugged. “Maybe on a month.”
I sighed. That sounded unbearable.
“Quit your job and come with me.”
“I can’t do that to Sean,” I said immediately. “The last thing I want to do is piss off a Preston.”
“He’s not going to care,” he argued.
I would still feel ungrateful if I did that. “I don’t want you to go…”
“Neither do I.” He ran his fingers through my hair. “It’ll be over quickly.”
I snuggled into him, never wanting to let go. “You’re going to leave me alone with that monster?”
“I’ll have a talk with him. I know he comes off as a douche, but he really is a good guy. I know that’s hard to believe but it’s the truth. I’ve seen it. And I wouldn’t leave you alone with him if I didn’t trust him.”
“Maybe I’ll stay with Cortland.”
“While he’s celebrating his engagement?” he asked incredulously. “That wouldn’t be awkward at all.”
“Well, I’m sure Ryan and Janice wouldn’t mind.”
“This is your apartment, Hazel. You need to stay here.”
“I know,” I said with a sigh.
“I can have Ian and Johnny come over to check on you.”
“No, that won’t be necessary.” Truthfully, I was irritated Flynn was leaving. I wanted to be with him all the time, as wacky and obsessive as that sounded.
He closed his computer then placed it on his nightstand. Then he cuddled into me, my legs weaved through his. “You’re crazy about me,” he said with a smile.
“You just noticed that?”
“No, I’d always known, but now I can see it clearly. You’re obsessed with me.”
I rolled my eyes. “Here comes the cockiness.”
He chuckled. “The only reason why I’m cocky is because you make me that way.”
“I do not,” I argued.
“Are you kidding me? The way you react to my touch always catches my attention. You’re affected by everything I do. When I touch you, your body naturally syncs with mine. When I talk to you, your eyes hold all your love and devotion. I can see it clearly. If it makes you feel better, I’m obsessed with you too.”
“Well, that wasn’t super cocky…” I rubbed his chest.
Flynn rubbed his nose against mine. “It’ll be hard to sleep alone.”
“Yeah…” I wasn’t looking forward to that.
“You have a webcam, right?”
I raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me?”
A dirty smirk came to his lips. “You have a camera on your laptop, right?”
“You better not be thinking what I think you’re thinking.”
The smirk didn’t go away. “You expect me to be apart from you for a week without getting any action?”
“You have your hand, don’t you?”
“And I intend to use it. But I need some stimulation.” The desire was in his eyes.
“No.”
“Come on.” He kissed my neck. “It’ll be fun.”
I’d never been adventurous in my life, and cybersex was beyond my expertise. “I’ve never done that before…”
“I’ll show you.”
His experience baffled me. “I’m embarrass
ed you have to teach me everything.”
“I love teaching you,” he said seriously. “Now I want to see you through my webcam every night. I need my daily orgasm.”
“Just watch porn.”
“Porn? With a bunch of fake girls acting like they are enjoying the pounding they are receiving? Nah. I prefer you.”
“Don’t act like you don’t like porn.” I hit his arm lightly.
“I used to love porn,” he said honestly. “If I was too lazy to get a real girl, I stayed in and touched myself. I’m not ashamed of it. But now I have a gorgeous woman that pleases me every night. Believe me, this is much better. Now have cybersex with me.”
“You’re bossy.”
“I know you’re nervous, but after you try it once, you’ll feel more comfortable. You were the same way when you were on top the first time.”
“But…I don’t even know what to do.”
“I’ll tell you.”
I was still uneasy about this.
“You touch yourself, right?”
Well, that was a personal question. “Uh…”
He smiled. “I’m not judging you.”
“Sometimes.”
“Good. Then we’ll have fun.”
The idea of having cyber sex with my boyfriend felt dirty. I kinda felt like a slut.
“Until then, I’m going to make sure I get enough of the real thing.” He moved on top of me then separated my legs. I was wet from thinking about him touching himself. I didn’t need further stimulation. He slipped inside, an easy passage. He moaned while he rocked into me, his eyes bright. “I can never get enough of this.”
I wasn’t looking forward to Flynn leaving. I kept thinking about Carly, who probably wanted to sink her teeth into him at the first opportunity. My insecurities and jealousy came to the surface but I kept it back. Flynn earned my trust a million times over and I needed to give him that recognition.
The days passed and his departure came near. When Kyle left for work and went on trips with his family, I was sad he was gone, but it was nothing compared to this. I was distraught over it.
When the day finally arrived, I was depressed.
Flynn gave his brother a firm look. “If you give Hazel any trouble, any trouble at all, Johnny and I and Ian will be here to throw you out on your ass. And if that isn’t enough, my other boys will break that pretty face of yours.”
Cade rolled his eyes. “Whatever.”
