Finally, You (The Finally Book Duo 2)

by Burke, Roseanne

  We continued the night, drinking and laughing, and avoiding any sore subjects. That was until Lacey had finished her third glass and asked, "So Todd, huh? Did he tell you what a dick he was to me the next morning?"

  I couldn't blame her for being bitter.

  "Oh my god, yes! He can be a little rough around the edges. He felt really bad, though!" I cried, pouring more wine in her glass. I didn't bother explaining further, about how I had left in the morning and he thought I blew him off. I suspected she wasn't in the mood to hear it.

  She took a large gulp. "And you're ok with all his past... endeavors?" she asked, raising her eyebrows.

  Oh lord. This conversation was taking a spiteful turn. I needed to redirect. I sighed, shifting in my seat. "Yes, I know he was a player, but to be honest, so was I. I wouldn't want him to hold my past against me, so I don't hold his against him." And you should do the same with Ben...

  She smiled, letting my words sink in. "You're a better woman than me."

  "Nuh-uh! I've just made a lot of mistakes, so I'm pretty forgiving of others."

  I debated telling her what happened when Todd and I officially got together. But that would mean having to explain my whole broken engagement, and I didn't want to dwell on that. I wanted to convince her to get back with Ben.

  I set my glass down. "So, do you want to sleep over tonight? Or should we call a cab?"

  I felt my face fall from an excited smile to a concerned frown as I watched tears pool in her eyes.

  "Oh god, Lacey, I wasn't kicking you out! I just meant should we call a cab later?" I reached over and rubbed her back.

  She buried her head in her hands. "I'm so sorry. Ben and I used to have 'sleepovers.'" She used air quotes as she spoke.

  My poor baby bird. "Aw, sweetie. Come here, it's ok." I pulled her in and hugged her.

  "God, I'm such an idiot! Why am I crying? It has to be the wine making me weepy," she sobbed.

  Here was my chance. I pulled back, looking at her. "Or maybe it's because you miss Ben?"

  She quickly looked away.

  "It's ok if you do. I know he misses you," I said softly.

  Her eyes suddenly whipped back to mine. "How do you know?"

  "He's told me." Ok, that was a lie. "He's told Johnny. He's told Todd. He's a mess, Lacey." That was all true.

  She reached for the wine bottle, refilling her glass. I could tell she was stewing.

  "Well, he hasn't tried to talk to me at all. And obviously with how much our paths could potentially cross, it wouldn't be hard for him to do so."

  "Yeah, but do you think he thinks you would want him to do that? You left him. He feels horrible about it."

  She sat silently, her eyes fixed forward. I hoped my words were sinking in. I realized I was holding my breath when she brought her eyes up to meet mine and said, "I made a huge mistake, didn't I?"

  I wanted to yell, yes! But instead I just shrugged my shoulders.

  "Oh my god, I did! I have to get him back!" She slapped her forehead. "I should go."

  She stood quickly, then stumbled back onto the couch.

  I couldn't help but laugh. "Are you ok?" I asked.

  She broke into a fit of giggles. "Yes, I'm just a little drunk. But I need to see him, do you think it's too late?"

  I grabbed my phone off the arm of the couch. "It's eleven. That's not too late. It's never too late for love!" I yelled dramatically.

  "Can you call me a cab? I'm going to go fix my makeup!"

  "Yes, go!" I cried, shoving her playfully.

  I dialed the number as she ran to the bathroom. They would be here in five minutes. I grinned, sending Todd a message. "Mission Accomplished ;)"

  A few moments later, my phone buzzed in my hand. I was surprised it wasn't Todd, but actually the cab company.

  "Ok, cab's here," I called.

  She stepped out of the bathroom, hugging me tightly. "Thanks," she said earnestly.

  "Go get him!" I bubbled.

  And out the door she went. I stood, grinning at the door. I was truly happy for both of them. And for me, as a matter of fact. I sighed, looking down at my phone. Todd must already be asleep, I thought. I resigned myself to the couch, turning on the TV. I was too excited to go to sleep yet. I had just settled into a comfortable position with a blanket over me when I heard a knock at the door. Oh no, what did Lacey forget? Or had she changed her mind? I quickly stepped over to the door, opening it. My heart skipped a beat when I saw who it was.

  "Hey beautiful," said Todd, stepping in and wrapping his arms around me.

  His mouth immediately pressed to mine. I tried to catch my breath as I asked, "What are you doing here? Don't you work in the morning?"

  He grinned down at me, causing my knees to almost buckle. "I got your text. And I realized I missed you like crazy."

  "You did, did you?" I smiled.

  "Yes, as I said, like crazy. Is it bad that I hate being without you this much?"

  I shook my head no, then stepped up and kissed him, gripping his jacket in my hands. His kiss was hungry, definitely looking for more. I was more than willing to oblige. I started walking backward, pulling him by his jacket. I could feel his lips curl into a smile as we made our way to my bedroom.

  I hastily undressed down to my bra and panties as he whipped off his own clothes. The look in his eye told me he didn't want to mess around.

  "Take those off," he said darkly, pointing at what was left of my clothing.

  I slowly reached my hands behind my back, unsnapping my bra. I took my time sliding the straps down my arms before letting it fall to the floor. I knew I was being a tease.

  "And the rest," he said.

  I tried not to grin as I slid my fingers between the band of my panties and my skin, bending myself in half as I pushed the material down my legs. I brought myself back upright, kicking them to the side.

  I wanted to cover myself, but I kept my hands at my side, feeling his eyes run up and down my body. He licked his lips, stepping toward me. His hands moved to the small of my back.

  "I don't think it's fair, the amount of clothing you're wearing compared to me," I whispered as his teeth grazed my jaw line.

  "What would you like to do about that?" he asked.

  I ran my hands up his torso, and brought my lips to his neck. His skin was warm and smooth. I traveled further south, using my tongue to run over his broad chest. He smelled heavenly and had the slightest salty taste. I heard him moan as my tongue continued lower, moving down his happy trail to the band of his underwear. I bent down on my knees, and peered up at him as I pulled down his boxer briefs. His eyes never left mine as I brought him into my mouth. I felt his warm velvety skin sliding along my tongue and hit the back of my throat. He moved his hands to his head, running them through his hair.

  "Fuck, baby," he groaned.

  I smiled to myself. I had figured out how to fit him in and use my hand so he felt good, but without gagging myself. His hands made their way down to the back of my head, gently caressing me.

  "You make me feel amazing," he groaned.

  I moaned, humming with him in my mouth. I swirled my tongue around his member and gently grazed him with my teeth. I wanted him to come completely undone. I was starting to love doing this with him. I honestly was wanting him to finish in my mouth. We hadn't done that yet; I was curious how he tasted.

  But that would have to wait for another time. He abruptly pulled back, pulling me up to him. He kissed me deeply before saying, "One of these days, I'll let you finish me off. But I want to be with you tonight."

  I grinned. "You're the boss."

  He cupped my face in his hands, sealing our mouths together as he pushed me back onto the bed. God, I couldn't wait to have him inside me. He broke our kiss just enough to look down and maneuver himself to my opening. His lips met mine again as he pushed into me. I felt myself stretching around his width.

  "Fuck, baby. I love fucking your mouth but your pussy is amazing," he groaned.

 
; I loved hearing him talk like that. He made me feel so sexy. I wrapped my arms around his back, bracing myself for each thrust. He was rocking against my clit perfectly. How could he be so good at this? So good at reading my body? Giving it what it wanted without having to ask? I was quickly overwhelmed with pleasure as well as the thought that I was incredibly lucky. How was it that I found this man?

  "Oh Todd, baby, you know how to fuck me," I moaned.

  He quickened his tempo with my words. Ah, that was even better. My sensitive spot was being rubbed to perfection. My muscles were clenching harder and faster with each thrust. I found myself getting closer and closer to the precipice.

  He sealed his lips with mine, kissing me deeply and passionately. This was such an unexpected surprise. I loved the fact that he hated being away from me as much as I hated not being with him. I cried out into his mouth as my body tumbled over the edge into an incredibly intense orgasm. I lay beneath him, trying to catch my breath as the waves of pleasure rolled over my body incessantly. I looked up at Todd, meeting his eye as he continued ramming himself into my sex.

  "Did that feel good?" he whispered.

  I smiled, still trying to regain my focus. "The best."

  I felt him tense under my hands as he shouted out. I fucking loved it. I loved watching him feel so much pleasure. He bent down, kissing my lips repeatedly as he tried to regulate his breathing. He slowly shifted himself off me, laying next to me and bringing me into his arms. I ran my fingers over his chest.

  "I think you should miss me more often, if this is what happens," I giggled.

  He grabbed my hand in his, squeezing it. "I don't know what it was, but going out with Ben tonight made me realize how crazy I am about you even more than I already knew. He just looked so sad and lost. I know I never want to feel that way."

  His words tugged at my heart. "Well trust me, I don't think you have anything to worry about. I'm yours."

  "Good. Mine." His arms tightened around me.

  "Yes caveman, yours."

  He chuckled as we settled down on our pillows. He brushed my hair from my face and planted a sweet kiss on my lips.

  "Good night," he whispered.

  "Good night."

  As he switched off the light, I couldn't help but smile into the darkness. I had to admit, at this point, life was getting pretty great.

  Chapter 18

  November

  "Can you believe it's been two months since we started dating our boyfriends?" I asked, propping myself up against the bar. Days and weeks had been flowing together seamlessly. It really was true what they say: time flies when you're having fun.

  Lacey grinned, popping a maraschino cherry in her mouth. "I know. It's crazy! What are you guys doing for Thanksgiving?"

  "We're going to his dad's house. His brothers are coming, too. I'm a little nervous to meet them," I said.

  "Well I'm sure it will go better than when I met Ben's parents," she laughed. "I think any scenario would be better than that."

  I giggled. "Yeah, you're probably right. I just hope I can keep up with them. All boys. That's a lot of testosterone. How are things with the mother these days, anyway?"

  She sighed, walking her fingers along the edge of the bar. "Oh, better. We still don't go there to visit very often, but when we do, she's much nicer. I think she has finally accepted that Ben wants to be with me."

  Lacey was beautiful, smart and successful. "Oh gosh, what a terrible person for her son to end up with. Boo hoo," I joked.

  "I know, right!" she exclaimed. "Either way, it's over now. We're actually going to my parents' house for the holiday."

  "Oh fun! It would be nice going back to Minneapolis. I haven't been since I moved, actually." I stood, letting that realization set in. A sheepish grin crossed my face. "Maybe I've been a bad daughter slash sister."

  She waved her hand in the air, as if brushing my thought aside. "Eh, you've got a busy life here. And a boyfriend that keeps you busy," she giggled.

  I smiled. "Yes, very busy." The truth was, I didn't want to return to a place that reminded me of my past life. Even though I couldn't be happier and obviously everything had worked out for the better, I didn't want to dredge up bad memories. And I honestly didn't want to run the risk of ever running into Josh.

  "Hey girls, you're all set to go. I'll close up tonight. Have a Happy Thanksgiving," Johnny said, walking up, brushing some dust off his black shirt. He had been working all night to try to clean up his office.

  "What are your plans?" I asked.

  "I'm actually flying out to Arizona tomorrow," he answered, smiling.

  I was happy to hear he wouldn't be alone. "Have a great time," I said.

  "Will do," he replied. "Now get out of here!" he teased, shooing us with his hands.

  Lacey and I giggled as we headed out the door.

  "What are you up to now?" she asked as I dug through my purse for my keys.

  "I'm actually meeting Todd and his brothers out. It's technically Black Wednesday, which apparently means people have an excuse to go out drinking. Whatever. So that's what his brothers wanted to do." I rolled my eyes, thinking about going out to a bar on a night like tonight. I would much rather be home, preferably in bed, with Todd.

  "Have fun with that," she laughed. "Ben and I are just staying in tonight. We're leaving early in the morning."

  I climbed in my car. "Have a good Thanksgiving. Love ya!"

  "Love ya too!" she called as she started walking to her place.

  I found it funny how easy it was for me to tell Lacey I loved her. And I really did. She was my best friend. But Todd and I had yet to say the words to each other. In due time, I suppose.

  I pulled out into traffic toward Vertigo. I didn't want to say I was dreading this, but I was one step away from dreading it. Whatever that's called. I was looking forward to meeting his brothers, but not really interested in a long night of partying. Especially since I had worked all night, they would have a head start on me. It was never fun being sober and surrounded by drunk people. I was proud of myself though, I didn't take any shots at work. That wasn't part of my routine these days. Not to say I didn't ever drink or get drunk. I still did, it was just much more social and in moderation, as opposed to by myself and bingeing.

  I pulled into the parking lot, parking under a tall lamp. I knew I'd be leaving my car until morning. I walked in to the packed bar. I had felt slightly overdressed at Johnny's, in a black and silver short dress with uncomfortably tall black heels, but I fit right in, here. I grabbed my phone from my purse.

  "Where are you at? I'm here," I sent Todd. I hoped he had his phone where he could see it. There's no way he could hear it with this music playing.

  I stood, straining my neck to see if I could spot him, but it was no use. It was too dark and crowded. I decided just to head to the bar and get a drink while I waited for his reply.

  I got in line, groaning at the time it would take to get a drink. What was wrong with me? It wasn't all that long ago that I enjoyed this. But did I ever really enjoy this? At least parts of it, I reminded myself. No one enjoys waiting in line.

  I made my way up to the bar and finally ordered my vodka soda. I checked my phone again, no message. I took a deep breath, trying not to let my anxious feelings take over. He would respond. Yep, he was going to respond.

  I felt a tap on my shoulder as the bartender handed me my drink. Excitement bubbled in my chest.

  "Hey, there you are," I said as I spun around.

  But I wasn't looking at Todd. I was face to face with Mr. Blonde. His eyes were locked on me as he straightened his navy tie.

  "There you are. You lied to me, Sweetness." His voice was icy, immediately giving me goosebumps.

  I felt like I had been punched in the stomach. My jaw dropped practically to the floor. My mind raced to try to find any words to say.

  "Maybe I did. But so did you. You're married," I replied, trying to gain my composure.

  "Separated."

&nbs
p; I laughed. "Yeah, did that happen before or after our night together?" I took a sip of my drink, trying to remain cool.

  He eyes darkened. "I don't think that matters. We were on the outs when I came looking for you."

  "Well I'm sorry to hear that." My eyes darted around the room. Where was Todd?

  "But now, I'm officially separated. She took the kids to her parents' for Thanksgiving." He reached his hands for my waist. "So I have the house to myself again tonight." Gross. Feeling his touch versus Todd's was literally revolting.

  I tried to push his hands away, but all that did was make him tighten his grip.

  "No thanks, I'm meeting my boyfriend here." I could feel my pulse quicken, and not in a good way.

  "I bet that's a lie. You lying little cunt," he sneered.

  Oh shit. I was surrounded by people, but felt helpless. His fingers were now digging into my sides painfully.

  "I'm not lying. And I need to go. Sorry about your wife," was all I could manage to say. I again tried to remove his hands from me, but to no avail.

  "You're not going anywhere," he growled as he started to pull me toward the exit.

  I started to panic; where was he planning on taking me? I could feel bile rising up into my throat. My heart was now pounding. I tried digging my nails into him, but he continued to pull me, causing me to stumble.

  "You're right, she's coming with me."

  I whipped my head up to find Todd, standing dangerously close to Mr. Blonde, an angry look in his eye. He looked like he wanted to destroy him. I had never been more relieved in my life.

  I felt his grip on me loosen until his hands dropped to his sides.

  "You'd better watch out with this one. She's one hot piece of ass, but a fucking lying slut. Don't let her tell you she's a flight attendant."

  He shot me an evil glare as he walked away, exiting the building. I finally released my breath as Todd wrapped me in his arms.

  "I'm so sorry, baby. That man is crazy," I cried. "I swear I wasn't going to do anything with him."

  "Shh, it's ok. I believe you. Are you ok?" he asked, kissing my head.

  I nodded my head yes, even though his words had cut straight to my heart. I just hoped Todd wouldn't read too much into what he said. I wasn't exactly in the mood to talk about the past, or admit some of the lies I used to tell.